Page 16 of Forbidden Deception

“So, Mr Gustav, stop pushing me into a corner and let me do my job. It’s been three months, and I will not have you do this to me when all I came here to do is my job, not sit around waiting for you to realise I truly am trustworthy.”

Not only has he been testing me like this, he has also tried to find small reasons to fire me when giving me work. He didn’t fire me after a month, but he is trying his best to get me to leave or mess up.

I release a long breath, preparing to be let go. Rafael has been getting on my nerves, but I have tried to keep myself from lashing out since I am bound by duty, bound by my responsibilities and my loyalties. So I fucking keep it all in. But to have someone disrespect me, to have him distrust me when I haven’t done anything… It feels awful.

“Not like you need to hear this from me, but this investment property isn’t a good choice. You know it as well as I do. So stop directing your anger at me and focus on declining the proposal; instead, pick Mr Anderson’s mall acquisition.”

Rafael seems to not be impacted by my speech. He didn’t move a single muscle. He uncrosses his arms and and goes back to reading the papers in front of him.

I open my mouth, but he raises his hand, eyes on his desktop.

I walk out, giving him the ‘space’ he wants, and head straight home.

Fine. So be it.

“Grab your bag.” It’s the first thing Rafael says the next morning.

I don’t let no emotion show. Despite the command being a small victory, it doesn’t feel like one. I’m sick of his attitude. It’s been going on for far too long. I don’t care.

“I’ll be back.” I grab my bag and keys, only to see Rafael walking towards the elevator.

I run and dart inside just in time for the elevator doors to close.

Rafael stands tall and broad. He takes up quite a lot of space in the elevator, especially with the muscles he has. The suit just about hides them, but they are still noticeable.

His legs are crossed at the ankle, a hand in his trouser pocket and the other holding his phone.

The silence between us is eating away at me. Did I speak too much and fuck up?

It hurts to have him push me aside when I’ve tried for so long to prove I am trustworthy. His dismissal stings a little, but I knew I was signing up for this stubbornness, this ruthlessness. The fact that Rafael could ruin me if he wanted to makes itworse. Who knows what sins he could dig up on me and shove them in my face?

“I declined the investment offer,” Rafael mutters, looking straight ahead.

“Good.” I cross my arms and keep my gaze forward, though my eyes betray me and find his in the mirrored doors of the elevator.

“You’re far too straightforward with your emotions,” he comments, pocketing his phone.

His eyes force me to still under their intensity. My own heart slowing down in case it beats just a little louder and he may snap when he hears it even if it’s not humanly possible.

I wish I could say I hate Rafael, but hate is a strong word. Despite all my conflicting feelings toward Rafael, hate isn’t one of them. In fact, I admire his work ethic, his relationships, his professionalism, and his authoritative presence. Everything about him screams money, power, and confidence.

Working for a man who is far older than me constantly reminds me of how young I am, how bubbly and open I feel about my newly given freedom. He has probably seen a lot and been through hardships that have shaped him into the man he is now. Rafael has no doubt encountered people who want to take advantage of him, and I feel a twinge of guilt that I’m one of those people. I need him to trust me, and what better way than to become friends? To show I care about him?

Sitting at the top is probably lonely, so I need to be that helping hand for Rafael. I need him to see my true potential.

When we arrive at the construction site, Rafael looks ready to fire some people.

Oh, this is going to be fun.

6

Construction sites are always a headache to visit. It’s great to see your visions come to life, but it’s irritating to direct people and listen to the shouts and sounds of machines.

Nonetheless, this time, I feel even more reluctant to stay because a certain somebody with long chocolate hair and a mischievous smile is with me.

This woman will send me to an insane asylum before she quits her job. She does her work well. I have yet to find any mistakes. She is precise and efficient, so there is no reason to fire her.

The other staff don’t interact with her socially, as per my request. I could build a false case and dismiss her, but no other assistant has been this good at their job or stuck around for so long.

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