I freeze in my seat as I glue my eyes on the TV screen, drops of sweat trickling down my temples. How long have these people been following me? And who the hell had taken these photos? Is it Kim's men or James'?
I watch in horror as photos after photos roll on the screen. And I can still vividly remember when that kissing happened. Although I didn't initiate the kiss, Ella would still take that as an act of cheating because the damn reporter has stated the date.
And how does Kim react to this news? Will he hurt Yen? How will she defend herself? Because I am sure this would be a significant blow to their marriage.
I turn to look at Dr. Mitch, who has now walked over to my side. Her eyes are on the screen, her right hand resting at the edge of the desk.
"Zed – "
"According to the source who chooses to be anonymous, Mr. Zed Ramos was seen several times coming in and out of the office of Dr. Vergara…"
Now, every cell under my skin has tremored coupled with the sudden spiking of my heart rate. My breathing has suddenly shallowed, and even swallowing the lump in my throat seems difficult.
"Who would ever expect that the heartthrob of motivational platforms is fighting against insecurities behind the stage?" says the newscaster after dropping a bomb about my sexual flaw.
I feel my strength leaving me. This disorder is something I'm most reluctant to talk about. And now, on top of my infidelity, the entire country knows about it. How would I ever face my crowd again? Those people that look up to me are surely despising me now.
"A few months ago, Mr. Zed Ramos announced his coming marriage with Miss Ella Sahara on the night of their engagement. But rumor has it that Miss Sahara is marrying a certain Mr. D from Kim Yuan Microelectronics while Mr. Ramos is discussing marriage with Miss Aliyah Torres, one of the founders of The Quartet."
What the hell! Who is behind all these? But there are only a few people who know this secret.
Could It be Ella? Because I sent his dear James to hell? Because I have shattered her beautiful and romantic world with him? I have known Yen enough. And I know she would never put me through this kind of a shame.
"Zed, it's alright. People will forget – "
I press a zipped smile as I gaze into Dr. Mitch's eyes. I see compassion in those beautiful orbs of hers.
"Yes, Dr. Mitch. I'll make it through. It's time to live what I preach."
"I don't believe it's Yen, "she blurts, perhaps anticipating that I could only blame the two women in my life.
Yen could have confessed this matter to Kim, and Kim could have spread this news. But I doubt he would do this in the name of revenge because I believe he couldn't tarnish his wife's reputation. And Kim is not known for irrationality – he fully understood that marrying Yen was not meant to cheat on him.
But if this dirty work comes from James, his source can only be Ella. But why would she allow me to go through this shame? When I did nothing to hurt her intentionally. I even trusted her with my once broken heart.
But aside from that, she's marrying Mr. D? This sounds absurd! What I heard from Ara during that phone call is true, after all. But what is happening? Has James dumped her? Is she that desperate to marry a random man?
And who said I am marrying Aliyah?
Once I reach the house later, my phone rings. I sprint towards the terrace to take in some fresh air.
"Mr. Zobel?" Mr. Zobel, the major shareholder of Times group of companies, has been my loyal client ever since I started my career as a motivational speaker. I have handled all his company's year-round personality development trainings, here and abroad.
"What is this commotion all about, Mr. Ramos? How can my employees trust you this time? Settle these issues as soon as possible, or I might end your contract with us."
"Mr. Zobel, those are mere fabrications. I'm sorry."
"Better settle those issues because those will affect your image to my employees."
"I will, Mr. Zobel."
"But Mr. Ramos, is it true that your…uhm, limps? If so, then that means trouble, indeed."
My circulation flows immediately to my head, and my face heats up. The people I look up are now mocking me. Even Mr. Zobel, who is too busy to care for gossip, gets curious. How much more for those whose times are spent greatly on social media?
But I can't lie to him. The one who digs up my secrets has proof.
"Sir, everyone has inner battles and flaws to overcome. But what matters the most is winning those fights."
Silence falls for a few seconds. I fix my eyes on the kaleidoscope of colors gleaming from the blooms in my garden as I wait for his reply. Finally, he clears his throat, a sign that he's soon giving me a piece of his mind.
"Mr. Ramos, I won't close my doors entirely on you. But a clean image is my priority." With that, I hear a short beep, implying that he has ended the call.
Calls after calls follow. And all of them are from the heads of the Human Resources Department of the companies I also handled, demanding an explanation. However, I fail to convince most of them. So, perhaps, I just have to concede and accept my downfall. Anyway, I had my shining years already. And maybe, the time has come for me to step down and leave the glory that I have enjoyed for so long.
Thinking of Yen, I pull out my phone from my back pocket. I press the name of the last man I would ever have the guts to call first.
"Mr. Mori," I say, staring into the distance. "I'm sorry about it; it's all my fault. Yen and I had talked on proper closure at that time."
Mr. Mori keeps his silence, but I know he's listening. I even hear Yen's sniffs from the background. Perhaps they're quarreling. My heart breaks for her. I can only pray that Kim won't lay a hand on her.
"I admit, I hadn't moved on fully at that time. So, when Yen said she's leaving, I grabbed and kissed her."
Kim finally grunts before snorting. "Why do I hear a different version? Who between the two of you is telling the truth?"
"I'm telling the truth, Kim!" cries Yen from the background. I was the one who initiated the kiss. Zed only says that to cover me up. He's lying!"