The Manipulated Villainess

One Year Later 

Nicole Yang was sitting on a couch with a reporter who was interviewing her. It was a live interview and after she rejected the invitation many times, the Chairwoman finally decided to have it and end the fuss.

However, unlike the past, she didn't have to dread interviews that much anymore. After all, she didn't have to pretend and she was free to say what she had on mind.

"Your stepmother is the President of our country. Does that give you any pressure on work or your social life?" the female reporter who must be in her late twenties asked the Chairwoman.

"I would be lying if I said that there is no pressure at all," Nicole frankly replied. "I know that people expect me to be better because of my stepmother's status. So, I have to be on my toes and strive hard not to let them down. However, I'm okay with it and it doesn't give me any problem."

"The media often report how you maintain a close relationship with Chairman Jun of JK Group. Legally, he can be called your father. Do you have anything to say about him?"

The question drew a little smile from Nicole's lips. "I once read an article that says I addressed him as 'Chairman' and not 'Father'. It's been almost a year since he married my stepmother and I'm very close with him. He cares for me just like a father should and in my heart, he is a father figure for me.

"My late father, Zachary Yang, was the only one whom I could address as 'Father'. So, even if I don't address Chairman Jun the same way, he is a true family for me and I admire him a lot. That's all I can say."

The reporter nodded with a smile. "People often say that you resembled your stepmother a lot. It's as if she is your biological mother. There is an article that says both you and the President have very similar eyes for men. What are your thoughts on this?"

As always did in a live interview, Nicole was already briefed on the questions before but... hearing it, she still finds it amusing. So, it's quite hard for her to suppress a smile.

"I like it when I hear those. Blood-related isn't always everything and it was my stepmother who raised me. So, it's only natural for me to take after her," she replied. "About having similar eyes for men... I also admit that."

Looking at the camera, the female reporter commented, "It seems like the Chairwoman also admit that both Chairman Jun and Aston Min have many similarities." She turned to Nicole who was laughing at her remark. "Some time ago, there was a rumor that says Chairman Jun wants to train your boyfriend to be his successor. Did you know anything about this?"

"I do," the Chairwoman said with a nod. "Chairman Jun was quite upset when Aston chose the entertainment industry over his JK Group," she added with a laughter.

Meanwhile, the live interview was watched by many people around the country and... Garcia Han and Carson Jun were among them. Sitting on a couch in residence of the President where they currently resided, Carson Jun was quite disappointed.

"I clearly asked her not to mention that," he bluntly remarked and looked at his wife. "Nicole is so mischievous."

"She is only telling the truth," Garcia Han argued but her eyes were glued to the television. Suddenly, she blinked. "Isn't that Aston?"

Carson Jun shifted his gaze back to the television with a not so pleased face. "He is. What is he doing there?"

On the television, it was obvious that even Nicole was surprised by the sudden appearance of her boyfriend. Not to mention that he was even walking towards her!

Didn't he know that this was a live interview?! But... he was an actor. He will surely know it! However, she soon realized that even the staff around her had their eyes on him. They didn't even panic as if... they already expected this.

A realization hit Nicole and made her sighed.

Did he do this on purpose? She wasn't even notified about his appearance!

She realized how he was the one who told her to accept the live interview. Did he plan this all along?! That sly Aston Min!

Aston Min greeted the reporter and sat next to Nicole with a smile. It had been a few months since he changed his name back to 'Aston Min' legally.

"We are so glad to have you here," the female reporter said to Aston. Having the rare chance to interview the most popular couple in the country, she couldn't hide her happiness anymore!

"It's my pleasure," Aston politely replied. He looked at Nicole who resisted the urge to frown at him. After all, the whole country was watching them... live!

Soon, the news about the presence of the top actor in the live interview circulated on social media and the ratings of the interview skyrocketed in just a few minutes!

"How can you do this? You scammer," Nicole whispered in Aston's ears and kept her voice as low as she could.

