Chapter 4 - The Hypocrite

Lisa could not return to the hospital now looking like this. Her eyes were red, she looked horrible. Her mother would easily guess that she cried if she had gone to hospital now.

She went home first to freshen up and picked up some essentials. It was almost dark when she returned to the hospital.

Her mother updated her about her father and brother's health.

After careful thought Lisa decided that it was better not to reveal anything to her mother. She didn't want to be looked down on by her mother.

Lisa said to her, "Miraz was not in his office today. We will try later on." she then forced a smile.

How could Mrs. Akter not see through her acts? This is the similar look she used to have when she had to lie to Mr. Akter whenever she failed to meet with a potential client.

She wanted to comfort her daughter. She wanted to scold Miraz harshly for not meeting her daughter. But she knew that she could not intervene if she wanted to her daughter to grow up.

However, if Mrs. Akter knew that Lisa was upset not because Miraz refused to help her, but because Lisa learnt that he was the source of their misery, she would not have accepted the role of just an observer. She would have given Miraz a piece of her mind.

.

*

At dinner time Lisa and her mother were allowed to visit Mr. Akter again. Liton also joined them.

They began to have dinner and chatted with one another harmoniously just like before.

However, the nurse announced that they had a visitor.

They became confused. Who would visit them at this hour?

But they permitted anyway.

When Lisa saw the visitors, her eyes turned cold.

Mr. Hasan and Miraz were standing and the door with bouquets in their hand and fake smile on their faces.

"Well, I didn't expect to see the esteemed Mr. Hasan and his talented son here. Are you sure you want to be seen together with us? Won't it degrade your value?"

Mr. Akter said in a sarcastic voice.

Mr. Hasan ignored his taunting and handed him his bouquet. Miraz followed him and gave his one to Lisa.

"Forgive my imprudence but I don't think that this worthless family deserves a visit from esteemed Mr. Hasan. Are you sure you are not at the wrong place? " Liton was also angry with them.

" Akter, Liton, I am really sorry. I didn't want to abandon your family. But the shareholders were firm on their decisions that they didn't want to be associated with your company. Or I would lose my position. I want to help you but I can only do that if I am in control of my company. Please give me some time ok?"

If Mr. Hasan was acting then Lisa had to admit that he was really skilled at it. Because Lisa couldn't find any fault in it.

"I am not the one you should apologised to." Mr. Akter understood Mr. Hasan's logic but still he didn't want his daughter to be wronged like this.

Mr. Hasan looked at Miraz. Miraz got his clue and immediately got into his role.

"Lisa, how are you dear? You look like a corpse. Please take care of yourself", Miraz looked heartbroken.

Lisa cursed him inwardly. As if a bouquet could solve their problems. If she hadn't witnessed his conversation in his office she might have really bought his act.

Lisa looked at her father. He still hadn't accepted Mr. Hasan's apology.

Lisa wanted to scratch the fake sympathy of his face. However, she had to endure.

Lisa forced a smile and said, " Thank you very much uncle and Miraz for visiting us. We know you must be very busy."

Lisa tried hard to hide her dissatisfaction, but she was still new at this. Her feelings could easily be seen by old fox like Mr. Hasan.

"Lisa child you are blaming us for the announcement, aren't you? We are really sorry. We didn't know from where the media got whiff of the news that Liton was sick. The news was also affecting our company. I needed to temporarily appease the shareholders.

If that happened then we couldn't have helped you even if we wanted.

Just let us prove our sincerity and don't push us away ok? After you guys have recovered, the children can be engaged again. leave this old man some face. it's a request," Mr. Hasan said eagerly.

Miraz was scrutinizing Lisa with sharp eyes. He had learnt from his emoployees that she had gone to his office today. But she didn't meet him.

Why did she leave like that? Did she hear anything? His pupil shrank thinking about it.

If his father learnt that he was the one who leaked the news, he would be severely punished and may strip him off his power. Miraz knew very well that of all his friends, his father respected Mr. Akter the most. Otherwise he wouldn't have visited him today.

He didn't plan to accompany his father today. But after he learnt about her visit, he decided to probe her a little.

But seeing her behaving like this, he decided to let go of his suspicions. According to her character, if she had really heard their conversation, she would have already confronted him or kicked him out. Right?

Lisa couldn't be sure you if Hasan uncle knew about Miraz's deception. But she knew that her father didn't want to cut off their relationship completely. Otherwise he wouldn't have allowed them in. So Lisa decided to respect his choice.

"It's ok uncle. It was a marriage of convenience anyway. It's not like Miraz and I are in love with each other. It doesn't matter whether we are engaged or not. What really matters is our company. As for Miraz, he can marry whoever he wants," Lisa gave an amiable smile.

Her statement shocked the other people in the room. She clearly does indicated that she didn't want to marry Miraz anymore.

However, other people didn't look too much into it. They thought she was throwing tantrum because the engagement was annulled. But Miraz could not help but feel uneasy in his heart. Did she hear anything or not?

Mr. Akter coughed. He didn't like this awkward atmosphere.

Liton also looked sad. He was blaming himself. It it wasn't for him his family wouldn't have to suffer...

If he had gotten sick after Lisa's marriage, his baby sister wouldn't have to be dragged in the chaos. Even if they were bankrupted, she wouldn't be affected. Miraz could not divorce her at that time even for the sake of optics. Right?

Mr. Hasan forced a smile and said, "Girl, don't give a decision this fast. I really like you as my daughter in law."

Lisa mumbled, "It is not you I am marrying.

Lisa's mother was silent until now and was observing her daughter. Why was she so determined to not marry Miraz. Did something happen? Then she looked at Miraz.

Miraz could feel her gaze and already began to sweat. For the first time in life he could not see through Lisa and he didn't like it.

Mr. Hasan pretended that he couldn't hear Lisa. But didn't continue on this topic. He then looked at Mr. Akter and asked him, " What are you planning to do now? Have you guys thought of any countermeasure?"

Mr. Akter was also relieved that they didn't continue this embarrassing topic. He replied , "As Liton is sick and I will have to join office again in order to salvage the situation..."

"No", a sharp voice interrupted him.