Certified Obsession

15

Maya
I packed my bags and returned home with my heart in my hands. My dad was glad I returned because he needed me to be run  the family business while he and my mom went on vacation. I didn't know they were having marital problems because I didn't keep in touch. I didn't want anyone to find me or know where I was, especially find out what I was up to.
Work was a good thing because it would keep me distracted and stop me from thinking about Chase.

"Boss, where have you been? I have been so worried about you", Claire said, throwing her hands around me and hugging me tightly to the point I couldn't breathe. Claire is my personal assistant and about a year ago, I made her COO of my boutique. She has been with me since the very beginning when I started from scratch. My family owns quiet the business empire but I didn't want their success to define who I was so I left to set up my own business. It was hard but I managed to make it. I survived all the hardships and competition. Now Glammore" has over 200 branches worldwide.

My success didn't stop my dad from controlling my life. He made sure I worked for him because it was the family business and one day, I'd have to take over. I came home just in time to do my father's bidding, attend a pubic event I hate so much.
Unlike my sister Josefina, I hated attending these social gatherings that made me out to be the daughter of the business tycoon Antonio Garcia. I stayed away from all attention, from both family friends and the media.

I usually used my mother's maiden name so that no one will be able to recognize me.
That was all about to change. My father insisted it was time he showed his successor to the world and the annual businessman award event was the perfect opportunity. I had to pick a few wards in his name.
I reluctantly got ready , putting on a black Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress Bardot Neckline Side Split, some diamond earrings and  a pair of black heels. I grabbed my clutch and made my way to the event I was dreading. Miguel Herrera was waiting to take me to the event with a goofy smile on his face. "I never thought a day would come that I'll get to see you attending an event that exposes you to the public. You looking amazing tho", he said.
"Do you want to die? ", I said rolling my eyes at him.

Miguel is my childhood friend. We've know each other since I was eight. Our parents always left us to play together anytime they talked about business.
Miguel was good looking and very attractive and he knew that. Since middle since, he always used his good looks to escape punishment and whatnot. He  was my best friend who always had my back but he was no less of an arrogant self centered jerk.
"We have to leave now because we're running late", he said, opening the door to the car for me and taking his seat next to me at the back.
We got to the event early enough to socialize a little before the nomination began.
"This category is for promising women in business and the award goes to Maria Antoinette Yolanda Garcia", the host announced, followed by applauds from the crowd.
Miguel took my had, walked me to the stage to receive the award. I was about to say a few words when my eyes locked with an intense deep blue eyes which seem to be burning with rage.

"Barren Chase", I mouthed. Miguel pulled me out of the intense staring contest and gestured I say a few words. I did that for eight awards I took on behalf of my father including businessman of the year.