"For the hundredth time, there is no way I'm letting you go anywhere with my child! You were okay with being married to me until I requested it!" Marcus argued as he put all their luggage in the trunk of the car.
They just landed in New York and we're returning to the mansion.
Nina was already seated at the front of the car, next to the driver. She was angry and sulking, her ex fiancée wanted to remain married to his wife. It sounded invalid but was literally her worst nightmare.
"We can parent from different places. I have already resigned. I am going to sign the papers, you can't bully me into this." Caroline was saying as they got into the car.
"I can do whatever I choose. Nina, can you tell Jason to meet us at the house?" He asked her, not paying attention to her pouting. She reluctantly brought out her cell phone and texted her cousin.
Jason Lionel was Marcus' Lawyer and best friend, they had all been kids together, Jason, Nina and Marcus.
"If she doesn't want to stay married to you, let her!" Nina added and for a split second Caroline considered agreeing with Marcus, just to spite her.
"Do not say any more on this matter till we get to the house. Jason should be there by now," Marcus said with an air of finality and Caroline was quiet.
Jason was her safe space, in all the time she had been in the mansion, he had been her only friend. Some sparks existed between them but never one so obvious, she was assured he would be on her side.
"I hate you so much," she groaned as she sank into the seat.
**********
Knock, knock, knock
Carol stood up and hurried to the door, she checked through the peephole and saw It was her mother-in-law, soon to be ex.
"Caroline!" She said sharply and she cringed. Unlocking the door quickly.
"Good morning ma'am," she greeted her as she walked out, clutching her robe tighter to her body.
"Keep your greetings. Marc called for a meeting, I don't know why. But I know you should be up and going by now, you're so lazy." She nagged and Caroline rolled her eyes.
"Nina is already up and running, she is not the wife." She continued as they both went down the stairs.
Why was she here now?
Jason, Nina and Marcus were seated in the guest living room when she walked in with her mother in-law. Mrs Roberts never liked her, even when she had initially come to be with Marcus, her hatred was never hidden.
Jason was 6 '4 and very handsome, his hair was jet black and fell freely over his eyes in a way that made even the most disciplined female want to reach out and frame his face. He had a charming smile and a friendly face.
"Hello.." Caroline said as she went forward to join the gathering, she now knew what the meeting was about. She stood next to Jason and smiled softly at him, he responded in kind and Marcus caught the look.
"Well, everybody here knows my predicament and the circumstances surrounding my marriage with Caroline." He started and Nina brightened.
"Yeah it's a contractual marriage, you employed her service when I was away !" She said with spite as she smiled deviously at Caroline.
"Well, it has brewed something productive." He continued. Jason looked from Marcus to Nina and then finally to Caroline. They had plans of trying out the spark between them when she finally divorced Marcus so he was really puzzled.
"Well speak! I have a meeting to be at!" Mrs Robert snapped, her hair was coiffed in a retro updo and her lips were red and glossy, at Fifty eight, she had no plans of growing older than she was.
"Mum, your club women won't start anything without you. Besides, this is better news." Marcus said, not bothering to look at her.
"Nothing about her could be good news." She murmured and this time Marcus gave her a warning glare.
"Just get on with what you're saying." Jason urged and he sighed, standing up. Caroline could see the look on his face and could tell that he was bursting with excitement. For some strange reason she was anxious for her mother in law's reaction.
"Caroline is pregnant! I found out yesterday and I have decided not to go through with the divorce, at least until the child is born." He announced and there was awkward silence, everybody was lost with their thoughts.
They all knew that having a child was two percent, they had mourned the loss ten years ago and now the contracted wife was pregnant?
"That's impossible! We were there when Doctor Finn said so!" His mother argued but the excitement in her tone was not well concealed, Caroline held back the giggle that threatened to burst. She rather remained discreet.
"The doctor confirmed it, Mum. I was just as surprised as you but it is true." Marcus insisted and Nina rolled her eyes in disdain, she was seething, the attention was no longer on her.
Caroline was confused by their exaggerated expression of surprise. Sex yielding babies was not a new thing, or was it?
"Oh my goodness. Carol!" Mrs Roberts screeched and hurried towards her, she fussed over her, touching her hair and her stomach and then her eyes. It was the closest she had ever been to her in all the four years of knowing her.
"That is rather surprising. I'm happy for you man!" Jason said and gave his friend a smile. Just like his cousin, he was not particularly pleased by the idea, he knew there was a catch somewhere.
"Caroline still wants the divorce. I want you to make sure she doesn't any longer, anyhow you can" Marcus told him and Jason nodded, his handsome face molded in a permanent scowl.
"You may actually want the divorce." Jason said under his breath and Marc raised a questioning brow.
"What was that?" He asked.
"Never mind." Jason responded and walked over to where Mrs Roberts and Caroline stood.
"Can I speak to you in private?" Jason asked her and all eyes turned to them.
"Yes, of course." She responded apprehensively and followed him out, all eyes boring into their heads.