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Chapter 16- 'Smile For the Cameras'

Lois paced the hotel suite that Lex had given her and looked down at her watch ,straightened her pencil skirt and checked her hair in the mirror. She was nervous. Lois Lane wasn't a person who did nervous very often but on the few occasions that she did, it was pretty awful. It was times like these that she would have had Clark to lean on.

Walking home in the early morning sunshine had felt good, it had been ages since they'd smiled at each other and talked without shouting or using expletives. She really hoped that Clark would come to the conference. Just to see, after all, maybe just maybe it would change his perceptions.

Just then a knock at the door. Lois took a deep breath expecting to see Lex but instead saw the Hotels concierge.

"Mr Luthor will be in the Foyer in 5 minutes ,Ms Lane."

"Thank you "Lois nodded and closed the door, she ran over to the chair that had her business jacket draped over it and picked it up. She tried unsuccessfully to button it up but her hands were shaking. Lois sat down, closed her eyes and counted to five, when she opened her eyes the first thing she saw was the telephone, she walked over to it and put the receiver to her ear. With her other hand she began dialling the first numbers of Clark's cell phone number, but then stopped.

Lois reprimanded herself and put the phone down.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

The place was packed with reporters from all over America, even some from overseas, eager to hear about one of the World's most powerful men and his next business venture. Clark stood inconspicuously at the back of the room behind the cameras and their equipment. From His position he could see two fellow reporters from the Planet, Kat Grant and Susana Valdez. He hadn't intended on covering the event, so had lied to Perry about chasing some random lead and had come straight to the Hotel. He didn't agree with Lois and her self destruction but he always loved her, always wanted her to succeed.

Just then the room went silent and everybody stood up as Lex Luthor entered the room. A few feet behind him was Lois. She looked radiant and confident as she took her seat on the podium next to Lex Luthor. Lois quickly scanned the room, hoping to see Clark. There were so many people she couldn't see a thing. Her heart sank but she smiled and took a deep breath anyway.

For an hour and a half, Lois answered every question thrown at her. She had been a reporter, she knew how to play the game. She was smart, quick witted and funny. The Worlds press were eating out of her hand.

At the end of the conference, PR announced that there would be a chance for photos. Lois and Lex got up and made their way over to a section that had been prepared.

"Smile for the cameras, darling."Lex whispered in Lois's ear, as he gently put an arm around her waist.

Lois smiled, uncertain of which direction to look. Flashes were coming at them from every angle, that she couldn't help but feel disoriented.

Unexpectedly Lex dipped Lois and before she had a chance to ask what was going on he pressed his lips against hers. His gesture didn't escape the flashing cameras and excited yells of the surrounding reporters.

Lex let go of Lois as quickly as he had grabbed her. Lois stood dazed and confused next to Lex as they were bombarded with flashing light bulbs, wolf whistles and frenzied questions on their supposed burgeoning business and romantic 'relationship'.

Lois looked around, searching the periphery for an exit route. It was then that Lois saw Clark, standing alone at the far end of the press conference room, right near the exit. Away from all the buzzing and chaos of the other reporters. The scowl on his face was absolutely unmistakeable. He shook his head in disbelief and hit the door so hard they swung open.

Everybody turned around to see were the crash had come from but saw nothing but the swinging doors and turned back around to the Billionaire and his editor in chief.

Lois shrugged off Lex's arm and pushed her way through the crowd "Excuse me!" she yelled, trying to work her way through the throng of people. Once she had passed them all, she made her way out into the foyer of the Hotel and searched for Clark.

"Clark! Clark stop!"

Clark continued walking without looking back. His fists clenched at his side.

Lois sprinted her last few steps and managed to get in front of him "Stop!Let me explain!" She said holding out her hand trying to block him from going any further.

Clark looked down at his wife,"Thanks for everything."

Lois looked blank; she had no idea what Clark was alluding to. The now calm expression on his face didn't match the undertone of passive aggression in his voice.

"For showing me what I couldn't see for myself..."

"What couldn't you see for yourself?"Lois asked, fear in her voice.

"That our marriage is well and truly over." Clark looked Lois hard in the eyes and without hesitance and in the clearest voice he could muster, said. "I want a divorce."

Lois stood mouth agape. All words evaded her as Clark flung the Regencys doors open and stormed off into the rain.

TBC.