Chapter 3**Chapter 4**
The next morning, Lois and Clark stopped for coffee on a bustling street in Metropolis. While waiting for their order, their eyes were drawn to the sensational headlines displayed on a nearby newsstand:
**"Steamy Nights in Superman’s Fortress! Secrets from His Hidden Conquests"**
**"What’s Superman Hiding Beneath His Tight Suit?"**
Lois was the first to react, her face hardening instantly:
— It was bound to happen. These tabloids thrive on sleaze. Destroying the reputation of the man who has probably saved their lives a thousand times doesn’t seem to bother them.
Clark nodded, a resigned expression on his face:
— You know how it is. Anything that sells papers…
— I know, — Lois admitted, her anger rising — but these women giving testimonials, what exactly are they hoping for?
— Fifteen minutes of fame, probably. You’ve been a journalist for almost eight years. Does this really surprise you? — Clark replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice.
Lois turned toward him, her fury transforming into fierce loyalty. She placed her hands on his chest and locked eyes with him:
— Yes, but you… you don’t deserve this. You’re the most upright, honest, virtuous, and… innocent man I know.
Clark gave her a mischievous smile and whispered in her ear, his voice suddenly softer:
— My thoughts about you aren’t so innocent…
Lois couldn’t help but smile in return just as their lips met in a tender kiss.
The barista handed them their coffees, and they paid before heading back toward the *Daily Planet*.
— I have to admit, I’m not looking forward to heading out for a rescue. I’m worried about the kind of reception I’ll get, — Clark said.
Lois was about to respond when a journalist accompanied by a photographer approached them:
— Well, look who we have here! Superman’s girlfriend. Lois, how are you coping with your lover’s infidelities? — he taunted.
— Ronnie Westfield, the crème de la crème of fiction writers posing as journalists. I think you should open a dictionary and look up the definition of your profession, — Lois shot back acidly. — Oh, wait, I forgot. You can’t read anything that’s not a lie.
— Good one, Lois. Did Superman whisper that in your ear during pillow talk? — he replied with a smug grin.
Clark clenched his teeth, furious but knowing he had to remain calm. Lois, sensing her husband’s irritation, stood taller, ready to defend their honor.
— That’s enough, Ronnie, — Lois said firmly. — Even for you, this is low.
Ronnie smirked, unfazed.
— Take it easy, sweetheart. It’s not my fault your “super friend” can’t keep himself to just one woman…
Clark balled his fists but stayed still, careful not to make any move that might reveal his true nature.
— Always so classy, — Lois murmured sarcastically.
— If you spent as much time verifying your facts as you do tarnishing reputations, you might be a respectable journalist. But then again, that would require more talent than you have, — Clark concluded with a cold smile.
Ronnie, pleased with his little stunt, adjusted his jacket with a sly grin.
— Nice defense, Kent. But admit it, it must be hard knowing that your “buddy” Superman has… let’s say, peculiar tastes.
Clark, though stung by the comment, restrained himself. He knew any sudden or violent reaction could endanger his secret.
— Ronnie, if you spent as much time seeking the truth as you do insulting others, you might be taken seriously one day, — Clark retorted calmly, without raising his voice.
Ronnie smiled wider, thinking he had won the exchange.
— We’ll see, Kent. Truths always come out, and your “friend” Superman might not come out unscathed, — he said as he walked away with his photographer.
Lois, seeing her husband’s irritation, gently squeezed his hand.
— They can say whatever they want. Superman is bigger than these rumors. And so are you.
Clark nodded, grateful for Lois’s support, and they continued on to the *Daily Planet*, keeping their composure amid the media storm.
---
**Intergang Headquarters**
Mindy was savoring the scene in front of her television. The entire media, print and broadcast, had picked up on the scandal she had orchestrated. However, one thorn remained: the *Daily Planet*. Not a single word about the affair. The paper, known for its unwavering support of Superman, remained silent.
— Fine! If the *Daily Planet* doesn’t want to play along, we’ll have to hit even harder. Bob, darling, I’ll need you to… — she murmured into the ear of the man beside her, her words barely audible.
Bob chuckled in response.
— Excellent idea, Mrs. Church! I’ll take care of it right away, Mrs. Church.
---
**Daily Planet**
It was time for the morning editorial meeting. Lois and Clark sat side by side as usual. Perry had just announced the previous week’s numbers.
— I think these excellent results are largely thanks to our star reporting duo! Well done, Lois and Clark! Now, what’s on deck to keep the momentum this week? — he asked his team.
Ralph tried to speak up:
— I’ve got a story from a call girl claiming she’s spent countless nights with Superm—
— I don’t want to hear a single word about that, nor waste a drop of ink on this nonsense! — Perry thundered. — No sane person can believe these absurdities!
— But the photos… — Ralph attempted again.
— Slander, a setup, doctored images! Superman would never stoop so low.
— If I had Superman’s powers and women at my feet, I wouldn’t mind stooping that low, — a sports journalist muttered to his neighbor.
Perry shot him a withering glare.
— Clark, when you see Superman, make sure he knows we’re on his side!
— He knows, Perry, but I’ll pass along the message, — Clark replied calmly.
— So, what are you two working on?
— We’re still trying to track down who orchestrated last week’s events and uncover the source of this campaign against Superman.
— Good, good, — Perry said, turning to another journalist. — Mark, how’s the mayor’s press conference on consolidating firehouses coming along?
Clark didn’t hear the rest, his super-hearing picking up a cry for help. Lois stepped in to cover for him:
— Perry, sorry to interrupt, but we’ve got a meeting with a source about the deaths of the brothers…
— Fine, go on. I’m done with you two anyway.
They slipped out together. Lois whispered to her husband as soon as they were out of earshot:
— What do you hear?
— A woman threatening to jump off the Metropolis Bridge!
— Go, I’ll meet you there, — she said, planting a quick kiss on his lips before they parted in the stairwell. Clark bounded up the steps, transforming in a whirl of colors.
Chapter 5TOC
