Behind Mr CEO's Mask

“So, this is what you do for a living—spoon feeding old women, huh? Don't you think it's about time you invested your resources in an ac—,” Rex paused as the rest of his words trailed off. Numerous shadows were casted on the floral wallpaper of the bustling restaurant. The food was impeccable, but she wasn't here to eat. At least, not anymore. The neon lights hanging from the chandelier flashed in her eyes, triggering the irritation that dared to reveal itself. …an actual job, right? For a person who had worked so many unconventional jobs, she had gotten that line way too many times. Muchso, the words didn't hurt anymore. They scraped at her patience instead. She had lived long enough to understand that life wasn't only about the countless paychecks. And the way the elderly woman looked at her while she read to her from the old newspapers, the smile on her face when they tried out new recipes together–which officially ended up as a disaster–those little intimate moments, she wouldn't trade for even the most handsome paychecks. For Ria,caretaking was never a part of the plan. Professionally,she was a chartered accountant. She got into a scandal at her former workplace and got fired. Ever since, she had submitted her CV at countless firms, but life hadn't been so fair to her. But if there’s one lesson she had learnt,it is that life could be beautiful even at its simplest. Suddenly,her eyebrows twitched as she returned to the sulking reality of the man that sat just across her. Calm, handsome, warm and classy. But the words he spilled from his mouth—vile. “Go on, I need an actual job. To be more ambitious, right?” Ria declared sarcastically. “Exactly!!!” Rex fired back as his eyes lit up in excitement. “Excuse me?”she retorted. “You know what, nevermind.” “I don't spoon feed old women,” Ria inhaled. “I take care of one old woman. She needs help around, from chores to keeping her company. I've only been on this job for about three weeks, but I've learnt so much already–stuff you'd probably never be able to relate to for the rest of your life.” “My job may not be the fanciest there is, but I love my job,” she smiled. “I love her.” “Awwnn! how sweet of you,Miss Ria Parker,” Rex laughed. The ill taste of mockery dropping from his lips. At that moment, she realized. Rex wasn't only a selfish, egoistic man—he was also dumb. Because,anyone with half a brain could begin to pick up her irritation. A wave of nostalgia hit her. She had met men like this—men who believed that a good life was centered on wealth, fame and power. And concerning the latter, something deeper, more selfish–control. But she was done allowing herself to drown in their world. She knew better to pick up all the pieces of her shattered life and forge ahead. No strategic plans included, just a ray of hope. The hope that time heals. “My life is spontaneous Miss Parker, and I need someone who can keep up–” Ria rolled her eyes in boredom, swirling her drink in her hand. “Not again Mr Rex. The polite rejection wrapped in a facade of honesty?” “I believe we can both agree that this date was an accident–” Rex continued, not minding her words. “Maybe you’re right.” “What? Uhm…I mean…” Rex stammered. The shock on his face was indescribable. Probably, he expected Ria to attempt to soothe the situation with her words. She didn't. Brrr. Brrr. Ria's phone vibrated against the vintage table and she knew that was her cue to leave. “Thank you for dinner, Mr Dawson,” Ria replied sharply.And with that, she dashed off, not leaving him a chance to complete whatever it was he had to say. ***Outside the restaurant. 8:05pm. New York City. “Oh, s**t!!” Ria exclaimed. Her eyes were still fixed at the ‘gold-coloured steel’ wristwatch on her frail wrist. Today was her sister's marriage anniversary and since the couple planned to spend the night out,she had to get back to the kids. “Where are you, Ria? The kids and I have been worried sick about you,” Chantelle exclaimed. Ria's heart melted instantly. In her world filled with vipers and people who aimed to take advantage of her,Chantelle? She was the only one who truly cared. Chantelle wasn't just her elder sister, she was her backbone, her biggest support system. Hell, no!! Her only support system. Chantelle never wrote her off, and still didn't. Always there to encourage her. But Chantelle’s husband, her brother-in-law, not so much. “Little sis? Little sis?” “Yes..yes…I'm here,” Ria stuttered. “Look Chantelle, allow me use this opportunity to tell you how much I love and appreciate you. For being there, for being you.” “Ria…” Chantelle sobbed. “I love love love you sis.” “I love you more, now hurry back before Dariel chops your head off,” she laughed. Ria held down the decline button, an amused smile plastered on her face. *** The front door clicked behind her, and before Ria could take her shoes off, two small bodies scurried to wrap their tiny arms around her. “Aunty Ria,” the twins shrieked in unison, their matching pigtails bouncing off their shoulders as they embraced her. Her older nephew, Leo who was just at the brink of teenagehood hesitated for a bit. About half a second later, he was already tugging at his Aunty Ria for a hug of his own. “We missed you,” he muttered, his innocent voice nestled with a form of masculine protectiveness. “I missed you guys too,” Ria whispered. “Always.” In that intimate moment, she felt like she belonged. But not for long–long, sound masculine footsteps invaded the room. Dariel. He stood in the doorway with sleeves rolled up and wine swirling in his glass cup. “Well, well,” he mocked. “Look who finally decided to show up.” The twins instantly shrank back while Leo’s jaw tightened at the sound of his father's voice. “You were supposed to be back two hours ago,” he continued. “In case someone forgot, it's our marriage anniversary–Chantelle and I. We had plans but it seems like you're so bent on ruining them.” Ria clasped her hands, “I…I lost track of time,” her voice quieted. Dariel chuckled and took a sip of the wine from his glass. “Lost track of time, huh. You see that's the problem with you. Today you're reliable, the next minute you're not. Your level of inconsistency needs to be studied,” he mocked. “ Let's just say that some people weren't cut out for responsibility.” “Okay, Dariel. That's enough,” Chantelle interrupted. “She's here now and that's all that matters.” “You're late Little sis but we'll talk about it when I get back.” Chantelle walked over to her sister and looked her directly in the eyes, cupping the small of her face.“Take care of yourself and the kids, alright?” Ria nodded. That was all she knew to do in that moment. “Let's go babe,” Chantelle hopped, exiting the house as excitement clouded her features. “Coming babe,let me get my jacket” Dariel replied to his overly-excited wife. As he passed over Ria's shoulder to reach out for his jacket, he paused. His voice so low. His words, meant for only her ears. “You'll never be more than this, you know. Filling gaps. Waiting on other people. That's your place.” Then he walked away. Chantelle tried to fight the tears that threatened to fall, as if they didn't sting. She barely made it to her small room when she broke down. The tears rolled off her face freely, hot and violent. She muffled her face in her hand, so the kids wouldn't hear her. Brrr. Brrr. The vibration beside her interrupted her streaming tears. She paused for a split second to regain her shaky voice, then she accepted the call. “Hello, is this Miss Ria Parker?” A crisp voice asked. She froze. Her heart skipped a bit. “Y..yes.” “Good. I'm calling from Nash Enterprises. We reviewed your CV and we'd like you to come for an interview tomorrow. The details will be sent to you shortly.” “Uhm uhmm real–” The line clicked, cutting her off. Shortly after, her phone lit up again. A message notification had just buzzed in. The details. “Everything’s about to change.” Ria declared, her voice shaky but certain.