"Do I look professional?" Maya turned away from the mirror and asked him, a little nervous. Today was her first day at the job and she wanted to make a good impression. She was hired as her dad's assistant's assistant since she had no prior business experience. She had never worked except for one time when she interned for a fashion magazine. She had a fallout with her father over something and she wanted to show him that she could make money too. She was fired just a week later for her unprofessional behavior. He intently scrutinized her from head to toe, his slow gaze only adding to her nervousness. She was quick to understand his game."Stop," she grasped the cushion from the chair and tossed it at him. He was making her nervous on purpose. He grabbed the cushion before it could hit her face and chuckled. "Be serious now. Tell me how I look?" she asked again, slowly spinning for him.He advanced towards her, saying, "Magnificent, Stunning, Exquisite, beautiful, gorgeous, lov
"Finish it up quickly. The finance department is holding a meeting at 6. I want you to attend that and make notes," Mr. Steveson, her boss, and her father's assistant, instructed coldly. "Sure," Maya replied politely, ignoring his rude tone. She already knew where his hostility towards her had stemmed from. In her teen years, she had given him a lot of hard times with her playful pranks which were not very playful to him. She had never made meeting notes before so she decided to ask Mr. Steveson about it. But he responded with barbed taunts. "I am not surprised. Of course, you don't know how to write notes.." Mr. Steveson taunted, Maya lowered her gaze feeling ashamed now. "Anyway, I don't have time to teach you something as basic as this. Even an intern knows how to do it. Find one and learn from them," Mr. Steveson added dryly. Maya fought the tears that threatened to blur her vision and marched out of his room, feeling less confident now. "Do you know how to make notes?" she as
"Sir wants you to assist our new business partner from now on. Your foremost duty will be to cater to his needs and demands," Mr. Steveson informed her. "We don't want to hear any complaints. This person is very important to us. Am I clear?" Mr. Steveson added, meeting her eyes firmly. His intent gaze made it clear that he meant his every word. "I understand," Maya responded quietly. She was prepared to take on this new challenge as well.She was taken to the board room where her new boss was in a meeting with her father. Mr. Steveson opened the door. A chilly gust of AC greeted her as soon as she stepped into the room. There was no one inside except for her father and another man whose face was turned away. They were seated at the other end of the huge desk.She greeted Mr. Diaz with a beaming smile, momentarily forgetting that she was just his employee, not his daughter in the moment. Mr. Diaz's eyes softened for a brief second before he resumed his solemn demeanor. His gaze quic
"Have you had your lunch yet?" Miguel asked Maya after finishing their meeting. "I'll have now," she replied, about to stand up when he stopped her."I also haven't had lunch either. Let's have it together," he suggested eagerly. "Sorry. I like to have my lunch alone," Maya refused politely. Disappointment flickered through his eyes before he gave her a nod in understanding. "Alright. Maybe not today," he responded, smiling. After taking permission, she left his room for her own. As soon as she stepped into her room, she video-called Dante. He picked up the first ring. His charcoal grey eyes with a light blue tint lit her screen. "Have you had your lunch?" she asked, setting her laptop with her free hand. "Not yet. I was busy," he replied with a sigh. She took a moment to study his exhausted features. He was a workaholic."Are you free right now?" she asked, bringing a winning smile to his face. "I am always free for you," he replied with a teasing glint in his eyes. His playfu
Everyone's eyes were drawn to her and Dante's conveyed confusion. "I..I had put pillows," she explained, feeling a sense of unease growing in the pit of her stomach. "Millie just said there were no pillows," Eviana pointed out, her voice laced with confusion, her brows furrowed. Maya's gaze was firmly locked on Dante, silently pleading with him to believe her. He should know that she would never put Vincent's safety at risk. He was her lifeline. "You must have imagined that you placed the pillows. It happens when we are exhausted," Eviana remarked with a sympathetic tone. "I..I don't think so," Maya replied, now a bit uncertain. Did she really imagine it? Did her mind really play a trick on her? Her eyes watered a she thought about it, his silence weighing heavily on her. Dante reached her in three strides and handed Vincent to her, letting her know he believed her. "I believe you," he declared. Relief washed over her tensed features, a tear of relief slipping down her eyes.
