chapter 18 "Caught in the Web of Deception"

Andrew's words cut through Margaret like a knife, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. His accusations stung, and she struggled to find the right words to defend herself. But before she could gather her thoughts, Andrew's disdainful gaze was met with a pleading look from Margaret.

"Please, there's been a misunderstanding," Margaret implored, her voice trembling with desperation. "I swear I didn't do anything to tarnish the college's reputation. I earned my scholarship through hard work, and I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize it."

But Andrew remained unmoved, his expression hardened with contempt. "It's a waste of time," he declared, his tone dripping with skepticism. "She must be lying."

As Margaret's heart sank with despair, she felt a vibration from her phone. With trembling hands, she reached for it, dreading the message that awaited her. Sure enough, it was from Steve, her husband, and his words sent a shiver down her spine.

"I'm coming to pick you up. Be ready. Reaching in 5 minutes."

Fear gripped Margaret's heart as she realized the consequences of Steve discovering her whereabouts. She knew she had to act fast to avoid his wrath, but she also couldn't leave without resolving the issue of her scholarship cancellation. With a heavy heart, she turned back to face the MD, silently pleading for mercy and understanding.

"Sir, please try to understand," Margaret pleaded, her voice quivering with emotion. "I didn't do anything wrong. I'm not lying."

But the MD remained silent, his back still turned to her as he continued to text on his phone. Margaret's anxiety heightened as she watched Andrew leave the room, leaving her alone with the MD. Her phone buzzed again with another message from Steve, waiting for her to come outside. Panic surged through Margaret as she realized the imminent confrontation she would face if she didn't leave soon.

With trembling hands, she quickly typed out a response to Steve's message. "Just saw your message. I have reached home."

Despite her efforts to reassure Steve, Margaret couldn't shake the fear that enveloped her. She needed to resolve the issue of her scholarship cancellation before she could face him. Taking a deep breath, she mustered all her courage and spoke up again.

"Please, sir," Margaret pleaded, her voice quivering with desperation. "I need my scholarship to continue my studies. I promise I will do whatever it takes to make things right. Just give me a chance to prove myself."

But the MD remained unmoved, his silence weighing heavily in the air. Margaret felt a sense of helplessness wash over her as she realized that her fate lay in his hands. She could only hope and pray that he would show her mercy and reconsider his decision.

Margaret's heart raced as she heard the MD's voice, and she began to tremble with fear. How many lies will you speak in a single day, Mrs. Johnson?" his voice boomed, sending shivers down her spine. With a sinking feeling, Margaret realized that the MD was none other than her husband, Steve.

As Steve approached her, Margaret instinctively started to walk backward, her eyes wide with fear. "Is this your grandparents' house, or is this our home?" he demanded, his voice laced with anger. Margaret could feel her pulse pounding in her ears as Steve grabbed her wrist tightly and dragged her towards his cabin's washroom.

"Freshen yourself up and be presentable. You have two minutes," Steve commanded, his grip unyielding. Margaret complied, her hands shaking as she splashed water on her face and tried to compose herself. But the fear and anxiety continued to gnaw at her insides.

As she finished, Steve held her by the waist, his touch sending shivers down her spine. He leaned in close, his voice a menacing whisper in her ear. "Walk like a loving wife. We will speak at home."

Margaret nodded silently, her heart heavy with dread as she followed Steve out of the office. She knew that whatever awaited her at home would be far from