From Boardroom to Bedroom

Episode 5

The office buzzed with the familiar rhythm of productivity as I navigated through the sea of cubicles, my mind occupied with the demands of the workday. I pressed the intercom for my P. A to come in. "Do we still need to go over to the television house regarding the sponsors we have to make? "I asked to go through some files on my desk.

She looked down at the notepad she was holding. "Yes, two T. V houses need our presence urgently and we also have to make an appearance concerning the launch of the new product in the market.

"I smiled thinly and nodded. My secretary hadn't arrived today and she had refused to pick up my calls. I actually knew the reasons why, remembering it made my blood boil.

I nodded "You can go, once its 3pm, just let me know so we can leave. "Little did I know, an impending storm of scandal was about to descend upon my carefully constructed professional world. The first hint of trouble came in the form of a discreet email from the HR department.

"Steve, urgent meeting in the conference room," it read.

My pulse quickened as I wondered what could prompt such urgency. As I entered the conference room, the tension was palpable. My father, Richard, sat at the head of the table, his face etched with a seriousness that sent a shiver down my spine. He saw me and quickly looked away like I was a cursed entity. The HR director, Ms. Anderson, cleared her throat before delivering the news that would shatter all that I had ever worked for.

"Steve, there have been allegations of an inappropriate relationship between you and your secretary, Ms. Thompson. And ..."

She cleared her throat and tried to look away as she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "...some other women.... I mean strange women and your girlfriend Meg.

""She is not my girlfriend. " I almost yelled before I could stop myself.

"Will you shut up and allow her to finish unless you want to get all of us into more mess. " My father shut me up, anger dancing in his eyes.

"We need to address this immediately.” The words hung in the air, a heavy cloak of accusation. I tried to form a coherent response, my mind racing to comprehend the gravity of the situation

"We have to buy more time and advertise the face of the media from this issue. I really don't know what might happen. " she said, shaking her head sadly.

"And you, you know we were going to launch a new product next month, why now, why now, the next coming week is the new month. "

My father got up angrily, shaking his fist at me. "Pray nothing happens else I skin you alive and send you to my dogs. "

"Mr. Lakewood, I beg you to be calm, all this won't help the situation at hand. " Ms. Anderson implored.

"You can go ahead and yell Dad, half of those women in those pictures are strangers, I do not know them, can't you see it's a set up. "

I defended myself but my father wasn't having it. "Indeed, you don't know half of them but you know the remaining half. "

He clapped his hands. "The abortion you secretary did was also a setup, interesting. "I heaved; I was already having blisters in my mouth from explaining.

"I think we should make lots of inquiries and investigations to clear this hullabaloo, we will have to speak to the media. " Ms. Anderson suggested.

"He is not well! " My father yelled.

Days turned into a whirlwind of inquiries, interviews, and a constant barrage of media scrutiny. As the investigation progressed, I found myself facing not only professional repercussions but also the strain it placed on my relationship with my father. He had even banned me from coming over to his place. In a private conversation, Richard's disappointment was palpable.

"Steve, you've worked too hard to let a scandal like this tarnish our family name. We need to get ahead of this, address the public, and take decisive action within the company."

"I know my father but I'm lost, believe me when I say I was set up. "

"Shut the hell up let me finish, you disgrace of a son. "His words stung, but I knew he was right.

The scandal had become larger than a mere workplace issue; it had morphed into a threat to our family's legacy.

"We need to salvage this situation quickly. I have an idea," Richard continued, outlining a plan that caught me off guard.

"You need to be in a fake relationship with Alexa. It'll divert attention from the scandal, and we can repair the damage. Confuse the media for once. "I blinked, processing the unexpected proposal.

"Alexa? But why her? “Why her. " He asked, bewildered.

"So, you have another woman in mind? Christ. " He raised his hands in the air in disbelief.

"Not just that, why do I have to choose her. "

"Shut up and listen. She's respected, and successful, and our collaboration during the recent crisis showcased a strong professional connection. It'll be believable, and it'll shift the narrative away from the scandal. You both need to be seen together, attending events, and supporting each other publicly. It's a strategic move, Steve," Richard explained.

"Besides since that brainless ex of yours said you called off the wedding, seeing you and Alexa together will let everyone know what happened, not some nonsense s**t. "I sighed defeatedly, realizing the gravity of the situation.

