Love, Lies and Billionaires

Maren was now certain something was up with Alexander and kissing her was just a way to distract her from it-it worked, though. But only for that moment.

What she knew was he was trying to get with her by any means, but what she didn’t know was why? Did he actually want her, or would he get something if she got back to him?

And what did he mean by you don’t understand? Why was he so paranoid about Kendrick-‘Okay, stop it, stop it’, she reminded herself. ‘You’re not going to let him put bad thoughts about Kendrick into your head’

If she was being honest with herself, she really did love Alexander till he fucked it all up. But that kiss-that kiss was heavenly, and it reminded her of the wonderful memories they’d shared.

Now, she was deeply interested in Kendrick, even if she didn’t know how he felt about her.

But he seemed so nice and made her comfortable that-

“Ma’am?”

Maren snapped out of her thoughts on hearing the sound of her chauffeur’s voice. She turned to look at him but turned to the window as the corner of her eye caught the sight outside, in front of her company.

“What is this?” She asked no one in particular as she stared out the window where there were a handful of journalists with their tiny microphones and flashing cameras obstructing the path where the car was to park.

Once they realised who was in the car, she rushed over, peering through to see if they could get a pic or two, but even they knew their cameras couldn’t penetrate the tint.

‘What the fuck is going on? What are they looking for?’ Maren thought as she calculated her movements to find an escape route to get into the building.

“Park over there,” she ordered, pointing to a spot where she knew she’d have a better chance of getting through without being asked questions.

The chauffeur did as instructed and came to a halt where she had pointed. Maren took a deep breath, scanned the area, and finally alighted.

With quick steps as the press had followed the car behind and were now on her tail, she began climbing up the steps.

Luckily, the guards at the door noticed their boss in distress, and the heftier in the duo walked down to guard her up the rest of the way.

As she turned to view the journalists, her eyes caught sight of a couple of strange, elegant cars which she hadn’t noticed earlier parked just where hers used to be parked.

“This way, ma’am,” the guard said and opened the door for her to get in.

“Oh, my god!” She exclaimed as she got onto the elevator. “What the fuck is going on?” She took out her phone and began scrolling through social media, but she couldn’t find any news about her.

She sought to ask Louise, but noticed that she hadn’t met her at the door when she came in. The elevator dinged open and she stepped out.

She got to the front of her office and took out her key card, but just as she was about to open it, she paused and stared at the door. Then she leaned forward with her ear to the door.

Sure enough, she wasn’t hearing things, especially not the loud chattering from the people outside.

Someone or some people were in her office!

The last time someone barged into her office was the time Micheal had come to break the news about William’s death and he had access because her office used a mere key but now with the advanced key, someone still managed to get in.

She listened again just to be sure and, just as before, she heard voices. She mustered courage and pushed the door inward and sure enough, whoever was in there didn’t even have the courtesy to lock it.

The door gave in easily and quietly. Maren stood at the wide-open door to see two figures. One standing and one sitting.

“What the fuck?!” she said almost sternly, drawing both’s attention to herself.

“Good morning, ma’am,” Louise greeted with a pale face and trembling body.

“I should have known something was fishy. How the hell did you get into my office?”

“The key-the emergency key-”NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.

“It’s in the name, Louise! Emergency key! Not to use it when I get an uninvited guest!” Maren scolded, walking over to the table. She placed her handbag on it and folded her arms. Staring at the guest who was sitting and smiling at her.

“I’m sorry ma’am. I swear I didn’t want to use it but he insisted. I had no choice. I mean, it’s Mr Hard-”

“I know it’s Mr Harding! You should have called first. ”

“I’m so sorry, ma’am. I promise it won’t happen again,” a startled Louise apologised.

Maren shut her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again. “Just leave, Louise. I’ll handle you later,” she ordered.

“Alright, ma’am, I’m sorry, ma’am” she repeated as she walked out the door.

Louise closed the door and only then did Kendrick turn towards Maren, who still held her frown with an amused spark in his face.

“Nice acting”

“Acting? You think I’m acting?” Maren asked as she hung her jacket on the hanger beside the window. “How’d you like it if your secretary got into your office accompanied by an unannounced guest?”

“Frankly, he won’t be alive to give his own side of the story.”

Maren shot him a glare and sat in her chair. “And what the heck do you mean bringing the entire news publication to my office?”

“You should know I wouldn’t do that. It’s the price I pay for being a public figure”

“So you were followed here?” She asked, trying to calm her nerves.

“You can say that,” he replied and picked up an origami bird and played around with it using his fingers.

Maren sighed, “What the hell was Louise doing in here, anyway?”

“Thought I’d talk with someone before you arrive. And I have to say, you’ve got a splendid secretary. Hold on to her,” she said with a smile.

Maren didn’t even have the energy to address that, so she just brushed it aside and pulled out a drawer from which she took out a bottle of rum.

“What are you doing here, anyway?”

Kendrick chuckled and shifted the bottle close to him and poured a quantity for himself.

“You really shouldn’t show up unannounced, you know. Do you see the kind of crowd you pull with you?”

He took a sip and looked at her. “Just say the words and I’ll leave”