Chapter 5

"Oh no!" Claire groaned when she saw the magazine at breakfast. She turned on her phone and saw the news was trending. "How did this happen?"

"I should be the one asking you that question" Mrs Nelson said as she sat at the table. "I think the better question would be why you let this happen."

Claire groaned again.

In front of them was a magazine, the cover was a picture of Oliver kissing her at the company launch the night before. It was captioned "Billionaire Love Affair?" There were a full page dedicated to the possibility of an affair between the two of them. The article also talked about infidelity cos it was known that Oliver was engaged.

Social media was even worse. A lot of people were talking about them, they were trending. Some people said Oliver wasn't married yet so he was free to do as he pleased. Others criticized him, some were against Claire for coming between the couple, some said she wasn't focused on her company that she was just a high class gold digger. There was a lot of commotion.

Claire set down her phone tired of scrolling. The comments were really getting to her especially the ones about her. 

Ever since the event last night, she had turned her phone off to prevent any call from Oliver. She saw messages from Hunter and other business investors. She couldn't go through them right now, not when her mind was in a state of disarray.

I just don't know. His presence last night unnerved me. I took so much wine and...and...this happened" Claire face palmed herself.

"You didn't tell me about this" Mrs Nelson sliced bread.

"You were asleep when I got back last night"

"Did you plan on telling me about this?" She spread jam on the bread.

"No...I don't know. Everything is just so...frustrating" she groaned again.

"So what are you going to do now?"

"Damage control. Some investors would want to back out not wanting any scandal attached to them. We'll have to salvage what we can, I'll call PR and..." her phone rang "Hunter."

"Good morning. I just saw the news"

"I don't know how it happened. It just did"

"We'll salvage what we can. Have you gotten in contact with PR?"

"Okay, I'll see you later, Bye" she hung up.

"Hunter said he had spoken to PR. There will be a press release stating the picture was photo shopped. The kiss never happened, we were just talking and someone took a photo." Mrs Nelson examined the magazine.

"Its a really good photo" she pointed out.

"Its a long shot but we have to make it work. We really need investors, can't have them backing out. I'm glad Hunter has been able to keep a cool head, one of us needs to think straight."

"That man loves you" Mrs Nelson stated.

"Hunter? No! He cares about me, we've been friends for a long time. Any atom of love he has for me is platonic."

"If you say so" Mrs Nelson said and continued breakfast.

"That is the last time I'm ever listening to you" Oliver said and swung his golf club.

"This is not my fault. I told you to establish a connection with her. I never said kiss her or make out with her" Yuri stated. They were playing golf in an exotic golf club. It was supposed to be exercise but the truth was playing golf was a distraction to ease Oliver's mind.

"Well it happened" he said.

"How is Ayana taking the news?"

"Badly! She locked herself in her room, crying ever since she heard the news" Oliver shook his head.

"And your family?"

"Mom is furious about the whole thing, she said the magazine should be sued for false presentation. She's upset with me and trying to convince Ayana it was a mistake. Dad is trying to do damage control for the family's name."

"And Claire?"

"There's a press release from her company stating the photo was photo shopped. Dad is going with that. He's also trying to take the photo down and get them to recall their issues."

"Wow! That's a lot of commotion about one photo" Yuri exclaimed.

"You're so cool about this" Yuri noted.

"Am I supposed to be tensed? The kiss happened, I don't regret it but everyone makes it look like a big deal" Oliver said leaning on his club. Yuri was about to swing his club.

"Usually you'd be by Ayana's side apologizing, begging for forgiveness" he swung his club. "But here you are playing golf, blaming me and...and I'm surprised you were able to keep the fact you were married to Claire away from the media."

"That was intentional" Oliver mumbled staring at his feet.

"Yeah yeah! So what now?"

"I have to talk to Claire"

"Something tells me she doesn't want the same thing."

"I'll find a way, I need to apologize and make things straight. Last night was supposed to bring good things to her and her company. Definitely not a scandal."

"Its interesting to note, you said you'll talk to Claire not Ayana"

"I'll handle that"

'Okay, do whatever suits you. I think I win this round" Oliver laughed.

"What a day!" Claire exclaimed as she entered her office. She had just finished a meeting with directors and stake holders, the outcome was manageable. Hunter entered after her.

"I deserve an explanation."

"Its not what you think" Claire said.

"You can't fool me with the idea of Photoshop" Hunter deadpanned.

"I know. What I'm trying to say is he is the one who kissed me. I don't know if this was a setup"

"Now I get what the headache was all about" Claire cringed at his statement. "How was he able to get you into such a compromising position?" He sat on the couch in her office.

