The CEO's Rented Wife

Lina walked back to her home and found Willie, Bob, Tina, Olivia and grandmother, waiting for her in the house's lobby. As soon as she entered the main door, she was hit by a series of questions from everyone.

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Bob - Lina's brother.

Olivia - Lina's younger sister

Willie - Lina's friend who owned William's cafe. He had dropped Lina at Wang's mansion on the first day of her job.

Tina - Lina's friend, who worked as a waitress in Savoy's kitchen.

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Tina was the first one to see Lina.. and she immediately got up from her seat in surprise. "Girl! Where have you been? We have been trying your cell number the entire day. Why is it switched off?" yelled Tina as four of them stared at the crimson haired girl who had just entered the house. "You told your grandma that you were going to be with your boss.. and your boss's driver came here.. and told grandma that you were on a leave. Why did you lie?" asked Tina.

"I swear! These kids will kill me from all the anxiety they give me. First.. it was Bob.. and now, Lina. Oh God! What have I done to get such grandchildren in my life," cried the grandmother, as she walked towards Lina to hug her.

"Sister! We searched for you everywhere. We were about to inform the police. Are you okay? Where were you?" inquired Lina's brother, Bob.

Willie interrupted Bob's words. "I drove Bob to the mansion where I dropped you on the first day of your job. We thought we will get some information about you.. from there. The main gate was locked. The security guard told us that the owner, Mr. Wang is not at home," shared Willie.

Lina was speechless. She could not hear any of the words being spoken by others who were present in the room. Her attention was a hundred percent focused on the bouquet that was placed on the lobby's table. A beautiful bouquet of roses, stargazer lilies and snapdragons, surrounded by the perfect greens and other trimmings. Lina walked silently towards the bouquet and picked it up in her hands. She smiled a little as she saw a small card that had 'get well soon' printed on it. 

She separated the card from the bouquet and walked towards her grandmother. "Grandma! The man who had sent this bouquet.. my boss.. he is a very nice and a supportive man," smiled Lina as she remembered Wang's innocent laughter. "I had told my boss about your health condition.. about your diabetes and the sudden panic attacks.. He was very worried for you... and so he asked his driver to get this bouquet delivered to you," Lina explained.

Lina's words were interrupted by her friend, Tina. "Girl! But, where were you? You were not at your workplace.. and not at home.. and you lied to your grandmother that you were going to be with your boss. Where were you the entire day?" Tina asked again.

Lina thought for a few seconds. She knew she had to come with an answer immediately. "Err.. Ahmm! I did not lie. I was with my boss," insisted Lina.

"But, the driver said that you were not at the company.. He said that you had taken a day's leave. Do you mean that.. the driver lied to us?" Bob inquired.

"Err.. No! Why would the driver lie to you?" replied Lina as she trembled with fear.

"So, where were you?" grandmother asked again. "Lina, I swear.. I'll slap you if you don't tell me the truth immediately," warned grandmother.

"I was with my boss!" Lina insisted.

"So, why were the people at the company not aware of this?" Willie asked. "Lina, what are you hiding from us?" asked Willie.

Lina was too scared and exhausted. She had to end this conversation as soon as possible.. by giving an answer that perfectly fits the situation. "I was with my boss. We were out on a date.. and he did not want the company people to know about this.. My boss and I.. love each other.." Lina blurted out.

"What! What!!" Everyone present in the room yelled out.

"Lina! You did not even tell your best friend about this. I won't talk to you again," yelled Tina, as she expressed her sadness.

Willie and Bob stood speechless with their eyes wide open, not sure of what to speak at this situation.

Lina was shocked at what she had just said. But, it was too late. She could not take back her words. "I was too scared.. Plus, I needed to be sure about my feelings for my boss.. and Wang's feelings for me.. before I share this with all of you," Lina continued to make up new lies to cover up her old lies.

Everyone was silent. It was already dark outside.. Tina and Willie decided to give some privacy to the family. "Lina! I'll be waiting for your call. I need to hear everything.. You get that? EVERYTHING!" insisted Tina, as Willie and Tina walked out of the house.

Lina continued. "G.. grandma! I am feeling extremely exhausted. I think I'll faint.. if I don't take a rest. Can we please continue with this discussion tomorrow?" requested Lina.

Lina handed over the card, that had 'get well soon' written on it, to her grandmother, and kept the bouquet with herself. She walked towards her bedroom as she carried the bouquet with her. "Actually, the card is for you.. and these flowers are for me," smiled Lina, as she further strengthened her story.

Grandmother, Olivia and Bob did not utter any word, as they watched Lina walk back into her room. Lina went to her bedside and placed the bouquet there. 

She, hurriedly, removed her make-up, changed her dress, and sat on her cozy bed.. near to the bouquet. Lina smiled as the beautiful bouquet reminded her of Wang's innocent laughter and his infectious smile.

Lina's thoughts were soon interrupted by the message notification tone from her mobile, that was being charged near to her bed. She opened her Whatsapp messenger and her anxiety suddenly rose again. It was a message from Mrs. Dongmei, Lina's mother.

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Dongmei: Lina, keep your mobile fully charged always. Your stupidity and carelessness will make it more easy for Wang.. to destroy you and your family. I know that you and your team are heading to Putuoshan Island tomorrow. I will be there too. 

Lina: Hmm. How can you be so sure that Wang will destroy me and my family?

Dongmei: Lina, I have been on this case from many months now. Plus, I am your mother. You have to trust me!

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