"I understand, Dad. If it helps salvage the company's reputation, but I can't be in a relationship with her. Can't you understand? "

"Understand what, so you are looking for someone curvy or what. You are going to do this whether you like it or not. " Richard got up and bang his fist on the table sending some files flying as he did so.

"Else say good-bye to having this company as an inheritance when I'm gone, I will rather give it to charity.

Alexa's POV

The sunlit ambiance of the trendy bistro provided a temporary escape from the corporate hustle as I sat across from my friend, Lisa. Our laughter filled the air, punctuating the tales of work dramas and weekend plans. Little did I know that the serene atmosphere was about to be shattered by an unexpected turn of events.

“So, you aren't going shopping this weekend? " She asked. I kind of disliked Lisa, she was kind of nosy but since she was just one of my friends free to chit chat with, I just had to come along with her.

"Nope. '' I said.

I knew where she was headed. She just wants to know my every move and plan.

Anyways she was once a journalist so I wasn't surprised. I took a sip of my sparkling water, our chosen dishes arrived, and the aroma wafted through the air.

"Why?" She pressed further and eyed me from the rim of her glass.

"Because I don't want to. "

"You really need to change your wardrobe. "

"I know Lisa but not today. '' I replied with a hard tone.

Then my stomach rumbled dismissing it as a temporary inconvenience, I continued with the meal, my mind blissfully unaware of the storm brewing within. However, as the minutes passed, the queasiness intensified, morphing into an undeniable force.

Excusing myself with a forced smile, I made a hasty retreat to the restroom.

"Excuse me. " I said to Lisa even before she could ask any questions I dashed to the restroom.

The ambiance of the restaurant bathroom offered little comfort as I grappled with an unexpected bout of nausea. Panic and embarrassment intertwined as I desperately hoped to keep the ordeal discreet.

``What's happening to me? " I asked myself, I had been feeling nauseous and dizzy these past few days. I touched my stomach softly.

"God please no, not now. "I began to get confused and I started Splashing cold water on my face, I tried to smile at myself in the mirror and walked out like nothing had happened. Back at the table, I attempted to resume our conversation, feigning nonchalance despite the lingering discomfort. Lisa raised an eyebrow.

"Are you feeling okay, Alexa? You look pale, it seems you threw up. " She asked, inching closer.

"Can I have the good news now. "I looked at her, disgust and anger creeping up on me. What kind of a human being is this.?

I managed a weak smile, "Just a momentary hiccup, I think. Must be something I ate. Let's finish up and get some fresh air and it's something you should worry about. "My world turned upside down this morning when Tess, one of my friends, called me.

"Are you pregnant, Alexa, jeez what kind of friend are you? "

"What are you saying. " I asked, confused.

" I'm not pregnant. "

"Really then go online and see the news, girl, your name is everywhere. "I ended the call and went online.

The headlines screamed sensationalism, each word painting a narrative that felt detached from reality.

"Alexa Stone's Mysterious Illness Sparks Pregnancy Rumors!” Overnight, I had become the unwilling protagonist in a drama that I hadn't auditioned for. The relentless storm of calls and messages flooded my phone, demanding explanations for a situation I couldn't comprehend.

Panic set in, and I desperately sought refuge in the one person I knew could help—my daddy. I got up and began to pace my room still in my robe.

I had tried to ignore some calls but they kept calling. I had to call my dad.

"What is all this I'm hearing and seeing all over the internet, Alexa? I demand an explanation."

"Dad, Please, listen to me, I don't know how this got out, I'm so sorry but what am I going to do? This is a nightmare," I exclaimed, pacing in my plush living room.

"We need to control the narrative, Alexa. We can't let this scandal define you... " He replied calmly.

"I have an idea, but it involves a temporary solution that might buy us some time. And you may not like it.”

"At this point, what I like doesn't matter Dad," I sighed.

"I'm listening."

"There is only one thing you have to do.”

""What's that dad? " " I said impatiently.

"You and someone have to pretend to be in a relationship to clear this mess and shut the media, it will save you from shame. "

"Who, please, do you have anybody in mind, I can get someone paid to do the job. " I tapped my fingers on the table.

"Don't worry, I have everything sorted out, you and Steve Lakewood will have to be in a relationship. "

I couldn't believe my ears.

"Me and who? Dad I can't.... ""Don't interrupt me young lady, you do as I say, I didn't ask you to get yourself into this mess. " He bellowed.

"Be prepared, both of you will be appearing together as a couple tomorrow. "