THE CEO'S MISTRESS: A MAID & BOSS ROMANCE

Several men awaited my arrival via a chartered plane. I could say that my life has been extravagant thanks to my father's wealth. As the heiress to his vast fortune, he couldn't risk my safety. Sometimes, his style of overprotecting me was annoying. Still, I just had to recall our life situation before he became Richard Vera. Life was hard back then, and he did everything in his power to salvage our situation. As his only daughter, it was right to love him unconditionally!

"Darling, how was your trip?" He asked excitedly.

I waited for the grey-haired man to embrace me as he usually did whenever I arrived from a business conference. But instead, I smiled at the man who raised me alone with everything that he had. He had nothing when my mother left him for a richer man, and I hoped that I wouldn't get the chance to see her again. I hated that woman for leaving me and for leaving my father.

"Excellent, Papa," I responded with a promise that I would tell him anything about it.

As the write-ups said in their article, Richard Vera, a famous business tycoon, was the God in the construction industry. So if the Salcedo's were prominent in the tourism industry, the Vera's were also renowned in their field.

"You look more beautiful than the last time I saw you!" Richard Vera exclaimed his compliments as we walked side by side.

I knew that he's so proud of my achievements, but who wouldn't? I trained hard every day to meet his expectations, so I should also be proud of myself. "I think there's something you wanted to tell me ever since I got off from the plane." The proud man shook his head in denial, but I sensed that something bothered him. I could feel it!

"We will talk about it later, Juliana," he responded but the way he pronounced my name caused me to worry. Usually, he would refer me with my nickname even if I hate it. But Juliana?

"Alright, if you say so," I agreed. I was willing to wait for my father to speak until he's ready to spill the beans. He looked stressed already, so I didn't want to add his burden.

The convoy of black cars drove straight from the airport towards the private road leading to our estate, The Belleview. It's a castle with five round towers penetrating the sky, linked with chunky walls made of golden stone. Tall windows and asymmetric crenellations for archers and artillery were strewn liberally around the walls in an almost random fashion.

It was for aesthetic purposes because he loved imagining himself as a King. It was his money that he used to build it, so I had no right to complain. A standard gate guarded the only entrance into the castle built on a mountain top with thick wooden doors. Still, it's not the only way in if someone was familiar with the castle's hidden passages. Outside the castle gates, a line of king statues served as his inspiration that anyone could become great with hard work, perseverance, and determination.

Belleview had been my home since I was ten. Before that, we lived in a slum. I was young back then, but I witnessed how he struggled to provide me with something to eat. First, he worked as a laborer, a construction helper, and then he became a mason. With his experience working day and night, he learned that there's money in the construction business.

Out of desperation to become rich quickly, he tried his luck in a lottery, and he was lucky to get the jackpot.

Richard Vera used the money wisely, and the rest was history.

I looked at my father as we entered the castle gate and smiled at him. Then, sincerely, I promised that I would do everything to pay back for what he had done for me in the past years. "Papa, maybe you should get a wife," I suggested.

His hair might be grey, but it's because of the hair color he sported. The last time he dyed his hair, it was coffee brown, and he looked way much younger than his age. He's only forty-seven, so I assumed that several women would line up to become his wife.

"No, it's just a waste of time," he replied.

"Are you sure? Or until now, you are still waiting for my mother to return," I jested, but Richard Vera didn't like my sense of humor. He frowned at me and looked away. "I was only kidding," I explained.

"You are right," he answered after a minute.

I was shocked at his response because it was unexpected! "What? Are you serious? Oh my God! I can't believe you, Papa." I shook my head in disagreement. "I've never thought that you are like this!"

"It's true love," he reasoned out.

"True love, my foot! If that's true love, then I don't want it!"

"Juliana, you can't say that," he disagreed with my opinion, but I just huffed at his response.

I was about to lecture him, but we have arrived, and I didn't know any of the staff to hear us bantering over anything. There could be a spy in the house, and it would just cause a scandal! We didn't want any scandal to disrupt our business!

