Chereads / Enchanted Heart / Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Running Rumors.

Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Running Rumors.

Maxwell sipped from his coffee as he stared at his wristwatch glancing back to the files on his magnificent desk. His spacious office with a soaring ceiling, expansive windows that offer breath taking views of the city skyline. The walls are adorned with exquisite artwork adding a touch of personality and whimsy to the room.

The room is filled with plushed sitting areas for relaxation and entertaining guest. Every detail, from the crystal chandelier to the painted ceiling mural, has been meticulously curated to create an atmosphere of refinement and luxury. Just then, his secretary knocked and entered. 

"Boss,the car is set, we leave in five minutes". Lucas, Maxwell's secretary said as he bowed straightening his suit.

"Have the members of the board being informed about this impromptu meeting ?" Maxwell said his voice as cold as ice, as he raised an eyebrow making him look intimidating. 

"Yes boss , I made sure I infor...med them earli...er " Lucas replied stuttering at the same time bowing . He was scared of his boss but didn't want to resign. He just loves his job, he knew that beneath that cold demeanor, was a soft hearted man.

Maxwell waved his hand signaling him to leave and Lucas didn't wait a moment before scurrying out of his office. 

He leaned back on his swivel chair, closing his eyes as he began hearing those torturous voices.

"Take off your pants pretty boy"

"Don't prove stubborn, or I would tie you to a pole and lash you with my special chain"

Different pictures began playing in his head as his eyes fluttered open and he jerked up from his seat. He was already sweating profusely even with the air conditioner functioning.

It took two minutes to calm his madly racing heart beat as he returned to his seat taking out pills from his drawer as he hastily swallowed them using a glass of water. This was how it had always being , darkness makes him to relive his dark memories so he finds it hard to sleep . He sleeps lightly only when he takes pills .

Lucas returned telling him that it was time as he grabbed his suit jacket and his phone before stepping out of the office with Lucas following closely behind him.

They got out as Lucas opened the door. Maxwell got in shutting the door himself. Lucas also got in as Steven, Maxwell's driver drove off. 

They got to one of Maxwell's hotels where the meeting was taking place. Maxwell stepped out elegantly putting on sun glasses, his aura dominating the area.

Some passerby stopped walking to catch a glimpse of this imposing figure, he was just too perfect to be ignored. 

Ladies kept gasping continuously, some dramatically fainting as they drooled over Maxwell's handsome features. He took off his glasses running his hand through his hair as he walked in elegantly followed by his body guards.

That single action from him made some girls faint for real. He was just too hot. It was something he was used to, girls screaming,gasping, fainting just at the sight of him.

The meeting had begun with Lucas giving a presentation on the new game preparing to be launched.

The board members at each sides of the table with Maxwell at the top centre. They all seemed focused as they nodded their heads , Lucas ended his speech as he was applauded.

Just then, the big screen changed automatically. A caption written on it;

MAXWELL RODRIGO, A FAMOUS BUSINESS TYCOON IN CALIFORNIA TURNS OUT TO BE A GAY. The caption read with a picture of Maxwell and a shirtless dude whose face was blurred. Gasps filled the air

Maxwell stiffened as he narrowed his eyes starring at the big screen , the big screen which held his destruction. His gaze shifted to the picture underneath the caption.

His mind drifted to the day he met the dude. He was in one of his hotels, he had gone to the restroom . He finished doing his business, washed his hands and was about leaving the restroom when the shirtless guy came rushing to him , he bumped into him, hugging him and in the process, their lips touched.

Maxwell was shocked at first ,he later regained his composure , he pushed the guy off as he landed an heavy punch on his face . 

The guy groaned painfully as he fell to the ground . He then started laughing mockingly leaving Maxwell in a more confused state. 

The guy got up ,smirking as he glared at Maxwell before leaving the restroom. 

Maxwell scoffed .

This had happened two months back and now it became a pictorial evidence to back up the rumor about him being a gay .

The board room became really noisy as the board members argued amongst themselves. Some starring at the caption and picture on the big screen with utter disgust. 

" Attention everyone, this is a very big misunderstanding , I sincerely apologize for the trouble this is going to cost us all. But I give you my word , I would clear my name . The launching of the new game will be with held until the rumors dies down. We have come to the end of this meeting , I would take my leave now." Maxwell said standing up and straightening his suit as he exited the boardroom, his body guards escorting him out.

*

Lucas switched on the TV as instructed by Maxwell . The rumor was what showed up first. It was already the top news on the headline. 

Reporters could also be seen outside Maxwell's company, with bill boards and posters of the caption and picture.

Maxwell clinched his fists ,his jaw clenched, he couldn't just stay here, doing nothing or his reputation would be ruined . He left the office hastily , Lucas starred at him, confusion etched on his face. 

The sea of reporters rushed toward Maxwell immediately they sighted him.

"What do you have to say about this, Mr. Rodrigo ?"

"Are the rumors about you true or you are being framed ?"

" Was it really you in the picture?" The reporters asked all at once as their cameras kept flashing non stop.

" 48 hours to prove to you all that the rumor about me is false." Maxwell said to the reporters as he immediately got surrounded by his body guards who then escorted him to his car.

*

Maxwell starred out through the car's window , different posters of the caption and picture was hung on different buildings in the city. That seemed to fast for a news that just got released an hour ago.

He knew he was been set up but he couldn't place his mind on who could have done this to him.

" Look into all my rivals , I want the person who did this found as soon as possible. " Maxwell said to one of the body guards who nodded immediately bringing out a tab and tapping on his ear pod to inform the rest of the new mission. 

His phone rang ,he checked the caller ID, it was Martins, his adopted father.

" Hello dad" Maxwell said immediately he picked the call as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. 

" Come home quickly ,Maxwell, let's straighten things out . " Martins said from the other end. 

"I wouldn't be able to come today because of my schedule, but I promise to be there tomorrow morning." Maxwell said. 

"Ok , stay safe then" Martins said cutting the call. 

*

Francis puffed out smoke from his nostrils as he laughed maniacally at the same time groaning , as a bitch was riding him like her life depended on it.

He was reading the best news ever . 

Maxwell, his business rival rumored to be a gay was indeed the best news of his live. It seemed he wasn't the only one after Maxwell's fame .

He was going to make good use of this opportunity to promote his business. He thought as he looked around his well furnished office.

Francis was also a billionaire, he was rich, hot but older than Maxwell. He was also famous . He shags around and even owns a club house.

"I finally have you trapped exactly where I wanted you, motherfucker." He screamed as he laughed like a psychopath. 

He even helped to promote the news by contacting several media houses . Now he was just going to sit and watch how it all rolls out. 

He thought as he plunged himself deeper into the slutty bitch who moaned out shamelessly. 

*

Ariana gasped as she scrolled through her phone , this was just too much from someone who many people looked up to . Though she felt the proof wasn't really strong enough to destroy Maxwell's reputation. 

Well, that was the least of her problems right now. 

She was searching for a much higher paying job . The higher paying jobs required the qualifications she didn't have because she graduated from high school and wasn't able to further her education to college .

She groaned frustratingly as she raked her hand through her hair stretching her limbs. She was on her bed. She had just returned from her night part time jobs . 

She tossed her phone to a side of the bed . She took her mom and dad's photo ,kissing it before placing it back on the drawer. 

That was a ritual she does everyday before going to bed. She lay on her bed ,closing her eyes as she eventually dozed off.