Chapter 7

MAYA'S POV

I shook my head. "I appreciate the offer, Alexander, but I can't accept it. I don't want to feel like I owe you anything because of your generosity."

Alexander frowned. "Maya, I'm not doing this to make you feel like you owe me anything. I'm doing it because I care about you and I want to take care of you."

"I appreciate that, but I can take care of myself," I replied, my voice firm.

Alexander sighed. "Fine, I won't push it. But please think about it. It would be so much easier for us if we were both living in the same place."

I shook my head again. "I can't, Alexander. I'm sorry."

"Alright, I won't bring it up again," Alexander said, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Let's just enjoy our lunch and then you can have the rest of the day off."

I nodded, relieved that the subject had been dropped. I was starting to have feelings for Alexander, but I didn't want to get too involved with a man who was my boss and also a billionaire. I didn't want to lose sight of my own goals and dreams, and I didn't want to feel like I owed him anything because of his wealth.

After finishing our meals, Alexander signaled for the check and paid for it without looking at the bill. As we stepped out of the restaurant, I decided to bring up the issue of the rumors once again.

"Alexander, can we talk about something?" I asked hesitantly.

"Of course, what's on your mind?" he replied, putting his arm around my shoulder.

"People have been talking about me in the office. Saying things like I only got the job because we're dating and that I'm not qualified for it. It's been making me feel uncomfortable," I said, my voice slightly shaky.

Alexander's expression darkened. "Who said that? I'll have them fired."

"No, no, that's not what I want," I said, shaking my head. "I don't want to make things worse by getting people fired. I just wanted to tell you about it."

"Well, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable at work, I. I'll talk to HR and make sure they put a stop to it. And if anyone continues to make you feel uncomfortable, I'll take care of it personally," he said firmly.

I appreciated his concern, but I didn't want him to think I was weak or incapable of handling office politics. "Thank you, Alexander. I appreciate it, but I can handle it myself. I just wanted you to know."

He nodded, but I could tell he wasn't entirely convinced. We walked in silence for a few minutes before he spoke again.

"Maya, I know all of this is new to you, and I want to make sure you feel comfortable with everything. That's why I got you a stylist and personal shopper to help you pick out some new clothes. I want you to look and feel your best."

I sighed, feeling uncomfortable with the idea of someone else spending money on me. "Alexander, I appreciate the gesture, but it's really not necessary. I'm happy with the way I dress, and I don't want you to spend so much money on me."

He chuckled. "Trust me, I can afford it. And if we're going to be together, I want you to look the part. You deserve the best."

I couldn't deny that I was tempted by the offer, but something about it didn't sit right with me. "I appreciate it, Alexander, but I don't want to be seen as a gold digger or someone who takes advantage of your wealth. I'm happy with who I am, and I don't need expensive clothes or accessories to feel good about myself."

Alexander looked at me with a mix of amusement and frustration. "Maya, you're not a gold digger, and I know that. And I'm not doing this to buy your love or affection. I just want you to be happy, and if that means buying you a few nice things, then so be it. Please, just consider it."

I sighed, knowing that I wasn't going to win this argument. "Okay, fine. But I don't want anything too expensive, and I don't want you to pay for it. I can cover the cost myself."

Alexander smiled triumphantly. "Deal. Let's go shopping."

-

I woke up early the next morning, excited to try on the clothes and accessories my stylist had recommended for me. As I went through the items, I couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy about the price tags. The dresses and shoes are all designer brands, and I had never spent this much on clothes before. The total costs were going into six figures, and it still made me feel bad.

I take a deep breath and remind myself that this is all part of Alexander's plan to make me look my best. He had been so insistent on me having the best of everything, and I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious about it.

I tried on the first dress, a beautiful navy-blue number from a very popular designer with a flattering cut that hugs my curves in all the right places. It had actually been tailored to fit me perfectly at the store after we paid for it. The fabric felt soft and luxurious against my skin, and the heels that come with it are surprisingly comfortable. I twirled in front of the mirror and couldn’t help but feel a little bit more confident.

Next up was a black cocktail dress with a plunging neckline and a slit up the side. It was a bit more daring than what I'm used to, but I couldn’t deny that it looked amazing on me. I added the diamond earrings and necklace that my stylist suggested, feeling like a movie star.

As I get ready to leave for work, I take one last look at myself in the mirror. I don't recognize the woman staring back at me. She looks polished and put-together, like someone who has it all figured out. But the truth is, I'm still figuring it out. And I'm not sure if all of this - the fancy clothes, the expensive accessories, the high-powered boyfriend - is really what I want.

Alexander’s driver maxwell came to pick me up that morning and he did a double take and it made me feel even more confident and special. As I walked into the office building, the condescending snickers I had heard yesterday were replaced with gasps of awe.

As I sat at my desk, scrolling through my phone, I came across a blog post that caught my attention. The title read "Alexander's New Girlfriend: A Step Down?" and I couldn't help but feel a lump form in my throat. I clicked on it, hoping that it wasn't what I thought it was.

As I read through the post, my heart sank with every word. The blogger had written about Alexander's previous relationships and how I was "trying too hard" to fit into his world. They had even posted pictures of his ex-girlfriends, all of them beautiful and accomplished women who seemed to have it all together.

Each paragraph was accompanied with a different picture of Alexander being coupled with another woman with the perfect face, glass like skin and an air of sophistication. I felt ordinary just by looking at pictures of these women with Alexander.

