Amanda POV...
I laughed nervously when I saw the picture I had intentionally planted online, using an anonymous site with the help of someone I know.
"I can see you are blushing, Miss Amanda. It must be more than what we see," the questionnaire said with a smile.
"I won't say that, but I have known Reuben for a very long time, and one thing I know is that I have always wanted the best for him. I think our friendship is more than whatever people label us as because we care for each other more than we know, even though we might not act like it," I said with a smile, looking at Reuben.
Reuben grinned as he adjusted his tie.
"Do you also feel like that, Reuben? You can't let Amanda take all the credit, or is it a romantic gesture of letting the queen be in charge?" The questionnaire asked, and the others present, who were tempted to laugh too, laughed.
"I am very protective of my own, so I wouldn't share more about it. I'm the jealous type, you know," Reuben teased, making everyone laugh.
"The man had said it. I guess everyone is more curious than ever now, since they wouldn't want anyone to pry into their friendship, even those who are hungry for it," the questionnaire said. "You are my favourite ship, anyway," she said silently to us, chuckling.
"Thank you," Amanda said.
"We all believe you both to be a power couple in the future because, regardless of whatever scandals have surfaced, your friendship keeps getting stronger without letting it come between you. What's the secret? Because I have lost some of my friends and would like to keep the remaining ones closer, like glue, the way you both are," the questionnaire said, paying close attention to us.
"About that, different scandals have surfaced on the net, which we all know were created to tarnish any of us in one way or the other, but we don't let it get to us because it is nothing, no big deal. We let go of what isn't necessary and focus on the future, whether it's a friendship with the opposite sex that has surfaced on the internet due to a misunderstanding from the other party. You know, we have a lot of people faking a lot of things to get close, but we refuse to let it define us, and we apologize for any inconveniences on the internet," I told her.
"Do you have anything else to add before we round up, Reuben?" the questionnaire asked.
"She is right. She has always been the apple of everyone's eye," Reuben said with a smile.
"Awwn, you are making us blush," the questionnaire said, excited.
Phyna and Melinda, who had been there watching their children, smiled together in happiness.
"They are so sweet, don't you think?" Phyna asked Melinda.
"Yes, they are soulmates," Melinda responded.
"They are almost through. We will take them to the nice restaurant we had booked for today so that they can relax," Phyna said.
"Let's do that," Melinda said.
***
Aliya's POV...
I exhaled my smoke after watching Amanda and Reuben's talk show.
"Perfect show, they almost made the audience look like a stain in their world," I said as I inhaled another puff.
"How do I spice up their perfect lives to see how far they can go without slipping up? It's boring watching their pretence just to protect their names," I mumbled to myself.
"Should I send Amanda flowers? I could be her secret admirer, or do I send Reuben flowers?" I questioned, making hand gestures in the air.
My phone rang, breaking my thoughts. I checked the caller ID-it was Felicia.
"Even on my day off, people keep seeking my attention," I muttered before answering.
"You, I heard you delivered Reuben's designer clothes without my consent," Felicia said quickly.
"Oh, Mrs. Julia had an emergency, so I had no choice. It was already late," I replied.
"You should have at least let me know. What if the CEO had found out first? Are you going to take responsibility if anything goes wrong?" she asked.
"Sorry about that, Felicia. It won't happen again," I assured her.
"Whether you're sick or not, report to the office tomorrow. Your team has more work to do," she snapped.
"Yes, ma'am. I will..." I started, but she hung up immediately.
"As I said, she's becoming unbearable," I murmured.
I quickly messaged Debra on Messenger.
"Here's a favor you are going to do for taking care of you this morning, order a flower and send it to this address I'll give you tomorrow. Also, find someone for me," I wrote.
---
Reuben's POV...
9pm
I opened the door for Cece when she rang the bell. She'd brought the drinks and snacks I asked her to pick up on her way.
"Aren't you worried I might get kidnapped? Besides, I'm your manager-and your sister-so you should care," Cece said as she stepped inside to drop her stuff.
"No, I'm not worried. You were my manager first, before my sister. You've always wanted something from me," I said, relaxing on my cushion.
"You're not going to sulk again about me ruining your birthday when i was just a year old, right?" she teased, rolling her eyes.
"Today has been stressful enough, I don't need you adding to it," I replied, reaching for the drink she left on the table.
"Oh, I see. The talk show; Amanda really took over, didn't she? She didn't even drop a word, making you the centre of attention and raising questions about your relationship with her," Cece said.
"She surprised me-I didn't expect her to hire a photographer to make us a thing, especially since she made it hard to trace it back," I admitted.
"What? Seriously? She's getting possessive, huh? I guess the scandal about that actress hinting you might marry her tipped her over the edge. Looks like she's taking bold steps because she fears losing you-celebrity life, I tell you!" Cece laughed.
"I'm platonic, honestly. Physical stuff doesn't really move me," I said.
"That reminds me, a friend saw you at the hospital a few weeks ago. You never told me you were there?" Cece asked.
I sipped my drink, hesitating for a moment. "It was nothing. I had a slight headache, and since I was close, I just decided to get checked out," I explained.
"Alright," she replied, snacking. "Dad travelled to Hong Kong yesterday for work."
"That's nothing new. He's spent most of his life travelling. I wouldn't be surprised if he has family all over each country," I teased.
"Shut up-that's an expensive joke," Cece laughed.