NEW YEAR, NEW LIE

Chapter 5

I smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "Thank you. I'll have the grilled chicken with roasted vegetables, please."

The chef nodded, jotting down my order. "Very good, miss. I'll have it prepared for you right away."

About twenty minutes later, the food arrived, and I ate to my satisfaction. Feeling exhausted, I lay down on the bed and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of someone entering the room. A maid smiled at me, carrying a tray of toiletries. "Good morning, miss. Maverick sent me to fix your bath and get you ready for the day."

I smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "Thank you."

The maid helped me bathe and dress in a beautiful new outfit that Maverick had sent over. She even styled my hair and applied makeup, making me feel like a completely different person.

As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Maverick. Who was this man, and why was he being so kind to me?

Maverick walked into the room, his eyes scanning the space as the dressers and makeup artist left the room. He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You look gorgeous, Chanel," he said, his voice low and smooth.

I felt a flutter in my chest as I met his gaze. "Thank you," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "I never knew I was this beautiful. Thank you for all you did"

Maverick chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Just follow me," he said, stretching out his hand to me.

I placed my hand on top of his, feeling a jolt of electricity as our palms touched. He led me out of the room, down a corridor, and up a staircase. We emerged onto a rooftop deck, where a beautifully set table awaited us.

Maverick pulled out my chair, and I sat down, feeling like a princess. He pulled the seat out for me, and we got seated we began to eat and talk.

"I'm sorry I haven't even gotten to tell you my name," I said, feeling a little embarrassed. "I'm Chanel Steele."

Maverick smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hm, such a unique name. It's really a pleasure meeting you again. The world is really a small place."

I laughed, feeling a sense of wonder at the coincidence. "I guess so."

Maverick leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "So, I guess that guy was your boyfriend...ex-boyfriend, I should say."

I nodded, feeling a pang of sadness. "Yeah."

As we talked, I couldn't help but notice the way the other women on the deck were staring at Maverick. They were all smiling and blushing, and I couldn't blame them. Maverick was gorgeous, with broad shoulders and piercing green eyes. He was literally everything any girl would want.

But why was he sitting here with me, giving me the princess treatment? I couldn't help but wonder.

Maverick's eyes locked onto mine, and I could sense a flicker of concern in their depths. "You don't have to be sad, Chanel," he said, his voice low and soothing. "I can help you—"

Just then, a man walked in, interrupting our conversation. "Hey, boss," he said, his voice deferential.

Maverick nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "What is it?"

The man hesitated before speaking. "You have a call from your dad."

Maverick's expression changed, and he nodded curtly. "I'll call him back when I get to my room."

The man nodded and backed away, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared.

As soon as he was gone, a group of girls approached our table, their eyes shining with excitement. "Hello, sir," one of them said, her voice breathy. "It's really nice to finally meet you in person. I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner."

Maverick smiled politely, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's no problem at all. Nice to meet you too."

As the girls chatted with Maverick, I couldn't help but feel confused. Who was this man, and why was he being so kind to me?

I discreetly pulled out my phone and Googled Maverick's name. My eyes widened as I read the results. Maverick Kingston, CEO of Kingston Enterprise and Empire.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Why hadn't he told me who he was?

As the girls walked away, I turned to Maverick, my eyes narrowing. "Are you really Maverick Kingston?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Or are my eyes playing me? Why didn't you tell me who you really were?"

Maverick's expression was calm, but I could sense a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Just forget about it, okay?" he said. "Yeah, I'm Maverick, but I don't want that to be among your worries. We were discussing your boyfriend, remember? I can help you make him jealous. We can fake date."

My mouth dropped open, and I felt like I'd been struck by lightning. Fake date with Maverick Kingston? Was he insane?