Chapter 2 His First Love

CHAPTER 2

The other woman was Scarlett Johnson, who I learnt was Robert's first love and ex-girlfriend. She had just returned after a long time of being away to who knows where. And since then, has been all over Robert like a moth to a flame.

Even though I didn't know much about her, I hated her. She seemed fake. But Robert can't see through her façade. I know she was his first love, beautiful with doll-like features and enchanting figure but she wasn't worth the kindness and care he was giving her. I could tell she was taking advantage of that side of him. If she could leave him hanging years back, there was every chance she could leave him again.

I wish Robert would open his eyes and see that. See she wasn't good for him or the company. Ever since he offered her job at the advertising firm without going through the normal procedures, she has been treating me like trash and trying to make me look bad in front of him and everyone because of how close I was to him as his personal assistant.

"It's you," she said disdainfully, her heavily painted lips curling with contempt and mockery as she looked at me. "Aren't you Robert's secretary or whatever back at the office? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at work cleaning his office and getting things ready?"

I wanted to scowl at her but Robert's presence made me not to. I ignored that she ever existed and looked at Robert.

"Lily..." Robert's called coldly, his brows furrowing "What are you doing here so early in the morning."

He was always formal, cold and unwelcoming towards me. But I forgot all about that as I unknowingly lost myself in the depths of his eyes. They were like a creamy pool of dark brown chocolate I wanted to swim in all year long.

Robert was impossibly handsome with his tall broad figure and striking features. He was every woman's dream. You can't walk past him without turning to look again. His charming looks, the undying love I had nurtured for him over the years and most importantly, the fact that this contract marriage with him provided me with all the financial assistance I needed was what was keeping me entangled with him.

***How it all started***

It all started years back in high school. I harboured a secret crush on Robert but never got the courage and chance to reveal my feelings to him because of the tragic turn my life took at that time. My father declared bankruptcy due to the folding of his multi-million dollar company and committed suicide. My mother unable to live with that pain and heartache, fell ill with depression and a partial stroke. This forced me to leave my prestigious school to a less prestigious one which I managed to get into on a scholarship.

I left behind a love I never got the chance to experience but it was for the best. I had to set my feelings for him aside and focus on survival. Focus on taking care of my sick mother.

But years later, fate brought us back together, but not in a fairytale kind of way. My academic excellence and determination helped me secure a job as a secretary in his advertising firm. I worked diligently and was later promoted to the position of his personal assistant, concealing my struggles and the undying love I had for him all these years.

My life took another unexpected turn when I accidentally met his grandfather. His grandfather recognized me to be his best friend's daughter who was surprisingly my late grandfather. He was very happy seeing me and praised me for being decent and well-mannered. As a result, he insisted on Robert marrying me to fulfil a long-standing promise he made to my late grandfather.

Robert couldn't say no to his grandfather. Left with no other option, he offered me a loveless marriage based on a contract. I had no other choice than to give in to it because it provided me with the financial support to care for my sick mother and a chance to be closer to him; my lifelong crush.

We kept it a secret from everyone including his grandfather, displaying acts of superficial affection in their presence. We have been able to maintain that for the past two and half years and still running.

I loved him very much to leave or say no to anything he wanted. Even though he didn't return the love, I overlooked that. The mere sight of him was enough to keep my heart at ease. My heart beats for him.

******

"I....I'm here to...." I stammered, my head spinning wildly with an excuse to cover up. I can't tell him about the accidental pregnancy. I promised never to.

"You're here for what?!" Scarlett snapped at me, growing impatient and irritable. "Are you suddenly dumb? You're wasting our time..."

Robert held her hand gently to calm her and she snorted, looking away defiantly.

I could feel Jane boiling with rage beside me. This was her first time seeing Scarlett, but I could tell she hated her much as I did, and if given the chance, would put her in her place.

The test reports were in my bag. Jane wanted to grab it and obviously show it to them, breaking the news of the pregnancy to them. But I couldn't let her do that so I discreetly restrained her. And she stopped reluctantly, understanding the message I was passing across.

I took in a deep breath and got myself together, the perfect excuse finally coming to mind.

"Yes," I glanced at Scarlett who looked in my direction with a condescending glare. "I'm his personal assistant. It's weekend, and I don't work on weekends. Mr. Robert knows that well," then I looked at Robert, forcing a smile. "I came to visit my mother. She was admitted to this hospital. Remember I told you she's sick and receiving medical care."

Briefly, he glanced up in thought before looking back at me and shaking his head, appearing somewhat unconvinced.

From his expression, it was clear he didn't remember. He hardly remembers things concerning me and at times, it breaks my heart, making me feel irrelevant. That was how he forgot we went to the same high school and were classmates. I had to jog his memory to make him remember.

I swallowed nervously, feeling unsettled. I just hoped he wasn't suspecting anything or thinking I was lying to him.

"We were just leaving," I said without looking him in the eyes. "It was nice seeing you two."

I bowed slightly before quickly taking Jane's hand and hurrying off.

I took a glance over my shoulder as I was hurrying off only to see Robert's hands wrapped around Scarlett's waist affectionately. The sight of that cut deeper than a knife. He had never held me that way before.

Maybe what my colleagues back at the office said about him never ceasing to love Scarlett all this while she'd been away was true. Maybe her return was the real reason he's been treating me much colder than before recently.

I squeezed my eyes shut till they stung. I tried to resist the pain in my chest as I focused ahead.

A loud groan escaped Jane's lips as if she was holding back her anger. That briefly attracted the attention of the people around who looked at us curiously as we reached the lobby.

"Who's that bitch? I hate her," she said as she looked at me, scoffing in disbelief. "Why was she talking to you like that?...you shouldn't let anyone talk to you like that...I can't believe Robert kept calm about it...Why is she even with him?..."

I scratched the back of my neck, looking away in embarrassment. I couldn't tell her who Scarlett was. I hated that I was keeping things from my best friend, but it was for the best. I didn't want to complicate things further.

"She's the wife of a very good friend and business partner of Robert," I said as I looked back at her, managing a persuasive smile. "He's out of the city on an important business trip and so asked for Robert's help in taking her for a checkup."

Her resigned exhale was proof she believed me. I heaved a subtle sigh of relief, knowing that the issue had been resolved.

"What's the problem, Lily?" she asked in concern, holding my shoulders comfortingly which made my brows crease slightly in confusion. "Ever since we got the results you seem to be so.... Distant. Is anything the problem? You should be the happiest woman on earth right now."

I took a deep calming breath.

"I'm just a bit overwhelmed," I said softly. "The pregnancy is a lot to take in."

She nodded in empathy. "I understand. I felt the same way too when I first found out I was pregnant. But think about it, Lily. A baby could bring so much joy into your life. Into your marriage," she stressed.

I nodded in a feigned agreement. I wanted to believe that. I wanted to share in her optimism, but the reality was too far-fetched. It was beyond her understanding and everyone else around me.

"But then I didn't understand why you didn't break the news to Robert?" She asked, confused and agitated. "Why didn't let me take the test reports and show it to him."