Ch. 46..50: The President's Pregnant, Ex-Wife Chapter 46-50

Chapter 46: Chapter 46 – A gift for his ex-wife

Jaws dropped but Martin could not accept it, knowing he was going to buy it for Zayla, it did not sit well with him.

"55 million," he said. Though his sister might not approve, he was a partner to JC Minerals and clothing so, he could work out something but that was the furthest he could go.

"60 million," Robin raised the margin. He was bent on teaching Martin to not mess with him again. Martin was upset since he could do nothing about it but Devin could not allow Zayla to have it either.

"70 million," he said.

"120 million," Robin declared while glaring across his two contenders. By now, the jaws dropped had already hit the ground and after waiting for a while, there was no contender.

Lizzy began to package it as usual but Sabrina was a little saddened. Robin wanted to prove Zayla’s worth to her. What a heartless man? She forced a smile and said, "It’s yours, Mr. Jewel."

Zayla was excited, smiling smugly, "You see, Sabrina, Robin loves me," she said to herself. Devin was upset and Martin was in a boiling rage. They were not as rich as Robin. Everyone could tell that Robin was buying the necklace from his ex-wife for his mistress at such an outrageous price.

"I think he loves his mistress a lot," the gossip started but no one added to it since they had still not recovered from the shock.

It was definitely going to be in the news to override Martin and Sabrina’s interview with the media. Lizzy walked over to Robin, swiped his card and took his fingerprint.

"Congratulations! Mr. Jewel, your parcel," Lizzy said and handed over the box to him.

"Thank you," Robin said.

Somehow, even the Borough president was not happy with what Robin did. In a way, Sabrina’s selfless act of gifting the red diamond as a birthday gift had won her a lot of admirers.

Robin rose from his chair and Zayla was excited to receive her gift in the face of all and sundry. Sabrina did not want to be a part of it and rose to her feet.

"Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. and Mrs. Bright," she thanked and hugged the couple and everyone who gave her support. Turning around to leave the table and join Martin, she crashed into Robin. She had no idea that he was standing behind her.

"Sorry, Mr. Jewel, and thanks for the referral," she said in a slightly bitter tone and was about to leave when Robin held her arm. His lips thinned and he spoke softly, more softly than he ever did in their three years of marriage.

"This looked good on you so I don’t think anyone else should have it but you."

Sabrina froze and her eyes widened when Robin clipped the yellow diamond necklace around her neck. He smiled and said, "Perfect."

After that, he walked away and took his seat beside Zayla, who was finding it hard to control her tears. Sabrina could not recover from the shock until Martin went to lead her away under Robin’s intense gaze. He had to admit that Robin did it to shame him and to hit the headlines but also had to admit that he failed and lost to Robin this time.

Robin would have walked Sabrina back to her seat but was too proud to hand his ex-wife over to Martin Dane. He still had not dealt with him as he wanted but this was just the beginning.

Suddenly, people began to clap for Robin, and the gossips resurrected, as if they had just been awoken from death itself.

"He gifted the 120-million-dollar necklace to his ex-wife. I wonder how much he purchased the one for, his fiance."

"Mr. Jewel must still be in love with his ex-wife to give her such expensive jewelry."

"It’s not a big deal since he gifted one to his mistress too."

The party returned to normal and couples began to dance. Sabrina had been stormed by some business men, wanting to partner with her and there were people who wanted to request for jewelry in advance and wanted to know about the new designs coming out. Some were also interested in the design of her dress.

Sabrina had made a lot of contacts at the party; she did not even have time to dance or eat anything. Unknowingly, Robin had been watching her all through. When Daniel joined his table with the random girl he brought, Robin excused Zayla and the girl, whiles he spoke to Daniel in private.

"For what reason would a woman refuse to drink anything at a program like this?" Robin asked Daniel, trying to see if his perception of Sabrina was right.

Daniel thought for a while before he responded,

"Because the drinks are all alcoholic beverages which she can’t take because she’s pregnant, or she’s afraid someone might poison or drug her."

