chapter 9

Anita had the opportunity to explore the city of Paris even though it was with the most annoying person, Zachary.

She sent Evelyn tons of pictures which she knew she would show her mother, a gesture she hoped will convince them that she was happily married.

Zachary resumed work immediately they got back but asked her to stay at home and rest which she highly appreciated. She was not ready to go back to work and face the quizzical eyes of her colleagues. Who among them would have imagined that she would end up with Zachary. Even though it was a fake marriage, they would all be jealous.

She got bored at home and decided to invite Sophie over.

“Wow! Lucky you. What a magnificent house it is” Sophie exclaimed. Her eyes darted to their wedding picture hung on the wall but she ignored it and squealed in excitement at the decor.

“You missed my wedding.” Anita stated, drawing her attention to the picture.

“Look how handsome Zachary looks, but he looks even more handsome in person” She commented.

“You met him?” Anita asked, her eyebrows raised.

“Yeah.. a couple of years ago at a fundraiser” She supplied

“He looks even better now” Anita said, she found herself smiling.

She was not sure but it felt like she saw a frown dart across Sophie's face in a split second

“Can I see your room?” She asked.

Anita thought hard. She would not want her to find out about the status of this marriage. “Zachary wouldn't like that, I'm sorry” She said, a pleading look on her face.

“It's okay.” Sophie shrugged.

“Rose! Rose!” Anita called the maid. She had forgotten to entertain Sophie in all her excitement. “What would you like to drink?” She directed to Sophie just as Rose came into view mopping her hands with a napkin.

“Orange Juice is fine.” She replied. Rose goes back into the kitchen and appears with a jar of juice and two cups on a tray.

“I hope you are taking care of my friend” Sophie asked Rose who smiled

“To the best of my ability ma'am” Rose replied.

“That's great. I think I should have your contact so that I can expose you to her favorite dishes. That is how you can stay in her favor” Sophie said and laughed.

Anita nodded. For a second, she had thought Sophie was still mad at her for not telling her about the wedding but she was wrong. Sophie was still the same caring friend she had always known. She watched as Rose gave her her mobile phone number.

Her phone rang just as David, her driver drove Sophie away. It was Zachary.

“Hello” She said into the phone

“My granddad has invited us to dinner tonight. Please dress up nicely, I will be home to pick you up at six.” He said.

Anita felt her heart sink. She thought she was done with being under his Grandfather's scrutinizing eyes.

“Do we have to go?” She asked.

“Yes, please. It is important that we go. Perhaps today is the day” He replied, a hint of excitement in his voice.

“The day? What day?” She asked

“You don't need to know but if you really want to know, you can find out when we get there.” He answered. Anita sighed. He was back to his usual arrogant and condescending self.

“Okay, see you at six” She said and dropped the call.

Picking am outfit was the most difficult thing to do for her. She rummaged through her wardrobe and decided on a black dinner gown. She strongly felt like leaving out makeup so she slightly applied little powder. She was married to Zachary and he had to live with the reality that she had a scarred face.

Surprisingly, Zachary complimented her as he picked her up. “You look beautiful” He said, opening the door of the car for her to get in.

Anita felt color rush to her cheeks but she didn't show how pleased she was with the compliment. It was all part of the fake marriage.

“You are welcome sir and ma” Annie, one of Sir Smith's House keeper greeted them.

“Is granddad in?” Zachary asked.

“Yes, he's waiting at the table to have you” She replied, leading them to where Sir Smith was seated, another house keeper pouring him water.

“Here comes my son and his lovely wife” Sir Smith announced. He had such a wide grin that revealed his perfect dentition that was getting yellowed by age.

Anita bowed slightly as Zachary shook hands with him.

“I heard that you both hardly left your rooms during your honeymoon” He said as they began eating, a mischievous look in his eyes. Zachary and Anita looked at each other and smiled coyly. Zachary took her hand in his.

“I believe I should be expecting a great grand child by now” He said

“Granddad!” Zachary called playfully.

“What? You are man enough”

“Give me a break please. We will hold off bearing children. I need to relieve you of your duties in Smith Holdings and do what is necessary first. We are not in a rush” He said.

“Is that a mutual decision?” Sir Smith directed to Anita.

“Yes sir. We both…”

“Call me Grandfather” Sir Smith interrupted, Anita and Zachary laughed.

“Yes, grandfather. We are not ready to bear children yet”

“It is important that you are ready before bringing children to the world. Even though I urgently want to see my great grand children, I will respect your decisions”

“That's it” Zachary said triumphantly.

They ate while Sir Smith talked about the challenges he faces as the chairman of the company and how he could not wait to handover to Zachary.

“You can hand over to me right away, granddad. I'm married now as you wanted” Zachary said as they moved to the living room for dessert.

“You may be married but you don't have a child” Sir Smith stated flatly. Zachary and Anita glanced at each other. Anita hoped it was not what she was thinking. She is not ready to bear a child for a man who did not love her and who she didn't love but Sir Smith only confirmed her fears.

“I will hand over when you have your first child. That will be my congratulatory gift to you.

Zachary's face froze. If only he knew he needed a child, he would have married who be knew would be willing to carry his child and not Anita. He stared at her. Her eyes was speaking volumes to him. She would not carry his child.