Chapter 243 - Comeback (3): Scandalous

"Nation's Couple have broken up?" 

"Kwon Jiwon caught in a cheating scandal" 

"Dami of Six X has spoken up: He visits my house a lot" 

The newspapers went rife with the headlines. By mid afternoon, every media outlet printed the reports. KJ and Dami's pictures were strewn across every newspaper and online portals. Their names trended on every social media site as fans and haters criticized KJ. 

"I thought he had finally settled down!" one user wrote. 

"Once a player always a player."

"His wife should divorce him. She deserves much better!" 

"He always had a thing going on with that Dami." 

"That too before Six X's comeback. Men just can't keep it in their pants." 

"KJ is over now!" 

"About time he retires." 

The news channels were full of KJ's past interactions with Dami and also of his previous relationsh.i.p.s. 

"Kwon Jiwon's colorful past is now catching up to him," one news anchor stated on live TV. "The Nation's Idol had many open relationsh.i.p.s with other celebrities including Jiyoon, Wang Hana and lots of others. Despite his many scandals, his fans stuck with him. But his current affair with Dami shocked even his most ardent followers as he had seemingly settled into domestic bliss. However, it seems as if he is back to his old ways… "

Somi was on her toes, busy handling the reporters all day. They bombarded her with numerous questions, haggling her about KJ's supposed affair. 

"Nothing has been confirmed!" she stated firmly. "We are still talking to KJ and listening to his side of the story!" 

But the media was persistent, concocting their own versions of the truth. In the midst of it all, Dongsik was basking in all the glory. Dami and Junki had contacted him to set up Kwon Jiwon in this scandal. They had met up in a private cafe to discuss the plan. 

It was carefully coordinated. Dami would intentionally get close to KJ and Dongsik's photographer would secretly follow them, taking pictures at different angles to ensure they looked intimate. 

Last night was the final nail in the coffin. They knew KJ would never leave a friend in trouble and would take her upstairs all by himself. They had counted on his empathy to prepare their plan. And their guess was right. KJ walked straight into their trap. 

Dami, on the other hand, went to the media outlets to give her interview. 

"KJ and I have been in love for a long time but broke up briefly," she stated. "During that time, he got Jung Mirae pregnant and then the mishap happened. But when the media found out, he had to marry her and maintain his image. But our love was strong and he kept on coming back to me. It was wrong but we couldn't help it." 

She was sobbing hard and the interviewer consoled her. "I'm so sorry," she sniffed and bowed down in repentance. "I'm just in love…" 

The outcry against KJ was increasing by the minute. His team was running around, keeping the media away. Somi's staff were overwhelmed by the sheer amount of fan reactions. 

"Get to the bottom of this!" Somi ordered. "Who took these photos? And what really happened last night? Where the hell is Kwon Jiwon?" 

"Ma'am, he's in the studio," Shelley said at once. 

"And Mirae?" 

"The CEO had asked not to disturb her," Shelley stated. "She's in her office, refusing to allow anyone to come in." 

Somi barged out of her cabin and marched on towards Mirae's office. 

"Mirae!" she shouted, banging on the door. "Jung Mirae, open up!" 

But there was no response. Psycho strode over and said, "The CEO refused to meet anyone. She is busy-" 

"Her husband has been accused of a.d.u.l.tery!" Somi exclaimed. "What is more important than trying to clear him of the charges?" 

"I don't know but the CEO said no intrusion," Psycho replied. "I'm sorry. I cannot allow you to go in." 

Somo glared at him before leaving the spot. What was Mirae up to? Everything was getting so complicated. And that Dami went on air to give false statements. They had no proof of KJ's innocence either. 

Dumb guy just had to fall for this cheap trick, she thought. Hopeless! 

She went towards the studio. KJ looked up as she entered. He was pale and haggard. It was as if he had not eaten anything in hours. 

"What the hell happened?" she demanded. "Why is Dami claiming an affair between you two?" 

"Nothing happened between us!" he claimed. "I only helped her to go home since she sprained her ankle-" 

"Did you call a guard to help you?" Somi asked. "Or a doctor to check up on her?" 

"No," KJ replied, feeling ashamed. 

"You're a public figure!" Somi exclaimed in frustration. "Going to a girl's house that late at night is suicidal for your image. Especially when you're married! You should have called for help! Or at least informed someone of her injury!" 

She ran a hand through her hair, pacing back and forth. KJ was sitting there, feeling guilty. 

"How's Mirae?" he finally asked. 

"She's in her cabin," Somi said. "She refused to meet anyone and is doing god knows what!" 

KJ could not muster the courage to go to her. Inadvertently, he had hurt her again. Their second chance was getting more complicated than their previous one. 

He did not realize it back then. But their lives were much simpler. They were not so rich but they had each other. Times were uncomplicated and peaceful. His obsession tore them apart and thrust them into a timeline full of misery. 

"It's all my fault," he said bitterly. "If only I had thought everything through instead of being impulsive-" 

"Blaming yourself won't help!" Somi snapped. "We have to face the media with the truth! But we have no proof of your innocence. That Dami got you good." 

KJ was helpless. He felt so stupid to have gotten himself caught up in this mess. The comeback they had worked so hard for. All their efforts were ruined. 

Just then Shelley burst through the door, huffing loudly. 

"Ma'am," she said, feeling out of breath. "The CEO…she…"

KJ stood up. "What did Mirae say?" he asked. Panic was setting in. Was she going to believe him? Or was she going to leave him? 

"What did the CEO say?" Somi demanded. 

"The CEO called for a press conference tomorrow!" Sheeley revealed. "She has invited all the media representatives and will address them.personally."