"You can scold me later," Aston simply said to her with a low voice that match hers.

Seeing how they interact in secret, the reporter smiled. "Chairwoman, it seems like you have no idea about this," she pointed out.

Nicole didn't know the questions beforehand anymore and that irritated her even more. However, she maintained a calm facade. "That's right," she confessed. Glancing at her boyfriend, she added, "Aston always love a surprise."

"I think your fans are lucky today, Mr. Min," the reporter remarked. "They get to see a romantic side of you in real life and not acting."

Aston chuckled at the remark and looked at Nicole. "I always love to see her reaction when I do something unexpected. So, I often do many things on purpose."

The reporter laughed. "That's so sweet," she commented. "Chairwoman, as your boyfriend is an actor, did you watch any of his work? If you happen to watch them, what are your thoughts on them?"

She was talking about the on-screen romance and all. Nicole understood that and just when she was about to speak up...

"I think I should answer that," Aston suddenly said as if he knew this beforehand and the female reporter quickly nodded.

"Please go ahead."

"At the early stage of our relationship, Nicole came to my apartment for the first time," Aston started and when Nicole realized what she said that night, she almost glared at him.

Was he really planning to say that?!

Knowing what she was thinking, Aston smiled. "I was busy cooking in the kitchen and she sat alone in the living room. She happened to watch my series and while we have dinner, she suddenly asked me how many actresses I have kissed."

The reporter laughed at the revelation and Nicole felt like knocking down the talkative actor! Why must he reveal that while there were many other things to say?!

"Then how did you respond?" the reporter asked, obviously curious.

"I told her that I don't know and she asked me if I don't know because there are too many," Aston continued with a chuckle. "So, I advised her not to watch my work anymore and I think she follow it quite well. I never receive such a question from her again."

"Will you stop?" Nicole murmured in Aston's ears for the second time. Her face was now all red due to embarrassment! However...

Aston ignored her though his gaze was fixated on her. "That night, I realized that she asked me such a question because she love me so much. If she didn't love me, she won't even be bothered by it. So, I became more firm on my decision to spend my life with her. I don't want to cause myself regret by losing someone like her."

The expression on Nicole's face changed a bit as she now understood where this was going. Then Aston whispered in her ear, saying, "You're too cute when you get jealous and I miss that expression. I think I should let you watch my work again."

Nicole slightly smiled at what he said but... she was hell-bent on not watching again. It will only be a headache!

"Everyone who watch this live interview will now understand why you are dubbed as the couple goals," the reporter remarked and once again, she turned to the television. "Actually, Mr. Min is here because he has something to do. Let's find out what that is."

With a bit of nervousness that was rare to witness in him, Aston take out a beautiful dark blue ring box and opened it for Nicole to see. "I want this moment to be memorable," he muttered.

When they started walking down the rocky path together, they had to keep everything a secret. Even though she loved him, she didn't dare to accept his love because of the fear planted in her mind. She was once forbidden to love someone but...

Things were different now and he wanted to show that to her. They don't have to hide their love anymore and... she didn't have to fear anything now. It was why he chose this place, this time. He wanted the whole world to witness it. Their love and their devotion... he wanted the world to know it. He wanted to prove to her that they have succeeded.

Seeing the beautiful ring he was holding, a small yet genuine smile appeared on Nicole's lips. All the frustration was gone in the blink of an eye! She didn't care the fact that they were still in a live interview anymore!

Finally, Aston got down on one knee. "My promise to you still stands, Nicole. I will love you and I will never leave you no matter how hard things become. So... will you marry me and spent all your remaining life with me?"

Nicole didn't need any second to think. A long time ago, she already knew that he was the one. From the time she met him at that party and until now, he was always the one.

"Yes," she muttered. Her voice hinted at a mixture of happiness and relief.

He let her wore the ring - a symbol of the love they promised to each other.

Then he sealed her lips with a kiss - a tender kiss that promised her his selfless love and devotion for a lifetime.

* * * * * THE END * * * * *