The Fake Billionaire

Chapter 7: Hidden Treasure

Do you prefer "Wine or Red?" Linda asks

"'Wine', I answer, eliciting a smile from her. I've been immersing myself in Maya's interests for the past 48 hours, trying to win her over."

"I'm thrilled to be doing this! I've been living the good life for the past two days, enjoying delicious food and taking a well-deserved break from work."

"I was instructed to thoroughly research and study Maya, devouring all information about her. I even received training on her mannerisms, including how she walks, in order to better understand and connect with her."

"Now, I feel fully prepared and confident. After all, Maya is the epitome of perfection. 'Pants or skirt?' I ask, seeking her preference."

"I smile and respond, 'My preference is a pair of jeans, but if that's not an option, I'd be happy to wear a skirt instead.'"

"Linda lets out a gentle laugh, 'Well, you're all set! I must say, I'm impressed by how quickly you've picked everything up. You're a fast learner!'”

"I'm thrilled to share that my mom is doing well too! I spoke with her yesterday, and her joyful tone said it all. I'm grateful to be able to improve our family's situation and bring happiness to those I care about."

"Just as I hear a gentle tap on the door, James enters the room carrying a nylon bag, his arrival punctuating the silence."

"He unzips the bag, pulls out a phone, and hands it to Linda with a smile, saying, 'I've got the perfect one right here!'"

"Linda takes the phone from James with one hand, her eyes fixed intently on me, before extending it to me with a stern warning: 'This phone costs a million dollars. If you so much as misplace it, you're dead meat!' Her words are laced with a sense of seriousness, her teeth clenched in emphasis."

"My eyes widen in astonishment as I gaze at the luxurious iPhone, a symbol of wealth and opulence. I can't believe my luck! I quickly take the phone from Linda's outstretched hand, eager to possess this coveted device before she changes her mind or scolds me further."

"Linda, Maya's closest and most eccentric friend, is a billionaire who's willing to go to extremes - like threatening to kill someone - over a phone worth a mere million dollars, which seems absurd given her vast wealth."

"I assumed that billionaires like Linda had an abundance of wealth and resources, making it unnecessary to be overly attached to a specific material possession like a phone, let alone resort to extreme measures over it."

"Linda exhales heavily, nodding in satisfaction, 'She's all set now.' Turning to Caleb, she instructs, 'Take her to the house so she can get settled before the wedding ceremony.' Her tone implies a sense of readiness and preparation."

"The wedding is just a week away, and once it's over, I'll be heading back home. My only concern is making it through the wedding day itself without any issues - specifically, avoiding any trouble on the night of the wedding."

"I've got this! It's a piece of cake. I'm confident I can handle it without a hitch."

"As Caleb gestured for me to follow him to his car, Linda intervened, handing me a sleek, wine-colored gown to wear. The dress was short and fitted, showcasing a design that accentuated my figure."

"The gown hugs my body like a second skin, showcasing a flattering fit. Initially, I felt uncertain about the unusual design, but upon gazing into the mirror, I was struck by the transformation - the dress revealed a hidden gem, and I was amazed by how stunning I looked."

"Linda mentioned that she'd come by my place tomorrow to take me to the salon for a hair makeover, and I couldn't help but wonder what my transformed look would be like by the end of it."

"I might be unrecognizable after the makeover - it's likely to be a drastic transformation!"

"As soon as I got in the car, I turned to Caleb and asked, 'Am I going to be staying with Julian?' He's the only one I feel comfortable enough to be honest with, the only one I trust to tell me the truth."

"Linda is known for her loud and outspoken nature, whereas Julian is a man of few words, only speaking when absolutely necessary, preferring to keep his thoughts to himself."

"I empathize with Linda's situation; she's desperate to secure the contract marriage, and the added stress of not knowing her daughter's whereabouts only exacerbates her anxiety."

"How could I have possibly expected her to feel anything other than overwhelmed and anxious, given the circumstances?"

"'No, you're staying alone,' he says curtly, before driving off and leaving me behind."

"I'm left to ponder my situation, realizing that I'll be staying alone, just like Maya would. Since I'm masquerading as Maya, I'll have to adopt her solitary habits and remain at home, blending in with her routine."

"'Be cautious, we have five maids in the house, so make sure they don't discover your true identity,' he warns, his eyes fixed on the road as he skillfully navigates through the traffic, never once glancing in my direction."

"He flashes a brief smile and nods in agreement, 'Her house is amazing, isn't it?'"

"As we pull up to the grand entrance of a stunning pink-hued mansion, I turn to Caleb with wide eyes and a thrill of excitement, asking, 'Is this Maya's home?' My anticipation is palpable as I take in the impressive sight before us."

"I nod in agreement, my gaze returning to the mansion as we drive inside, taking in the opulent decorations and intricate details that adorn the interior of the grand estate."

"While this house is stunning, it pales in comparison to Julian's estate. This place is a veritable paradise, a true masterpiece of architecture and design. Its beauty is unparalleled, a true marvel to behold."

"I reach for the door handle and pull it open, but Caleb swiftly grabs my arm, holding me in place. I turn to him, perplexed, and he commands in a low, authoritative tone, 'Close the door,' his eyes intense and serious."

"I promptly shut the door, still looking at Caleb with a mix of confusion and apprehension, wondering if I had inadvertently made a mistake or violated some unknown rule."

