The Billionaire Ruse

Staring at my reflection behind the mirror for the hundredth time this morning, I take deep breaths. The thought of having to sit in front of Nicholas Vanderbilt for an interview both excites me and freaks me out. I need this, I do. This job could change everything for me and Kaitlyn, but the idea of being a secretary after years of schooling feels like settling for less.

" Don't tell me you're having second thoughts about this. Again." Gabrielle sighs, interrupting my thoughts.

" I wouldn't say I am. But, I'm not not having second thoughts either" I chuckle nervously.

" Girl,you need this! How long are you going to wait for the hundreds of companies you applied to? Besides, this is a multi billion company which probably pays secretaries better than managers of those other companies"

I don't respond. She's right, I know she is.

" Wait! You aren't doubting yourself, are you? You had a 4.0 GPA. You're gonna crush this!"

For a friend of an unemployed woman, she's a little too excited.

" Nicholas Vanderbilt. I checked out his profile last night. He looks.... intimidating"

" If by intimidating you mean rich, confident and incredibly hot then yeah, he is!" Gabrielle squeals

"Hot? I mean.... he's okay. " I shrug and she gives me an incredulous look while we walk out of the bedroom and into the hall.

" Aurora Belle,I do think you've lost your sight but, I'll let it slide for now."

"Yeah, right. I left some pancakes for Kaitlyn. Thank you for agreeing to babysit her."

" You talk like it's my first time." She frowns.

" It's not, but it just means so much to me today." I sigh and hug her.

" Okay. You're welcome. Now go crush that interview!" She hails and I laugh.

****

Driving along the streets of LA, I turn the radio on and allow the music to calm me as I follow the directions on the map to Vanderbilt enterprises. The crisp morning air adds to the flutter of nerves in the pit of my stomach as the fear of the unknown grips me.

I mentally recite my mantra; I am smart, I am deserving, I am worthy of all things good.

Taking the last left turn to the street that leads to Vanderbilt enterprises, my new future, my palms feel a bit sweaty. I've never been this nervous for any interview.

After sitting in my parked car for close to ten minutes, I finally bring myself to embrace this new fate.

I stand in front of the skyscraper that seems to literally go past the clouds with " Vanderbilt enterprises" boldly written on it. Intimidating building with an intimidating CEO.

Taking a deep breath, I push through the revolving doors into the lobby. My eyes wander around, taking note of the sleekness of every single thing in the lobby. It screams riches.

The receptionist greets me with a warm smile but I can't shake the feeling of being out of place in such a polished environment.

She directs me to the elevator bank that is supposed to lead me to the upper floors where Nicholas Vanderbilt is. I find myself rehearsing my responses to potential questions. With each floor that passes, my heart pounds against my chest and I take deep breaths to mask my nervousness.

I'll be fine, I will. I've done this before.

The elevator finally stops. An executive floor could never be any more executive. I'm met with hushed tones and the sound of my heels clicking on the marble floor as I approach the receptionist.

"Miss Belle?"

I nod in confirmation.

She gives me a smile and gestures towards the double doors at the end of the hallway.

"Mr. Vanderbilt will meet you now"

Summoning every courage I have, I make my way to the doors leading to his office.

I am a nervous wreck as I reach for the door handle. My sweaty hands cause my grip to falter. My feet betray me and I stumble, losing balance and control of my body.

The inevitable happens as I trip and my body collides painfully with the cold floor. My hair covers my face and momentarily, I forget to breathe.

With my breath breathless, I lay there embarrassed and my cheeks flush. I can feel his gaze on me. My eyes squeeze shut, wishing the ground would open and swallow me up.

"Really, Miss Belle?" The deep, masculine voice resonates in my ears.

I quickly raise my head and realize he's standing right in front of me. His hands in his pockets and his blue eyes piercing into my soul.

" Is this how you conduct yourself in a professional environment? In a prestigious company like Vanderbilt enterprises?" His voice is filled with disdain.

" I- I'm so sorry" I mutter.

My heart sinks at his words. My confidence completely disappears as I struggle to pull myself up. His icy gaze follows me all the way up as I straighten my skirt.

He raises a brow at me and walks towards his desk.

" Honestly, I expected better. " He scoffs as he takes his seat.

" Nicholas Vanderbilt does not tolerate unprofessionalism and clumsiness. " He adds.

I nod and awkwardly stand in front of him. I swallow hard, determined not to ruin this any further. My eyes meet his cold icy eyes and I shiver.

"Please, sit." He sighs.

" Thank you for having me today,Mr. Vanderbilt" I clear my throat, gaining composure.

He barely looks up from his desk but nods.

" Let's make this real quick. I have a busy schedule." He mutters.

I swallow hard and take a deep breath. This couldn't go any worse.

" You'd be expected to handle a few things around here. My schedules, screen my calls and handle my correspondence. Are you capable of doing that?"

He looks up from his desk and I notice his sharp jawline for the first time this morning.

I swallow again. " Yes, I am. I can handle that. I have experience in administrative roles and I am highly organized"

The last part is probably not what he expects. He raises a brow and chuckles.

" You didn't seem very organized a few minutes ago, Miss Belle. Very ironic, don't you think?"

" I was feeling a bit nervous..."

" Well, we don't tolerate mistakes around here,Miss Belle. " He cuts me short. " If you want to be here, you have to work on that. Am I clear?"

I nod " I'll do just that, sir."

" Sir? Mr. Vanderbilt, please" he corrects.

" Right, Mr. Vanderbilt "

" Great! That'll be all for now" He leans forward.

That'll be all?

"Thank you for coming, Miss Belle. We'll get back to you soon." He stands,stretching his arm for a handshake.

I take notice of how his white shirt grips his biceps and triceps. His masculine shoulders point towards me as I shake his hand. For the first time in twenty minutes, he offers a small smile which is more of a smirk.

" Thank you" I smile back with relief. " I appreciate this opportunity. Really"

" Don't be overly enthusiastic just yet, Miss Belle" He points out.

Right.

He walks me to the door.

"Wait. Here's my card. You start work on Monday"

" Really?" I squeal.

" Of Course. Assuming you don't come tripping at the door" He smirks.

Not so bad of a joke.

"Thank you very much. I won't disappoint you. " I smile.

" I hope you don't"

As I walk out of the building, the air outside feels different, smells different. I walk towards my small car eager to celebrate this new win with Gabrielle. The smile on my face fades when my eyes land on the very person I hate to see.

" Hi, Aurora"

" What the hell are you doing here?"