Deceiving The Billionaire

Chapter 8

MAYA

"No. I refuse." 

"What?!" Mr. Jason gasped, his countenance overridden with shock. 

"Maya, you're kidding right?" Ana whispered beside me but I wriggled my head even though flames of excitement were burning vigorously within me.

"Do you not find the benefits satisfactory? Miss Maya, be rest assured we can work that part to suit your taste." He said but I wriggled my head in denial once again.

"Please don't get me wrong, Mr. Jason. I'm ready to work for The Hunter Hotels but I refuse to have those benefits you mentioned earlier." I explained and he frowned. He was just as confused as Ana. 

"I would like you to cancel the occasional vacation, the apartment and car. The salary is just fine for me." 

"May I ask why, Miss Maya?" He asked, unable to hide his confusion in his tone.

"They're reasons that I'd like to remain personal. I hope my decision won't cause any problems?" I responded and his sweet smile dawned again.

"Of course not. We will respect your decision." He pursed his lips as he inched closer to me. 

"In that case," he extended his hand for a shake. "Welcome to The Hunter Hotels, Miss Maya. Congratulations." 

I smiled too before accepting his handshake too. "Thank you very much, Mr. Jason." 

"Mr. Desmond would like you to resume tomorrow at eight. We look forward to working with you." He said while I nodded. "I would like to take my leave now." 

"Thank you very much." I shot him a smile before accompanying him to the door.

"See you tomorrow, Miss Maya." He said as a parting note while I nodded in assertion.  As I clicked my door shut behind me, Ana already appeared before me. As if she didn't want to give me space to breathe nor jubilate. I had thought this day was fated to end in tears but then luck decided to shine on me. For the first time. 

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't slap you hard." Ana pitched in a dangerous tone as she tried to cower over me. 

"What do you mean?" I asked with a slight frown and a nervous chuckle.

"Don't play dumb with me Maya!" She pitched. "The Manager of an important branch came to visit your tiny apartment personally. Offered you a job worth thousands of dollars, gave you a fine apartment, a car to top it off, and you foolishly threw everything away!" 

"B-but I accepted the job Ana…" I tried to finish but her scary gaze shut me up.

“Why would you throw the apartment and car away Maya? Seriously, how could you make such a reckless decision?" She wriggled her head in disappointment. 

"You should know that I naturally have my own reasons." 

"Which is why I'm hoping they better be good." She folded her arms, holding my gaze carefully. 

I exhaled. 

"Anybody would literally jump at that offer Ana. I understand how you feel but at the same time, I have a mission. My secret task is to taint that man's reputation. I feel so guilty if I have to enjoy all those luxuries when I'm still going to cause him troubles in the end." 

 Her fiery countenance settled into calmness finally. "Aren't you being too self righteous?" She asked in a gentle tone. 

"I'm not. I wish I could reduce the salary too but then again, I have debts to pay. So many responsibilities to handle."

"You know if I were you, I wouldn't hesitate in quitting my old job and sticking permanently with Hunter Hotels." 

"My dream is to be a journalist, not some secretary for a classic Hotel." I heaved a light sigh and she finally smiled with tiny traces of tears hinting in her eyes. She hugged me, her warmth swarming over me.

"Congratulations girl. I'm so happy for you. This time we really have to celebrate." She patted me gently while I laughed. 

"Of course, but I don't plan on getting dead drunk tonight." We both chuckled as we separated. 

"You know you scared me there for a moment, I thought you were really going to reject the job." She chattered as we strolled into the parlour still filled with Mr. Jason's cologne. 

"I wanted to see the shock on your face and damn, it was worth it!" I laughed while she eyed me off.

"I wasn't shocked!" She tossed me away but I laughed harder. 

"Says the lady who whispered in my ears a few minutes ago." I teased.

"Shut up!" She pitched wearing a superficial expression. 

"So what if I had actually rejected the job?" 

"I would have killed you!" We both laughed. 

"So what's the plan for the rest of the day? Should I order some beer and pizza?!" She pitched excitedly.

“What? No!" 

"But come on we have to celebrate, you can't be a mood killer this time!" 

"If we follow your plans, we'll end up drunk and then I'll be late for work tomorrow you dumbass!" 

"So what do you suggest?" She rolled her eyes.

"We could go out, have some fun. But that's for later. Right now, I have to meet Mr. Barker. Give him the update."

"Oh yeah, well you better hurry up. Today's a free day for me, don't keep me waiting." She chirped before heading for the kitchen. 

"And you, don't cause a mess there!" I answered but she waved me off. I wriggled my head with a tiny smile before heading to the bathroom. 

As I stood before Day Star News Agency, I couldn't help but wonder why I've been so lucky this week. First I was given a project and now, I was the Secretary of the famous Hunter Hotels. It wasn't like I was worthy of these things but perhaps life wanted to smile on me this time. And for the first time in so long, I was able to march proudly into the agency. I wasn't going to be intimidated by those probing eyes because this time, I was a winner. I had achieved what they didn't expect me to.