Chapter Five

Maya’s POV

We finally got back to the mansion after what felt like hours and I stared at the house in appreciation. I still hadn’t gotten used to how magnificent the mansion looked. It was like a view out of the books and the soft glow of the sun setting bathed the building and as much as I’d hate to admit it, I loved living in somewhere as beautiful as this. 

As I stepped out of the car, the staffs quickly moved to unload the shopping bags, their efficiency a stark contrast to the nervousness that I was feeling and I couldn’t seem to understand why I was feeling nervous. I offered them a polite thank you before turning my attention to Alexander, who had already begun to make his way towards the entrance.

“Wait,” I called out, hurrying to catch up to him. “Thank you for today, once again. I really appreciate.”

Alexander turned to me, his expression unreadable as he regarded me for a moment. “It was nothing,” he replied curtly, his tone distant. But I felt a glimmer of hope because at least he was not ignoring me like he did earlier in the car.

Before I could say anything more to him, he turned away and started looking at his mistress that was waiting for him by the corner. 

“Sarah, follow me,” he said, his voice filled with authority and something else I couldn’t quite place my hand on. 

Sarah walked closer to him, swaying her hips seductively and I couldn’t help the jealousy that coursed through my veins. 

She gave me a wicked grin as she followed Alexander, her eyes lingering on me for a moment with a smirk on her face mocking me before she turned away, her attention fully on him.

I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy at the easy familiarity between them, “what does she have that I don’t,” I said to myself wondering if what had transpired between us earlier today as we headed to the store was nothing to him, but I quickly shook my head pushing the thought aside alongside my stupid feeling of jealousy. 

I had no right to feel jealous or to care about what they were going to do. After all, I was just a fake bride who was here just to pay off my father’s debt, our marriage was going to be nothing but a contract and Alexander was the CEO who owns me until whenever he felt like releasing me. 

I let out a small breath, reminding myself to remain focused on why I was truly there and telling myself to keep my emotions in check. Whatever it was they was going on between him and Sarah was none of my business, and I had no right poke nosing except the need be. 

Realizing I had been standing frozen in a spot, I walked into the house and pushed away every feeling of insecurity and jealousy I had in me, heading straight for my room. 

When I got to my room, I was already feeling tired and I couldn’t wait to collapse into my soft bed and sleep the tiredness away. Everything that had happened to me from the early hours of the morning up until now had drained me mentally and physically and I just wanted to forget it all. 

I pulled off my shoes and I jumped into the bed, thankful that I at least I had the comfort of my room. As I lay there, trying to process what had happened in the car earlier today and figure out why my body wanted more, Anna entered into the room with a warm smile, her voice drawing me out of my thoughts.

“Let me help you unpack your things,” she said, her voice soft, helping to all to calm my nerves.

I nodded and she quickly got to work, unpacking the bags one by one and arranging the clothes into my walk in closet. 

She then glanced at me with a curious smile. “Soo, how was your day, Miss Maya? Did you have a good time shopping with Mr. Alexander?”

I let out a small sigh, feeling both frustrated and exhausted. “It was quite… interesting,” I replied her, not wanting to give out too much information. 

Anna raised an eyebrow, sensing my hesitation. “Just interesting? It sounds like there’s more to it,” she teased, playing winking her eyes at me. “Or did you and the boss fight?”

I chuckled softly, grateful for Anna’s lighthearted approach. “You could say that,” I admitted, deciding to keep the details vague. “But enough about me. What about you, Anna? Any juicy gossip from around the mansion?”

   

Anna’s eyes immediately lit up with excitement, looking very happy to be able to share gossip with me. 

“You won’t believe I heard,” she started, dropping the clothes and walking closer to me. “There’s has apparently been some drama going on in the kitchen amongst the staff working there…”

I listened carefully, making sure to chop in and act surprised as she continued dropping details about what goes on in the staff quarters. I was grateful for the distraction her words were creating, making me push my own worries aside. 

After she was done, she went back to sorting my clothes and as Anna finished arranging the clothes, she came out of the walk-in closet and turned to me with a warm smile.

“Well, I’m all done,” she said happily as she walked back to meet me. “Is there anything else you want me to do for you?”

“No,” I quickly said, smiling at her. “Thank you, Anna. I appreciate all your help today and for always asking after my wellbeing.”

Returning my smile, she turned around and left the room, leaving me to be alone. 

I got up and went to take a quick shower before changing into a silky top, paired with pajamas shorts. I laid back in bed and tried to find a comfortable position to sleep in. 

I finally got comfortable and was about to fall asleep when I heard a knock on the door. I let out a groan and got up from bed, wondering who it could have been. I silently prayed that it wasn’t Sarah because I had no strength to deal with her. 

When I opened the door, my breath caught in my throat as I took in the sight in front of me. 

Alexander was standing outside my door with nothing but a pajama’s trouser. The dim light of the hallway casted shadows across his body and I swallowed nervously. 

His toned arms and muscles were all on display and my mouth watered as I stared at him. I had never seen him nothing but suits, so this was quite a sight. 

I found it hard to look away from his body but I finally took my eyes off and raised my head to look at him. 

He walked closer to me, his lips curling into his signature smirk and the look in his eyes sending shivers down my spine. 

“Enjoying the view?” He asked teasingly. 

Heat creeped up my cheeks and I could feel my face turning red. “Why… n- no of… of course not,” I stuttered, my voice betraying my words. “Why are… are you here?”

His smirk widened at my obvious discomfort, but he quickly composed himself, his expression becoming more serious. “I came to talk,” he replied, his voice void of any emotion. 

I stared at him, trying to decide whether I should let him in or not. But after a few seconds, I stepped aside and let him walk into the room.