"He wanted to talk to me away from everyone and the media" Hunter clenched his fists. That action was unnoticed by Claire who kept on talking. 

"I had so much to drink earlier, everything was dizzy, he was talking, apologizing for everything when it happened" Claire sat down behind her desk. 

"How is it possible that the media doesn't know about your marriage till now? Hunter asked

"It was a discreet marriage and I think it was planned. I'm happy its that way, things could get ugly real quickly" Claire turned around to face him. "Thank you Hunter, I really appreciate your help with all this."

"Don't sweat it. But..."

"But what?"

"I think you should stay away from him."

"You don't need to tell me that twice"Claire replied. "But he is my ex-husband and I can't avoid him completely. Plus there's this issue of property we need to discuss."

"Get your lawyers to discuss it. If people see you guys together,it would fuel the rumours. Think about your company Claire, you can't have everything you worked for going down the drain. That man already took part of your life, ruined it don't let him have the rest" Hunter stood up and left.

Claire groaned for the nth time that day. Hunter made a valid point about Oliver ruining part of her life. But the fact remained they were once married, even if no one knew. She simply couldn't forget him. Hunter was a big help to her, she couldn't disregard his advice to her.

Hunter's family owned a company 'Glassy', the company had been in his family for generations. It didn't really require his presence which made it possible for him to pursue other ventures. His help to her was invaluable, he had had a lot of experience in business while she was just starting out.

She knew she had to use this opportunity to prove to her father her capacity to handle the family business. Her father was not present at the launch much to her disappointment. She had a feeling he would not come. She knew he would see the news but she wasn't sure of his reaction. He might be nonchalant about it the same way he was about everything. The only he cared about was his property and company.

Claire shook her head. She had to focus on the positives though they were few now. She began working. By the end of the day, she had gotten a lot of work done.

"Good evening ma'am, sorry to interrupt" Miss Vega, her executive secretary said as she entered the office.

"What is it?"

"Mr Lester's secretary just called. Mr Lester is hosting a party at his mansion on 4th Avenue, he is inviting you. Apparently he wants to talk about the business deal, he still wants to do business."

"Accept the invitation, tell Miss Roman to puck our a dress for me for this party. She should also fix my hair appointment. That would be all" Claire dismissed her.

 She smiled in relief happy all was not lost.

"What is the meaning of all this Oliver? Do you want to marry Ayana or do you want to go back to that 'girl'?" His mother asked. She sneered at the mention of that girl. She had sent for him earlier to talk to him.

"Mother..."

"I wasn't done speaking" she held up her hand. "Ayana is a lovely girl who loves you so much. She has lost a lot in life, don't put her through more pain" Oliver sighed at her words.

"We'll go through with the wedding as planned. I've sent roses and an apology letter to Ayana, you will own up to your actions, apologize and resolve this matter.

At least that 'girl' has a clear head to refute this matter. Your dad refused to press charges but the magazine has recalled that issue."

"Mother you need to calm down. I will do as you say."

"Oh Oliver please for the sake of my sanity" she sat down flustered.

"Should I get you tea?"

"Please do" Oliver got the tea for her. He left when she had calmed down.

Ayana was still in her room when he got home. He inquired of Mrs Collins if she had eaten all day, he wasn't happy to hear she hadn't eaten. He ordered the chef to prepare something for her at once. He knocked on her door twice before she opened it.

Her appearance was wild, it was the first time he had ever seen her look unkempt. Her hair was flying in all directions, her eyes were red, puffy, evidence of crying. She was still wearing her night clothes which had several creases.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ayana, I'm sorry. Can I come in?" She allowed him enter. Oliver saw her room was filled with the flowers his mom had sent.

"I got your flowers and letter" she waved the paper as she sat on the bed.

"Why did you do this to me? Were you enticed by her charm? Am I not enough for you?" She burst into tears.

"Ayana baby, please don't cry. I'm sorry okay" he knelt before her and cleaned her tears. "I love you."

"I love you too but sometimes love is not enough. Loyalty is important too. Promise me you won't leave me, you'll always love me"

"Ayana I..." His phone rang. It was his lawyer.

"I have to take this, I'll be back. I love you" he kissed her lips and left her room.

His lawyer called to inform about a meeting with Claire's lawyer about Auxton Oaks. Oliver said he would be present at the meeting. He hoped Claire would also be there. He went to meet the Chef when he was done with the call and got the food for Ayana.

Ayana was not satisfied though she sat on Oliver's lap as he fed her. The moment was sour but her mood was sour. Oliver didn't promise his love and loyalty to her as she wished. But one thing was sure, she wasn't going to let anyone take Oliver from her. No one was going to stand between her marriage to Oliver, absolutely no one.