I've had a rough childhood—an unconventional one at best. I'm the third child of the Cruz family, who are big players in the business world with a lot of money. But having wealth didn't make my life any easier. Being an illegitimate child came with its own set of struggles.
My father was a notorious playboy. He was known for flitting from one woman to another, getting them pregnant, and then running away from his responsibilities. I wouldn't be surprised if he had at least fifty more children who remain undisclosed, simply because the women involved were too scared to come forward.
My mother, on the other hand, was a stunning hooker. From the stories I've heard, she and my father had a one-night stand that turned into something more. But when she discovered he was already married with two kids, she became furious. She was pregnant with me at the time, and the pregnancy was complicated. She couldn't abort me and had to deliver me via C-section, leaving her with a scar that she believed marred her beauty. Outraged and unable to cope, she gave me up to my father and disappeared from my life.
That's all I know about my mother. As for my stepmother, she was never pleased with my existence, and understandably so. She didn't harm me, but she was indifferent. After all, I was born from a situation that was not my fault. I would say she is till day the only sane person in the entire family even though I know she hates me.
I lived away from my father's legitimate family, not by choice, but because they didn't want the aura of an illegitimate child to tarnish their bloodline. So, I was sent off to a small town where the local nanny and some servants took care of me. Occasionally, my grandfather would call to check if I was still in one piece before sending me back.
Today seemed like one of those days when my grandfather wanted to see if I was still around. I quickly took a shower and dried my hair, cursing myself for drinking late into the night. I should have washed my hair properly so I wouldn't have to rush through drying it now. I had an interview at eleven, and with the clock nearing ten, I knew I was going to be late but still hoped to make it to the office somehow.
Standing in front of the mirror, I applied my makeup with care, ensuring it was flawless. My lipstick was a nice peachy pink that complemented the white short dress I wore. I had chosen this dress deliberately, with a deep neckline that highlighted my cleavage. "Hehe," I thought to myself. If there was one thing I could be grateful for from my mother, it was the stunning face and body she gave me. It was a small solace, especially given that my father barely cared for me. I used it to my benefit as much as possible.
"There we go!" I tossed the last strands of hair over my back and admired my reflection. "Damn, I look stunning," I complimented myself, lifting a leg and striking a pose in the mirror. The high boots complemented the dress perfectly, and I was pleased with how the look came together.
With a final glance at my reflection, I grabbed my files and bag from the bed, locking the door behind me as I left the room. I could have taken the subway or a bus, but today seemed too important to risk navigating the city in such a striking outfit. I decided to splurge on a taxi instead.
Standing by the road, I waved my hand frantically at the passing taxis. "Please, someone stop for me! I need to get to the office before it's too late." It was definitely a race against time.
I spotted a car slowing down amid the rush, and what caught my eye was that this wasn't just any ordinary vehicle—it clearly belonged to someone with money. "Hah! Another one bites the dust," I chuckled to myself, knowing that my appearance had likely made it impossible for the driver to just drive away.
The tinted window rolled down, revealing a handsome man in a sleek, well-tailored suit. He wore a pair of glasses perched elegantly on the bridge of his nose, which he slid down slightly to meet my gaze. "Is there anything I can help you with, my lady?" he asked, his tone flirtatious.
Of course, he could. I'd been hoping for someone like him. I nodded eagerly, ensuring I conveyed that he was rescuing me. Men love to feel like heroes, after all.
"I have an interview. I need to get to the office or I might not make it in time." I let a hint of desperation seep into my voice, hoping to melt his heart.
"Not if I can do something about it," he said smoothly. With a charming smile, he got out of the car and walked around to the passenger side. "Let me be your driver for the day."
"Really? You'd do that?" I asked, making my way towards the open door. "Oh, that's so sweet of you! How can I ever repay you?"
"You don't have to," he replied in a charismatic tone.
Before he could change his mind, I hopped into the passenger seat as he closed the door behind me. He then walked around and slid into the driver's seat. "So, where to?"
"Marc's Real Estate Office," I said with a grin. His eyebrow lifted in surprise.
"Wow! I'm impressed," he said.
"Oh, you're flattering me," I replied. Of course, I knew it was impressive. Marc's was one of the leading companies in real estate, and getting an interview there was a big deal. I couldn't tell him that directly; I needed to keep this opportunity secure.
"By the way, you're breathtaking," he said, briefly glancing my way and giving me a thorough look. I maintained my smile.
"Hah! You sure know how to make a girl feel special. I bet you're a playboy," I teased him purposefully.
"Never! You're actually very beautiful," he countered.
"If you say so, Mr...?" I asked, realizing I hadn't caught his name.
He seemed to have realized it too. Reaching into the compartment beside the steering wheel, he pulled out a business card. "Cyrus Kay. Pleasure meeting you."
"Maeve Cruz. Pleasure meeting you too," I replied, taking the card and slipping it into my bag. I briefly admired the expensive texture of the card. He certainly seemed like a big shot.
Outside the office, Cyrus dropped me off with a smooth, confident ease. "Thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done without you," I said, genuinely grateful.
"Well, if you're thankful, you can treat me to a meal once you get the job," he replied with a charming smile. For a fleeting moment, I felt my heart do a backflip. I held his gaze for a second before snapping out of my thoughts and nodding. "I will definitely."
"Then I'll be eagerly waiting for your call," he said, taking my hand from my lap and pressing a gentle kiss to the back of it. I shouldn't have reacted so strongly, but I could have sworn my cheeks, hidden beneath my makeup, turned a shade of pink.