"Mr.Clifford, already married"
"Bachelor, NO more"
"Mr.Ben Clifford's secret"
"SHOCKING REVELATION, BEN CLIFFORD, MARRIED FOR 7 YEARS,"
-------------------
Luckily my home is hidden by a tree hedge and apart from the main roads. The police had been helping in managing the many reporters, stationed near the gate for a glimpse of Sarah and me. My parents accompanied Sarah's parents to stay with us for a few days.
"Mr. Clifford, why did you hide your son's marriage?" asked one of the reporters at the gate, who surrounded my father's car.
"It's their personal choice and I request all of you to respect their decision," was the only thing my father said.
"Can you reveal to us the name of your daughter-in-law?" asked again.
"Easy!" my father with a cunning smile answered, "She is Little Bud," making the reporters more confused.
"Uncle you are sure cunning," said Meg when heard what happened.
"But son, now you won't be able to go on that vacation," said my father.
"Dear, why don't we ask your friend, Mr.Wong for his personal retreat near the beach?" said Sarah's mother.
"Hmm... that place is less known and private. And your safety will be ensured. What do you think Ben?" asked Sarah's father.
"Thank you father, I will talk with Sarah and let you know," I said letting them settle, and went in looking for her.
"Ben,"
"Alex," we went out near the big tree in the garden.
"How are you?" Alex asked concerned.
"Kind of ok, but this pressure is too much,"
"I know they can be pretty aggressive, and threatening. But I will ensure the safety of you two,"
"Thanks, Alex. But you will have to manage the office for a few weeks, and inform that Sarah is on annual leave for a few weeks,"
"Ok, I will look into it. How is she,"
"She seems ok, but she looked the opposite. I think we will have to keep a look out for here,"
"Do you want me to ask Dr.Lu to come and check her?"
"We'll see how is she first and call Dr.Lu. I only want her hidden till we figure out what really happened and I just want her to keep her safe,"
Alex gave me reassurance of he's there for me reminding me how lucky I am to have such a good friend, such as my own brother.
"Have a talk with Sarah, and go on that vacation, I will arrange everything," said Alex.
I looked at her room from here. Since the time we came out from the press conference, Saraha had been looking ok. After a few hours when things started to get trend online, she became quiet. Meg was staying with her and I hope she will not be too affected by the news.
Uncle Holland called at the same time,
"Son, are you ok?"
"Yes uncle, I am ok. But I worry about her safety now,"
"I know, and I know the reason why you hide her identity. Ben, did you anger someone recently?" he asked suddenly. And I put speaker phone so Alex could join,
"What do you mean uncle?" I asked.
"I don't know, but I have a hunch someone is doing these things with a purpose,"
"You mean the same thing is repeating again with the Riverston project," asked Alex.
"Could be," said Uncle Holland. "Ben to calm these down, just give me a statement that I will publish, so you will have some quiet time, and this hullabaloo will die down soon,"
"ok uncle, thank you for your advice," I said and gave a look into it nod to Alex.
My concern was always been her safety. Specially after the incident that happened three years ago. She is still under the doctor's advice, even though she looks normal outside, even slight pressure can trigger her condition.
Everyone in the office seems to be in chaos as well. Because, no one thought of Sarah, who was by my side all this time as my wife.
The news reports have been going on straight for many hours, without any clue as to who my wife is. Since my university days, I haven't dated anyone or accompanied any other woman than Sarah to any event. Although some had made rumors about dating me secretly to gain some popularity, I had uncle Holland's media team dismiss this news. And every time, I introduced Sarah as my best friend and close associate, the media never suspected anything.
"BEN!!" screamed Meg.
I ran towards Sarah's room.
"Call Dr.Lu" I said as I went to her room.
"SARAH!!!!" I help her and shook her in the hope to regain consciousness. But she didn't make any move. This is what I was afraid of.
"Dr.Lu and the ambulance is on the way," said Alex coming in with our parents.
"Markus check the situation at the gate," as I knew the reporters will stop them and bombard them with questions.
This news was also broadcasted as soon as the doctor's vehicle and the ambulance came in. Luckily uncle Holland had issued the statement from me requesting for respect our privacy. And I also wouldn't be fearless to sue anyone who harms her reputation.
Dr.Lu and his team came as quickly as they can. He checked on her and said she must have felt a bit pressured with all this news circulating. He left his assistant with us to keep an eye on her.
While the others went downstairs, I stayed with Sarah. Her father had a talk with his friend Mr.Wong to arrange a few weeks' stays at his beach retreat.
"Ben," she said looking around.
"Hi, you woke up. How are you now?" I asked taking her hand.
"My head hurts. What happened?"
"You suddenly fainted, and slept for about five hours straight,"
"I am sorry," she said looking down.
"Hi... why do you say sorry.."
"You are in this situation because of me. I should have considered telling who I am," she said.
"My silly girl, who put that thought into your head. I am doing all this to protect you, love," I said with a playful tug on her nose.
She just smiled as Meg came in.
"Ok, you two talk. Now tell me what you will have, some chicken soup made by your one and an only personal chef?" I said making Meg laugh.
"You two," she said.
ANd I went to make her some toast and a chicken soup.