Robin thought through Daniel’s words and convinced himself, saying, "With her so-called ex and current boyfriend in the picture, I will not accept fear since they are drinking freely, including that woman, Lizzy. She even shares the same surname with Sabrina."

"What are you implying?" Martin asked seriously. Robin was very intelligent so no doubt his brain could not be fooled easily.

"Sabrina is pregnant and she is trying to hide it from me." Daniel was about to refuse when Robin continued to say, "she is pregnant and I will prove it to you."

The second part of his statement got Daniel’s attention but before he could open his mouth, Robin asked him, "What other things are pregnant women supposed to avoid except alcohol?"

Daniel was suddenly annoyed by the question, asking in return, "You have another pregnant woman with you so why not ask her?"

Robin scoffed and went into thoughtful mode as if trying to recollect something. When it clicked, he hatched a plan, "I remember. Sabrina likes seafood a lot. Can you get someone to send her the most expensive one? She looks tired and hungry."

Chapter 47: Chapter 47 – Sabrina is a good woman

Daniel could tell that there was more to Robin’s request and went to do as told, saying, "I will try Robin but you have to pay me double."

Robin smiled and returned to his seat, sipping his wine slowly. This was not a good time to get drunk and he was not going to take the risk. Zayla excused herself to use the ladies’ room and Robin only hummed. He had not touched any food and kept stealing glances at Sabrina where she sat.

Zayla saw it all but as much as ideas crossed her mind on how to embarrass Sabrina, she was afraid of Devin who shared a table with Sabrina, Martin, and Lizzy, though they claimed to have broken up. She went to the ladies’ room, alone.

Varieties of dishes were sent to Sabrina’s table. She looked excited until varieties of seafood arrived.

Robin watched intently, as she kept arguing with the waiter. He could not hear what they were saying but the moment she stood up and rushed out with Martin in tow, Daniel followed them secretly.

Zayla heard a woman vomiting and to her surprise, it was Sabrina. Sabrina had not noticed her presence and was watching her hands and rinsing her mouth.

Zayla made a move to strangle her from the back, at the same time she was startled by a male voice,

"Brina, are you alright? I’m coming in if you don’t talk."

Breathing in and out, Sabrina was about to respond when she saw Zayla staring at her with loath. Guessing it was because of the necklace, Sabrina did not want to take chances for the sake of her pregnancy.

"Alright, I’m coming in," Martin said again before Sabrina responded,

"I’m coming out."

Observing Zayla one more time, she left the ladies’ room. She arrived after a few minutes and other minutes passed before Robin saw Daniel. Instantly, he stood up and walked towards him.

"Your suspicions may be right. She went to throw up," Daniel said seriously, something flashed in Robin’s eyes but it was soon gone. The corner of his lips raised before Daniel asked, "What if she’s just sick?"

"She doesn’t look sick to me and she doesn’t fall sick easily. Trust me, I know," Robin said with confidence.

"So, you are sure that she’s pregnant?"

"Yes, and that was the reason why she went to the hospital that day."

Robin had no proof but he was too sure about his suspicions.

"What if the ex-boyfriend is responsible?" Daniel asked again and Robin frowned.

"Find a way to get his name and I think someone is paying people to wipe her health records. Pay a spy to follow her everywhere. I need updates on her every move," Robin instructed seriously. The loud music made it impossible for anyone to hear what they were talking about.

"Damn it Robin, you owe me a lot of money," Daniel said jokingly but Robin took out his phone and quickly did a transfer,

"Check your phone for alerts."

Daniel’s brows raised at the amount Robin had sent to him, saying, "Hey, I said you owe me a lot of money but not this much."

"I paid extra because I want a good job done, Daniel, please don’t fail me again."

Daniel was slightly guilty. Someone had outwitted him the first time but not again. This time, he was going to cast the net deeper. "I will try my best."

Robin went around to bid farewell to his good friends when Zayla returned from the ladies’ room before saying to her, "we should leave now."

He could not stand watching Sabrina with those two men. Zayla did not want to stay either but as soon as they reached the door, they were swarmed by reporters,

"Mr. Jewel, what is your reason for buying a necklace at such an outrageous price from your ex-wife and gifting it back to her?"

