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“I don’t want any money from her. I want her to understand that Leslie is off-limits regarding material for her blogs. I want her not to think of Leslie ever again. She shouldn’t even address any other Leslies in the world either,” I growl.
Jessica bestows us with a piercing stare. “You do understand that this could cause you more blowback. Now that we’re going the legal route, legal documents will be open and available for all bloggers online and off. It’s not defamation if they’re speaking facts, so the story could get bigger than it is now.”
I glance at Leslie to get a sense of what she’s feeling.
She nods. “We have considered that as a possibility,” Leslie admits. “And we both think we should move forward. I’m with Wayne; we want to send a message.”
I add, “It will send an important message that creating lies about other people’s lives for entertainment is destructive and could be costly. People need to stop and think about what they’re doing.”
Jessica nods approvingly. “We have a solid case because Ellie’s motto is that she “gives the word of the street, factual and real. Nowhere on her site does it say she’s doing a parody or entertainment news. And the most important thing is that she didn’t say her statements were alleged. She stated them as facts. She would have done better to pass it off as fiction. Some of these bloggers just don’t understand what they’re doing, and they get away with libel every day because no one takes action.” Jessicalooks like a shark smelling blood in the water. “But we’re going to make them all think twice,” she adds.
“Absolutely. We’re locked and loaded and ready to take this all the way,” I agree.
Jessica stands. “Very good. The press conference announcement starts in ten minutes, so let's go into the conference room and get set up.”
I stand and reach a hand to help Leslie up. “Ready, babe?”
She delicately grasps my hand, her fingers brushing mine. Her eyes dart toward the door. When she realizes we’re alone, she goes on her tiptoes, pressing herself against me. "I'm ready for anything with you," she murmurs with a husky tone.
I quirk a brow. “Is that so?”
"Yes,” she whispers. “Your dominance, the way you’re taking control, is making my senses tingle."
A delicious shiver runs through my body as I bite my lip. "Is that right?"
Her breath tickles my ear as she replies, "Yes, I love it when you take charge. It makes me wet."
My eyes dart toward the doorway to ensure no one is listening. "Mmmhmm. I think I just fell in love again.”
She giggles mischievously and saunters ahead of me, swaying her hips and enticing me with every step. I follow like a man bewitched by his enchantress because that's exactly what she is.
We step into the conference room, where eager journalists await us. Leslie and I sit in the center of the room while the lawyer begins the press conference with introductions.
Leslie slides her chair over so it is touching mine. I can feel the heat of her body radiating through me. Her chocolate brown eyes burn into me, promising a night filled with wicked delights. She licks her lips and smiles at me. Her actions thistime are innocent, but I know I must look away before this press conference comes to a swift end before it even starts.
I begin with steely determination. “I have said time and time again that I want everyone to give my fiancée space and respect. Now, I’m demanding it. Last month, a blogger started a rumor about Leslie regarding an affair. It wasn’t truthful, so the blogger has been sued. I didn’t want to do this because I don’t need or want money from any writers, but I want to convey that I love this woman and will defend her from lies—intended or unintended.” The crowd is silent as I take a deep breath and continue my message. "It's unfortunate that in this day and time people feel the need to spread rumors and lies for their own gain. But that ends today. We will not tolerate any more of these baseless accusations and will take legal action against anyone who tries to harm us or our loved ones. Because at the end of the day, love is what truly matters. And I am proud to stand here and declare my love for Leslie, and my commitment to protecting her from anyone who intends to hurt her."
The room erupts in chatter as I finish my speech. Different reporters vie for attention to ask a question.
Leslie squeezes my hand.
I turn to her, smiling. "Are you okay?"
She nods, tears in her eyes. "I'm more than okay. I'm so grateful to have you in my life."
I lean in and kiss her, ignoring the flashes of the cameras and the chatter of the reporters around us. As our lips meet, I can feel our love for each other intensifies. I don't know how long we stay locked in that embrace, but soon enough, my lawyer clears her throat, and we break apart.
"We will now take a few questions," Jessica announces, and the room falls silent once again.
A reporter stands up. "Mr. Johnson, can you tell us more about the rumors about Leslie? Where did they come from?"
"I can't speak to the origins of the rumors, but what I can tell you is that they are false. Leslie is an amazing woman, and I am lucky to have her by my side."
Another reporter chimes in. "What's next for you and Leslie after this?"
I smile at Leslie and take her hand again. "We're getting married this summer. Until then and after, we’ll continue to live our lives and focus on what's important: our love for each other and growing a family. And if anyone else tries to spread lies about us, we'll be ready to take legal action," I restate.
The reporters continue to ask a few more questions before we're finally able to leave the press conference. As we make our way out of the building, I can't help but feel relieved that we were able to take a stand against the gossip bloggers and hopefully put an end to the rumors circulating about her.
