The Day I Kissed An Older Man

The rumors swirling outside would never affect the steadfast support from Melody's fans. However, they had to pay a steep price for giving that support due to the immense psychological pressure that they had to endure. While Melody wished that she could dispel every rumor, it was always wise to leave some rumors unaddressed.

"Please be silent for a moment and hear me out," Melody pleaded with her audience. "I understand that you might all harbor doubts about me due to the influence that magazines might have on you. You must've wondered why a rising actress like me would be linked to the president of Rivera Group, or if I've done anything that reprehensible. I'm sure you've thought about this before, right?"

Melody's smile was tinged with bitterness and mirrored the distress reflected in her fans' eyes. They immediately shook their heads and denied her suggestion.

"Before you answer that question," Melody began, "I know how difficult it must've been for you to be my fan. We're strangers in more ways than one, particularly because you only see me on the big screen. That's only a version of myself that has been cut and edited for all of you to see. But there's more to me beyond that persona. I need my space, my privacy. I can't be friends with all of you, but your trust means everything to me, and I won't betray that trust. That's all I can say for now. Please believe me when I say I will confront those who spread lies about me. Just give me time," Melody implored.

and she poured her

security, the damage had been done. Many fans began to vent their frustration,

incident to sour the mood. We shall move on to the next agenda!" Melody

of view, her smile vanished. She turned to Paige and said, "I thought the incident with Wendy and Thalia would serve as sufficient warning to

for her fans. She had not been strict enough in taking action against

had previously

of having to think about it. She also felt that there was no reason to be so harsh became those tabloids were also trying to earn a living. However, the disruption to her meet-and-greet made her frustration boil