Chapter 244 - Comeback (4): The Announcement

"She what?" Somi frowned. A press conference? What was she planning? 

KJ was also wondering on the same page as Somi. What was going on in Mirae's mind. 

"I want to meet her!" he spoke up. "Now!" 

"She refused to meet anyone," Shelley said, shaking her head. "Her personal secretary relayed the message to us." 

"Did he say anything else?" KJ asked. 

"No," Shelley replied. "He left after that."

"Make the preparations then," Somi instructed. "We'll hold it tomorrow at eight o'clock." 

Shelley bowed and left the room. KJ sat down again, burying his head into his hands. "We were just getting to develop our relationship," he m.o.a.ned. His heart was in pain. He could not believe he had hurt her again. He wanted to curse himself but no matter what he did, everything backfired. 

"KJ just focus on preparing your statement for tomorrow," Somi sighed. "What's done is done. We need to face the press tomorrow. So brace yourself." 

When he did not reply, Somi patted his back. "It'll be alright," she consoled him. "Don't be disheartened. Don't lose hope." 

He was really distraught. Somi felt sorry for him and Mirae. They were just beginning to explore their feelings and this incident was going to leave a deep mark. She was afraid of what Mirae was up to. Whatever her friend was thinking was going to bring hell upon someone. God save the person who would face her wrath. Even if it was KJ. 

….

"Press conference?" Eli asked. She was at Dasom's house. They had just finished dinner and were sitting on his patio, drinking wine. He told her about KJ's side of the story. 

"KJ is gonna be in serious trouble if the press conference goes awry," Dasom said. 

"He'll be in bigger trouble even if the press conference goes well," Eli said. 

"Why?" Dasom frowned. "If it goes well, then he and Mirae should be able to patch things up. Right?" 

Eli sighed. "Dasom," she started. "He was at a girl's house pretty late at night. It may not seem like a big deal since they were friends. But he's married. Mirae is bound to feel bad regarding his actions." 

"But he's innocent!" Dasom pointed out. 

"It's not about innocence," Eli stated. "It's about being tactful of one's surrounding. He's a public figure, which is why this matter was blown out of proportion. He should be more worried about the possible reaction from his wife."

"I wonder how she'll take the news," he said, feeling worried. 

"Yeah," Eli agreed. "Everything depends on her now. Only tomorrow's press conference can clear things up."

She was also curious about the outcome. Even though she did not know KJ and Mirae for long, she could feel the spark between them. It was hard for her to believe this bizarre scandal. 

But public opinion was too intimidating and unless they made rectifications, the damage will be great. KJ will never be able to rise again and Mystic Entertainment will fall. Ash Park will succeed in destroying them. 

"Tomorrow will be a tough day," Eli remarked. "I can come over as part of the security team." 

"Nah, that's cool," Dasom said. "We've been in numerous false scandals before. I'm sure KJ can handle it." 

He put an arm around her, pulling her closer. She laid back against his chest, feeling relaxed. 

"What if our dating news gets exposed?" she asked. "What will you do?" 

"Accept it," Dasom shrugged. "It's not a lie anyway. Besides, after being in the industry for so many years, dating news won't really hurt my image nor will there be much public reaction against you. Yeah, there'll be some idiots who would try to stir trouble. But that doesnt matter coz they're not harmful."

"Yeah but I will kill you if I find out you've been to a female's house late at night," Eli warned with a smile. 

"Aye aye Detective!" he exclaimed jokingly. But he made a mental note to never get on the wrong side of Eli. 

…. 

The guards escorted the media representatives inside. Each reporter was given a security pass and the amount of guards in the building was doubled for the event. 

It was a scandalous affair which shook the nation. Dami's statement was rock solid. She came clean about the tryst and despite harsh criticisms, also received some sympathy. Many people thought she was lured by the charm of a casanova. 

But KJ's image was in tatters. His past rumors of abuse were also circling the net. Many people now think Mirae saved KJ because she was also seduced by a vile man like him. They pitied her as the battered wife of a loveless marriage. 

The call for Mirae to divorce KJ was increasing. Public opinions were shifting towards their separation. Petitions were being written by fans. They were intruding into KJ's life, suffocating him. 

He was watching the media entering the hall from a greenroom beside the venue. He peered through the curtains, feeling nervous. Mirae had not gone home last night and was still shut in her office, refusing to meet anyone. He did not feel like going home without her and instead camped at the studio. The empty mansion would have haunted him anyway. He got so used to living with her that one day without her felt as if he was dying. 

"Where is Mirae?" he asked for the hundredth time. 

"She's in her office," Somi said, feeling a little annoyed. "She'll be here. She told us to start without her." 

"I want to see her," he begged. But it was futile. She would not heed to his request. The door to the greenroom opened. 

He turned around to see Dami entering the room. His blood boiled upon the sight of her. 

"What the hell are you doing here?" he demanded angrily. 

Dami smirked at him. "Oppa, are you not happy to see me?" she asked, mocking him. "We're in love with each other! We should accept it today! After all, your wife will leave you today. Let's go public!" 

She was enjoying his misery. The breakup of the Nation's Couple was bringing her sheer joy. 

KJ was about to retaliate but Somi stopped him. "Don't," she warned. "It's only going to get worse if you say anything to her. Stick to your statement." 

She tugged his sleeve and led him away. The media had settled down and were waiting for the representatives of Mystic Entertainment to show up. 

Soon Somi entered the room followed by KJ. Dami followed suit. Junki stood behind the head table, glowering. KJ's image was shattered and the CEO will be forced to divorce him. Junki was on seventh heaven. 

KJ took his seat, looking solemn but firm. He did not lower his eyes as he looked directly ahead. Dami, on the other hand, was meekly looking down. She put on an expression of guilt and repentance. Just looking at her made Somi want to slap her but she kept her cool. Instead, she spoke into the microphone. 

"Ladies and gentlemen," she said. "Thank you for coming today. We have invited you here today to respond to the false rumors about Ms. Dami and Mr. Jiwon's false affair-" 

"None of it is false!" Dami spoke up. The cameras clicked and the reporters were scribbling away at the scoop. "KJ and I love each other!" 

"Ms. Dami, you will be given an opportunity to speak," Somi stated. "We will clarify all the points in hand and rectify this rumor." 

Before Dami could retort, the door burst open. Mieae was entering the hall. She wore a completely black suit. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail and she wore a pair of spectacles on her eyes. She dressed up in a professional manner, as if she was going to a meeting. 

She walked straight towards the head table. Her eyes met KJ's ones briefly before she looked away. 

"You all must be wondering why I called you here," she said. Her voice echoed across the hall as everyone held their breaths. What will the scorned wife of Kwon Jiwon do? 

"I am pleased to announce the comeback of Kwon Jiwon with a new album," she declared.