Robin was not expecting this but since the opportunity brought itself, he could use it to clear the air. "Sabrina being my ex-wife does not mean we are enemies and it’s not wrong to buy her a gift. That money is not outrageous and I think she deserves more than that. In a nutshell, she was a good wife"

Zayla’s teeth were grinding together and she wanted to walk ahead but that would also make matters worse. How could Robin be saying this about Sabrina after her ex-boyfriend slapped Zayla? To her, enduring the slap and taking down her interview was enough punishment for her video interview, for which reason Robin did not have to do this.

"Mr. Jewel, is it true that you divorced her because she’s barren?"

Robin frowned but did not look at Zayla to make it obvious that he was upset with the things she said. They already sorted things out. "I never told anyone that my ex-wife was barren."

"But your fiancé here said so," one of the media reps pointed at Zayla. Unknown to Robin, some of them had been paid by Martin to embarrass them but Robin was handling it quite well and Zayla was the one facing the embarrassment.

"That was a misunderstanding which has been resolved."

"Mr. Jewel, how do you feel about your ex-wife’s relationship with her new boyfriend?" One of the reporters paid by Martin asked. Robin had a scowl on his face and responded,

"It’s none of my business and I will not answer any more questions."

No matter the questions that followed, Robin did not stop to respond to any. The drive to the penthouse was an extremely quiet one. Zayla could not hold it in, sobbing and saying, "you complained that I bargained too high at five million but you purchased the same thing at 120 million and gifted it to her. Did you mean to embarrass me?"

Robin was saddened that she felt that way and therefore explained his reason, "No Zayla, I indirectly gave her the alimony she refused to take."

Zayla’s eyes popped out instantly as she asked, "Does that mean you are getting the villa back?"

At the question, she began to think about whether the Diamonds in the necklace were the same as the ones her father talked about in the villa. Her heart began to race at the thought. ’No, Dad said those ones were worth billions, if not trillions. These ones were just 1.5.

"Never. That villa is hers and would never be taken from her. Sabrina is a good woman and she was a good wife. I don’t want to keep hearing news that my ex-wife was selling because I neglected her. Even after divorce, she is still my responsibility."

He did not add the part about the possibility of her carrying his child until he got proof.

Sadly, the only understanding Zayla got from the long narrative was the fact that Sabrina would always be an important part of her relationship to Robin and she had to prepare to see more of the bitch at every corporate event. Zayla was a burning rage but now, she had to go back to the girl who gave her the fake diamond.

Chapter 48: Chapter 48 – To visit his home

"We should be leaving now, don’t you think?" Devin proposed.

The Borough president and his family had left the party together with other important guests. Sabrina had equally finished her meal, still thinking about how seafood, which used to be one of her favorite foods, could now become upsetting to her.

Moreover, she did not even order it and the waiter had brought it by mistake. Internally, she feared that her symptoms might give her away sooner or later. At first, it was Lizzy’s barbecue and now, her all-time favorite seafood.

"Yes, we should go," Sabrina agreed.

She was already tired and could not wait to have a good sleep. Thank God it was a weekend and she could make very good use of it. Lizzy was excited all through, having gotten some businesses for JC Clothing as well.

She was already hard working so finding herself in the place of her passion was a bonus. They left in the same way they came and when they reached Sabrina’s father’s house, Martin took a little time before going to open the door for her.

He seemed to be in a very deep thought and looked disturbed.

"You don’t look fine," Sabrina noticed and uttered. She felt it was not in her place to ask but from the way Martin had stood up or for her the best he could, she could not pretend that she had not noticed it. Martin smiled but it was a forced one.

"I feel like a loser for not being able to get you away from him."

In actual sense, he was feeling embarrassed about how the news was going to carry Robin’s gift to Sabrina tomorrow when she announced that he was her boyfriend. He already expected the netizens to jab him for not competing with Robin further.

He could have done it if he was solely in charge of his corporation. If only his parents had not willed everything to his handicapped sister to force him to take care of her all his life. Sabrina felt sorry for the way he felt.

"It’s not your fault but it’s all for good. We got so many businesses without sweat and now, production would pick up again," she voiced out, encouraging him to see the bright side of everything.

