nervously adjusts his tie, avoiding direct eye contact. "Y-you'll help me out, right? Pretend for tonight?"
looks at maxwell Are you okay?
fidgets nervously, avoiding eye contact Uh, yeah... just... you know, dealing with these people. snaps Can't believe they're actually saying that.
rolls her eyes Let them talk, Maxwell. We know the truth. Their words mean nothing.
takes a deep breath, gathers his thoughts, and steps forward Excuse me, everyone. I won't stand for you disrespecting my relationship with Illays.
stands beside him, crossing her arms Yeah, listen up, you gossip-mongers. This isn't some fake act for the cameras. We're actually together. So, take your cynical remarks and shove them up your skeptical asses.
pauses, taking a moment to gather his thoughts Look, I understand that people have their doubts about our relationship. But I want to assure you, it's the real deal.
chuckles softly Yeah, it's real alright. Real crazy, real stupid, but real nonetheless. rolls her eyes Believe us or not, folks, we don't give a damn.
takes a step forward, his voice steady and firm Listen, I respect your right to express your opinions, but I will not tolerate any slander or misinformation being spread about my relationship with Illays. points to a camera in the corner I suggest you all remember the golden rule: if you got nothing nice to say, then keep your mouth shut.
grins, pointing at the cameras That's right, folks. Silence those loudmouths before they ruin your day. whispers to Maxwell You're pretty good at this, Maxwell. Bet you used to be a preacher or something.
smirks, glancing at the cameras Thanks, Illays. Preacher might be a stretch, but I did have a stint as a debate team captain back in high school. Guess you could say I'm just practicing my argumentative skills.
bursts out laughing Well, who knew our Maxwell had a fiery side? I'm loving this whole badass version of you!
grinning mischievously You haven't seen anything yet, Illays. I've got plenty more fire where that came from.
chuckles Oh, really now? Alright, I'm waiting for the next explosion.
takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts Alright, Illays, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna confront these gossip-mongers head-on and set the record straight once and for all.
laughs softly Confront them? Now that's a plan I can get behind. Let's cut them off at the pass, Maxwell.
calls for the attention of the guests Hold up, everyone! I think there's been a misunderstanding here. takes a step closer to the group of gossipers Can I ask each and every one of you, exactly what you were just saying about our relationship? Guest 1: stammering Uh, well, I heard... uh... they're just pretending to be together for publicity, right?
chuckles Oh please, like anyone actually believes that. You think we're some kind of modern-day Romeo and Juliet? Puh-lease, give us some credit.
smirking, crosses his arms Well, let me tell you something, Guest 1.
chuckles Spill the tea, Maxwell. Let's see who's got the best comeback.
leans in closer to Guest 1 Our love is real, genuine, and true. It's not some fabricated story concocted for the sake of publicity. smirks And you know what? If that doesn't convince you, maybe this will: we're willing to put our money where our mouth is.
raises an eyebrow You're going to bet on our relationship? Smooth, Maxwell. But I like it.
grinning mischievously Here's what we're gonna do, Guest 1. We'll set up a little wager.