"Barry! Why are you here?" Mary came to a halt, her attention diverting to Barry. He stood with a lunchbox and Marry realized his gaze was fixed upon the direction where Selah was leaving.
"Mary, is Selah married? Does she have a son?" Barry turned around and asked.
"I know for a fact that she isn't married. But I had no idea about the son." Mary's lips were pursed and her frown deep. "When did the company sign the contract with her? I guess she didn't put much information in her file," Marry said, lost in thought.
Barry had an incredibly cold look in his eyes. "She has been with the company for five years and her contract is about to expire. Surprisingly enough, she didn't tell us about her wonderful history!"
Barry recalled the day Selah had asked for money. Utter disgust was now written on his face.
"She has rushed to the hospital now," said Mary with a sigh. "If some nosy reporter finds this out, the whole company will get into trouble along with her! This isn't safe. I am going to follow her. I am worried about her." "No, don't," Barry said, stopping her. "I will just ring Cooper and ask him to keep an eye on her."
After saying that, he dug out his phone from the pocket and made a call. "As soon as she gets back, ask her to meet me," he added before hanging up the call.
When he was done with the call, Mary widened her eyes and said, "What's wrong with you? It looked like you wanted to eat someone alive. I have never seen you look so angry!"
"Really?" He raised an eyebrow at her and forced a smile.
"Yes." Mary nodded and continued, "Selah was anxious so she rushed out of here. Please be easy on her. Don't make it harder than it already is." There was a pleading note in her words.
Barry let out a frustrated sigh and explained, "Mary, it's not like I enjoy making things difficult for her. She is asking for it, can't you see? She has violated many rules. To start with, she is hiding the fact she has a child. On top of that, she works as a wine seller in a night club. This is getting out of hand."
"A wine seller? Really?"
Her eyes widened in shock. "Where is she selling the wine?"
"Well...I... I accidentally saw her last time," he answered nervously. "Then what do you plan on doing about it?" Mary gaped at Barry and went on, "She has a promising career as an actress. I hope the company will support her. She needs it."
Barry laughed without humor. "Support?" he asked coldly. "A person like her doesn't deserve to be in this industry. They will only create havoc and mischief." His voice held a note of disdain.
Mary looked at Barry, who was not quite himself today, and said, "You seem to have a strong prejudice against Selah."
"No, I don't," Barry said and flashed her a feeble smile. Remembering the porridge in his hand, he said, "I asked Hester to prepare porridge for you.
"Oh, you didn't have to. But thanks." Mary took the box awkwardly. "Please tell me you didn't drive all the way here just to give me this," she said.
Sheepish grin broke across his face. "Mary, that's exactly why I came here. We are friends and way past these formalities. Please don't be so distant."
"I..." Mary bit her lips, not knowing what to say. 'I have to tell him about me and William,' she thought.
"William and I--"
"What about William? Is he getting better?" Barry cut her off. "I wish I could see him. But work keeps me busy," he added.
"Well, he is doing a lot better now." She lowered her voice and spoke tersely.
"Okay," Barry said, "I am glad to hear that. Are Alick and Elissa also in the hospital?"
"Yes, they stay with their grandpa and grandma."
There was an awkward pause, and they didn't know what to say.
"Barry," she then said, "I want you to know that I
"Eat the porridge! It will get cold," he cut her off once again. Frustrated, Mary glared at him.
"What? Why won't you let me talk?" A stern tone entered her voice.
Barry glanced at her apologetically and admitted, "I am sorry. It's just that I can't bear to hear anything about you and William. Let's wait until he recovers."
"I thought you should know. But if that's what you want, then fine." Mary had no choice but to let go of this topic.
"Mary, the next shooting is about to begin!" a voice called out from behind.
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