Chapter 3 Let's Keep Our Relationship Private

Back in their room, Avery couldn't believe what she heard from the Henrysons. They probably did not favor her relationship with their son. If only they knew their son was only playing a game of marriage with them.

"Avery" she turned towards the voice that called out to her. Jay walked closer to her and whispered into her ears" I meant it when I said to be my contract wife and that's not changing anytime soon.

In our chambers only we know what we are but to the world outside, they see us as a married couple" He smiled at her

Did Jay smile at her?

"Have enough rest, we are going to the office tomorrow. It's going to be a hectic day," he added before stepping into the shower

She sank deep under her bedsheets.

The next day, he drove her to their firm. "Jay, since no one knows about us, why don't we maintain our relationship at work? I still want that formal relationship between us. I mean, you're my boss and I'm still your staffer. We don't have to pretend at the office too." Avery broke the tense atmosphere in the car. "It's fine if that's what you want."He replied calmly without glancing at her.

When they arrived at the office, Jay stepped out of the car and held open the car door for her.

"What are you trying to do?" she asked

"The right thing. You never stated this in your rules, Avery." He said with a gentle smirk.

Avery knows there is no way she can win an argument with him, either way as a CEO or a contract husband!

She quietly stepped her foot on the grass. Her black hair shone brightly under the early morning sunlight. Her Office outfit enhanced her slender yet curvy body.

As she walked past the stares of her colleagues, she noticed fingers being pointed at her. Avery became nervous.

Have they gotten wind of her fake marriage with the Almighty Jay Henryson? Or they probably knew she was living under the same roof as him?

"Avery honey, calm down. Inhale..now exhale. I don't think they have any Idea about this. You might probably be overthinking." She assured herself and stepped into her office.

She started working on the files piled on her table.

Avery was so concentrated on her work that she didn't realise it was past lunchtime. The files in front of her made her appetite disappear. The door suddenly tossed open.

" What are you doing here?" She asked with displeasure written all over her face.

"My beautiful wife might have forgotten, it's past lunchtime so I'm here to pick her up for lunch" He teased her mischievously.

"But Jay, I thought we all agreed on what I said earlier this morning that we should keep our relationship private at the workplace?"

"Just this once sweetheart!"

He looked at her with imploring eyes.

"Alright fine, we will have this lunch together. Just this once."

As the two stepped out, they could feel the intense stares of the whole company on them. Avery could hardly move her feet. Before she could take a step, he picked her up in his arms and carried her out.

Avery got back to see her friend Kayla waiting for her.

The moment Kayla saw her friend, she ran to give her a warm embrace.

"Congratulations baby girl! You proved everyone wrong. A simple, low-class girl was able to have the Almighty Jay Henryson at her fingertips. Voila! Congratulations bestie!!!" Kayla continued to scream

"Hey girl what nonsense are you spewing?"Avery said and continued "Things are not always what they appear to be at the surface"

"Girl, what are you saying? Are you trying to tell me something?" Kayla asked skeptically.

Avery knew she couldn't lie to her best friend and there was no way she was going to sugarcoat her situation either. She told Kayla all that there was to know about her being with her boss.

"I understand you, girl, mom's health is the most vital thing here. Just know whatever decision you come at, I will always have your back." She said and brushed a gentle kiss on her best friend's forehead.

As she watched Kayla grasp the door handle, a sense of relief swept over her. Anytime she opens up to her, she always feels better. She headed to her desk when the company's emergency siren echoed through the whole edifice.

Avery froze in her tracks. An emergency siren? At this time of the day?? What could have gone wrong?

Avery walked quickly into the conference room. As she entered, she could feel sharp stares burning through her clothes. She got very uneasy but decided to retain a relaxed pose.

Just then Jay walked in with his usual, composed demeanour. This time he was wearing a smile, one of his uncommon habits. He cleared his throat as he took his seat. "I summoned this meeting this afternoon because there is an important announcement I would like to make." he paused and continued "Henceforth, Avery Tate is the new General Manager of Jay Henryson Group of Companies, as a result of her skills, commitment, and dedication towards our company. Any issue regarding the company's growth and well-being should first be discussed with her before it gets to me." He ended.

Avery could not believe her ears. What game is this man trying to play with her? The New General Manager? She shoved a glance at him and Avery could see the smile he was trying so hard to hide at the corners of his lips. Avery's gaze shifted to her colleagues, who were looking at her maybe, expecting a word from her.

The seat that felt so comfortable a moment ago now seems to tear deep into her skin. Her face turned pale white from shock.

Jay noticed this and gave a sign, indicating the meeting was over. When everyone left the room, he walked towards Avery,

"Hey Miss, how does it feel to be the wife of the CEO and the New General Manager?" He asked playfully

"You know what? You're such a scumbag!" She yelled.

"You mean you're not happy about your new position?"

"New position you say? We both know I don't deserve such a position. What happened to the former General Manager? How will others see me now? An opportunist? "

"Dear wife, you are missing out on something. You forgot this is my company. So my company, my rules."

"Jay Henryson, you are unpredictable!" She retorted and stormed out of the room.

Jay looked at her in surprise wondering what he's done wrong.

Later that evening, Avery lay in bed trying to recollect the event that took place in the office. Why is Jay Henryson so kind to her all of a sudden? First was her mother's medical expenses, a wife's treatment, and now a promotion at the company. What else is he scheming? How long will he continue to use her for whatever reason best known to him?