A uniformed woman followed me when I went towards the elevator to take me to my bedroom. "How are you doing, Marian?"

"Just fine, Miss Juliana," she replied timidly.

"Common, it's just the two of us here. You don't have to be so formal," I corrected her way of treating me. They were trained not to misbehave in front of me, but I could be lenient most of the time. For me, Marian and the rest of the staff were considered family.

Marian helped me with my bath, and we talked about random things while she scrubbed my back. "Do you think I'm happy with my life?" The question caught her off guard because I heard she gasped for air.

"You are Richard Vera's only daughter; isn't it enough to be happy?"

"You are always clever as expected, Marian." I was amazed at the way she responded to my inquiry with a question. "To be honest, I don't know anymore. People know me as the heiress, but that's all. I am a nobody if I don't use my father's last name."

Marian sighed along with me. She's been my governess ever since my father built his fortune in the construction industry. If my father would decide to have a wife soon, I would strongly recommend Marian to him. The woman has been with us for almost fifteen years! She's loyal and trustworthy, and she made me feel I have a mother on my side.

After she assisted me with my bath, I gave her something from my latest trip to Chicago. I went there to meet the renowned architect, Mr. Albert Serrano. He's a Filipino based in Chicago, and our architectural firm wanted to pirate him. However, when several of our delegates failed to obtain his signature, I decided to step in.

Luckily, I did! Or I would lose him to a famous firm that was also based in Chicago. No one believed I would manage to convince him to return to the Philippines and worked with us. I didn't think it either!

I was just lucky to bring my father's old photo! Albert claimed that he lived in the same slum with us and my father helped him on several occasions. We used to be neighbors, but I didn't recall any of it. Would it matter? Not really. The important thing was, he agreed to my terms.

A deep sigh escaped from my lips as I walked towards the window after putting on a comfortable dress. From above, I could see the ocean. It seemed so near, but I had to travel for more than an hour to get there.

Another sigh escaped when I returned to my massive bed. The firm has been my playground, and whenever I'm home, I felt so lost and empty. Sometimes, I wondered if people would treat me the same if my name were not Julianna Vera.

My desire to always please my father was suffocating. I wanted to do something different, but I didn't want to disappoint him. He's the only person who could love me unconditionally, so the least I could do to him was to be obedient and to make him proud.

I was supposed to take a rest, but I spent my time daydreaming of the impossible. At my age, I was expected to have a lover or a fiancé, but I wasn't interested in dating. I would never allow anyone to have power over me!

When someone informed me that dinner was ready, I had no idea what's in store for me. "Hi Papa," I greeted him as usual before I sat down, but he looked stern and severe all the time. "Problem?"

"Not really. Julianna darling, can you be honest with me about your love life? Do you have a boyfriend, or are you dating someone behind my back? Just tell me," he said.

I pouted my lips before shaking my head in denial. "I'm not interested with men, Papa." Richard Vera was stunned at my response, and I chuckled when I realized what he's thinking. "No, I'm not a lesbian!"

"Then why are you not interested in men? You are already twenty-seven, Juliana. At your age, I already have you, but look at you now! Well, I've arranged a deal with the Salcedo's, and you only have to marry their second son."

My eyes blinked several times, and I wished that he would correct his statement. I waited. However, he didn't say anything! "Why do I have to marry their son?"

"It will benefit the company," he replied.

"By using me? Papa, how can you do this? We already talked about it! I don't want to get married, I don't want to start my family, and I don't want to be involved with Ethan Salcedo!"

"I also wanted his older brother, Juliana, but he's already engaged! So we can't break his engagement, or it will be disadvantageous to us," he explained.

"When I said I didn't want to get married and have my family, I meant it. Even if it strengthens our business, I won't do it, Papa!" I insisted, and the proud Richard Vera frowned at my decision to stay celibate for the rest of my life.

Ethan Salcedo was the black sheep of their family. His name was famous among tabloids and magazines, but nobody knew his face. He was rumored to have a deformity, and I also believed that rumor. Otherwise, he would show his face to the public or help in his family's business.

