SHAWN’S POV
“I will make my findings and get back to you, Sir.” Leslie replied.
“Treat it as urgent. I need to contact him or her right away.”
“On it, Sir.” And the line went off.
He stood up and began pacing the room. He needed to get in touch with the owner of the blog before the video went viral.
A few minutes later, Leslie’s call came in. “Sir, I have the owner on the line now.”
“Okay. Put him on.”
“Hello?” A lady’s sonorous voice sounded over the phone.
“Hello. This is Shawn Gold and I’m calling in respect to the recent video on your blog.”
“Wow! Shawn Gold? I need to record this call immediately.” The lady said in excitement.
“There would be no need for that. And for why I called, I want the video to be taken down on not just your blog, but on other platforms too.”
“Why? That video has garnered a lot of engagement in a few hours of being posted.”
“I believe you do not want to lose your blog, do you?”
“Of course not.”
“Then take it down or face my wrath.”
“Right away, Sir.”
“Good.” He said and ended the call.
He returned back to work knowing that she would not dare to go against him. No one ever wants to be in the bad book of Shawn Gold.
He was engrossed in work when Rachel sauntered in.
“Shawn, take a look. The video has been taken down and I can’t find it on other blogs.”
“Really? That’s nice.” He replied nonchalantly before returning his attention back to his laptop.
“Why do I feel like you have a hand in this? Did you ask for the video to be taken down?”
“What if I did? And why are you perturbed about the video? Is there something I need to know?”
“Of course not. I will be in my office.” She said and walked away.
He stared after her as she walked out of the office. There was something fishy about how obsessed she was becoming with Tiffany. He didn’t know why, but he was not at ease with it.
Deciding not to dwell on thoughts of her, he returned his attention to work.
Soon, it was closing time and he parked his things, ready to leave for home. He hurried out as usual, in a bid to avoid Rachel.
He was almost home when he remembered the pack of cereal at home was almost finished. He noticed it, and decided to get more packs.
He might be treating her badly, but he can’t starve her. With that, he made a stop at a convenience shop just before the estate gate.
He got as many packs of cereal and beverages as he could lay his hands on. Afterward, he drove home.
She was seeing a reality show when he walked in.
“I saw the video.”
“What video?” She asked, raising her brows at him.
“Don’t act dumb. The one your boyfriend was proposing to you in.”
“I hope you saw it to finish, and you saw where I turned him down? And for the records, he is my best friend and not my boyfriend.”
“What best friend asks his best friend to be his girlfriend? You have the worst set of friends.”
“It happens. Best friends date and marry their best friends, so don’t make it look like a big deal.”
“I see. So you want to date your best friend? Need I remind you that you are married to me?”
“I am aware of that, dear contract husband.”
He ignored the mockery in her tone and continued. “I will soon be made chairman, and I do not want any bad publicity as a result of your waywardness. Stay away from that best friend of yours and your other numerous boyfriends. It’s not like I care about what you do, but of course, my reputation is important to me.” With that, he made to walk away but stopped. “And oh, I got some beverages and stuff. They are in the car trunk.” He said, finally walking away.
TIFFANY’S POV
She watched him ascend the stairs and go out of sight. Her fears were confirmed, he saw the video.
His reaction was not as she predicted. He was calm compared to how she expected him to erupt. And did he mention he got beverages.
Deciding to see things for herself, she got up and hurried outside. She got to the car trunk and saw it was opened.
Her mouth fell open at the amount of groceries, beverages and food items in it. Whatever got into him, was a good one. He even got her favorite Cereal.
Immediately, she began to take them to the kitchen. A few more trips and she was done.
She went back to the sitting room to continue watching her reality show.
As she continued watching her reality show, Shawn returned downstairs after some time. He walked up to her, clearing his throat to get her attention.
She looked up, her eyes narrowing in confusion. “What is it now?”
He ignored her question and continued. “I wanted to let you know that I will soon be inaugurated as chairman, and there will be a dinner party to celebrate afterward. As my contract wife, you’re expected to accompany me.” He said, stressing this contract.
Her eyes dimmed, caught off guard by the news. “Wait, what? You want me to go with you to your inauguration and after-party?”
He nodded. “Yes, it’s important for me to have a supportive and presentable wife by my side. It’s all for the sake of the camera, of course.”
She stared at him, her mind swirling with different conflicting thoughts. A part of her wanted to refuse and distance herself from him, but the other part wanted to attend the event and prove to him that she could be more than the brat he thought of her.
After a moment of contemplation, she finally responded. “Fine. I’ll go with you. But don’t expect me to play the role of a perfect wife. I’ll be there as your wife, and that’s it.”
“That’s all I ask for. Just remember to dress appropriately.”
She rolled her eyes. “Of course. I’m not planning on embarrassing you, don’t worry.”
He turned to leave, but then hesitated and looked back at her. “And you may not, but being made chairman is a dream come true for me. So please, just try not to do anything to ruin it further.”
With those final words, He walked away, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
As she continued watching her reality show, she couldn’t help but wonder what the dinner party would be like.
The call on her phone brought her out of her reverie.
“Hey, dad.”
“My princess, how are you doing?”
“I am fine, Dad. How are you too?”
“Very well. So, I stumbled on a video today, and I’m not sure you know what video.” He said, matter of factly.
“Yes, I do.”
“That was Timothy McVeigh, right?”
“Yes, Dad.”
“And he is aware that you are engaged and married to Shawn?”
“Yes, Dad.”
“What friend would ask his married friend to be his girlfriend, princess?”
She stayed quiet as she was at a loss on what to say.
“Are you there, princess?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Good. You know how important your marriage to Shawn is to both families. You can not do anything to jeopardize your reputation and that of the family. Stay away from that friend of yours. He doesn’t mean well.”
“Okay, Dad.”
“I love you princess, and I want the best for you. Always.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
“I will let you sleep. You have school to go to, tomorrow.”
“How is your health, Dad? Have you been following the doctor’s instructions?”
“Of course, I have.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. You can ask the maid when you next visit if you don’t believe me.”
“I believe you. I will have to go now, Dad. Bye. Love you!”
“Love you too, princess.”
After the call ended, she turned off the television and retired to bed.