The Fake Billionaire

Chapter 9: Destiny Yet to be Determined

As I gazed at him once more, taking in his strikingly handsome features, I began to understand what Maya had seen in him. There was something about being near him that sent shivers down my spine. It was hard to believe that I had only briefly harbored a crush on him.

No, that couldn’t be possible.

“What on earth are you talking about?” he asked, his eyes widening as he stared at me. His lips parted slightly, and I found myself wanting to kiss him again.

I must be losing my mind, or perhaps this man has some sort of magical influence. If he truly believes that Maya will leave her husband for him, he’s gravely mistaken. He’ll be waiting an eternity.

“I’m telling you what your mind refuses to acknowledge. Do you even know my nickname?” I said with a smirk. “It’s ‘the snail.’ I always stick to the side of truth.”

He lets out a soft chuckle, “Your nickname doesn’t even fit the description. Can a snail really tell the truth?”

Feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me, I frown at him. This is the consequence of not finishing my education, I think to myself. More often than not, I end up saying things that don’t make much sense.

“Well, at least I’m not the tortoise. I’m not tricky like you!” I retort, turning on my heel and walking away briskly. I don’t want to give him a chance to respond or to let my thoughts spiral into more negativity about him.

As I step into the living room, I notice it’s completely empty. The usual hustle and bustle of the maids is conspicuously absent. The silence feels almost eerie, and I can’t help but wonder where everyone has gone. Are they taking a break? Or perhaps they’re busy with some other task elsewhere in the house?

I glance around the room, taking in the neatly arranged furniture and the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains. The quietness gives me a moment to reflect on the conversation I just had. Maybe I was too harsh, but his comment stung. It’s moments like these that remind me of the gaps in my education and how they sometimes make me feel inadequate.

I shake off the thoughts and decide to look for the maids. Maybe they need help with something, or perhaps I just need a distraction to clear my mind. As I move towards the kitchen, I can’t help but feel a mix of curiosity and a desire to escape my own thoughts.

What a time indeed. I make my way to the bedroom, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. As I open the door and step in, the room feels like a sanctuary, offering a brief respite from the day’s events. Yet, my mind keeps drifting back to the guy I just spoke with. His words, his demeanor—they linger in my thoughts, refusing to be forgotten.

I can’t believe I didn’t ask for his name. How could I forget something so simple, yet so important? It’s frustrating, and I find myself replaying the conversation in my head, wondering what his name might be and why it slipped my mind. Maybe it was the heat of the moment, or perhaps I was too caught up in my own thoughts to remember.

I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor, lost in contemplation. The room is quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner. I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment and curiosity. There’s no use dwelling on it now, but I can’t help but feel a twinge of regret. Maybe I’ll see him again, and next time, I’ll make sure to ask for his name. For now, all I can do is let it go and focus on the present.

I walk to My window and look down at the garden, perhaps I would see him there. But there was no one in the garden. That's strange.

I turn around and my heart skips a beat. Someone has suddenly materialized and is standing in front of the door.

Gosh it's Caleb!

I steady My breath and glared at him, "why are you scaring me like that?"

"What were you looking out for?" he says and walks to me. He attempted to look through the window but I drop the curtain.

"Now, what are you looking for?"

Caleb signs and walks back, "why did you wall out? Linda warned you not to step out of your room. The only place you are supposed to be aside from your room is the living room. Do you know what she will say if she finds out you went out?" He rattles off, angrily.

I sign I wonder what they are worried about. I'm a copy of Maya already. And no one is going to see me anything.

"What are you angry about? I didn't even see anyone except," I stop briefly as I contemplate on whether to tell him about the guy I saw in the garden. No I won't.

Caleb is suddenly so close, a breath away.

The memory of when the guy kissed me flood my head and I quickly push him away, "What are you doing!" I scream at him. Was he also about to kiss me?

Gosh, I don't know why I'm thinking about this guy.

Calen ground and stands, "What the f**k did you just do? What were you thinking of?" He signs and takes a retreating step, "You mustn't get any funny ideas. You might look like Maya but you can never be Maya, he stops by the door, "Linda will be here soon, get prepared," he says, walks out.

I speed to the mirror and realize I'm blushing real hard. Why is mere thinking of him giving me goosebumps?

Gosh! This is not good! I'm not supposed to be feeling this way for Maya's ex boyfriend.

Even though these two can never date yet it feels as though I'm passing my boundary.