"It's business-related!" He bellowed while trying to make a point. I remained firm not to get involved with Ethan. "He's coming to see you tomorrow," he announced.

"Who's coming?"

"Ethan and his family," he replied, and that moment, I've made up my mind to do something unimaginable; leave the castle and stay hidden until Ethan would find his suitable wife.

I stared into nothingness as I processed the fact that I was finally free. I felt the urge to express my happiness, but the status of poverty was waving at me. I knew there would be regrets in the future. Still, I just couldn't let my father dictate about my marriage, especially with someone so despicable!

"Are you alright?"

When I looked up at the man who stood tall before me, my brain refused to function well - as the COO of Vera's Architectural Firm, meeting someone gorgeous was nothing special in my line of work. However, with the stranger near me, I was immediately drawn to his athletic build, and I couldn't take my gaze away from the veins on his arms.

I stood up and said, "I'm fine," before his hands could touch my skin. "Just don't mind me," I told him.

"Are you sure?" He doubted my words, and I hated him for it. "You seemed lost. Are you new in this town?"

He was trying to be friendly, so the least I could do was not be a snob. I was about to walk away when an idea popped up inside my head. Maybe, he could help me find a job. "Yeah. Unfortunately, my friend doesn't live here anymore, so I will go somewhere else to find a job."

"I see," he replied.

"I'm not a fraud!" I knew I was defensive, but the look on his face told me that he's suspicious about me. When he studied my appearance, from head to foot, I became uncomfortable.

"You must have come from a faraway place," he stated.

"Yeah, you can say that. Do you know anyone who's probably looking for household help? I'm willing to work even without pay as long as my meals are free."

"Sounds fair enough," he said.

I was excited to hear that someone in town could hire me. "Can I ask for the address?"

"Well, I can give you a free ride," he muttered in a low voice.

When he mentioned giving me a free ride, I suddenly felt some goosebumps in my skin. What if he's a criminal and just scouting for his next victim? I shivered at the thought of being killed by someone I met on the street. My heart raced like crazy when he stared at me, and I stepped back.

"I don't think it's safe to take a free ride from a stranger," I said, and the tall man clenched his jaw. He didn't like what I said and glared at me.

"I'm just trying to help, but if you don't want it, it's fine with me," he declared before walking out.

"Hey, Mister!" I called him before he would vanish from my sight.

He arched his brows and narrowed his eyes at me. "Hurry up if you want to come with me," he said coldly, and I had no choice but to be quick on my steps.

My eyes widen in surprise that he drove a limited edition, Lexus! Only a few had the means to have it, and our garage has one. However, I couldn't blow up my cover for noticing the car. "Are you rich?" It wasn't brilliant to ask, but I had to.

"Maybe," he answered as if it wasn't a big deal to own a limited edition car.

There's a reservation inside my heart, but I had to take the risk before my father's henchmen would find me. Inside his luxurious car, his eyes spoke volumes, and he had a devilish glint in them. He appeared suspicious, but I had to trust my judgment.

When he entered a gated property, I wasn't surprised to see a magnificent abode. It was made of grey bricks with walnut wood as decorative materials. Tall, rectangular windows complemented the house's overall design and have been installed in an asymmetrical pattern. The structure was in the form of an L.

The extension continued on that side of the house until it reached the end of the trendy gardens. The second floor was the same height as the first, but a portion of it hung over the edge of the floor below, creating a balcony on one side and an overhang. In terms of design, I concluded that it was highly different.

The roof was high and slanted to one side, with black ceramic tiles covering it. On the side of the tower, there were two small chimneys. A well-maintained garden surrounded the house. Grass, flowerbeds, and trees have been strategically positioned just like in Belleview.

"Welcome to my home," he announced after he parked the car in front of the main entry.

All of a sudden, I was scared! "What do you mean this is your home?"

"You need a job. Well, I also need someone to prepare my meals and everything," he announced.

"Are you kidding me? You didn't mention anything about it in the car!"

