At the thought of that, the host was thrilled. “Would you mind sharing how you met and started dating?” the host asked, nearly bouncing with excitement.
“Today’s show isn’t about my private life. That’s a bit of an inappropriate topic, isn’t it?” Quinn said with grace.
Turning to Sidonie, the host said, “Ms. Stonehurst, is the gentleman with you a friend?”
“He’s Trent Grafton, founder and CEO of Grafton Technologies, and my fiancé,” Sidonie announced, her voice solemn and proud.
So what if Quinn’s boyfriend is Julius? Dating could end any day. But an engagement? That pointed straight to a wedding.
No one looked more stunned than Trent. The cameras caught the moment his face went stiff.
“So, he’s your fiancé. We heard your fiancé joined the rescue flight because he was worried about you. He must love you a lot,” the host added.
“Yes, Trent loves me very much,” Sidonie said, eyes locked on him. “Right, Trent?”
Trent’s thoughts were a mess. Sidonie had dragged him here, and now she’d just announced their engagement on national TV.
He’d never agreed to go public this soon, and definitely not about marriage. A fresh engagement right after a divorce would cause people to talk. Worse still, lately, he wasn’t even sure if he really loved her. Having her nearby didn’t fill the emptiness.
But with the cameras on him and Sidonie staring so hopefully, he forced a smile. “Yes, I love you.”
Sidonie lit up with joy. Once this episode aired, the whole country would know they were engaged. There’d be no backing out. Even if he later learned she wasn’t the woman who had saved him, it would be too late.
Quinn noticed the way Trent’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. It felt like he didn’t want to go public with Sidonie.
Isn’t Sidonie his precious first crush? Well, whatever the reason, it’s not my concern.
The interview officially began.
“Could you tell us what went through your mind when you learned people were trapped? Did the danger make you hesitate?” the host asked.
“Hesitate? Never!” Sidonie replied boldly. “When lives are on the line and I can help, I go. No questions asked!”
The audience applauded her confident, righteous tone.
“Ms. Stonehurst is more than just a Nimbus Air co–pilot,” the host said, brimming with praise. “She also helped battle the border fires five years ago. A real hero! Let’s give her a hand!”
Another wave of applause rolled in, and Sidonie soaked up every second of it.
1/2
Then the host turned to Quinn. “And you, Ms. Bridger?”
“Well… I just knew lives were at risk, and every second mattered,” Quinn said lightly. “Sidonie isn’t the only pilot. Since she decided to use the lives of those employees as bargaining chips, I took on the mission instead.”
“What?” The host froze.
Sidonie jumped to her feet, her face burning red. “Quinn, that’s slander!”
Quinn held her gaze and pressed play on her phone. A recording echoed through the studio.
