The next week, I was working for Denver's company, taking care of the necessary documents required for his latest project when one of my colleagues rushed in, saying, “Mrs. Beckham, come with me.”
“What happened, Lydia?” I asked.
“Just come with me,” she said before dragging me to the common hall where everyone had already gathered.
“Mrs. Beckham, you are so lucky,” someone said.
“Yes, you are so lucky to have a husband like Mr. Beckham. He loves you so much.” Another one added.
I narrowed my eyes, trying to process what had been going on. Meanwhile, my gaze fell on the projector, showing the live telecast of Denver's interview with the press.
Reporters were asking him about the launch of his newest technology. In his response he replied,
“Tomorrow is my wife's birthday. So, I’m going to launch my latest technology tomorrow to dedicate it to my wife.”
His response got a lot of appreciation from the reporters as well as his employees. They all envied me for the love my husband was presenting before the media.
But, only I knew it was only the foged affection that he had been manipulating me with all these years. His words, his actions, were all lies just to hide his evil intentions behind them.
“If the launch is tomorrow, then why did you call all the reporters today, Mr. Beckham? And, what is Mr. Brad doing here?”
“Isn't he the Senior Editor of Dreamy land publishing company? A very renowned company who publishes Little Fox’s story?” another reporter asked.
“It's because we are going to reveal the identity of Little Fox to all of you.” Mr. Brad said, his words causing turmoil all over the world.
Everyone was curious to know the person who had been entertaining them with their words for years.
“Is it really happening? The world wants to know our Little Fox personally.”
“Yes, where is she? We all want to meet her and take the interview.”
“It will be the best gift to her fans. They are all waiting for her recent book. Her showing up on the day of book signing would be amazing.”
The reporters began asking questions over and over. Brad laughed before he replied, “Have a little patience, you all. This meeting was only to announce the partnership between Mr. Beckham and my company and the news of Little Fox personally showing up on the day of book signing for her fans.”
“So, be prepared everyone. If you want to meet your favourite author, don't forget to buy a ticket.”
With that the press conference came to an end. Soon enough my phone rang. It was Denver. After I picked up the call, his excited voice sounded,
“Mia, I have a surprise for you. Can you come and meet me at Sunrise hotel with your finished manuscript? You were going to finish it today, right?”
I stared at the manuscript and the letter I wrote, placed inside my bag before I replied, “Yes, It's finished.”
“Come and see me then,” he said in haste before he hung up.
I racked my mind and thought maybe just maybe I was wrong about him. Maybe he was playing tricks with Cindy and was actually going to announce me as Little Fox.
After all, the first thing he promised me after we got married was that he would let Cindy pay for her crimes.
I took a long breath before I decided to give him one more chance. I took the manuscript with me and arrived at the location he asked me to.
But, before I could reach his room, my legs paused as I heard a familiar voice coming out from his room, a voice I hated the most in my life.
It was Cindy!
“How long are you going to play with that fool, Mia?” She asked, her voice filled with arrogance.
“Just today. After she hands over her manuscript to me, she is of no use.” He replied, his voice laced with honesty.
“You called her here, even when I’m with you. Don't you think she will be dubious?” She asked, “What if she refuses to hand her manuscript to us?”
“Don't worry, the receptionist will notify me once she arrives at her counter.” He replied casually.
He didn't know that I didn't go to ask about him to the receptionist. Instead, I tracked his location with my phone.
“And, even if she refuses to give the documents, I have plenty more ways to force her.” He added.
The room was then filled with the voices of their moans and groans, making it unbearable for me to stand any longer.
A lump was formed in my throat as I turned back. He broke the smallest bit of trust that had brought me to see him. The file of manuscript in my hands was mocking me as I wiped the corner of my eyes.
I had lost everything. The man I loved, the passion for writing that I had hardly regained, I lost everything once again. What was the need of going on like this?
Just then my phone rang. It was a call from Denver's research centre. I picked the call and the voice sounded desperate from the other end,
“Mrs. Beckham, Mr. Beckham is not picking up the call. Is he with you?”
I smiled in sarcasm before I asked, “What's the matter?”
“The girl who was going to be the lab rat for Mr. Denver’s freezing machine, just bailed out. The launch is tomorrow and we don't know what to do.” He spoke in haste.
I stared at my manuscript, recalled what Denver said to Cindy. In that split second, I realized I had no reason to continue living.
Taking a long breath, I replied, “It's okay. Carry on with the plan. You will find the girl for your test.”
