Love, Lies and Billionaires

“Am I going to see Alex again?” Nathan asked in a small voice. Tugging at his hands as if for support.

As if programmed, Nella stood up and began walking away, shrugging when Maren gave her a ‘really?’ look. And so did her mom.

One thing Maren had secretly been scared of was Nathan getting too used to being around Alex. And knowing Nathan, once he’s taken a liking to you, it takes only a deep reason for him to change his mind.

Maren searched her mind for an answer. If only he knew Alexander was his actual father who didn’t want him. Perhaps if she told him that way, maybe Nathan finally hates him, she thought.

Deep down, she actually thought they could have a future with Alexander. Like when he found out that he was Nathan’s father, he’d be happy and then they’d live happily ever after.

But she had overestimated Alexander and thought he could actually take off his selfish cloak and think of someone else for a change.

“Mummy?” Nathan called, bringing her back from her mind.

“Yes, baby?” she answered even as she still didn’t know what to say. He was all too small to understand anything, even if she decided to be honest. “Do you want to see him?”

“Yes. It’s been-one, two, three-” he paused, trying to do the maths with his fingers but gave up when he couldn’t. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him. I think I miss him, mummy” he added.

Maren thought she would tear up at that point. If only he knew the man he missed was just a big bag of dick. She’d be lying if age said she wasn’t expecting it, but she wasn’t expecting it so soon as it’s been four days since the divorce.

“Did you have a fight, mummy? Grandma says I should come and ask you,” Nathan said innocently.

Oh, now Maren saw the origin of everything. Nathan had probably brought up the topic while he was with her mom instead. She had directed him to come meet Maren.

“No, baby, we didn’t have a fight. Alex and mummy are just not-”

‘Not what, you fool?’ her head screamed as no words filled in the gap.

“Mummy and Alex are going to be away from each other,” she finally said

Nathan twisted his head to look at her, confusion written on his face. “Away?”

“Yes. That means we won’t be seeing each other for a long time”

“Really? How long?” He asked in a sad voice.

Now, Maren felt like a terrible parent, but what could she do? “I don’t know Nathan. But maybe we could see him sometime,” Maren added, hoping to pacify him.

“Really?” He asked in excitement, so Maren, unsure at first, went with the flow.

“Yeah, yeah. Anything for you, baby,” she said and put on a smile, which she hoped was convincing enough.

“Yay!” He exclaimed, turned and threw his arms around her neck in a hug which Maren took with so much emotion. Nothing pleased her more than seeing her son happy.

He jumped out of her arms and dashed towards the stairs where Zack peeped from. The two boys happily ran up the stairs, giggling.

Mrs Sharppe, who Maren hadn’t noticed, had walked into the sitting room, passed by and headed towards the kitchen, her nose hanging in the air.

“You are a terrible mom,” she said and walked past.

Maren smiled, “I know”

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The entire staff stood in an assembly, whispering their curiosities to one another. Some of them were as clueless as ever about why they’d been assembled, while a few had an idea through gossip.

As they awaited their host, the murmurs grew louder as each had an assumption to why they’d been summoned for this august gathering.

With heels so pointed, it could leave a mark on the cemented ground if tried and body adorned in a silky yellow suit, Maren matched into the auditorium. The murmurs dying down the closer she got to the cockpit.

Louise, who followed close by, hastened her steps as her boss moved like a WarCraft. Hugging a digital clipboard as she did so.

The auditorium fell into a dead silence as soon as the sound of Maren’s heels seized and she was in the cockpit.

She scanned the crowd and adjusted the mic before clearing her throat. A tinge of excitement sparked through her body, making her a little nervous as she had waited so long for this day.

“Good day, ladies and gentlemen, senior and junior staff of this esteemed establishment,” Maren began with pride and authority in her voice as she looked from one face to another.

“As you all know, my father used to own this company. But since he was killed, I assumed it and things have been complicated ever since; for me and for some of you faithful fellows who have remained loyal since my dad’s reign.”

She paused, preparing for the second half of what she had in mind to say.

“This company was hopeless after my dad and I knew I had to do something to save it so I asked my then fiance for help-God rest his soul,” she said. “But an unfortunate incident which you all know about cut that short. Nevertheless, I kept pushing.”

“A number of you left after that and those if you who stayed, worked for free, and I must say I’m really grateful for souls like yours,” the crowd murmured in appreciation.

“I knew we couldn’t keep on that way, so I decided to seek more support. You know, they say a problem shared is a problem half solved. I asked for support from the very renowned Alexander Blackwood, who is now my ex-husband” she paused and lowered her eyes, fighting the urge to bite her lower lip.

Then she pushed her thoughts and emotions aside and raised her eyes once more.

“He took over the ruling of this company as a return for his favour and you all have worked under pressure of his iron fist rule,” the crowd murmured in confirmation.

Her brows creased, and the tone of her voice increased a little. “I’m here today to tell you all that those days are over,” the crowd cheered and clapped.

“You all have been so loyal and hardworking that your dedication has brought this company into the ranks. Permit me to say you all are the best!” she said, amidst a genuine smile as the cheering and applause increased.

Her smile broadened, and she raised her voice to be heard over the cheers.

“It’s a new dawn!!”