Kissed By Deception

Chapter 7

"Finally, cater to any of his requirements. You will act as his assistant while you stay under his roof," Brown instructed.

Vera bit her lip, a nervous habit she couldn't shake off. Noticing her uncertainty, he comforted her, "Don't worry. You are in good hands. The person you will support is Mr. Fidelis Aaron, the CEO of the Fidelis Crystal Corporation. He has a reputable and honorable standing."

Vera felt a flutter of anxiety, her heart racing. "Will… will I be living alone with him?"

"Yes, but as I've stated, you will have your own private area," Brown reassured her.

The mere thought sent chills down her spine. When she was with Bryan, he had proposed they cohabit, but she had always refused, fearing the complexities that would arise.

Just as those memories resurfaced, she quickly pushed them aside, chiding herself inwardly. 'Why would the CEO of the Fidelis Crystal Corporation be interested in me? Dream on, Vera.'

Yet, in spite of her fears, she recognized this was her best option. Her current situation offered little room for choosing. What intrigued her most about the opportunity was how the hours at the penthouse perfectly matched her school timetable. It felt like a stroke of luck that none of her classes overlapped!

"So, let me clarify," she said, scanning the contract with a blend of eagerness and apprehension. "I will receive free meals, complimentary housing, and the schedule seems ideal for my studies… and I’m earning four thousand dollars a month?"

"Yes, and you'll have a personal driver to take you to and from school as needed, making sure you arrive on time for your duties at Mr. Fidelis's home," Brown added cheerfully.

Vera's jaw dropped in astonishment. A driver? Is this truly a job?

Once she regained her composure, she couldn’t help but say, “I’m in! Where do I sign? I mean, assuming I’m accepted?”

Fidelis chuckled lightly, nodding. “Congratulations, Miss Susan. We accept your employment. Your responsibilities begin this Thursday!"

“Wow, that was easy!” she thought, her spirits soaring.

Without hesitation, Brown turned to the last page of the contract. “You can sign here.”

Once Vera scribbled her name, Brown gathered the paperwork and handed her a personal copy. “Just a reminder, under section 4.3 of this agreement, you are not allowed to terminate it. If you choose to do so, there will be a fee of forty thousand dollars.”

Her heart sank at the mention of the termination penalty. She realized she hadn't carefully read that part, but considering her situation, she feebly replied, “I— I am committed to working for Mr. Fidelis for a year.”

“Excellent,” said Brown. “Now, are you prepared to meet Mr. Fidelis?”

“Right now?” Vera asked, feeling a mixture of exhilaration and nervousness.

“Yes! Right now. He would be pleased to meet you,” Brown responded. Seeing her bewildered look, he elaborated, “We haven’t had a dependable person to manage his penthouse for a while. He looks forward to your help in keeping his residence organized.”

"Indeed, he should meet you before you officially… arrive this Thursday," Brown added.

Vera nodded, recognizing the necessity of this meeting.

As they approached the CEO's office, she felt the weight of inquisitive stares. She averted her eyes, avoiding their gazes, and followed Brown with a sense of determination.

After knocking on the door, Brown entered the office, announcing, "Mr. Fidelis, Miss Vera Susan have arrived. She has consented to supervise your penthouse."

“Let her come in,” a commanding voice responded from within.

At last, she stepped into the luxurious and carefully organized office of Mister Fidelis Aaron. The moment she entered, she was overwhelmed by its brilliance. Wow! Everything looked immaculate; she could nearly see her reflection on the gleaming floor.

The interior was lavish, a perfect combination of contemporary sophistication. To her left, the glass windows framed a stunning view that made her heart race with possibilities.

“Please have a seat, Miss Susan,” Brown motioned toward the chair in front of the CEO's desk.

As she sank into the soft chair, she noticed that Fidelis Aaron’s chair was positioned away from her. Alone in the office, she waited anxiously, eager to catch a glimpse of the man behind the city’s largest corporation.

She had heard murmurs about this CEO, rumored to be not only successful but also exceptionally handsome. Colleagues at the media company had suggested that he possessed a face that could enthrall anyone.

Well, seeing is believing, she mused, excitement pulsing through her. Since he seldom appeared in public, this would be her first meeting with the man who inspired immense respect and admiration.

Before long, the chair rotated, and she was finally confronted by Fidelis Aaron.

As their eyes locked, her breath hitched in her throat. Wow… a sight for sore eyes… His striking brown eyes held her gaze, and she found herself captivated by his chiseled jawline and perfectly sculpted eyebrows. A moment passed where time seemed to freeze; he was undoubtedly one of the most exquisite creations.

Quickly recovering, she stood, offering her hand. “Mr. Fidelis, it’s an honor to meet you! Thank you so much for this job opportunity.”

Fidelis grasped her hand, shaking it firmly, his professional yet friendly demeanor evident.

“Miss Susan, I have clear expectations concerning the maintenance of my home, but as long as you have a sharp eye for cleanliness, you’ll excel,” he responded, leaning back in his seat, his self-assurance tangible.

As he elaborated on his expectations, Vera couldn’t help but admire his striking features, struggling to remember where she had seen him before.

Perhaps on television or at the media company? In a magazine?... Where have I come across him? She pondered silently, scouring her memories for hints.

Then it dawned on her, a lightbulb moment that sent a jolt of recognition through her. This was… She swallowed hard, recalling the tall figure she had met at the lobby bar of the First Crystal Hotel.

Her heart raced as she made the connection. While Fidelis continued to speak, she was lost in her thoughts, covering her mouth in disbelief. ‘Oh no! He was the bartender I kissed at the hotel! I am in deep trouble!’

She glanced at her outfit, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Oh no! I'm wearing the same dress! I - AM - IN - TROUBLE!

“Did I really... kiss a CEO?”