The Lie That Binds

Kyra saved Stephen's phone number on her phone, at her apartment, she texted him,"hi Stephen."

Seeing a new message on his phone, "hello, but who are you?"

"Chef Kyra," Stephen smiled when he saw the text, excitedly he replied, "I am glad you texted, I will save your phone number, Kyra."

Wondering how to save her name, Stephen thought, "should I save her name with just Kyra? No... Love? Angel? Baby?" Just then one voice inside of his head shouted, "love? Baby? Are you crazy? It's not like you are in any serious relationship with her," Stephen was brought back to reality by the message ringtone, looking at his phone screen, it was Kyra's text.

"I didn't ask questions concerning your mood that day because I know and understand that sometimes it's uncomfortable working under someone, whatever it is, I'm glad you have shaken it off, you looked brighter earlier, goodnight Stephen."

Stephen's face lit up as he read Kyra's message, her words resonating deep within him. He felt a sense of comfort and appreciation wash over him, grateful for her empathy and understanding. His fingers moved swiftly across the screen, typing out a response.

"Kyra, your kindness is a balm to my soul. You always had a gift for understanding me like no one else. I'm so glad we've reconnected. Can't wait to see you again soon. Sweet dreams."

As he sent the message, a warm smile lingered on his face, and he felt a sense of peace settle over him, his thoughts drifting back to their past and the promise of their rekindled connection.

At Martins' house, Sophia was in her parlour with Ms Johnson as her guest, chatting away while drinking chilled lemon juice, Abigail, the new nanny brought baby Matthew to Sophia, "I am sure you have wanted to meet him, hahaha.. he is so cute," Sophia said, handing the baby over to Ms Johnson.

"Oh! He is so cute, wow, you waited for him for so long and here he is," Ms Johnson, receiving the baby from Sophia said with smile.

"I know right? Now when I look back, I can say that waiting was worth it," Sophia took the baby and handed him over to the nanny.

"But... You are really something else, if I had a husband and child like yours, nothing would matter to me more than them," Ms Johnson said, sipping her juice.

Sophia's smile faltered, raising her eyes to meet Ms Johnson's, "what are you referring to?"

"Don't take it too serious, I admit that I admire you but I think it's too much, how can you start working in less than a month after childbirth?"

"I have a nanny who I employed for the job, and besides I have to work," Sophia defending herself, said.

"A mother should be close to her baby, your baby needs breast milk and not..." Ms Johnson was interrupted by Sophia, "save it please, my mother-in-law wanted a baby so desperately, same as my husband and now, they have what they want, do I have to stay with my baby every now and then? My mother-in-law can take care of him, and his nanny also."

Looking around, Ms Johnson wondered, "by the way, where's Ms Matins, your mother-in-law?"

"She went to her Ladies' society meeting, she would be back soon." Sophia replied.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Abigail, the nanny, excused herself to answer it. She returned with a surprised look on her face, "ma'am, it's your husband, Mr Martin. He's back early from his trip." Sophia's eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat as she exchanged a nervous glance with Ms. Johnson.

Raphael Matins entered his house, meeting Ms Johnson drinking with his wife, he had never seen them together, at work, they acted as if they don't know each other, surprised, he asked, "hello, Ms Johnson, what are you doing here?"

"Hello sir, welcome back from your trip, I came to take some files," Ms Johnson replied nervously.

Raphael's eyes felled on the two glasses which still had the juice inside, confused he asked, "may I ask, are you friends with my wife?"

"Hello sir, yes, I got close to director Sophia, she's so good to me at work, I came by to take some files but she offered me a drink." Ms Johnson lied, panicking.

Since that night from almost six years ago, both have kept their friendship hidden, so that they could keep their secret buried as well.

Raphael's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze shifting between Sophia and Ms. Johnson. "Files, at this hour? And on a Thursday evening, no less," he said, his tone laced with skepticism. "I didn't know you two were...close," he added, his eyes lingering on Sophia, a hint of accusation in his voice. Sophia's heart raced as she forced a smile, "Oh, yes, we've become good friends, isn't that right, Ms. Johnson?" she said, her voice steady, trying to deflect Raphael's suspicion. Ms. Johnson nodded in agreement, "Yes, director Sophia has been a wonderful mentor and friend."

The tension in the room was palpable, as Raphael's eyes continued to bore into Sophia, as if searching for something."If you say so, I will leave you to finish your conversation, and welcome to my house," he added, walked towards Sophia and gave her a kiss on her cheek before going upstairs, leaving both Sophia and Ms Johnson alone.

Both stared at each other for a while, "I think I have to go now, Sophia, thank you for inviting me over," Ms Johnson said and left in a hurry.

"Bye, take care," was all Sophia could say.

Sophia watched as Ms. Johnson hastily departed, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. She couldn't shake off the sense that Raphael was onto their secret, and the tension in the air was suffocating. She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself, wondering what had just transpired. As she turned to go back inside, she noticed a piece of paper on the coffee table, left behind by Ms. Johnson. It was a note, scribbled in haste: "let's meet at the usual place from now on.-Johnson."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she realized the implications. Their secret was still alive, and it was only a matter of time before it all unraveled.