The sun was just wearing its beautiful colors. Marie sat on her sofa, she perched like a beautiful bird. She had suffered bouts of morning sickness lately, yet she posed elegantly like a peacock.
She has no worries as she now has one of the famous men in the palms of her hands. She fumbled with a match stick and a cigarette stick and looked down at her stomach. Her mind ran through the recent developments and she smiled wickedly.
Her friend; Jennifer had put her up to it. “Going for just a few million dollars is unwise. Make him take responsibility and he would be tied to you for life,” Jennifer had advised.
Marie never fancied giving birth nor raising her own child but it all changed after her friend’s advice. ‘Having one isn’t bad, it could be a means to an end’. That was Marie’s latest chant.
Alexander Peterson wasn’t responsible for her pregnancy. She picked him because he was the most suitable out of her multiple sex partners. The man responsible for her was a stranger whom she once bedded.
She smiled mischievously as she touched her protruding stomach. She thought she had perfectly deceived Alex.
She was still contemplating on Jennifer’s advice when Alex caught on her unclean private life. He fired her and cut all ties with her. She was left with no choice, she had to act fast.
She began her first move by breaking the news of her pregnancy to Alex’s wife. It was the surest means to hook Alex by the throat. After her first move came the next. Marie smiled as she remembered.
That fateful day, she bumped into Alex unawares. She poured out subtle apologies and seduced him again. She knew his weak point and she got what she wanted.
They ended up having sex right in his office and it was a perfect timing. Lisa bumped in on them and caught them in the act.
Marie smiled at her perfect scheming. She rose to her feet and lit up the cigarette. She stuck it into her mouth and walked briskly through her apartment. Few months ago, she never imagined owning such an apartment. Alex did not rent it for her, he bought it in her name.
*****
Jerry stuffed his salad into his mouth while Margret spoon fed Sammy. They were almost late for school. “Where is Lisa?” Alex asked after checking around fruitlessly. “Mother said she would be at the court.” Jerry responded. “Oh, I see.”
Alex sighed heavily and staggered away. He drove the kids down to school and made it down to work. He felt light-headed and dizzy. He knew he needed more rest but he had to be at work. He couldn’t stay away for long, he had a lot on his table.
“You look sick boss, are you alright?” His PA complained as soon as he sighted Alex. Oh! Thanks Benny, I am fine.” “Good. Boss, we have a little problem. One of our products malfunctioned on site. It has a six month warranty. I have sent out the maintenance team to go check it out,” Benny said.
“What?! You should have informed me right away. Which of the engines? Fill me in,” Alex responded and followed Benny down to the workshop.
Lisa decided to check her store while returning from the court. She had the paperwork done already. She was told to return the divorce papers the second day.
The sales persons were happy to have Lisa around. It has been a long time since she came to the store. She checked through the lines of clothes and shoes. New stock was made already. She went through the account books and was satisfied.
She was about to leave when her phone rang, it was Jane. “Lisa, where are you? I am presently at your house.” “Oh, l am at the store, will be right back,” Lisa’s voice rang back.
She complimented her workers and gave them a heads up and incentives. Thereafter, she drove back home.
“There you go, running wild round the city. You scared the hell out of me yesterday. You are supposed to be resting. Did Alex allow you out in this state?” Jane asked worriedly. “Enough of your worries I am fine and fit.” “There you go. See who is talking. We both fell like a fern yesterday,” Jane said and both laughed out loud.
“I haven’t seen Alex today. I went out before he was up. He was out till around 2am this morning. I am sure he was with his mistress,” Lisa responded. “Oh, is that it? What if you are wrong? Sometimes, our predictions are not always accurate,” Jane responded. “You sure? Don’t tell me you are taking his side now.” “No but yes, sometimes, we ain’t always right,” Jane responded and Lisa kept her cool.
“Lisa, can you recommend a bar for me? A place I could just go to cool my head,” Jane broke the silence. “Why? What’s wrong? You have no worries,” Lisa responded. “You sure?” Jane chuckled and continued.
“Jeff is always having reasons to postpone our wedding. This is the second time in six months, it’s frustrating.” “The last time I checked, you were the problem. You’re always finding faults.” Lisa declared. “Yeah and it’s because I feel everything is off about him. We met not quite long and he came proposing that we get married. Few weeks later, he canceled the wedding… He hardly calls now… something seems off,” Jane complained.
“He could have reasons you ain’t aware of. Just follow your heart but don’t overdo it. Getting drunk at bars is not a good idea. Randy bar downtown is the most decent, yet I got preyed upon. If you wanna get high, get high in your house,” Lisa advised.
‘I caught you Lisa, Randy Bar it is,’ Jane thought.
“l am happy you are back to your normal self. How far with the papers?” She asked. “I was at the court today. I’ll be getting them tomorrow.” “Oh, that is cool. Are you sure Alex will sign them this time?” “Why not?” Lisa