TANGLED BY THE BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 6 - Illusion

I woke up to the warmth of an arm on my waist. Jared stirred behind me, tightening his hold like he was afraid I’d vanish again. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t move either.

A part of me hated that I still let it happen.

I love him. I really do. But these past few months made me feel so questioned about his love for me. His constant questions about my trust fund and him having inconsistent jobs made me wonder if he ever planned to marry me.

We’ve been in a relationship for almost eight years now. At first, I admire his courage and love for me but along the way, his love isn’t enough for me anymore. Or I don’t know if he still feel love towards me when I didn’t feel his support anymore. Just like before.

But when he hugged me like this, a part of me craved this comfort, his scent, his arms, the illusion of being wanted.

But I don’t know how long will I gonna take this…

"Morning," he murmured, his voice low and groggy, lips grazing my shoulder. "I missed waking up like this. With you."

I stayed quiet, staring at the ceiling.

He propped himself up on his elbow and brushed a strand of hair off my face.

“You look tired, babe. I told you, let’s just use the money for business. Or maybe we can use it to invest in stocks.”

My brows knit together. “Jared…”

He smiled, stroking my cheek. “We could just… take it slow. Like we used to. We don’t have to live that life where you run to your office and I wait around wondering when you'll be home.”

“I told you to get a permanent job, Jared…”

He tilted his head, pretending to be hurt. “Why? Are you embarrassed that I am your boyfriend, Atasha?”

“You don’t understand,” I whispered. “You know that I want you to work on yourself too, Jared...”

He leaned in, pressing his forehead to mine. His tone softened, but there was something sharp buried beneath.

“I helped you when you’re still struggling, Atasha. Why cant you do the same for me?”

I swallowed. Guilt scratched my throat. “I didn’t mean that…”

“But you did,” he replied, a little too quickly. “And yet, here I am. Still choosing you. Still loving you despite you hurting me.”

I looked away, but he cupped my chin, making me face him. He smiled faintly, eyes locked onto mine, knowing I wouldn’t deny it.

“Why don’t you get up and make us some breakfast, babe?”

I blinked at him. He kissed my forehead, like nothing was wrong. Like I didn’t just hand over another piece of myself I wasn’t sure I could take back.

“I’ll sleep for more minutes first,” he added. “Tell me when you finish it okay? And please, also add black coffee…”

I cant help but scoffed. I don’t know why but in just like that, I was moving again.

I barely slept, to be honest. I am tired too because my mind kept circling around Jared’s words. The way he twisted things again. The way he made me feel like I was the one being unfair. And maybe I was. Or maybe I was just too scared to admit what was already obvious. That we weren't the same people anymore.

But this wasn’t the time for drama. It was my first day working as Mr. Maximus Emerson’s executive assistant, and I had to pull myself together.

After I made breakfast for Jared, I ate only a little.

Just a few bites. I didn’t really have the appetite. I told him I’d be late if I stayed any longer, and left right after washing the dishes. I needed to focus.

It was my first official day as Mr. Emerson’s executive assistant.

I got to the office fifteen minutes early. The hallways were quiet, but there was already a buzz of movement coming from the upper floors. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and walked straight to the reception area.

“Hi, Miss Atasha!” someone called out.

I turned around and saw a woman smiling at me from behind the desk.

“Just Atasha,” I replied with a small smile.

She stood up and handed me a folder.

“I’m Ava. Mr. Emerson told me to give you these, your ID, login credentials, and the orientation list. Though I know you don’t need this anymore.” He slightly laughed. “It’s your first day today, right?”

“Yes… I’m starting today,” I said, taking the folder from her.

She pointed to the hallway on the right. “Your desk is just outside Mr. Emerson’s office. Inner corner, near the glass window.”

“Thanks,” I replied softly.

“Fighting, girl!” she grinned, giving me a playful thumbs up.

I gave her an awkward laugh and waved, trying not to show how nervous I really was.

As I walked toward my desk, I could feel my palms starting to sweat, even though the entire floor was cool from the air conditioning. I kept wiping them on the sides of my skirt. My heartbeat was too loud, and I kept whispering prayers in my head.

Please let this day go smoothly.

Please don’t let me mess anything up.

I didn’t want to make a fool of myself again like the last time.

When I reached the top floor, the elevator doors opened with a soft ding.

Everything looked polished, like always. Of course, shiny floors, glass walls, clean tiles. The entire space looked expensive and intimidating.

Just like him.