She hated how her heart would clench with fear whenever she saw him with another woman. She knew he was her, she knew he would never cheat on her but still, her insecurities always made her think of worse scenarios. Ignoring his majestic presence, she quietly fell in line behind Miguel. Miguel pulled a chair for her. She sat down after murmuring a "thank you" to him. He claimed the spot beside her and shook hands with the delegates. Her eyes drifted over to his table and this time she caught him looking right at her. She momentarily stilled, not expecting him to spot her so quickly. His eyes were intent on her, observing her with unwavering intensity. Miguel put a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look away. "Are you okay? I've been calling you," Miguel asked in concern. Maya quickly put on a fake smile."I am sorry. I spaced out, I guess," she replied. As the meeting began, she fought to concentrate only on it. Yet the heat of his gaze from across the room was impossible to ign
"Moan my name, baby. Let me hear it," he commanded in a low growl while fucking her in a ruthless tempo. "No," she refused in spite. She wasn't going to melt that easily. He increased the intensity of his thrusts, pushing her beyond her limit. She felt his cock driving in and out of her at a relentless tempo. "Say it," he demanded, impatient to hear her moan his name. "Migu...ooohhhh" he slammed in so hard that she blanked out a for a moment. Her body convulsed involuntarily as she felt freefalling into the whirlwind of euphoria. However, before she could take her dip, a sharp sting force stopped her. His fingers crushed her clit, denying her the utmost pleasure."You jerk," she whined in annoyance, even trying to hit him with her tightly clenched fists. But her punches barely hurt him. "You want it?" he questioned with a smug smirk. She looked up at him with her half-open eyes. "I hate you," she murmured, her mind wrapped in a thick haze of lust. She wished to glare at him
Carlos emerged from Dante's office, stopping short when he ran into Eviana in the hallway. His surprise evident as he asked, "What are you doing here?" "What do you mean? It's my fiance's company. I can visit whenever I want," Eviana responded with an arrogant edge, her gaze sharpening at the mere audacity of the question. Carlos wasn't surprised to hear disdain in her voice. "Fiance? When did that happen? When did he propose?" Carlos faked curiosity, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Eviana pinned him with an annoyed look. "Who are you exactly? Why should I share our intimate moments with you?" she retorted. Amusement shining in his eyes as he mocked "To share intimate moments, you should have them too, isn't it?" "Shut up," Eviana gritted out before storming past him and towards Dante's office. Carlos snorted as he noticed the lunchbox she carried with her. ......Eviana knocked once at the door before pushing it open. "May I come in," she asked, her red lips curled into a
She stared at him as he remained asleep. She was torn between her mind and her heart. Her heart was urging her to tell him everything but her mind was filled with doubts. How would she tell him that Paulo has her private pictures? It felt too shameful to share.After Paulo hung up on her, she called him several times again but he didn't answer. She was waiting for him to call her again so that they could trace her location. And the moment his location is traced, it will be over for him. She reached out with her hand and interlaced their fingers, her eyes never leaving his striking face. She knew she was way too rude with him tonight and the guilt of it sat heavily on her chest. Sin woke up to find her side of the bed empty. Sitting up, he ran his fingers through his messy hair while looking around for her. A few moments later, the door flung open, and walked in Maya, carrying a tray of coffee. Her face split into a wide grin as soon as her gaze landed on him. "Good morning," she ch
"Earth calling, Maya. Do you copy?" Miguel teased, waving his hand in front of her face. Maya blinked, her eyes refocusing as she snapped out of her thoughts. "Sorry, what?" she asked, meeting his amused gaze. "I was wondering if you've prepared the papers for presentation," he said, unfazed by her lack of attention. "Yeah. It's done. I'll share it with you right away," she replied. "No need. I want you to present it today," he told her. Maya shot him a look of confusion. "Your dad will be presiding over the meeting. So make sure you impress him," he advised her, an encouraging smile on his face. Maya felt a tightness gripping her chest as memories of that night surfaced. The rift in her relationship with her dad had deepened when she left with Dante the following morning. Her dad didn't want her to go back but staying away from Dante was excruciatingly painful. "Hmm," Maya responded with a small smile. Even with little preparation, the presentation was a success. She was, no d
Dante gazed down at his angel, a soft smile curving his lips. Gently, he wrapped a lock of her silky hair around his finger, twirling it absentmindedly. A few months ago, if someone had dared to tell him this moment would be real—that he would have her by his side—he might have laughed bitterly or even snapped their jaw for mocking his feelings. He still, sometimes, couldn't believe she was really here. He recalled the day she had suddenly appeared before his car. It was impossible to recognize her, as her face was caked in dirt, her clothes torn, and her eyes closed. She looked completely different from her earlier self, but something in him recognized her despite her disheveled state. He was utterly shocked and distraught to find her like that. But they were past those days. Now that they were together, he was determined to fill her life with love and happiness. He had already prepared her divorce papers and the day he would find Paulo, he'd make him sign the paper so that he could
