Bed Of Lies

CHAPTER 4

"She just needs to rest a little; she will wake soon. It was just a scratch on her head—nothing major, but I've given her something for any possible headache. She is 8 weeks pregnant. Mason, What did you say happened to her again?

"She tripped and fell in the restroom.

The doctor didn't believe Mason's words, but he knew better than to confront him.

"OK, but she needs to be extra careful to avoid domestic accidents and come for antenatal care as soon as possible.

"Thank you, doctor. Mason escorted the doctor downstairs and saw Owen standing and looking at the paintings on the wall.

"I got that painting when I traveled to France. It is not from a famous artist, but he is talented. I see you like it, Owen. You've been staring at it for a minute. I will get a similar painting for you on my next trip. Mason's voice drew Owen's attention.

"Hi, Mason, that is so thoughtful of you. You have a lovely mansion. The pictures I've seen are nothing compared to what I see here.

"Thank you, Owen. What brings you here? Mason pours and hands over a glass of whisky to Owen.

"I'm here to see Lauren; she has gone AWOL; everyone is worried.

"My wife is fine, and she went to Greece. I'll inform you when she returns.

"On a trip? Why would she travel without informing her team? She abandoned all her projects, and the directors complained that we had pending projects. Is there a number I can reach her? She doesn't take her calls.

"Owen, I need you to cancel all her projects on the ground. Lauren is no longer interested in continuing them. She wants to focus on her marriage and wouldn't want to pass through stress, especially now that we are expecting our first child.

"Excuse me! Why would you ask me to do such a thing, Mason? She has signed contracts with brands. That is impossible. Or is there something you're not telling me? Did something happen, Lauren? Congratulations on the news of her pregnancy, but I still need to see Lauren.

"My wife is fine; she just needs some time to herself. She will contact you when ready; do as you are told.

"Mason, I cannot just terminate contracts like that. It doesn't work that way. Those are signed contracts from big brands, which will jeopardize her career if I try it.

"Do not be silly, Owen. Money controls everything. I will pay them handsomely for damages and make them keep their mouths shut. You know my worth, so money is never a problem. Just get it done.

"I know how influential you are, Mason, and Lauren is your wife. But I'm her manager, and me and Lauren have *been friends since childhood; she has never left me in the dark. I know so]mething is wrong. Lauren would never do anything that would affect her career. Or are you trying to turn her into a full-time housewife?

"I suggest you mind your business; don't stick your head too much in her private life, Owen. It would be best if you left now; I have a meeting in a few minutes.

"I will be back, Mason, and if I don't see Lauren, I will involve the media.

"I will advise you to tread with caution. Owen, do not start instigating a battle that is bigger than you.

"I am not scared of you, Mason. I will not fold my hands and watch you end Lauren's career just because you are married to her.

"Well, do so at your peril.

Owen made a turn to leave as he dropped his glass of whisky, but he was looking around as if he expected to see Lauren.

Mason made his way to the room to check on his wife. Lauren was awake by this time but lay still on the bed, her head still hurting.

"I'm glad you are awake, my Love. The doctor said you need enough rest. You will be a mother soon, Lauren. I'm sure you are as excited as I am.

"Let's just hope you do not beat the baby out of me.

Owen was here, by the way, he came to check on you, but I told him you traveled. He has such a loud mouth, but I admire his tenacity.

"Why would you lie to him? I know Owen. He knows for sure that I will never travel without telling him. I know he didn't believe you. What else did you tell him?

"I instructed him to terminate all your contracts, that you want to focus on your marriage and your unborn child.

"What! You evil man, how dare you? You are hell-bent on destroying my career.

"You'll be a mother soon, Lauren. You do not need all that stress, and you do not need to work a day in your life again; I have enough money to care for you and the children you will bear for me.

All you have to do for me is spend my money; that is the only job I want you to do. Spend my money, my darling wife.

I will place you on a monthly allowance to cover your needs, excluding your father's medical bills. I will personally take care of that; you also get to shop anytime you want, even if you shop for luxury brands every day of the year.

"Allow me to worry about that, Mason. Please don't act like you care about me. You only care about yourself, you selfish bastard. You want me to live at your mercy and won't let that happen. I refuse to be your toy. Lauren angrily walks towards the door.

"Where are you going, Lauren?

"To see Owen.

"You will do no such thing.

"Watch me.

"Come back here, Laure! Lauren!!

Mason pursues Lauren as she runs towards the staircase. In an attempt to escape, she tripped and fell with her tummy facing the floor. She was not unconscious, but Lauren could only feel blood flowing through her legs.