SHADOWS OF DECEPTION: A BILLIONAIRES LOVE STORY

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 ;

The crisp morning air brushed against my skin as I stepped out of the subway station in the heart of Manhattan. The city buzzed with life, the towering skyscrapers seemingly reaching for the heavens. It was a stark contrast to my small-town upbringing, and as I gazed at the urban jungle before me, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"Come on baby girl hurry up" I rolled my eyes at Eric. Why did someone always have to interrupt my thoughts. Dragging my luggage I caught up with him. "Would you slow down I'm trying to admire the city" I said still looking around. Eric stopped walking and I almost ran into his back. "Eric!, what is wrong with you" I almost yelled. As I looked at him I realized he wasn't even listening to me, he was eye f*****g a blonde across the street. Rolling my eyes I grabbed my luggage from his hand and continued walking. This grabbed his attention and he followed " hey baby girl so uhh..". I rolled my eyes and told him he could go. This was Eric thing so I was already used it. He would ditch me to go off with some bimbo and then come back later. Happy that I had given him freedom, Eric pecked me on my cheek and was about to disappear when I intentionally yelled "you better shower before you come to my house, I don't want your Stds everywhere" he glowered at me and disappeared mumbling I should text the address to him. My stuff wasn't really much but for my slender 5.5ft figure, it was. I cursed Eric for ditching me when I almost tripped.

"Can I help you miss...." . I looked up to find the most beautiful baby blue eyes staring at me. He was almost as tall as one of the sky scraper's. I know I'm exaggerating but in my defense I don't think I've met anyone that tall. He was probably taller than Eric too. He had the body of a greek God or at least it looked like he would, his suit didn't give up anything except for his huge frame. His hair was dark and shiny and neatly done with no single hair out of place, I almost wanted to ruffle it just to see how it would look on him.

"Hm, hm" Mr greek gods friend cleared his throat. It was then that I realized that his hand was stretched out for a hand shake and he had asked for my name. " Oh I'm sorry. My name is Chloe and yes you can help me". In one swift move he lifted my luggage and moved, in swift long strides,to the end of the street where I would get a cab. Rushing to meet him I realized that we were getting a lot of stares but I just ignored it. I read out my address to him when a cab finally stopped and he repeated it to the cab driver. After he helped me put my luggage in the trunk, I thanked him, shook his hands once more and was off. In the cab I breathed a sigh of relief. The way his eyes followed me made me anxious and nervous and when I get nervous I get clumsy. Deciding to put my meeting with this intriguing stranger at the back of my mind to tell Olivia later, I focused on the excitement of getting to my new house.

This was one of the reasons I really looked forward to coming to the city. My beautiful apartment. It was a reflection of my gentle and book-loving personality. It was a cozy and inviting space, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling city outside. The living room was adorned with soft, earthy tones, a comfortable and overstuffed couch, perfect for curling up with a good book. The walls were adorned with tasteful, framed art prints, and there was a small bookshelf which I planned on filling with my favorite novels. A large window allowed ample natural light to filter in, creating a serene reading nook. My bedroom,my sanctuary was decorated in soothing pastel colors, with a large, plush bed and a quilted duvet. A vintage writing desk by the window, where I can indulge in my love for journaling and penning my thoughts. A small potted plant sat on the windowsill, adding a touch of nature to the room. The kitchen was a little compact but well-organized, with wooden shelves which I planned on filling with my collection of vintage teacups and cookware. There was a small breakfast nook with a cozy table and chairs where I could enjoy my morning tea or a quiet meal. It didn't have one but I created a small study nook in a corner of my apartment. A simple desk and a comfortable chair where I can focus on work and personal projects. I would definitely be putting up a corkboard on the wall to hold all my inspiring quotes and mementos from my favorite novels and life in general. As if it couldn't get any better. My room led to a charming little balcony, furnished with potted plants and a small bistro set. I was so looking forward to enjoying the fresh air, reading my books there or just simply taking in the city's skyline. It was like bringing a piece of home with me to the city. It was perfect and I got it at such a cheap price, I had to assume the owners we're desperate for money or I was just lucky. I decided I was lucky. I started unpacking and decided to make dinner. I made a little list of all the things I would need so I could go shopping, the next day which was a Saturday. Since I didn't know where anything was I decided I would jog around my new neighborhood early the next morning. Feeling tired from the stress of the day I went to bed early.

