Chapter 2.

Where will he be going at this time of the night? Although Marie knows he likes partying and staying out late.

Raymond spent a few minutes on the balcony talking to an unknown person on the phone. Thereafter, he returned and dressed in formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. 

He was something to see now. 

"Don't wait for me. Good night," he said finally. 

Marie's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late."

Raymond fainted a smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up."

With that, he headed for the door. 

"Raymond." She called out. 

Marie quickly ran and caught up with him. 

Raymond turned around and looked at her with so much anger!

"What's the matter, woman?"

A little distressed, Marie asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandmother tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?"

 I would also like to introduce you to her at least as a friend if you don't mind.

"Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, 

Raymond left in a hurry. 

Several thoughts were threading Marie's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. 

After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. 

 A bang on the door brought her back from her thoughts. She rushed to open the door thinking it was Raymond. 

Jessica! Why are you here at this time? 

Leave the door or I'll push you aside. I thought you agreed to marry Raymond for a few months, what are you lowlife still doing in my brother's life? 

Marie didn't say a word because if she did, Jessica Dixon would call her brother and turn the table against her.

Well, after tonight I don't think you'll still be allowed into my brother's life.

I just came to inform you that your time here has ended.

What have I done to you Jessica, I thought we were good before I married your brother. 

Well then you were just a nobody, I pitied you and brought you to my father's company for you to work and get a life you idiot! Get the hell outta my brother's life that's all, after ranting and insulting Marie, Jessica turned and Left.

A few notifications from some online blogs came into Marie's phone. 

However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. 

The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today."

Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. 

Marie zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. 

Raymond was the man in the picture. 

This realization settled like a boulder in Marie's gut, rendering her flustered. 

Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Raymond's number. 

The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. 

"Hello!"

It was a woman's voice. 

Marie froze for a second and then threw the phone away. 

She suddenly felt sick in her stomach.

Raymond had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money after all it was a short-term marriage.

Raymond didn't kick against her decision, he promoted her instead to the office of an assistant. 

Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. 

Since its inception, only male assistants have been hired even when Mr Dixon was the president of that company. Marie was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Raymond.

But Raymond never gave Marie special treatment. Strangely, this made them even more confused.

Raymond didn't return home last night

All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Raymond?

Marie already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. 

It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. 

Marie tried to remain calm. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent as Raymond's secret wife. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? 

She brought out the doctor's report and this time, she was ready to tell Raymond that she was pregnant for him before it was too late.

She also added another document that was supposed to be signed yesterday in case someone sees her.

She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. 

She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. 

"Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Marie?"

 Luis Stevens, Raymond's childhood friend asked.

"What do you mean exactly?" Raymond asked in a cold voice. 

"You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "

Marie has been good to you and for everything you've been doing to that girl, she still cares for you. 

"Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Raymond asked carelessly. 

"You know what, forget it!"

The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Marie's ears. 

They were talking about her as if she was an object. 

Marie took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the doctor's report.

Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. 

"By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?"

"Yes."

 Are you still dating that lady? She doesn't even have time for you? It's not even like you're after her money because you're Ri… 

Enough! Raymond cut him short.

Do you want me to leave Lauren Murrey, a world-class designer, and get officially married to someone without a name? If you were in my shoes would you leave her for a low life?

"As the old saying goes, Raymond continues…. absence makes the heart grow fonder. I had my best morning with Lauren and it was worth it"

Their conversation was like thunder exploding over Marie's head. 

Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. 

The woman was indeed Lauren! 

Absence made the heart grow fonder! 

He had sex with another woman while I was carrying his child!

Every word drove a knife into her heart. 

Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. 

She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door opened from inside. 

"Marie?"