Chapter 5 Pretence

• Serena’s POV:
• I woke up feeling good this morning, unlike the other days.
• Why not?
• My best friend was coming over to the house. He had told me she could visit once in a while, considering she was the only family I had apart from my father.
• As I focused on preparing a sumptuous breakfast, I heard my name.
• “Serena!” He called again.
• I wondered what he wanted to nag about today, I wasn't ready for stress. I turned off the burner and headed to the living room.
• “Good morning, Mr. Hayes,” I greeted. “Are you okay?” I asked when I noticed his hand on his forehead.
• “Get me some water,” I quickly did, while he sat like someone who was exhausted.
• “What’s the problem, Sir? You look sick.”
• “I was supposed to leave the house today, but I can't. I don't feel too well.” He explained.
• “I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do to help?”
• “Maybe call your family doctor, or take you to the hospital? Oh! I can call Nathan, I have his contact.”
• “There’s no need for any of that. I am fine, I just need some rest. This is not why I called you, Serena.” He said as he sat up on the couch where he sat.
• “Okay,” I waited for him to speak.
• “There is an issue I need to address before our friends make it here this morning.”
• “What is it, Mr. Hayes?”
• “You don't have to address me as ‘Sir’ or ‘Mr. Hayes’ in their presence. I want to believe that as we agreed, your friend doesn’t know the status of our marriage. Maxwell is aware, but I trust him.”
• “I understand,” I nodded. I had told Laura about the status of my marriage to Adrian, but I made her promise not to mention it to anyone. Now I don’t know if I regret it or not. Sometimes I fear she might speak to someone else about it, but then she’s the only friend I’ve got. She knows a lot about me and has assisted me financially on several cases, I trust her too.
• “You may resume addressing me with those when they are out of sight.”
• I thought of what name to call him, the names that came to my mind sounded awkward since we were not lovers.
• “Do you have any questions?” He probably noticed the curious look on my face.
• “What am I supposed to call you, then?”
• “It's your job to figure that out, Serena,” I have better things to worry about. “I know what to call you when the time comes,” he said and headed to the dining table.
• “Are you ready for breakfast?”
• “Yes, that is why I am at the table,” he sarcastically replied and took a seat. “What are we having?”
• Without giving any response, I walked to the kitchen to serve his meal.
• By the time I returned, the house bell rang. “I'd get the door,” I said as he looked at the entrance door curiously.
• “Good morning, Serena,” Maxwell greeted. “Where is my friend?”
• “Good morning, sir,” I opened the door wider, giving space to walk in. “My husband is at the table,” I responded with a smile, shutting the door behind him.
• “Adrian!” he called out. “What did you say is your problem?”
• “I don't feel good,” Adrian replied. “How are you this morning? I'm sorry I couldn't make it out of the house as earlier planned.”
• Without invitation, Maxwell took a seat on one of the dining chairs. I hurriedly made something extra as I wasn’t aware of his visit until a few minutes ago.
• “Here, Maxwell,” I gave a homely smile, placing the tray in front of him, on the table. “Let me know when you need something,” I added.
• “Baby?” Someone called, suddenly.
• It took me a few seconds to realize I was the one being called by Adrian.
• I turned around. “Yes, baby?”
• I met him where he sat and tenderly touched his head. “Do you need something?”
• “I think our friend needs a bottle of water. You forgot to add it to the tray you served.”
• “Oh!” I’ll get it right away darling.
• “Forgive me, Maxwell, that was an honest mistake.” He looked at me suspiciously, then his gaze moved to Adrian who ignored him.
• “Thank you, Mrs. Hayes,” do you mind leaving us alone for some time? “I'd like to speak with my friend in private.”
• As I walked towards the door of my room, a smile plastered on my lips.
• It wasn't so hard, after all.
• The house bell rang again, just as I got into my room. I was almost certain Laura had arrived.
• “Welcome, my friend,” I said as she rushed inside for a quick hug.
• “I have missed you!” Laura exclaimed, not letting go of me. “How are you?” she asked, as I shut the door.
• “I am very well,” I responded, hiding my excitement, in a bid to look well-mannered before my boss. I grabbed her hand as I led her to my room where we could be ourselves and gossip all we wanted.
• “Hello?” It was Maxwell's thick voice.
• “How are you doing, young lady?” He asked again, smiling at Laura. She smiled back and greeted them before joining me in my room.
• “My friend is now a rich woman,” she said as soon as she shut the door behind her.
• “You look good, I can see he’s taking good care of you. So, tell me, what have you guys been up to? Has he started making you scream his name?”
• I widened my gaze and opened my mouth in surprise. “That only happens between real couples, seems you’ve forgotten the status of my marriage.”
• “Well, since a child needs to be born, I assume you guys have already started having sex. Am I correct?“ She rolled her eyes at me.
• “Hmm! I’ll go get us something to eat and also make sure no one is standing by the door before I tell you all that has been happening here.”