Robin still had an edge over all of them because his power and authority extended further than that of any of them.

However, Martin could still not get over the shame. "I should have been able to help without his help."

"Martin, Robin was never a good husband. He was just trying to look good in front of everyone but we also benefited. Everything is just the way it should be," Sabrina explained the best way she could, trying her best to not show her annoyance when their relationship was fake. He owed her nothing and yet he stood by her and that was enough.

Whereas, Martin had his reason. The fact that this fake relationship was not at all fake to him. It was something he had dreamed of all his life and just as the opportunity presented itself, Robin had to ruin it for him.

"What if he is jealous of our relationship and is trying to get back at me?" He asked bitterly, Sabrina shook her head in disagreement.

"Robin never wanted me and would never be jealous. He is only a skillful manipulator and yes, he might be trying to get back at you because you exposed him for who he was. I will never forget how you have stood up for me all this while," she said honestly.

Martin smiled a little but as soon as he saw the necklace on her neck, his mind went back to when Robin had clipped it there in front of everyone and that did not go down well with him.

"And the necklace?" He asked with a little frown. Sabrina smiled a little. She already had it figured out.

"I will keep it for now until I know what to do with it."

Martin hid the disappointment eating his heart. ’Why does she want to keep something her ex-husband gifted to her?’

"You won’t take the money and put it up for sale?" He never expected that she would leave the money for her father since she left Robin with nothing. To him, Sabrina should use this money as some form of personal investment and sell the necklace to make more money for the company but Sabrina thought differently.

"No. I don’t need money. Devin is already a great support and my salary is more than enough for me. Moreover, putting the necklace back on the market would make it look as if I’m desperate for money, which is not the case. Don’t forget that this has become a public matter."

Martin had to agree that she had a point but did not say it verbally. When Martin was about to step out of the car to go around and open the door for her, Sabrina noticed that his phone kept ringing.

Before she could catch a glimpse of the caller, Martin picked it up before he went around to open the door for her. He did not answer the call in her presence, giving her an inkling to ask him some questions, and as soon as she stepped out of the car, she did,

"I have never heard you talk about relatives."

Martin looked away at the observation. He would have told her the truth if he had not told Devin otherwise. By the way Sabrina was close to Devin, she might tell, which would only lead to mistrust between him and his best friend. It was the least he expected at this moment.

"Sabrina, our fake relationship has only been for a few days and most especially, business oriented."

Sabrina frowned before she forced a smile, knowing that he was not just going to talk about it but he was also right. It was just a fake relationship and he was not obligated to tell her.

"I understand," Sabrina said and began to walk away when he said behind her after observing how displeased she looked, which made his heart feel sore and he told her the same thing he told her brother,

"Look, I don’t have any family."

Sabrina did not doubt the things her father told her, for which reason she did not believe Martin. With the certainty that he might be hiding something, she became inquisitive and asked,

"So, what if I want to visit your home?" The smile froze on Martin’s face.

Chapter 49: Chapter 49 – The trending news

Martin went into deep thought before he acknowledged, "We can arrange that."

If he wanted a serious relationship with Sabrina, there was no doubt that she would have to visit his mansion. When that time comes, then he could figure something out. There were always ways around these things.

"I will look forward to it," Sabrina said before going inside her father’s mansion, wondering why he lied to her. Martin was so lost on the subject matter that he forgot to walk her to the door.

Looking at the phone in his hand and the name of the caller, Martin felt nervous before redialing the number,

"You are still awake?"

He was panicky, trying to hide it by being the first speaker after answering the phone. The melodious but dangerous voice asked him, "Where are you?"

"I went for a business meeting. You were sleeping so I could not tell you," he said confidently but internally, he was slightly shaken. God knows the number of times he tried to get rid of her but his late parents made it too hard for him to do so.

"You always tell me everything in advance and I have been awake, waiting for you."

He could tell beyond the fake calmness she put on that she was upset.

"You should go to bed," he said in a soft tone. He was not in the mood to see her after Robin had ruined his night. It was already worse that it was going to be a weekend where he’d be stuck with her all through.

