Trapped in the Love of Stepchildren
Chapter 16's

Laura and Daniel sat in the living room, staring at the television screen that displayed news about them. Their contentious relationship has attracted media and journalists' attention, drawing waves of public attention. They felt there was almost no privacy left, and false and misleading reporting continued to spread.

Laura looked at the television showing their picture with a provocative title.

"The Forbidden Love Scandal: Laura and Daniel, a Controversial Relationship!"

News Reader: Good evening, I'm Lusi Sulistiawati and you're watching the latest news on Channel 7. Tonight, we bring you a news that is horrendous to the world, especially among the people who follow the tragic story of Laura, a widow who has just found a second love in her twilight life.

The TV showed a portrait of Laura a mixed expression of worry and anxiety.

News Reader: Laura, who has lost her husband in a tragic car accident, now finds herself entangled in a controversial relationship with Daniel, the stepson of her late husband. This relationship became a hot conversation among the public, sparking debates about morality and ethics.

TV showed Daniel's portrait.

News Reader: Laura, who previously struggled to move on with her life after such a huge loss, finds support and comfort in the figure of Daniel. However, this relationship also sparked many questions and criticisms from various circles.

TV turned to footage of Laura and Daniel, as they laughed and hugged in the park.

News Reader: Some members of the public denounced this relationship, claiming that Laura and Daniel violated established social norms and morality. They question whether this relationship is really based on sincere love or just a desire to vent pent-up desire.

TV again showed a portrait of Laura.

Newsreader: Despite the criticism, Laura and Daniel choose to continue their relationship, ignoring any condemnation received. They insist that their love is real and that this relationship provides peace and happiness in their lives that once felt empty.

TV showed Laura clasping Daniel's hand tightly, showing their closeness.

Newsreader: For Laura and Daniel, this is a complicated love story, one that challenges conventional boundaries and leaves them facing great challenges. Will society accept their relationship or will it continue to condemn them? Only time will answer this question.

TV back to the news.

Newsreader: We will keep abreast of the controversial relationship between Laura and Daniel. Stay in touch with Channel 7 to get the latest updates on the development of the controversial relationship between Laura and Daniel. We will report with objectivity and provide diverse viewpoints from the various parties involved.

Laura looked at Daniel with concern. "It's getting bigger, Laura. Are we really ready for all this? They make us look like criminals, Daniel. How can we fight all this?"

Daniel grabs Laura's hand lovingly. "We need to stay strong, Laura. We know who we really are and what we face together. Don't let this bad news ruin us."

However, the more negative and slanderous articles appeared, the heavier the pressure they felt. Media crews continue to dig into their personal information, trying to reveal secrets that don't exist.

One day, they are shocked by the appearance of an article claiming that Daniel has no good intentions and is only seeking popularity through their relationship. Laura and Daniel are devastated and cornered.

"They destroyed everything, Daniel," Laura muttered in a choked voice. "They're trying to destroy our relationship and tarnish your reputation. What do we do?"

Daniel hugged Laura tightly, trying to calm her down. "We can't let them define our lives, Laura. We have to face it and prove that our love is real.“

They feel like their lives have become a circus, with a media crew constantly following their every move.

"It seems like there's nowhere to hide anymore, Daniel," said Laura sadly. "They're always there, watching our every move. Do we have to sacrifice our privacy entirely?"

Daniel touched Laura's hand gently. "I know it's not easy, Laura. But we must remain steadfast and remember why we chose to fight for our love. We must not let the thrills and intrigue of the media overpower our relationships."

—

However, the presence of the media continued. They follow Laura and Daniel to the supermarket, to the park, even to Daniel and Laura's workplace. Their personal lives are constantly stalked, and often the news that comes out does not reflect the truth.

One day, while they were walking around downtown, a group of reporters approached them with raised cameras and microphones. Laura and Daniel felt squeezed between them.

The reporters were silent for a moment, as if shocked by Daniel's anger. One of the reporters finally stepped forward and raised his hand.

"Why should we respect your privacy when you choose to make your private life a public consumption?" ask her with a cynical tone.

Laura answered with emotion. "We never asked to be the center of attention. We just try to live our lives with love and happiness. But keep in mind, we are also human beings with feelings. Don't you feel excessive about the constant surveillance you're doing?"

For a moment, silence was created between them. Journalists looked at each other.

“We will hold a press conference, so for now please do not follow us again!” Daniel shouted, so the reporters finally left them.

“Are we really going to do that press conference, Daniel?” Laura asked worriedly.

“We have to do it, otherwise they will continue to follow us and make even more cruel news,” said Daniel, Laura nodded her head slowly.

—

The next day, they gave a press conference at a hotel. Journalists from various media gathered, ready to ask sharp questions and highlight the controversial side of their relationship.

Laura and Daniel sat on the stage, side by side with a steadfast look on their faces. The reporters prepared to take pictures and record every word and expression that came out of their mouths.

A reporter raised his hand. "Laura, some consider your relationship with Daniel a violation of social and ethical norms. How do you respond to that?"

Laura took a deep breath before answering. "I understand that this view exists in society. But love cannot be controlled. We have both gone through a long and thoughtful process, and we know what we feel is true and sincere."

Another reporter asked, this time to Daniel. "Daniel, how do you feel about being the center of public attention like this?"

Daniel answered firmly. "I don't seek attention or controversy. But when we fight for our love, it can be part of this journey. I hope people can see us as individuals and judge us based on the quality of our relationships, not just from a stereotypical or prejudiced standpoint."

The next question was thrown by a reporter standing in the front row. "Laura, can you explain how you felt when you first fell in love with your stepson, Daniel?"

Laura smiled and replied firmly, "I'm not in love with Daniel as my stepson, but as a very special man in my life. We love each other sincerely, and I don't want to make our relationship a controversy."

Another journalist raised his hand, "Daniel, you have difficulty in establishing a relationship with your father. What makes you interested in your stepmother?"

Daniel took a deep breath before replying, "I'm not looking for a mother in Laura. We fill in and support each other. We have a strong relationship, based on love and understanding."

"The next question is for Laura" a reporter said. "Many people consider the relationship between you and Daniel unethical. How do you respond to it?"

Laura replied firmly, "I value the opinions of others, but our relationship is built on love and trust for each other. We do not violate any moral rules or principles that apply in society."

Another journalist raised his hand again, "Daniel, how do you overcome the stigma that may arise from society?"

Daniel nodded and replied, "We realize that the public may have different opinions about our relationship. But we are confident in our love and will not let the opinions of others interfere with our relationship."

The last question was thrown by the female reporter sitting in the back of the room. "Laura, you have lost your husband and found a second love in Daniel. What message do you want to convey to widows or people who feel that their lives have ended after losing their spouses?"

Laura replied excitedly, "I want to tell everyone that life doesn't end after losing a partner. There is a second love to be found, and we should not be afraid to seek new happiness. I am grateful to have found Daniel, and I will never regret my decision to love him."

Question after question was thrown at Laura and Daniel. They answered wisely, expressing their confidence and determination to fight for their relationship.

After the press conference was over, Laura and Daniel returned home with thumping hearts. They realized that their story would be in the public spotlight for a long time.