Chapter 3 FRIEND. FOE

Adrian’s POV:

“Good morning, Mr. Hayes.” Emily, my secretary wandered into my large office, her hand behind her. “Welcome back Sir.”

“Thank you,” I replied with a straight face. “What have you been up to, you were not on your seat when I got in, is that how you’ve been moving around aimlessly in my absence?” I sat on my chair, resting my hand on the table and waiting to hear her excuse.

“I was carrying out a task for Mr. Maxwell Sir, he sent me on an errand,” she said, looking defensive.

“Get out of my sight, I’ll call you when I need you.” She hurriedly walked out of my office.

I felt quite relaxed while I was away because I believed Maxwell would do a good job managing the staff and other company affairs in my absence. It was my first day at work as a married man, and the thought made me sigh.

Honeymoon didn't feel like Honeymoon. I just had to stay away from work to avoid any form of suspicion.

Serena is a pretty woman, no doubt. Being with her in the same space and looking at her closely made me realize that. I probably didn’t notice before now, maybe cos she was always looking tattered and wearing very big clothes that covered her beautiful figure, or I just chose not to notice. Well, that doesn’t change the fact that she’s my wife only on paper and nothing more.

The sudden marriage with Serena was first suggested by my best friend, Maxwell. That was one of our little secrets, I just hoped he wouldn’t mention it to anyone. Serena and I still had more tasks ahead, one of which was making babies; we needed to have a baby at least before the deadline the company gave me.

I wondered how that would happen, I thought of us going through one of those assisted reproduction procedures.

The thought of having a sexual relationship with someone I couldn’t even get along with was terrifying.

“My goodness,” I cried out after heaving a sigh, my hands resting on my chair.

For goodness’ sake, marriage was the least on my to-do list, if not for the so-called new rules and regulations of the company I wouldn’t have even been married by now.

While I was lost in my thoughts, the door of my office opened.

I lifted my head, to see who was interrupting my quiet moment.

“Hey,” the voice was familiar. “How are you today?”

“Maxwell,”

“Are you okay?” he asked, as he walked towards me and took a seat before I could ask him to.

“You look troubled, what bothers you, my friend?”

“I am all right,” I responded, forcing a small smile. “I am only tired, nothing more.”

“How is she?” he nodded and asked. “Your wife, I mean.”

“Oh please,” I looked at the door to ensure it was shut and back at my friend's face. “She is not my wife.”

“Well,” he laughed. “She is your wife, technically. You married her, even though it is on contract.”

“I thought so too,” she should be fine. She went to see her dad at the hospital.

“Thank you for looking after the company while I was away. I owe you big. Don't you think you need a week off?”

“I think I do,” Maxwell nodded. “But not yet, you just got back. There are things I should make you understand before I sign that letter, don't you think?”

I nodded. He was right after all.

After a short while of silence, Maxwell got on his feet. He got water from the refrigerator by my window and served himself.

“So, what’s your plan? “I mean, what are your plans to keep the seat as the CEO of this Finance Company?”

“Plans? I’m married already, just as they asked me to. What else do they want?”

“You and I know that's not all on the list, man,” Maxwell took a seat and placed a bottle of water on the table. “Drink some, you need it.”

Without hesitation, I did. “I know,” but I still have a year to fulfill the other part of the requirement. I just got married, y’all should give me a little break.”

“Babies take nine months to develop properly in their mother’s belly, I guess you already know that. You should get to work, start trying to get her pregnant at least,” he leaned forward and whispered in my ears.

“I’m doing my best Maxwell, It's barely a week after my wedding. As if marrying someone I’m not in love with is not enough, you expect me to sleep with her as soon as possible? Really?”

“Uhhmm, I understand your…

“You understand nothing, Maxwell, I won’t let you pressure me just like the others. If not that they might go as far as investigating, I would have just quietly adopted a child after nine months of being married.” I was already infuriated but had to keep my voice low so no one would hear us.

“I was only looking out for a friend. Is there anything wrong with that? I believe you would do the same for me.”

“Well thank you, but I need some time,” I replied my friend who got on his feet.

“Are you on your way out?”

“Yes,” Maxwell replied. “I have to attend to some files before the day ends. I'll see you sometime later, maybe tomorrow.”

“All right,” I gave a nod. I wanted to be alone, after all.

When the door shut, I got on my feet, pacing about my office.

My friend was right, something had to be done quickly.

I didn’t even run any fertility checks on her before the wedding because of how everything was done hurriedly. “What was I thinking?”

“I just hope she can bear kids,” I muttered to myself.

I noticed I was getting too worried over something I had not even attempted, so I decided to face the task for the day and do a little work before my usual closing time.

Discussing it with Serena was the next step, I had to keep my pride aside and do the needful. After all, I signed for it.

It was sad that these new company laws had to be adjusted just before I got voted in as CEO of the Company. Why now? Was it possible my dad had a hand in it? He had once expressed his concern about me not having a love life at 30 and I dismissed the conversation angrily.

If he plotted this whole thing with the board, how come he’s not surprised about my sudden wedding?