Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Mark's POV

There was no point hiding the truth from them. Tom is my best friend and Tracy is her bestfriend so I don't think we can hide it any longer. Maya's expression showed how embarrassed she was. It's no fault of hers. I can't keep my hands and eyes of her. I wanted us to keep this a secret and I was still the one to blow it all.

She had wiggled out of my arms in embarrassment but I pulled her closer again and with my right arm around her waist, we both faced Tom and Tracy. I am sorry you guys had to find out this way. I mean, we should have told you being bestfriends but I just wanted to trash out things with Tilda before I make our relationship public.

"So you two are dating"...Tracy asked but more of a statement to herself.

Yes, I said boldly, looking at Maya who was looking down shyly.

"Well, am not surprised",....Tom paused. Congratulations to both of you but if you", he shouted surprisingly.

" Thank you" Maya responded as Tracy hugged her, then turning to me.

"If you ever hurt her, you will have me to contend with" she said in a serious tone"

"Me too" Tom supported. "Since you've stolen my heart" he added. But Maya's happiness is more important  to me so as long as she is happy, I am happy"...he ended joyfully.

Maya quicky enveloped him in a long hug as he stroke her back gently. Thanks Tom, she whispered in his ears but I heard it.

I felt lighter and happy to not hide this relationship from them but I also made them aware not to tell anyone till I officially announce it as they nodded in agreement.

Maya's POV

After Mark announced our relationship, I was totally embarrassment and shy especially in front of Tom. I know he loves me so much and I just broke his heart on Friday night and here I am on Saturday evening announcing a relationship with the man who used to despise me.

But strangely, he accepted it well and was very happy for us. I really can't understand him. I was expecting him to be angry but there he was, congratulating us. The rest of the night was great and soon Mark and Tom left.

Finally, Monday came by faster than I imagined. I dressed very well to suit my role. I was super excited and yet nervous.

I got to my new office thirty minutes before the reporting time. I was surprised to meet a full office. I thought I was an early bird but I bet my being early is a late time here. I have to double my effort now.

I saw Ruby the receptionist talking to some people around the desk but as soon as she saw me, she quickly excused herself and walked over to me.

"You look so good Maya"...She said with a hearty hand shake.

"The CEO will see you in his office now"..she said with a broad smile.

Thank you, I said walking toward the office where I had that nerve wrecking interview before. I didn't know if she was being nice because of my position or because of the way I dressed today. Oh yes, that online shop I checked after the interview, I ordered some cool outfits for my new role afterwards. Well, I don't mind spending that much considering my position. It was completely necessary.

Thank you, I said, walking to the CEO's office. I was still nervous from how everything happened the last time. I noticed there were other staff looking at me till I opened the door.

Hell No. I think I just got to a wrong office or something must have changed after the last time I visited.

Maybe, I should have my eyes checked. It can't be him. I quickly closed the door, without greeting, pretending not to notice who was sitting on the desk.

I went back to the reception as I confusedly asked, Ruby, I think I missed the direction. Can you remind me....I said hoping it's a dream where I will just wake up.

But you just went there, she looked at me with a more surprised look in her face.

Yes, I went there but the CEO is not there and I think there's...I stammered. I think there's some else sitting on his desk.

"Ohh you mean Mr. Mark Snowman", she said with relief.

So I was right. It's him. I wasn't dreaming...I thought.

"Sorry about that Ma'am..."

Call me Maya, I interrupted.

I mean, Maya. Mr. Mark Snowman is the CEO here but when he gets busy with his other companies, his father takes over. His father handed over this company to him three years ago. He was the CEO by then so we all still recognize him as such anytime he comes.

So you mean...

"I mean Mr. Isaac Snowman is the man who conducted your interview but you will be reporting to Mr. Mark Snowman, our CEO". She concluded with clarity.

No, this can't be. I have never imagined working directly under him. I can't mix business with pleasure, I thought.

"Are you alright Maya"...was Ruby's concerned voice.

Yes...Why?

"Because he is waiting for you", she said pointing at the door. I didn't notice Mark was standing at the doorway.

Hmmmm...thanks for the clarification. I will be on my way. I scorned myself severally in my head for not doing a proper research on the company website. If I knew Mark was the CEO, I will never take this job. Yes, I love him but this is business. But why didn't he tell me? He only said he has shares over here. He never admitted he worked here as well. Maybe am just overthinking. He has a lot of companies so he definitely won't be here all the time.

Welcome to your first day at GMAN, Maya....He said professionally. Thank God he is being professional. I can't even let him know how angry I am when he gets to his usual bossy mood.

Thank you, Mr. Snowman...I smiled.

He went ahead to explain the role and what the company expects from me. We were supposed to meet on Mondays with my detailed work program, from which I will submit a report on everything on Fridays. He took me to the HR Manager who introduced me to the rest of the staff and the team I was supposed to work with. Not bad. I appreciated him for his professionalism in the office.

Being my first day, it wasn't easy as I had to learn their cooporate culture and all. I was completely exhausted when it was time to close. Jason came to confirm my time of leaving the office just as Mark walked in with a devilish grin on his face as he excused Jason.

"Leaving so soon?"

Yes, I need adequate rest for work tommorrow.

"So, you won't join me for dinner?"...he asked with a wink

Are you asking to take me on a date?

"If that's how you understand it"...he shrugged.

And if I say No, I asked jokingly.

"Then I will go hungry and I know you won't want that....he grinned.

Not more than two hours, I said with seriousness as I walked out of the door.

So we went for dinner and I wasn't surprised at Mark's choice of a restaurant. Seeing the prices on the menu, I had completely lost my appetite. Everything here is just so overpriced. It's not as if I can't afford it but being the good cook I am, I don't like to waste money on things I can do so well.

I finally surrendered for Mark to place the order for me. He sure had a good taste. We ate in silence. I guess we were very hungry.

"So, How was your first day, "Mark asked when we started with dessert.

I can't complain. I think today is good.

"I like your work. I am not saying it because you are my fiancee", but as your boss." He said.

No, I am not your fiance. We just started dating and it's not even official.

"Well, it's going to be by tommorrow." He gave a mysterious smile.

What do  you mean by tommorrow? Tilda is gone for two months.

"Wrong. She booked a flight and is returning tonight. I even have to pick her from the Airport after dropping you home. But I will tell her everything tommorrow." He ended.

Why is she returning so early? I asked with concern.

"She said there was something very important she wants to tell me." He said.

Might be very important if she has to cancel her trip. But you are not going to lose a lot if break up with her?...I asked with genuine concern.

It's for the best Maya. What good is it if I have all these and don't even have the joy to enjoy them. I always thought my life was perfect. But you have shown me what life really means and that's why I am not going to get engaged to you. I am going to marry you straight away. We will start planning our wedding tommorrow....he said making me speechless.