"He quickly gets out of the car and walks around to my side, opening the door from the outside. I gaze up at him in surprise, my eyes wide with wonder and a hint of alarm at this sudden and unexpected move."

"Caleb extends his hand towards me, and suddenly, it clicks – I remember him teaching me this protocol before. His gesture is a familiar signal, and I recall the instructions he gave me, understanding what he wants me to do next."

"Caleb had informed me that wealthy and famous individuals often have a distinct way of greeting, unlike the customary gestures familiar to us. Instead, many of them prefer to show respect by kissing the lady's hand, a refined and elegant gesture that is particular to their social circle."

"I remembered that I was supposed to smile graciously and extend my right hand, palm facing upwards, to accept the greeting in the manner that Caleb had taught me, allowing the gentleman to kiss my hand as a sign of respect and courtesy."

"I smile, recalling the lesson, and extend my right hand. Caleb takes it, but instead of the expected gentle kiss, he uses it to pull me up from my seat, his grip firm and unexpected, leaving me feeling surprised and slightly off-balance.

"I gaze up at Caleb, still uncertain and wary of this unexpected turn of events. He shuts the car door behind me, his eyes never leaving mine, and then takes my hand again, guiding me towards the grand estate, his gentle tug leading me up the path towards the ornate entrance."

"'Stop looking at me like that,' Caleb says, his tone firm but laced with a hint of amusement. I quickly avert my gaze, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. 'Remember, we have a charade to maintain. There are five maids in this household, and you need to convince them all - including me, for the time being - that you belong here. So, let's keep up the act, shall we?'''

"Oh, I finally understand what's going on. But I can't believe this is how Maya is treated. What's the big deal about getting out of a car? Why do I need someone to do it for me? It seems so unnecessary and indulgent.”

"And what is Caleb's role in all this? Is he her guardian, her protector, or something more?"

"I start to ask him another question, but we reach the grand entrance of the estate, and I hesitate, deciding to save my inquiry for a more opportune moment. The imposing doors swing open, and Caleb ushers me inside, leaving my question unspoken for now."

"I take a deep breath and try to calm my nerves just as Caleb opens the grand entrance door, leading us into the opulent interior of the estate."

"As we step inside, I'm immediately struck by the sight of five women, their heads bowed in a gesture of respect, awaiting our arrival. They stand poised and still, their eyes cast downward, exuding an air of elegance and refinement."

"In perfect unison, the five maids curtsy and greet me with a harmonious 'Welcome, Mistress', their voices echoing through the grand foyer like a well-rehearsed chant, making me feel like royalty."

"I turn to Caleb, my eyes seeking guidance, as I'm taken aback by the maids' synchronized greeting. I'm unsure how to respond, and my silence is palpable, as I wait for Caleb's cue on how to proceed."

"Caleb's expression turns disapproving, and he shakes his head, as if I've failed to meet expectations. 'The mistress is exhausted,' he announces, his tone dripping with disappointment. 'She will retire to her quarters for some rest. You may serve her pie and champagne in her room.'"

"I stifle a shocked exclamation, my eyes widening in disbelief, as I struggle to process the sudden declaration. The words hang in the air, leaving me feeling like I've been punched in the gut, my mind reeling with the implications."

"Caleb's gaze snaps towards me, his eyes narrowing slightly in a silent rebuke. He nods curtly, his expression stern, as if warning me to keep my surprise and questions to myself. The brief glance is enough to convey his disapproval, and I feel a subtle reprimand wash over me."

"I compose myself, forcing a smile onto my face, and nod in agreement. 'Yes, I'd like some privacy,' I say, my voice steady. The maids respond in unison, their voices sweet and obedient, 'Yes, mistress.' They curtsy and disperse, leaving me alone with Caleb, the silence between us palpable."

"As Caleb guides me up the magnificent staircase, I glance back over my shoulder and notice the ladies remain stationary, their heads still bowed in a gesture of respect. The image is striking - their frozen poses a testament to the strict protocol that governs this enigmatic household. I feel a shiver run down my spine as I realize the gravity of the situation, and the weight of the unknown expectations that lie ahead."

"I can't help but wonder, aren't they straining their necks like that? That looks like an awkward position to be in. And what's with the bizarre cold treatment? It seems more like a recipe for discomfort than a remedy for relaxation!"

"Caleb's hand tightens around mine, and he pulls me closer, his gaze fixed on something ahead. I look up at him, trying to read his expression, and for a fleeting moment, I sense a glimmer of something softer, something almost tender. But his eyes remain averted, and his face quickly returns to its usual stoic mask. I clear my throat, feeling a flutter in my chest, and continue walking beside him, the silence between us thick with unspoken emotions."

"As soon as the door closes behind us, I let out a frustrated exclamation, 'f**k! I'm so done with walking like that!' My words are laced with exhaustion and annoyance, as I finally allow myself to relax and shed the formal facade. I glance at Caleb, hoping he'll understand my plight, or perhaps even share a hint of a smile at my outburst."

"I feel a surge of indignation and independence. Does he really think I need his guidance? I'm perfectly capable of walking up the stairs myself. His gesture seems patronizing, and I wonder if he's trying to assert some kind of control over me. I consider pulling my hand free and continuing on my own, but something about his firm grip and steady pace keeps me in step beside him."