Faking It With a Billionaire || MaAn

Chapter 2 | Anupama

"It's been awhile, Anu" Anuj drawls, his scowl making me squirm. I can't help but admit how sexy his voice is, especially when he says my name like that.

"Anuj..." I utter in disbelief, my eyes widening in surprise. I had heard from my ex-boyfriend, Vanraj, that his brother was doing well, but I had no idea he was this successful. It's becoming clear to me that the Kapadia family is on a whole other level of wealth. I was so blinded by my infatuation with Vanraj that I didn't realize how successful Anuj had become. Anuj's success was always in the background of my relationship with Vanraj, but now that he's gone, it's impossible to ignore. It's like a wake-up call seeing Anuj's success firsthand, after being so focused on my past relationship with Vanraj. I had underestimated Anujs's achievements until now, when I am standing face to face with him.

Anuj's appearance screams money and success, as evidenced by the shiny cufflink he fiddles with - which probably costs more than my rent. The perfectly tailored suit he's wearing is most likely more expensive than the fuel-efficient car I share with Devika.

Anuj's appearance had changed since the last time I saw him. The last time we met was during a weekend trip to one of their numerous vacation homes in The Hamptons, and he was dressed very casually. However, now he stands before me looking completely different, dressed in a sophisticated and expensive suit that shows off his wealth.

Anuj's smile is forced and strained, causing a feeling of discomfort to wash over me. Instead of easing the tension between us, it only amplifies it. I can't help but wish that Annora had come with me into the room, just to have someone else there to diffuse the palpable awkwardness. My insides are tangled, and the way he looks at me absolutely disarms me.

"Have a seat, Anu" Anuj's gaze remains fixated on me as he motions towards the massive table that dominates the conference room. With a simple gesture, he invites me to take a seat, and his intense focus sends shivers down my spine. Anuj's authoritative tone brooks no argument, so I comply without protest. As I approach the massive table, my nerves get the better of me and I struggle to extract the bulky leather chair, cringing as it emits a loud screech.

Anuj settles into his seat with ease and poise, the perfect picture of someone accustomed to power and success. In contrast, I awkwardly fumble with the chair, wincing as it emits a loud squeak that seems to fill the otherwise silent room. My face flushes with embarrassment as I finally manage to pull the chair back and take a seat, feeling like a clumsy amateur compared to Anuj's effortless professionalism.

Anuj's black eyebrows remain lifted as he gazes at me, a hint of amusement in his expression. It takes me a while, but I finally manage to sit down in the chair. My face is flushed, and my attempt to hide my embarrassment is in vain.

I search for any clue that might explain his unexpected visit, my mind racing with possibilities. The intensity of his gaze doesn't help my nerves, and I can feel my face turning red as I try to maintain eye contact. I can't help but wonder if he can sense my anxiety, and I shift in my seat uncomfortably.

I shift in my seat, feeling a mixture of anxiety and curiosity as I finally find the courage to ask the question that's been lingering in my mind. I clear my throat and meet his gaze with a mix of apprehension and intrigue. "So, you're my boss?" I ask, my voice slightly trembling. "What exactly are you doing here?"

Anuj's gaze lingers on me, moving slowly from my head to my toes. It feels like he's examining every inch of me, making me acutely aware of my appearance.

"I'm right here, Violet"

It's as if a sudden jolt has brought me back to reality, reminding me of a painful memory from last summer. The weight of the words echoes in my mind, throwing me back to a time when things were seemingly perfect, and I was blissfully unaware of the truth about my relationship with Vanraj. He had been cheating on me for the length of our relationship, I'd discovered. But now, with those words lingering in the air, it's hard not to feel a pang of hurt and betrayal all over again.