"I’m waiting for you to tuck me in."

Martin frowned. He employed a caretaker for her but she would always insist that he does the job of the caretaker whenever he was in the house. Martin sighed. It was a frustrating one.

"What happened to..."

"I want you to tuck me in like you do every day. I hope you are not with that girl Martin. I hate for women to be around you, especially her."

Martin’s heart was already beating fast at how directly she found him out. "Calm down, I’m coming home."

**

The next day at Robin’s penthouse, Zayla dressed up, ready to have her breakfast, and go to the jewelry shop to meet the sales girl. To her shock, Robin was seated in the living room with his iPad when she got there. It was too late to retreat since he had seen her already.

"Going somewhere?" He asked without looking up.

Usually, Robin would go to the office from Monday to Sunday, as if the penthouse was so unwelcoming for him. Zayla knew that he would not agree to her going to meet the sales girl, for which reason she did not want to inform him.

"I just wanted to go sightseeing."

"Give me a few minutes. I will join you," Robin rose to his feet and spoke. She seemed to be in a bad mood last night so he wanted to make it up to her. It wasn’t good for the pregnant mother of his unborn child to be depressed.

Indeed, he had rebuked Zayla for spending five million whilst doing worse. It sent the wrong information that he still cared for Sabrina more than he did her, which he did not want it to be, after thinking about everything throughout the night.

Sabrina had her so-called boyfriend but Zayla was his responsibility. As much as he hated Martin, he couldn’t think of the worst thing to do to him.

Zayla saved his life and deserved his attention and respect. Perhaps not making time for her was what drove her to do the things she always did.

Zayla was already sweating but from a distance, Robin could not see it. She wanted to stop by her best friends’ apartment again to ensure that the guy from last night had not revealed her secret. "No, Robin. I know you are busy."

Robin smiled. Zayla was trying to adjust to his routine but now, he was also trying to make time for her. If the mother of his child was healthy, then so would the unborn child.

"You always complain that I don’t make time for you so I did the necessary adjustment," he assured her.

Zayla forced a smile. Robin only finds it suspicious if she continues to find excuses. She might just have to postpone her rounds for later.

"Okay."

Robin was about to climb the stairs when he remembered the last state in which he saw Sabrina after sending her the seafood secretly.

"Zayla, are you alright?" He turned around and asked seriously. Zayla’s brows creased with confusion as she asked in return,

"Yes, do I look sick?"

Robin chucked and explained his observation, "No, except that I never heard you complain about morning sickness and all."

For as long as he knew, Zayla never complaining about any form of discomfort whatsoever, was weird.

Judging from how she always wanted his attention, he expected her to bug him continuously with it. Zayla smiled awkwardly and explained,

"Well, some of us women are healthier than others. Maybe that is why I don’t have morning sickness."

Robin frowned a little before retorting, "I never thought that morning sickness was a sign of unhealthy pregnancy. I will go and get changed."

He ran up the stairs and Zayla felt uneasy. She sat on the couch at the same time the chef came out of the kitchen and said,

"Ma’am, breakfast is ready."

Since the chef arrived, she has been having her healthy meals. She sat at the dining table and while waiting for Robin so they could have breakfast together for the first time since they began to live together.

While she was at it, she picked up the TV remote and turned on the TV. Zayla frowned as she saw Sabrina trending on the most important channels. Since the occasion was that of the Borough President, most prominent channels broadcasted it, especially with the necklace she gifted to the Borough President’s wife.

With her hands balled into fists, Zayla turned off the TV by the time Robin got downstairs.

Sadly, as soon as Robin turned on the radio in the car, the same news was trending and Zayla had no choice but to endure hearing about the success of her rival.

Chapter 50: Chapter 50 – A way to help her father.

As if enduring hearing about Sabrina’s success story and Robin lavishing his ex-wife by giving her such an expensive necklace was not enough, Zayla’s phone began to ring and it was the sales girl from the jewelry shop.

Not sure whether she could keep her promise to return the fake diamond ring, she was about to mute it when her father’s call cut through.

