CHAAPTER FORTY FOUR
“You have a meeting with Mr. Ken in about thirty minutes.” George said, and Alex nodded, and they went about discussing other projects and schedules for the day.
The rest of the day, Alex was immersed in work, which kept him from thinking anything about Mia.
The only time he was reminded of her was when he would glance at his phone. It was strange, but he felt like messaging her.
Mia was thrilled and excited that Bryan’s birthday was not far away. Her baby’s first birthday was going to be memorable, if not the best.
She was somehow content with how her life was going.
Of course, she had her share of complaints and frustrations from time to time, but they would be long forgotten by just a smile of someone’s.
“Mama” Bryan called.
She knew exactly what she was talking about, she smiled and turned to look at him.
He was accessing her phone, and when she looked at him, he grinned and showed the phone.
“Dadda.” He spoke while keeping the phone in his ear, imitating calling, and she chuckled.
Crouching down, she collected the phone from him and dialled Alex’s number before adjusting it to his ear.
Bryan squealed and started babbling even before the call was answered, which made her laugh.
“Hello,” She heard his gruff voice and sighed.
No matter how many times she convinced herself that she accepted reality and that their relationship would never be that of a normal couple, she would sometimes wish for the same.
“Ah, buddy! How are you doing?” Alex asked with a smile as he walked towards the elevator.
He knew people were staring at him with shock, but ignoring the onlookers, he kept walking.
He heard Bryan speaking gibberish on the other end, and it made him chuckle. George palmed his face as one of the employees fainted, and he gestured to take her away.
That’s what happens when the cold, emotionless boss starts smiling and laughing all of a sudden.
Bryan put away the phone after a few minutes and crawled away, leaving his mother to finish up the call.
Mia eyed the phone and wondered if he had already hung up, but when she picked it up, she realised he was still on the line.
“Uh, Alex, he’s playing.” She gave him the hint, waiting for him to hang up.
“I know.” Was all he said before both grew silent.
Mia was growing uncomfortable, but she also didn’t want to seem rude by hanging up first.
“I”
“I’ll be home early today.” He informed her and finally hung up, leaving her dumbfounded.
She blinked her eyes and then stared at the screen in a dazed state.
What was that? Why did he tell her that?
He’s never been informed about getting early or late before.
Then why now?
She exhaled shakily and closed her eyes, trying to calm her pounding heart. Something was definitely wrong with her heart.
Mia glanced at her husband, who seemed quite busy on his laptop. It had been two weeks since they were married, and she was still staying in the orphanage.
She needed some time for herself, and she couldn’t just leave the kids with someone who had just been appointed there. It was not easy for her to trust just anyone.
Mark was still patient with her and never forced her to move in with him, and she was growing more and more fond of this man.
Their relationship wasn’t yet officially announced to the whole world, and it was again at her insistence.
She feared the media would create a ruckus and everything would go out of hand.
“Chloe,” her colleague called, which made her look up, and she found Mark staring at her with his mouth agape.
“Hey, Mr. Damien.” She smiled nervously, but he was still staring at her, making her uncomfortable.
“Did you get married?” He stammered, and she bit her lip.
Why couldn’t people just mind their own business?
“Yes.” She forced the word out of her mouth, and she gave him a small smile.
“How? When? With whom?” The questions were fired at her, and she felt irritated.
“That is none of your business, Damien.” She gritted out, and he shrugged in response.
“It was just shocking to see you suddenly married. Anyways congratulations.” He said it nonchalantly before walking away. Chloe curled her fists and clenched her jaw before closing her eyes.
A soft touch on her hand made her open her eyes, and she looked up at Mark, who was staring at her intensely.
She immediately looked around in panic and tried to take her hand away, but he didn’t budge.
“Come to my cabin.” He ordered and left, and she sighed helplessly.
As she entered his cabin, he locked the door from behind and walked towards her. She didn’t object when he hugged her from the back because it felt nice and she was too tired to move.
“Why don’t you allow me to tell everyone about our relationship?” He asked, looking at her, and she sighed softly.
“It’s hard. I don’t want to ruin your reputation.” She replied timidly, and Mark remained calm, wanting her to finish.
“There are going to be rumours, Mark. They’ll think you married me out of pity or that I trapped you for money. I don’t want any of that.” She explained, and he stepped back and turned her around.
“So you care about the world and not me?” One question was, and she felt as if a bucket of ice water was thrown at her.
“Chloe, rumours are going to be there even now when I’m talking to you in this cabin, but it’s up to you whether you choose to ignore them or not. I’m not saying it is easy, but we can start somewhere, right?” Mark cupped her face and made her understand.
She nodded, and he smiled before he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. The moment was ruined when her phone rang, and they pulled apart.
She took a deep breath as she answered the call and kept it on speaker. “Chloe! What the hell do you think you are doing? I told you that you’re going to get married to this man on Friday, and you didn’t bother turning up or answering your phone. What the hell is this behaviour?” Her father’s voice boomed, and she winced.
“Father, I told you I won’t get married to any person you or Mommy chooses for me.” She stated it firmly and looked at Mark, who smiled at her proudly.
“You’re such an ungrateful brat! Wait till I find you and”
“I suggest you not to threaten my wife, sir.” Mark cut in, and the line went silent.
“Who was that?” Her father asked, and she bit her lip in worry.
“My husband.” She answered just as Mark was going to, and he looked at her surprised.
She gave him a small smile before turning to look at the phone in her hand.
“Husband? HUSBAND? Are you fucking kidding me right now? How dare you get married without my permission, Chloe? Alright now. Wait and see what happens to that waste of an orphanage now. Just wait.” Chloe’s father was raging in anger before he hung up, and Chloe staggered as Mark held her protectively in his arms.
“Nothing will happen to the orphanage, Chloe, I promise.” Mark assured her as she rested her head on his shoulder, tired, as she closed her eyes.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.
“I trust you.” She whispered as Mark smiled and pulled her closer.