"What's the difference? It would be best if you had a job, and I need a maid," he announced. "By the way, if you don't like to work as my maid, then you can choose to be my mistress."

I convinced myself that the man was far too attractive to be a bastard! "Do you think I'm crazy?" I snapped at him, temporarily forgetting that I wasn't Julianna Vera anymore.

"I'm just giving you the option," he reasoned out.

"So, I've got to choose to be your maid or your whore," I concluded in a low, barely audible voice, but he heard me, of course. "You're an atrocious and arrogant bastard, sir!"

"That sassy attitude you have when you're penniless will change my mind," he said, shaking his head. Then, he chastised me, and I instantly lowered my gaze to the ground, realizing that he was right.

"My father is terrifying, and I'm afraid to go home now." But, although my father could be frightening when enraged, he would never harm me. "Please help me," I pleaded, trying to appear pitiful in his gaze.

"As I've said earlier, I need a maid," he repeated.

I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do the work. However, I was in a situation where I have no choice. Anyway, it's just for a few months. "All right, I'll do it," I said.

I took his offer without thinking about the consequences later. Anyway, I was a fast learner who believed that if I put my mind to it, I could accomplish something! Even though if working as a housemaid terrified me, I had no choice! I wanted a place to stay for the time being.

"Are you certain? He cautioned, "It won't be easy."

"I'll do my best, sir."

"It's Dominic," he said.

"Marian at your service, sir," I responded with a false name.

He replied, "Just call me Dom."

I whispered, "What a cheesy name for someone like you."

"What do you mean?" He inquired in an irritated or enraged tone, but I had more reasons to be enraged.

"Nothing," she replied. "By the way, how old are you, Dom?"

"Thirty-two," he responded coldly. "And you? Are you already eighteen?"

"It's twenty-seven."

He was shocked to find out that I was already twenty-seven years old. Eighteen? Oh my goodness, that was ridiculous! Then, he studied my appearance, and suddenly, I became uncomfortable.

"You're pretty, and you're legs are great, but what I liked the most was your eyes. It's tantalizing and expressive. I wonder how you will look under me," he said.

At first, I didn't get what he said, but I blinked my eyes several times when the realization hit me. "I'll work here as your household staff, and that's it. No touching, no flirting, or I will be forced to charge you with harassment."

"Whoa, you're such a smart girl, Marian!"

"I am, so you should be careful around me," I warned him. But wait, was I in the position to be sassy with him?

He groaned afterwards, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he hurried up to leave, but then he recalled that I was there, so he stopped. "It's just you and me in the house, and there's a lot of bedrooms you can choose from. Just choose any of the bedrooms to your liking. I'll be back in a jiffy," he said and left in a hurry.

While I considered his generosity for not letting me sleep in the servant's quarter, it was insensitive to leave without briefing me on my tasks. Nevertheless, I followed his order. I saw him turned left, so that's where I was heading.

"Hey, come here," he said, and the brunette nervously stood up. Dominic grasped her tiny waist and whispered something into her.

When the woman nodded her head, Dominic took her into the bed and stripped her clothes. Without further ado, he crawled on top of her, and I gasped in surprise to witness him doing it with another woman.

"Baby, spread your legs," he ordered, and the woman obliged.

The woman arched her head, and he bit into the delicate skin on her throat, grumbling as his hardened flesh slowly penetrated her womanhood. Later, the room was filled with their moans, and the woman repeatedly cried out for his name.

My intuition told me to leave, but it seemed that I was glued in my position. The erotic image before me was so much to handle that I couldn't move my legs. When I saw him leaving the woman in bed, I panicked!

I was in a hurry that I accidentally knocked out the vase on the console table. I sprinted into the hallway, but he already saw me and called my attention. I tried to ignore him, but he didn't give me the chance to leave.

"Stop, or you'll regret it!" He threatened me.

I didn't dare to look back, but Dominic has long legs and could get to me in a few seconds. "I'm sorry, Dom. I was lost," I lied.

The man scoffed at my reason, and he seemed to suspect me. "What did you see?" He inquired.