Since she knew what her father was going to ask her about, she silenced her phone and put it away in her purse while lost in thought. Robin was already suspicious of her because she hadn’t been cautious enough.

Moreover, not having made headway about the villa or Robin getting married to her, everything got her disturbed.

Suddenly, an idea crossed her mind and she asked Robin, "Darling, what does it take to support other businesses?" Perhaps, she could ask Robin to directly support her father’s company and in that vein, she could get ample time for her engagement and wedding ring.

"You mean your father’s business?" Robin asked directly and Zayla was shocked. For as long as she knew, her father had not told Robin to not create suspicions. Unease washed her, as she raked her mind on how to defend her request.

"How did you know?" She asked.

Robin sighed with his gaze on the road. Things like that were not new to him. People might find thousand and one ways to get close to him, beat about the bush with their wants but so had he gained enough experience to handle such situations.

"It’s my duty to know about all trending businesses as well as falling ones."

Zayla swallowed tightly, knowing it wouldn’t work if she asked directly. With careful thought, she asked, "And Sabrina’s business?"

"JC minerals have been doing well over the years. I just never expected her to land a job at a top position like that so quickly," Robin said honestly.

Zayla noticed how his eyes glistened with admiration when he talked about it but it was gone before she could point it out to him. ’Did he somehow fall in love with Sabrina or was he stricken by her transformation last night?’

No, Zayla shook her head at the thought but then, she saw a loophole in what Robin said, thereby asking,

"Does it mean that she fucked her way to the top?" She meant to say that that was indeed the case but asking that way, she left the decision to him.

What she did not expect was how Robin’s fingers around the steering wheel tightened like he was upset. Not only that, his voice was laced with anger and a hint of warning when he spoke.

"Zayla, Sabrina would never do a thing like that."

Zayla frowned. ’Why is he making it sound as if I committed a great crime?’ Zayla was not remorseful at that part. Not when Sabrina had changed men in less than two weeks after her divorce. If Robin has forgotten, then it was her duty to remind him of the fact that his ex-wife was a loose woman.

"But she already changed men within two weeks and most probably, she could be pregnant for any one of them. Maybe she was taking contraceptives when married to you, for which reason I thought her to be barren," she shrugged before recalling how she saw Sabrina puking in the ladies’ room.

She looked straight ahead after saying those words, even when she felt his furious gaze on her for two seconds. Robin’s gaze darkened before shifting back to the road, almost as fast as he moved it in her direction. He retorted with an air of coldness,

"Just mind your business and where exactly do you want me to take you?" He asked nonchalantly. His mood of making it up to her was ruined.

He could never have a peaceful moment with Zayla because she never knew when to talk and when to shut up.

Suddenly, Zayla did not want to be prudent anymore. Robin’s cold words hurt her badly. It was hard to understand how he would claim to love her but reserve every good thing and trust for his ex-wife.

How could she endure it? It just wasn’t fair to her. "To the jewelry shop. I could return the ring so you’ll buy me another one. The sales girl already called me to return it."

Robin’s lips pursed and he felt uneasy. Something inside him did not want to put a ring on the finger of a woman he did not feel sexually attracted to. That was the most important part of being a man and there was no way he’d marry Zayla if his feelings did not grow for her.

Like today, he was trying to make it work but with everything that happened now, he did not want to spend any more time with her. Unlike last night when he spent that short time with Sabrina. It was as if every cell in his body came alive again.

Well, if she wanted a ring, then that was all she was going to get. Zayla was not sure if he would buy the ring for her but when she saw him change direction to the ring shop, she was happy and decided to push her luck further since he agreed to buy the ring for her. She asked seriously,

"So, is there a way to help with my father’s business?"

Robin pulled over at the car park of the ring shop following the direction Zayla had given to him. He pressed stopped the engine and turned to his right side to face her,

"I will be very honest with you Zayla, your father’s business is broken beyond repair. Even if I pump money into it, it would just be like pouring water into a basket. Your father’s management skills are extremely poor."

Zayla’s eyes turned glassy at how direct he was with his words and Robin did not try to comfort her. He could take care of Zayla but for a businessman, he would not take the risk of investing with the likes of Zayla’s father.