Filed To Story: Dumped by Scumbag Adored by Billionaire
Maria’s POV
As soon as we went through the revolving door that led to the large obviously maintained lobby, we instantly became the target of several curious and gossipy orbs .
All eyes were on us.
I knew my appearance with Niles was going to garner attention but I didn’t imagine it was to this extent.
Everyone was watching, whispering and talking about us – well me in particular, making me wish the earth could open and swallow me whole.
Unlike me Niles was facing forward, his steps light but firm while he walked with grace and decorum, and his arms following the rhythm of his stride
“Is she another of our boss plaything?” I picked up one of the discussions and my throat tightened.
What was I thinking anyhow, I probably wasn’t the only girl he took to his office . Like seriously, we’re talking about the world’s number one pla- well ex-player at the moment.
“Lift your head up “
Niles’s deep voice roused me from my thoughts and I realized at once I was literally shrinking back from him.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me along, speaking to me with a low voice enough for me alone to capture.
“Pull those shoulders back , lift your chin and look them straight in the eyes, don’t let any of them intimidate you ” He said and as if operated by a remote, I obeyed with immediate effect just as a board member approached us.
“President Niles ” A middle aged man with a receding hairline welcomed him with a handshake.
“Director Alfred ” Niles accepted his handshake with this wide smile that even stunned me.
I blinked my eyes, Niles could stretch his lips this far?
“How are you today? ” Niles asked breaking the handshake.
“Oh, it’s fine. Just had a bit of issue to settle today ” Alfred explained with a smile too before his eyes rested on me.
” And? ” Alfred gestured with his eyes.
“Meet Maria , a V.V.I.P to me ” Niles introduced briefly, not bothering to go into details.
“Nice to meet you Maria ” Alfred said and took my hand, placing a short peck at the top of my palm.
Judging from the knowing smile on his face, I could tell he had already formed an opinion of me : I was probably Niles’s plaything to him.
“Nice to meet you too, Mr Alfred ” I said with a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes while drawing back my hand.
“See you later then ” Niles said dismissively and strode away with all smiles disappearing from his face while I followed suit, trying to keep up with his long legs.
“I didn’t know you could smile that wide ?” I questioned as soon as he pressed the elevator button.
He gave me a hard stare saying ” It takes a monster to defeat a monster ” and stepped in as I followed along.
Even without him explaining, I could already tell where he was heading from. As a CEO, he had many works and responsibilities on his shoulder while battling greedy competitors veering for his position.
“You’re the second person” Niles said with an expressionless poker face.
” What? ” I asked surprised.
“Out of the many women I’ve dated, you’re the second person I’ve ever taken to my office ” He answered with more details this time.
“Oh” I scratched my scalp awkwardly. He heard that? How awkward could this moment get?
I stared at Niles while biting my lips nervously, should I ask? or should I not ask?
“Tina was the first ” Niles replied as if he knew the question on my mind. Was I that obvious?
“OK ” I simply said and looked away.
Well, this seems better. Maybe it was good and therapeutic for our still growing relationship; exposing and confessing our dirty laundries to one another than finding out from the public and taking either of us unawares.
Thankfully the elevator opened with a ding and we walked out simultaneously, the air in there had grown thin, hot and suffocating.
“Good day Sir Niles ” A guy who I surmised to be his secretary welcomed him – saving me from this awkward silence.
Niles ignored him and walked straight into his office while opening the door for me to pass through like a true gentleman.
“Make yourself comfortable” He said, gesturing to the couch sitting in the middle of his and took off his blue blazer, hanging it on the sturdy coat rack stand.
His secretary who I just discovered was named ‘Ned’ thanks to the name tag on his perfectly ironed shirt walked in hurriedly and began to spread out documents on Niles’s desk.
“Niles Sparks, CEO Sparks Group ” I read out loud the words written on the beautiful laser engraved office name plate resting on his desk.
Niles smiled at me as I ran my fingers through the engraving, admiring it. Sometimes it feels surreal, dating one of the richest bachelor on earth. It felt like something out of a story book, like Cinderella ; unfortunately I had a wicked biological mother and no fairy godmother.
“These are the documents for today?” I watched him ask his secretary with a businesslike tone.
I carefully observed that Niles at the office was totally different from the Niles at home. At the office he was rigid, careful, intimidating, authoritative and a bit frightening If I might say – his scorching gaze was enough to make someone buckle at the knee from fright.
But at home, he was more relaxed, playful, approachable, though domineering yet happier – when he isn’t having an argument with his daughter.
He was like a chameleon, adopting effectively to his environment, dancing to the tune of any music played for him.
“Yes sir, though you have a meeting by four with D shopping complex ” Ned said and I checked my cellphone.
It was one in the afternoon, meaning I had only three hours to spend with him before he leaves for the meeting.
I had to make effective use of it then.