Kim Kardashian says Kanye romance is 'not a stunt'

The reality star, 31, says she works hard at being 'pretty', Sitting down with Oprah Winfrey for the second of a two-part interview, Kim - in a more authentic format than audiences are accustomed to seeing her - opened up about what it's taken to build the Kardashian brand, and addressed speculation about her romance with Kanye West

During the hour-long interview, Kim acknowledged the world has also taken a keen interest as of late in her romance with rapper, and long-time friend, Kanye West.

Kim having sought solace in the arms of the rapper shortly after her doomed 72-day marriage to basketball star Kris Humphries last August, reports have suggested the pair are milking a fabricated relationship for publicity.

Having earlier denied her marriage with Humphries was a hoax, Kim has said she was left utterly depressed afterwards and insisting her fanbase was strong enough without having to stage drama for ratings. 'We met almost a decade ago,' Kim said of Kanye.

'We've known each other for a very long time. We've been friends for six or seven years,' she said, describing their relationship as 'comforting'.

'I don't know why it took us so long to get together... I think we've always had an attraction to each other but we've always been in other relationships or it wasn't the right timing. And one day it just happened. It took me by surprise,' she explained.

She also vehemently denied playing up their relationship for publicity.

'It's your heart you're playing with. I couldn't sacrifice my heart for a publicity stunt,' she said.

It seems Kim was asking her fans - and critics - to have a little faith.
'But I think having him in my life right now, in this way, says so much about us,' she added, referencing the support he's offered her through her most recent ordeal.