Chapter 63
The setup!
Chris POV:
Work has been a little bit boring these days.
Megan has been busy training her new mentee and does not bother about any other person.
Jane as also gone on a trip that might take her months before she will be back.
It will be a little bit tough working around here, but…
“Hi!” I heard Megan said faintly from behind, but I thought that she was speaking to someone else.
“Hi!” I muttered immediately I realized that she was speaking to me.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” Megan asked feeling nervous.
“Sure!” I nodded.
“I wanted to apologize for the way I reacted earlier. I was not meant to act that way since you were only watching out for me.” Megan told me as she looked saddened.
“Megan, it’s okay. I know you were upset. I did not mean to criticize your… your mentee.” I told her.
“But are you okay?” I asked her.
“You do not look happy.” I told her.
“I have been feeling so alone and isolated lately. I realized that you were such a great friend after being stupid.” Megan told me.
“Oh please, do not tell that to yourself.” I advised her.
“Megan, I am here for you. I want to support you. I know how hard it can be to put yourself out there and face criticism.” I told her softly.
“Thanks, Chris. Just talking to you makes me feel a little better. I do not know what I would do without you.” Megan said with appreciation.
“You’ll never have to find out, because I am not going anywhere. We are in this together, okay?” Megan nods, feeling a sense of relief and gratitude wash over her.
“Megan!” Lily called as she ran towards me like someone who has seen a ghost.
“What is the matter with you, Lily?” I asked her as she gasped for air.
“Guys, I need to tell you something.” Lily said as she kept on panting.
” I just saw that Hailey is spreading rumors about Chris being the father of her child.” Lily told us.
“How? Where?” I asked her as I could feel my heart palpitating seriously.
“What? That’s ridiculous! Chris, is this true?” Lily answered shocked.
“No, it is not true at all. I do not even know how she came up with that. I have barely even spoken to her in the past few months.” I replied.
“We know it is not true, Chris. But we need to do something about it. This kind of rumor can damage your reputation and relationships. And who knows, maybe she is trying to sabotage your career or something.” Lily said as she looked Megan’s direction.
“What do you mean by that?” Megan snapped at her.
“We need to confront Hailey and put a stop to this right now. Who does she think she is, spreading lies like that? We can’t just sit back and let her ruin Chris’s reputation.” Megan turned and ranted angrily.
“Let us not jump to conclusions or confront her yet. Let’s gather our facts and figure out the best way to handle this situation. We do not even know why she is doing this or what her motivations are.” Lily advised us.
“Lily is right. We need to approach this carefully and strategically. We cannot let our emotions get the best of us.” She added.
“Or should we speak to the press?” Megan suggested.
“But what if they do not believe us? What if they think we are just trying to cover something up?” Lily interjected.
“We will cross that bridge when we come to it. But for now, let’s just focus on gathering our facts and coming up with a plan. We will figure this out together, okay?” Chris said.
We nodded in agreement, with Lily and Megan determined to support me and put an end to the rumors.
“Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The three musketeers, plotting against me.” Hailey walked into the office as well wondered how she was able to do that.
“Who the hell let this woman into my office!” Megan yelled at the top of her voice.
“Oh please, spare me that. Besides I will be leaving her soon enough!” Hailey shut Megan up.
“Hailey, what is your problem? Why are you spreading lies about Chris?” Megan asked her in a calmer tone.
“Oh, it’s not a lie. Chris and I did have a thing, and I am pregnant. And he is the father.” Hailey said with so much indifference.
“What? Hailey, that’s not true! We never… I mean, we barely even spoke to each other. And even if we had, I would have used protection. I am not stupid.” I cut in.
“Oh, so I am stupid one now, Chris!” Hailey said with a lot of seriousness as I ignored her questions.
“Oh, come on, Chris. Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I’m talking about. And soon, everyone else will too. I have already told your industry about it, and they are investigating!” Hailey told Megan.
“You are a witch!” Megan said quietly under her breath.
“How could you do this? This is a serious accusation, and it could ruin Chris’s career and reputation.” Lily barked at her.
“I am just telling the truth. And if Chris wants to play dirty, then so can I. He thinks he can just use me and throw me away like trash? Please. I am not going down without a fight.” Hailey threatened us.
“You are not going down at all, Hailey. Because we are going to prove that you are lying. And when we do, you will be the one who is left with nothing.” Megan replied.
“We will see about that. I have proof, Megan. And it is going to be hard to deny when the truth comes out.” Hailey retorted.
Then, Hailey pulled out a folder full of photos and documents and slams it down on the table.
“What is this? Where did you get this?” I asked them.
“Let us just say I have my ways. And soon, everyone will know the truth about our little affair.” She told me looking into my eyes.
The duo looks at each other, unsure of what to do next as Hailey walks out of the room, leaving us in shock and disbelief.
“What is in there?” Megan asked me.
“I don’t know!” I said almost stuttering.
“Do not bother. I will help you.” Lily said as she picked the folder.
“Oh my God!” Lily exclaimed with her hands over her hands.
“What? Say something!” Megan told me.
“It reveals that here that… she has solid proof of her affair with Chris and threatens to reveal it to everyone.” Lily told us.
“Ad there is far more than that in here!” Lily said and returned the folder to the table.
The tension and drama are heightened, and I have never felt this unsettled.