Saturday morning came and I was dressed in a black leggings and a forest green sweater with my Nike boots about to go jogging when Eric walked in. "Wow baby girl, you've really out done yourself, your apartment suits you, it's like I walked into your room at home only it's bigger. It's great". I rolled my eyes semi annoyed at him "of course its great and you know why, because I arranged everything myself, when you were supposed to be helping me". Eric came to hug me and made puppy dog eyes at me. "Come on baby girl, I'm sorry,plus I feel like you should already be used to this by now, but I'm sorry, don't be mad". I pushed him away "I'm going jogging to check out the neighborhood, there's leftover pizza in the fridge". I was on my porch stretching before I started jogging when Eric announced that he was joining me to make up for yesterdays lost time and then we were off. As we jogged around I noticed that the people who lived in my neighborhood were rich, like throw money around rich, making me wonder how I could afford that quaint little haven I lived in. The houses around here were so modern it almost hurt to look at them. Didn't these people have any taste. During our jog we discovered a gym, which made Eric so excited. I could see him making plans to crash at my place just so he work out. I rolled my eyes, I had been doing much of that lately. Next up was a really pretty park. I could see myself coming here often to clear my mind. We found a library which made scream for joy. Eric was so embarrassed he ran ahead of me. Lastly we finally found a mini mall, where I could grocery shop and get stuff I needed in the house. It was quite a distance so I would have to get a car or order a cab, especially of I had to shop heavily which we had to do today. I made a mental note to check out some places to get an affordable car. After shopping we decided to get a cab and I made Eric pay. When we got home he helped me arrange the stuff that I got in my house then we took turns showering. By the time we were through the morning was gone and our afternoon was far spent ,so I made dinner and we sat on the swing set chair I had installed today on my porch and ate. We spent Sunday lazying around, laughing, talking, watching movies and just having fun. Before I knew it, it was Monday. Eric had to leave because he had a plane to fly. I saw him off at the train station and took a cab to my new place of work.

I clutched the envelope with my job offer from Wright Financial, my golden ticket to the world of high finance, my passport into the elite society of Manhattan's wealthiest. With a deep breath, I set off toward the towering glass building that would become my new workplace. As I entered the sleek, modern lobby, I was struck by the gleaming marble floors and the hushed tones of well-dressed men and women. The receptionist, a poised and impeccably dressed woman, smiled warmly at me. "Good morning, welcome to Wright Financial. How can I assist you?". "I'm Chloe White," I stammered, feeling suddenly out of place. "I'm here to start my new position as Mr. Wright ' personal assistant." Her smile widened, and she checked a list. "Of course, Ms. White. Right this way." She led me through a maze of cubicles and glass-walled offices, each housing an individual whose net worth likely exceeded my wildest dreams. The world I had entered was opulent and foreign, far from the modest home where I grew up. We arrived at a large, mahogany door with a polished brass plaque that read "Sebastian Wright , CEO." My heart raced as I realized I was about to meet the enigmatic billionaire himself. The receptionist knocked gently and opened the door. "Mr. Wright , your new assistant, Ms. White, is here." My eyes widened as I took in the man seated behind the vast, ornate desk. Sebastian Wright , in his early thirties, exuded an air of authority. His dark hair was perfectly combed, and his piercing blue eyes met mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. That's when it hit me, he was the stranger at the train station. No wonder we getting a lot of stares. He was Sebastian Wright and my boss. It kinda made me wonder if he knew I'd be working for and wanted to find out the kind of person I am. "Thank you, Sarah," he said to the receptionist before focusing his gaze on me. "Chloe, is it? Please, have a seat." I took the chair across from him, my hands trembling ever so slightly. As we began discussing my role and responsibilities, I couldn't help but wonder if he recognized me. If he did,he made no mention of whatsoever. His eyes held mine captive as I listened to him. I wondered what secrets lay behind those intense eyes. Sebastian Wright was known for his ruthless business acumen, but there was a vulnerability in his voice that intrigued me. Little did I know that this meeting would mark the beginning of a journey into a world of wealth, power, and passion, where my life would take an unexpected turn, and my heart would find itself entwined with the man whose secrets could change everything.