Deceiving The Billionaire

Chapter 7

MAYA

"Maya…hey Maya…Maya…" Ana called but I clung to my pillow more. "Maya nothing's going to change even if you stick to the bed all day." She sighed as she joined me by the bedside. She was just as worried as I was. 

"I know, I know," I muttered as I squeezed my pillow again. Even though I didn't want it, I couldn't help but relive yesterday's events. Desmond Hunter's office was ridiculously large and well decorated, and there were his hazel eyes that charmed me easily. His blonde hair was neatly styled in a pompadour fashion perfectly complementing his looks. It only took grace resisting those charms but there was another moment I hated. 

"Miss Maya, do you want to hear my honest opinion?" Desmond had asked but hadn’t waited for me to respond before he continued. "First, you were a nuisance to my hotel. Second, you don't have enough qualifications and experience to handle this position. Thirdly, I can't seem to trust you… Unfortunately, you don't qualify to work in this position. I'm sure you and I both know this brief interview has been a complete waste of time. Miss Maya." 

My nails dug deep as a pang of pain struck deep in my chest. He spilled those words heartlessly, completely shredding any iota of hope I had. 

"Maya what's with your phone and it's ceaseless ringing…" Ana's voice jolted me back to my harsh reality and I groaned in frustration. 

"Don't pick it. I'm sure it's my Editor that's probably calling." I said, trying to bury my face as deep as I could into my pillow but she still picked my phone regardless. "Turn it off." 

"But that would only make things worse. He might come visiting at this point." 

"Why am I even running? It's already over for me. Mr. Barker is definitely going to fire me. Mia would laugh hard at me, mock me till I feel like disappearing. My colleagues would probably reward me with looks of disdain. They didn't think I was going to succeed anyways. Nobody believed in me." I heaved a sigh, feeling the pain rage once again. 

"Don't say that…" Ana responded, almost in a whisper and even though I couldn't see her expression, I knew it was definitely going to be a sad one. 

"And there's also my debt. It's not like one job can magically appear at this point." My teeth gnashed against each other, my insides were burning with rage and pain intertwined. Coming to New York had been a terrible idea but even if I could go back in time, I'm sure my decision to come here would be the same.

"Maya…" She muttered as she gently touched my arm. "We'll get through this," she added in a voice that could almost be considered as a whisper, but her words were easier said than done. For so long I have been keeping my hopes up and thinking things would get better but in the end, I banged it all up.

"Yeah. I hope so," I mumbled but then the door bell sounded and my body stiffened while my heart began to thump like it was going to explode. More knocks kept coming again and again till I finally found courage to move. There was no point hiding anymore so I'd better face my fate now.

I took a deep breath and rubbed my hands together before I got up from my bed in my nightgown.

"What are you going to do? That person might be your Editor." Ana said as she tried to hold me back. 

"It's alright Ana," I replied while feigning a superficial smile, one she obviously didn't buy, but she let me go regardless. As I turned my door knob, I swallowed expecting to see my Editor on the other side of it.

"Mr. Jason?" I mumbled in surprise when that was the person I saw instead. 

"Good morning." He chirped with a sweet smile and I frowned, wondering what business he had with me. My fear peaked on a higher note as I thought of my behavior yesterday. Perhaps his boss wanted to pursue the matter further. "Can I come in?"

"S-sure." I chuckled nervously as I gave room. He threaded slowly into my parlour, studying every single detail. 

"You have a lovely apartment. Small and cozy," he commented with his bright smile still retained. 

"Thank you." I answered but deep inside, I doubt he really meant it. High class people like him were obviously living in large luxurious homes compared to this hut. "So why are you here? Ah my bad, what would you like to have first?" 

He slightly shook his head sideways. "You don't need to, Miss Maya. I wouldn't be here for long anyways." 

"Please sit." I gestured to the couch.

"Thank you." He replied while I relaxed on the other. "I'm here regarding yesterday's event." 

I gulped down my saliva. Today had already started on a bad note. It was definitely going to get worse.

"Congratulations, Miss Maya. You're hired." 

"What?" I gasped, my eyes exclaimed. But he nodded in assertion to his words. I pinched myself to confirm I wasn't dreaming and indeed I wasn't! 

"B-but Mr. Desmond rejected me…"

"Let's just say, you managed to convince him somehow."  

I managed? Considering what transpired between us yesterday, anyone would conclude I wasn't going to make the cut. 

"As the new secretary of Hunter Hotels, your position comes with added benefits. You would be given an apartment, a car, occasional vacations, and a starting salary of twenty thousand dollars per month. The rest of the details will also be discussed back at the office. All these depend on your answer. Do you still intend to take up the position?" 

Ana jumped out from my room immediately, excitement brewing all over her. Apparently, this day turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Only a fool would resist this mind blowing offer. How I convinced Mr. Desmond, I didn't know but I did know my answer. 

"No. I refuse."