Jimmie then went on to exin the inspiration behind the music video: his search for his long-lost sister.


    "We hope your sister sees this and is reunited with you soon," the host said with a polite smile, before deliberately changing the subject. "The music video caused quite a stir back in your home country after its release. It''s said that you reced the lead actress who had been training for three years. Could you tell us why you chose the girl in the video? Rumor has it that you two have a... special rtionship."


    It was amon tactic. Public figures from his part of the world were often targets of pointed questions at major international awards. Jimmie had just beaten several artists to win a major award, making him an even bigger target. The host, aware of the online controversy back home, had deliberately brought it up during the global broadcast, clearly intending to humiliate him.


    At the question, Jimmie pressed his lips together, not answering immediately. The audience in the livestream held their breath, staring intently at their screens. His studio had promised he would personally address the controversy. As things stood, Juniper was embroiled in a scandal, used of two-timing, and photos of her being "intimate" with an "old man" were all over the inte. If Mr. Tate confirmed their rtionship, he would be branded as a man who knowingly got involved with a taken woman. His reputation, career, and future... all would be destroyed. The smartest move was to deny everything. But doing so would leave Juniper to face the public''s wrath alone, her reputation ruined for life.


    Everyone assumed Jimmie would choose to deny it. Just as they were waiting for the inevitable, a small smile touched Jimmie''s lips.


    "Juniper Payne and I," he began slowly, "do indeed have a rtionship that is not ordinary."


    Not ordinary? What did that mean? Was he admitting to being the other man? Was he willing to throw away his future for a woman? Netizens and fans erupted into chaos. The people at the awards ceremony began whispering amongst themselves, eager to see how he would handle the fallout.


    "It''s just as you''ve all seen-" Jimmie''s voice cut through the noise. "The head pat was real. The gentle smile was also real. Ms. Payne is one of the most important people in my life. I will love and protect her for the rest of my life."


    Was that a confession? The media went into a frenzy, keyboards ttering as they scrambled to publish the breaking news and grab the headlines.


    Soon, the first headline appeared: Mr. Tate Confesses Love at Awards Ceremony, Bravely Embracing Homewrecker Status!


    The second: Mr. Tate: A Homewrecker For Love


    The inte exploded.


    -I''m unstanning! In my book, being blinded by love is a cardinal sin


    gender!


    -The other man? Wow. Just wow.


    -Does anyone know who Mr. Tate''s rival is?


    -I can''t ept this. Mr. Tate, you''re so in love it''s tragic. I''m crying!


    -Can someone please tell me when Mr. Tate went blind?


    -Juniper can go die, die, die!


    -Yessss, my ship is real! (Don''t judge me, I have no morals.)


    Seeing the online reaction, Ynda and Yelena breathed a sigh of relief. Who knew Mr. Tate could be so bold? Too bad. Now, not only was Juniper ruined, but his own career was over too.


    Just as the two were celebrating their victory—


    "Allow me to reintroduce her to everyone..." Jimmie cleared his throat, his deep voice resonating through the hall once more. "Juniper Payne the choreographer and lea actress of the music video ''S is also my long-lost sister."