Deceiving The Billionaire

Chapter 3

MAYA

I let out a laugh. "You haven't even met him yet and you're already judging." 

"Well his divorced wife has been spilling awful things about him lately. I won't be surprised if they're actually true." She scoffed. "And don't fall for his charms either." 

"Oh…look who's being a cute protective friend."

She sneered at me and returned to her spot on the couch before muttering, "Who cares about you?"

"Who knows, I might end up falling for his charms," I said jokingly.

"His charms will only get you fired and then you'll end up crying in my arms… I hope you have a plan though? It's an interview. You have to pass first. I'm sure you'll be meeting a lot of high class people so you have to impress by all means." She said with a stern look on her face and I pressed my lips together.

I hadn't really considered that part. Desmond Hunter wasn't just an ordinary person, the competition would certainly be high!

"Now that you mention it, this Interview looks pretty scary…" I mumbled with a slight frown and she snorted.

"I can't wait to see your shocked face after the interview." 

"Don't worry, I'm going to surprise you. I'll ace it no matter what."

"... Congratulations Maya. I'm really happy for you." She chattered with sincerity blooming in her tone. 

"Thank you. Now clean this room before I get back!" I replied and as I headed to the bathroom, her voice held me back.

"If it wasn't for that bastard, you wouldn't have to put yourself under so much duress," she stated and my bright smile faded gradually. I was slowly recalling the past, a memory I didn't want to relive. 

"Don't worry, I'll pray for you."

"Like you remembered the last time you prayed," I said and she laughed. "Don't worry Ana, I'm definitely not going to fail." 

"You won't. Now go take your shower already before dinner gets cold," she replied and as I headed for my room, I couldn't help but remember those hurtful memories. 

That's right, if it wasn't for that bastard my life wouldn't be so miserable right now.

***

With my heart pounding heavily in my chest, I still maintained the smile my full length mirror reflected. I was donning a perfectly styled black suit on a white shirt complemented with black stilettos. This was the best outfit my wardrobe could produce. I packed my curly red hair into a ponytail and wore simple make up.

"Okay. I'm ready!" I said with a light sigh. I only hoped this was outstanding enough. I didn't have any well laid out plans yet, I could only rely on my luck and determination. 

"You've got this Maya!" I muttered to myself before scooping my small black handbag from my bed. I then made my way out of my apartment and the building and boarded a cab.

Throughout the journey, my heart didn't stop racing. My mind was busy having a thorough battle with my unending pessimistic thoughts. 

"We've arrived ma'am." The driver's gentle voice tousled my thoughts and I swallowed before paying the fare.

When I alighted, I was instantly welcomed by a grand building before me and at the top, it had an inscription on it's glass walls. The Hunter Hotel. 

This was only one of the branches of the hotel, yet it was this magnificent. I couldn't help but gawk like a child seeing fireworks for the first time and my heartbeat doubled to the point that it felt like it was going to explode through my ears. I was already left speechless just by reviewing it's exterior and I wondered what kind of fate awaited me inside.

I clenched my bag’s strap and exhaled deeply before walking into the building.

The walls gleamed like gold and the atmosphere was absolutely different like any other. It was endearing, relieving, well conditioned and the light shone beautifully across the ridiculously large reception. My heels went click clack till I reached the receptionist.

"Good morning, how may I help you ma'am?" The young lady politely greeted with a kind smile and in a strange way, her smile put me at ease. 

"Hi. I'm Maya Coleman, an applicant for the interview by ten," I responded and she nodded.

"Alright. The fifteenth floor, Room CR15." 

"Thank you very much."

"Best of luck ma'am." She added and I smiled back at her before heading for the elevator. I checked my wristwatch after entering the elevator and took deep breaths to calm my nerves when I saw that I still had thirty minutes left.

A while later, the elevator doors slid open to reveal a beautiful hallway and I briskly stepped out before walking past rooms till I arrived a white CR15 door. I then took a deep breath before turning the door knob and I was instantly welcomed with probing eyes and eerie silence in the large, luxurious room.

I quickly took a seat to avoid further evaluation and once again my heart began thumping loudly. I recognized a few popular faces making me recall Ana's words. No doubt this competition was high. If I was going to get this job, I needed to put in all my effort. 

We remained like that for the next twenty minutes before the door opened once again. A stunning young man dressed in a black suit and glasses strode in. His cologne easily filled the air as he walked past us to the front.

"Good Morning everyone," he announced with a small smile gracing his youthful face. 

"Morning," we all replied in unison.

"We only have about ten minutes left before the interview begins," he muttered as he briefly checked his watch and clasped his hands together. "So without further ado, I'm going to explain the procedure for this interview," he added and I heaved a breath, trying to remain calm as possible. 

"First of, this interview is solely going to be handled by the CEO of The Hunter Hotels, Mr. Desmond Hunter himself," he started and I gasped. I was already anxious enough, how was I going to maintain my composure in the Billionaire's presence?

"Secondly, only applicants who arrived before nine will be participating in the interview."

My brows instantly snapped together.

"Excuse me, and what's going to happen to us who came later?" A lady asked and the man shook his head sideways.

"Unfortunately they are not qualified for this interview." 

"On what basis?!" I almost yelled. 

"It is the wish of Mr. Hunter. I have no say ma'am." 

"But this interview is set by ten, how can this be?" One of us infuriatingly challenged. 

"This is absurd!" 

"No we won't tolerate this!" 

Majority began protesting but my jaw dropped while my eyes widened in surprise. I remained still like a statue. I came this far only to get rejected? I wasn't even qualified to take the interview simply because of time. What was I supposed to tell Mr. Barker? How was I supposed to face my colleagues? I was definitely going to get fired and not to mention, my impending debt. I began to imagine my colleagues mocking me. A lot of them put their trust in me and it was all going to drown!

My eyes began to twitch, my body trembled, my chest heaved up and down in an unsteady manner. 

It was over for me.