in an open relationship 2

The following morning.

My forehead is hot above normal temperature, my nose is runny , my throat is dry ,I can feel every muscle in my body when I move . It's the flu.

The love birds have already woken up , Sarah left a note on the floor telling me to make the bed as usual .

I exhale sharply," it's only temporary" ,I comfort myself, my blocked nose has changed my voice.

I thought I'd get woken up by the sound of them making love but to my luck I didn't hear a thing, I think that's because Ethan went to bed angry , Sarah would've definitely wanted to make me uncomfortable by engaging in X rated activities.

I make the bed as instructed by the lady of the house ,just then Ethan enters the room and stands by the door with a tray in his hands,he is wearing a skinny black Jean and a plain white shirt. he has already bathed judging by the way he smells.

" What are you doing?" He asks .

" Making the bed as Mrs Ethan instructed" , something in my response makes him uncomfortable as he breaks eye contact.

" Don't call her that , she has a name". He seems calmer .

Something in me  gets furious when I see him but my conscious blocks me from acting out .

" Leave that " he commands.

" I'm already done " .

My runny nose is making me uncomfortable, I can't speak a word without sniffing the water in .

" I made you a cough syrup " he offers , he's says in a gentle tone like a caring husband would.

" No thanks " I reject his gesture.

He might have ulterior motives behind giving me that.

" Stop being stubborn Lauren and take the damn thing , you were coughing the whole night I don't want my father thinking I'm responsible" .

I almost thought he cared for a second.' but aren't you responsible?' I ask internally.

" Fine " I take the mug .

" I asked Sarah to leave in the morning. for the sake of our families I prefer that we act like adults , no drama and no fighting , and we are to  refrain from doing anything that might upset the other person like leaving in the middle of the night, what if someone saw you ? , They'd jump to the conclusions and accuse you of having an affair, I hope we are clear on that part " he commands.

I drink the syrup without responding.

" I mean it Lauren !" He presses.

" I heard you " , I put the cup back on the tray and stride over to the corner I slept on to fold his blanket.

He breathes," I'm going to the mall to get some of the things we might need for the BBQ, want to come along ?" .

" No thanks " , the socials are already talking about my pregnancy, the newspapers, probably everybody, I don't want to feel more uneasy then I already do .

" I'll just take Ashley then since she asked so nicely".

" Great" with a fake gleam .

The way he said that felt as if he wanted me to feel jealous or disapprove .

" I'll be back then " he walks out of the room .

I change out of my beauty and the beast gown and put on my pyjamas to not make the situation too obvious.

I hear a lot of voices muttering in the kitchen, they must be making breakfast because it is smelling heavenly, as I approach with a big grin I hear them talk about the Price baby that is on the way , I stealthily turn around and head to the back door .

For how much longer am I going to avoid them if we weren't in the same house then it wouldn't be as impossible. Since we are having a family BBQ the pregnancy is going to be the number one subject . So I can't avoid them for long .I'll be able to put up with it once Ethan gets here ,he is a perfect actor , like always I'll just follow his lead .

I stroll alone through the gardens, the fresh air and the little birds chipping calms my mind .

Decide to pull out my phone and call Kam .

" You couldn't wait to see me " is the first thing he says when he answers the call .

" I'll just hang up if you're going to act all cocky with me ".

" No no no , I was just kidding okay .... Good morning goddess how are you doing this fine morning?" His sweet voice makes my heart blush .

" goddess?, How many names are you going to give me ?" .

" Thousands and thousands " I hear him smile in his charming voice.

" Don't you think you'll confuse me if you do that , just stick to at least five if you are going to insist on calling me with different names " .

" Then I'll just have to pick the best ones I have ... Are you alright? ,You sound a bit sick ".

" Yeah , I have ' the flu' ".

" Are you sure it's not covid ?" He jumps .

" As if , that thing ended long ago" .

" I'm just kidding , is it because we went out late at night ? , Your immune system must be pretty weak ,I gave you my jacket but I woke up feeling alive more than ever " .

" I don't know , maybe because I slept on the floor " .

He chokes " what ? Why?".

" Sarah was in the room and Ethan insisted that I stay ,' the family is going to get suspicious if we sleep in seperate rooms' " .

" After we find a way to get you guys seperated I swear I'll kill that fake husband of yours".

"That's sweet but . I don't think that's such a good idea, he's much more stronger than you "

" How do you know that ?, You've never seen me fight " .

" True but I can guess , you are too sweet to fight anyone ".

" I won't be fighting just anyone I will be fighting Ethan ".

" Yeah I'd really like that but don't , you'll jeopardize the project,and lose tons of money ".

" You are way more important than the project ".

" Now you are just being smooth , you are also a businessman I know you wouldn't want to risk billions and billions just for a woman " .

" True true , but you are not a regular woman you are Lauren, my Lauren now"

His words tickle my intestines ,I'm his Lauren , when was the last time I heard a guy call me his? .

" And she's blushing " he says .

" As if ".

" Then why were you silent?".

" I'll just hang up if you...".

" Alrighty Mrs hang up , I'll keep quiet ".

" Good " . We both laugh.

" Awkward question, they didn't do it in your presence right?".

" To my surprise,No".

" Really? ,The two spiteful human beings refrained from engaging in an activity that would've win at getting their revenge on you ? , Wow. I'm out of words ".

" I know right ? . Ethan seemed angry when he got out of the shower , I heard their whole argument but I doubt it's something he'd get that mad over ".

" When it comes to that guy I can never guess right so I stopped trying a long time ago ".

" You are right only he knows what he was mad at , anyways what time are you coming?" .

" Around 12 ".

" Cool ". It's 9 O'clock so that's three hours from now,I have more than enough time to look good on a casual day .

I  sneak back into the house after my call with Kam to freshen up .