I cant help but roll my eyes at that thought.

I walked to my desk just outside Mr. Emerson’s office, trying to steady my steps.

I glanced through the glass wall.

Oh, still empty? What time does he usually come in?

I turned on the computer and began checking his calendar. There were three back-to-back meetings before lunch, and a Zoom call with a Tokyo investor scheduled at four. I replied to some emails and flagged a few that seemed important.

It wasn’t that bad. Just a little overwhelming for the first day.

About ten minutes later, I heard footsteps so I looked up.

In his crisp white dress shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to reveal strong forearms, I couldn’t help but stare as Mr. Emerson walked toward me.

He is handsome, I admit.

No. He wasn’t just handsome. With that sharp jawline, dark brows, and a calm, unreadable expression that made him look even more powerful, handsome is an understatement.

He is devilishly good-looking and quite intimidating.

There was a quiet strength in the way he moved, and it made my chest tighten a little. I quickly looked away before he could catch me staring.

He didn’t even look at me as he passed.

“What’s my schedule?” he asked, voice low and direct.

I stood up quickly. “Three meetings before lunch, sir. First is with Mr. Santiago at 9, Mr. Reyes at 10 and Mrs. Salcedo at 11. All in the conference room. And then a Zoom call with a Tokyo investor at four.”

He gave a small nod and started walking toward his office.

“Oh,” I added, “your first meeting is in twenty minutes. I already sent reminders.”

He paused, his hand resting on the glass door handle. Then he glanced over his shoulder.

“You sent it under my name?” he asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.”

Then he went inside, and the door closed behind him.

I exhaled heavily and sat back down.

Is he always like that?

I was still adjusting the calendar view when I heard it again.

“Atasha.”

I jumped slightly and stood up, startled. The pen holder rattled on my desk.

“Yes, sir?”

“Hot coffee. No sugar,” he said without looking up from his laptop.

I hesitated. “Would you like it strong, or medium?”

He finally raised his head, his eyes scanning me briefly. “Strong. Like the week you’re about to have.”

I blinked.

Was that… sarcasm?

He went back to typing, and I nodded awkwardly, even though he probably didn’t see it.

“Right away, sir.”

I was halfway to the pantry when he spoke again.

“And make it quick. I don’t like waiting for the basics.”

I stopped mid-step and nodded again. “Yes, sir.”

I bite my lip. I can make a good coffee but suddenly, I felt like my skills were not enough.

Should I just order outside instead?

But that would take much longer!

Ugh! Nevermind!

I took a breath and nodded even though he couldn’t see me. “Right away, sir.”

The pantry was near the side hall. As I started preparing his drink, I heard the elevator ding again. I didn’t think much of it until I heard the sharp sound of heels clacking across the marble.

A tall woman, dressed in a skin-tight red dress, stormed toward Mr. Maximus’ office.

I turned around, holding the coffee mug in one hand.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” I said as politely as I could. “May I know if you have an appointment?”

She barely spared me a glance. “I don’t need one.”

“I’m sorry, but Mr. Emerson has meetings scheduled back-to-back this morning. Your name isn’t on the list, so—”

She spun around and glared at me. “Who the hell do you think you are to question my presence here?”

I blinked.

“I’ve been with Maximus longer than you’ve been in this company.”

That’s when I realized where I’d seen her before.

She was the woman from my first day. The one pressed against Maximus inside the car, her hand on his thigh, lips grazing his jaw.

“I’ll inform Mr. Emerson,” I said firmly, ignoring the tight pull in my chest. I walked back to my desk and buzzed his intercom. “Sir, there’s someone here to see you. Miss…?”

The woman scoffed behind me. “Tell him it’s Camille.”

“Camille,” I repeated.

There was a short pause before his voice came through. “Tell her I have a meeting. I don’t have time for her.”

I glanced back at the woman, feeling a little awkward. “He says he has a meeting, ma’am.”

Camille’s nostrils flared. She let out a harsh laugh, then narrowed her eyes at me. “You think this is over?” she hissed before turning on her heels and walking out without another word.

I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

A moment later, one of the assistants passed by and gave me a knowing look. “Don’t bother yourself too much with those types,” she whispered. “Mr. Emerson doesn’t do girlfriends.”

HUH? Not his girlfriend? But why the last time they are doing…

“Atasha, my coffee!” Mr. Emerson yelled from the inside.

“A-Ah yes, sir. Coming…” I shut my eyes before I went inside.