Chapter 9

The maid came to Mr. Jamison's home office to report what she had seen the night before. He thanked his maid for bringing it to his attention and promised a sum of money in her next paycheck for her loyalty.

Mr. Jamison decided he would have Hadley and Alisha brought to his office to discuss the matter before breakfast.

Unbeknownst by what the family's maid had done, Hadley crept back into his room so it would look like him and Alisha would awake together.

As the two were coming down to breakfast, Mr. Jamison caught the two at the top of the stairs and asked them to meet him in his office.

As Hadley and Alisha sat together on his father's sofa, Mr. Jamison looked stern sitting at his desk.

“Son, it's come to my attention that this marriage is a sham.”

“Dad, I thought we hashed this out yesterday?” Hadley reminded his father of their previous conversation, unaware of recent events.

“Yes, I know, son, but I recently received new information of your activities.”

“What are you talking about?” Hadley inquired as he affectionately held Alisha's hand.

“It's come to my attention that you were sleeping elsewhere last night.”

“I was at a friend's last night helping him with a crisis.” Hadley defended his lie. “I didn't get back until earlier this morning.”

“So, you were with a friend? It wouldn't be another woman, would it?” Mr. Jamison asked.

“No, dad, it David Dennison. He was considering suicide and I talked him out of it.”

Hadley told his father with Alisha nodding in agreement.

“And you agreed with this?” Mr. Jamison said, looking to Alisha for agreement.

“Yes, sir, I wanted Hadley to be there for his friend during his time in need.” Alisha replied.

“Well, you two can go, but know, I will be watching you both.” Mr. Jamison said, letting them know he wouldn't put up with a sham of marriage.

As Hadley and Alisha made their way to breakfast, they both silently agreed that they had to be more careful about their interactions, now that his father was keeping an eye on them.