FOUR
The following morning, Mikel moved quickly, adjusting his tie as he prepared to leave for work earlier than usual.
His mind was already on the day ahead.
Alexis stirred, waking up to the sound of him moving around.
"He is already getting ready for work? What time is it?" She blinked in surprise as she checked the clock on top of the bed stand.
"Good morning, darling! Why are you leaving this early?" She asked softly.
"There is a lot to sort out at the office."
He glanced over at her briefly and as he looked away, he couldn't stop his mind from thinking.
"Of course, she is the one with fertility problems, making me just running around in futility!" He thought, scoffing in annoyance.
Alexis got out of bed and walked toward him, not knowing what he had on his mind.
"Wait. I have something for you…" She announced and grabbed a small stack of paper on her dressing table.
"I stayed up working on this. It is some research I did on handling fire outbreaks and how to prevent them in the future. I thought it might help you." She said, handing the paper to him.
Mikel looked at the papers, then at her.
"I shouldn't discourage her effort, especially after yesterday, right? So I won't be seen as a bad person." He thought to himself and sighed inwardly.
Then he forced a neutral expression.
"Thanks. That is really thoughtful of you." He said in a flat but polite tone.
"I just wanted to help. I know yesterday was tough." Alexis said with a smile, clearly pleased.
Mikel hesitated, then added:
"About yesterday... I shouldn't have snapped at you. I was... under a lot of pressure."
Alexis shook her head quickly.
"You don't need to apologize. I understand, dear." She said.
Her response caught him off guard.
"She isn't angry but Instead is still eager to support me?" He thought, feeling a slight sense of relief.
"Well, I shouldn't be surprised. She has always been like this... devoted. Maybe She definitely know it was her all along. After all, Jane got pregnant easily." He added, a frown making its way onto his face.
Alexis touched his arm, bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Just remember, you don't have to carry everything alone. I'm here for you." She told him.
Mikel nodded, trying to maintain a neutral expression.
"I will keep that in mind. But I really need to go now." He said firmly.
"Like right now? How about breakfast. You have never skipped breakfast before..." Alexis was saying but he interrupted her.
"I don't have time for that. There is too much going on at the office." He replied.
She bites her lip, hesitant before speaking up.
"Is it still about the fire or something else is going on?"
Mikel clenched his fists, pausing briefly as he stared at her. After a moment, he picked up his briefcase.
"No, nothing else. Just follow-up. I need to ensure everything is back on track." He replied. Alexis heaved a sigh of relief.
"Well, I can come with you. Maybe I can help—" She was saying but Mikel cut her off quickly.
"No. That is not necessary. You have done enough with the research. I appreciate it." He said sharply.
Alexis swallowed hard at his tone.
"I just want to make sure you are okay, Mikel. You have been... distant lately." She pointed out.
He tightened his grip on the briefcase, forcing a small smile, not wanting to snap at her.
"Everything is fine. You worry too much. I can handle this." He said, through gritted teeth and Alexis was forced to not argue further.
~~~~~~~~
One Week Later; Mikel sat across from Jane in her apartment.
The latter was fuming in anger.
"You are leaving again? You haven't stayed for more than a night here!" She pointed out sharply.
"I can't stay every night, you know that, babygirl." Mikel replied, trying to sound as gentle as possible.
Jane folded her arms.
"I'm pregnant, Mikel. With your child. And you are still going home every night like nothing has changed." She snapped.
Mikel exhaled slowly.
"I've got responsibilities. You know I can't just detached from her like that. She is going to start getting suspicious." He said gently.
Jane narrowed her eyes.
"That is just an excuse. You can find a way around it. I need you around." She maintained firmly.
Without a word, Mikel pulled out his wallet, took out a thick stack of cash, and handed it to her.
"Here. For anything you want before I come back."
Jane stared at the money, her expression softening slightly but not entirely satisfied.
"This isn't just about the money, Mikel."
"Then what is it about, Jane? I'm here, aren't I?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Physically, maybe. But your mind? Your heart? You are still back there—with her." Jane snapped in exasperation then looked down at her growing belly.
"And what about our child? Will it always come second?"
"Of course not. You two are my everything now." Mikel protested.
"Then show it. I don't just want to be your secret forever. I need more than stolen moments and hush money." She maintained.
He sighed heavily, then asked:
"How else do you want me to make this up to you?" He asked gently.
At that question, Jane's eyes lit up as if that was what she had been waiting for all her life.
"I want stability... I need assurance." She declared. Mikel furrowed his eyebrows, cluelssly.
"How?" He asked.
"I need you to give include my name in things you acquire... Like getting me some shares, making me one of the head of your companies... Anything!" She blurted out.
That took Mikel unaware and he was speechless for a moment.
Before he can respond, his phone on the center table buzzed.
He grabbed it and found out it was a call from home. He furrowed his eyebrows as he answered it.
"Mikel! It is Alexis! She collapsed... We are taking her to the hospital!" It was Mirabelle's frantic voice on the other end.
Mikel's heart skipped a beat. His grip tightened on the phone.
"What? What happened to her?" He asked with urgency, feeling alarmed.