The last picture was of me and Alexander eating lunch a few days ago and me with a napkin tucked into my neck. They were mocking me for trying too hard to look classy in a sophisticated restaurant and I could feel my stomach churning as I read each word. The blogger even mentioned that I had worked at a coffee shop before I met Alexander who “changed my life.”

I couldn't help but compare myself to Alexander’s, and I felt like I was coming up short. I didn't have a fancy degree, a successful career, or the same level of sophistication. Maybe the blogger was right. Maybe I was a step down from these women.

Tears threatened to spill from my eyes as I tried to hold back the feeling of inadequacy. I couldn't imagine what Alexander must think of me after reading this. Would he be embarrassed to be seen with me? Did he really think I was trying too hard? I rushed to the bathroom to wash my face.

I decided to call Danielle, hoping for some reassurance. As soon as she answered, I blurted out, "Danielle, have you seen the blog post about me and Alexander?"

“Damn girl, not even an apology for ghosting me the past week? And where have you been anyway, Phoebe just said you quit.” She said. I could hear the background noises from the coffee shop. It had been hard work there but I hadn’t faced this much drama.

I briefly explained that I had taken a job at Alexander’s office because he wanted me to, and he had given me a minor role. If I told her I was his new Personal Assistant, she would make a big deal out of it and take away from the situation at hand now.

"Yeah, I saw it," she replied. "But don't pay attention to those haters, girl. You're beautiful and amazing, and you deserve to be with someone who appreciates you for who you are."

"But what if I'm not enough for him?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"You are more than enough," Danielle said firmly. "And if Alexander can't see that, then he's not worth your time. Don't let some random bloggers make you feel bad about yourself. You're amazing, and don't you forget it."

Her words gave me a bit of comfort, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of insecurity. I was starting to regret this relationship, and I wasn't sure if I was cut out for it.

I sat across from Alexander at lunch, fidgeting with my napkin. I couldn't get the blog post out of my head, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't measure up to the other women he had dated even after what Danielle said.

"Is everything okay?" Alexander asked, looking at me with concern, his blue eyes glossy.

I took a deep breath before speaking. "I saw a blog post today that...made me feel a little insecure," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I already felt weird talking in this fancy restaurant after that picture was taken of me. I wondered if paparazzi just followed us around.

Alexander frowned. "What did it say?"

"It said that I'm probably trying too hard and that I'm not on the same level as the other women you've dated," I replied, feeling embarrassed as I spoke the words out loud. I knew he was going to make it look like a trivial thing.

Alexander reached across the table and took my hand. "Maya, you're not like anyone else I've dated. I wouldn't be with you if I didn't think you were special," he said, his voice reassuring.

I looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity there. I felt a little better, but the insecurity still lingered.

"I just feel like I'm not good enough for you," I admitted.

Alexander shook his head. "That's not true at all. You're amazing, and I'm lucky to have you in my life," he said, squeezing my hand.

I smiled, feeling a little more at ease. Maybe I was overthinking things. Maybe Alexander really did see something special in me.

As the day went on, I began to feel a sense of empowerment. I had taken Danielle's advice and tried to exude confidence, and it seemed to be working. I was starting to get better at work, and I was starting to feel good about herself.

It wasn't until my coworker, Sarah, made a snide remark about Alexander bankrolling everything about me including my outfit making sure that I heard it that I finally snapped. I had had enough of their bullying, and I wasn't going to take it anymore.

I took a deep breath as I walked towards the group of coworkers who had been bullying me since I started working at the company. I had been putting up with their snide remarks and whispers for weeks, but today was going to be different.

As I approached them, my heart was racing and my palms were sweaty. I took a deep breath and tried to remember Danielle's advice about confidence.

"You know what, I've had enough of your mean comments and whispers behind my back," I said firmly, looking each one of them in the eye. "I won't stand for it anymore. I deserve respect just like everyone else here, and I won't tolerate any more bullying."

The group was taken aback by my sudden outburst, and there was an uncomfortable silence as they looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

But then, one of them - a tall blonde with a smug expression - started to laugh. "Oh please, Maya. You think you can just waltz in here and demand respect? Look at you, you don't even belong here. Alexander probably just hired you because he felt sorry for you."

Her words stung, but I refused to let her see that. Instead, I stood up straighter and tried to project confidence. "That's not true. I'm here because I'm good at my job, and Alexander believes in me. And whether you like it or not, I'm not going anywhere."

The other coworkers looked at each other uncomfortably, as if they were suddenly realizing that I wasn't going to back down. The blonde woman opened her mouth to say something else, but then she was interrupted by the sound of the office phone ringing.

I took that as my cue to walk away, my heart pounding in my chest and my heels clicking. It wasn't easy to stand up for myself, but it felt good to finally assert my worth and demand respect.

As I sat back down at my desk, I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves. I knew that the bullies might try to retaliate in some way, but I was determined not to let them get the best of me. I had proven to myself that I was strong enough to stand up for myself, and that was all that mattered.

I felt a pit form in her stomach as I walked through the door of my apartment. It was a long day, and all I wanted to do was relax and forget about the stresses of the day. But as soon as I opened her laptop, I saw an email from Danielle that made my heart drop.

The subject line simply read: "I'm sorry, Maya." As I opened the email, I saw a photo attached of Alexander standing shirtless in Danielle's living room. My mind raced as I tried to process what I was seeing. Was this real? How could Alexander be in Danielle's apartment without me knowing about it?

My phone rang, and I saw that it was Alexander calling.