Eviana bristled as she saw them together, walking in through the door, hand in hand. Her fists clenched, jealousy burning through her veins.For a brief moment, her eyes met Maya's. The frown on Eviana's mouth quickly curved into a smile, but Maya responded with cold indifference. She wasn't going to get fooled by her fakeness any longer."I am so happy you came back," Eviana approached them, speaking in a sickly sweet voice. "This is my home. Of course, I was coming back," Maya responded curtly, not buying her lies. From today on, she was going to trust her instincts. Eviana's smile hardened. "Of course, of course. The way you left, I thought you wouldn't come back until Dante had ground his nose to your feet," she joked before coming to a stop in front of her and continuing, "Please, forget about everything that happened. I can understand how embarrassed you must have felt while apologizing to me. In honesty, I also didn't like Dante's forci." She stopped to gauge her reaction. "
Dante stood taller, his piercing eyes firmly locked on her as she descended the stairs. "Come home with me," his silent command rang clearly in the air, his stare unwavering."I am staying here tonight," she answered, her voice cold. Dante's jaw tightened in strong disapproval. "Why?" he gritted out, his voice low and dangerous. "This is her home. She doesn't need your permission to stay here," Mr. Diaz cut in. "This is not her home," Dante asserted, gaze still locked with her. Maya looked away, breaking their eye contact. "You better leave now. I will not come with you," she refused, folding her arms over her chest as if protecting herself. Though her voice was persistent, the furrow in her brows betrayed the conflict brewing beneath her calm facade. She avoided eye contact with him, afraid she might give in to his demand if she did. "Stop acting like a child and come with me," Dante insisted, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Don't make me call guards, Dante," Mr. Diaz war
"What's wrong with her?" Katty had written below the pictures she had shared with Dante over the chatting app.It was pictures of Maya and a man whose face wasn't clear. The photos were taken from behind the man, with only Maya’s face visible as he carried her in his arms. Dante burned with jealousy. His eyes burned holes through the screen as he struggled to suppress his rage. He didn't respond to Katty, instead, he called Maya. She didn't answer, further fueling his anger.Seething, he stormed out of his office and drove to hers. .......Maya was surprised to learn that Dante had come to see her. Despite her craving to see him, she told her P.A to not let him in. The bruise he had inflicted on her ego was still fresh and hurting. Despite her clear instruction, the door of her room flew open a few moments later, startling her. She looked up to find him stalking toward her. His face- a mask of pure rage. She got to her feet, feeling intimidated by the oppressive aura he exuded. "Wh
"You okay?" Miguel questioned after noticing her dour mood. "I am good," Maya answered flatly. Her lips pursed by suppressed fury. "Alright. Get up. We have somewhere to be," Miguel prompted her. Maya frowned. "Where to? You didn't say anything about going anywhere" she asked"It was last minute," he stated. Maya drew a sigh before getting to her feet. He hadn't stopped calling and messaging her since morning. But her anger hadn't eased a bit. Actually, she was more hurt than angry. She cut yet another call and followed Miguel out. She was determined to not forgive him this easily. He pulled over in front of a restaurant. They took their seat at the table in the corner. "Who are we meeting?" Maya questioned, drawing out her tab from the bag to jot down notes. "They'll be here any minute," Miguel said, taking a quick glance at his watch. Maya nodded while Miguel beckoned a waiter."Two drinks for us," he ordered. Maya didn't object. She was also craving something strong to fo
"Don't try me," he warned her, adopting a tone he had never used with her before. Maya was stunned, heartbroken. "What's wrong with you?" Maya retorted, not able to understand why he was being such a jerk to her. Dante let out an exasperated sigh. "Just apologize to Eviana," he said. "I won't," Maya refused outrightly. Dante clenched his jaw. "It's okay. I don't want any apology. Just don't fight on my account," Eviana interrupted. "She has slapped you. It's not a trivial matter. The least you deserve is an apology," Katty asserted, giving dirty eye to Maya. Dante took an angry stride towards her, his huge frame dwarfing hers. "Don't push it, Maya. Just do as I say," he gritted out. He loved her but he wouldn't support her where she was wrong. She needed to take responsibility for her mistakes. "Watch your tone with me," Maya seethed, not backing out. "And you want her to run this house with you. She is immature, who can't take responsibility for her own actions," Katty punct
"Come in," she answered, her tone tinged with mild annoyance at the interruption. A man came in, carrying a large bouquet of roses. She got up from her chair, confused. The man extended the bouquet towards her. She stared at the bouquet, hesitant to take it."This is for you," he clarified, noticing her hesitation. "For me?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. She took the bouquet and began searching for a note. There it was nestled among the crimson blossoms. A knowing smile spread across her face as she realized who the sender was. "I'll take my leave," the man said. She nodded absently, her entire focus centered on the card. She opened the note, and her smile grew into a full-blown grin as she read it: "I Love You," in all caps. She gently brushed her fingers over the letters, her heart blooming like those flowers. You are my heaven. It is a simple sentence but deep enough to stir butterflies in her stomach. She couldn't stop smiling as she read and reread his confession. Bringi