"Nothing," I lied again.

"Are you sure?"

Oh God, he was such a suspicious human being! "Okay fine, I admit that I saw you and the brunette fucking like wild animals. Is that enough? Can I leave now?"

"Hey! Don't you dare talk to me like that, Marian?"

Dominic was furious with how I told him the truth, and since I couldn't do anything about it, I just shrugged off my shoulders. "If you don't want me here anymore, I can just leave."

"No one's leaving without my permission!" He bellowed, and his thunderous voice echoed around the corridor.

"I am not your prisoner!" I exclaimed before walking away.

"Wait a minute!" Dominic screamed at me, and every time he's disrespectful and despicable, I regretted meeting him.

"If you will show me to my bedroom, I will gladly appreciate it. You know what, I'm not in the mood to argue, and if you want to cook for you, you will allow me to take a nap."

Dominic tried to keep his cool by closing his eyes, but when I threatened to leave, his nostrils flared. "Of course, you're welcome to take a nap for an hour or two." He agreed to my demands and walked ahead to me my bedroom.

I rejoiced at the fact he gave in to my demands. Should I make another one? "I hope you won't mind, but can you minimize your voice when you fuck her?" Dominic was flabbergasted upon hearing the word 'fuck' from a woman. Well, it wasn't new to me. I've heard it countless times, and the vulgar word didn't affect me at all.

"Whether I screamed or grunted, it's not your business, Marian. Or do you want to experience it with me?"

I knew that he taunted me to succumb to his authority. Huh, that's the impossible thing to happen in the future! Richard Vera might have power over me, but it was my choice. I did it because of love. Except for my father, nobody could order me around! "I'd rather please myself than do it with you," I said. Well, I didn't mean to belittle his capacity, but it's my defense mechanism to thwart off his suggestion.

"Oh my God! Just go to your room and don't show up unless it's time for cooking my meals." Dominic was seething with anger when he stormed off after leading me to my bedroom.

"Thank you," I shouted, but he probably didn't hear.

I just shook my head in disbelief that I had the misfortune to work with an impossible man! When I opened the door towards the guest room, he allowed me to use I, and II wished that his wife would be nicer.

The bedroom was fully furnished with modern fixtures. The design was dramatic, and despite its size, the space felt cozy thanks to the various seating areas and the beautiful four-poster bed. When I walked towards the window, I noticed access to the garden.

Well, it was thoughtful of him to let me use a beautiful room with access to their garden. I appreciated it very much.

I stretched my muscles first before I dropped my tired body into the huge bed. It was still dawn when I left the mansion, and I had to commute my way to the South until I found a perfect town for hiding.

At least, it wasn't pure bad luck when I met him. Soon, he would be rewarded for helping me, but in the meantime, I had to enjoy my new life...as his maid.

Maybe I was dead tired because the moment my body hit the bed, I was immediately asleep! I was supposed to set my alarm clock, but I was so tired of getting up. I leave it to fate if I could wake up on time.

It was past dinner time when I woke up, and I panicked at the thought that Dominic would dismiss me. As expected, my boss was already in the kitchen when I arrived, and he frowned upon discovering that his food was not yet ready.

"I overslept. I'm sorry," I apologized for being late, and he just snorted in response. "By the way, I didn't see anyone except you and your wife," I commented.

"I don't have a wife," he replied.

"Then, who is the woman I saw earlier? I mean, the brunette," I reminded him that he was with a woman earlier, and I assumed that was his wife.

"Oh, her? She's one of my mistresses," he answered nonchalantly, and I had to blink my eyes several times to check if he was only kidding or not.

"Are you serious? How many are they?"

"Don't ask if you don't want to be one of them," he ordered.

"Should I cook their food as well if they're all here?"

"No! They can do it by themselves. Just cook for both of us," he answered.

"Oh, okay! Just give me an hour to prepare our dinner, then just come back later," I told him.

"Thirty minutes," he negotiated, and I guessed that he's starving.

"Alright," I agreed even if my knowledge in cooking was very limited.