Page 15 of One Hellish Passion

Maya clenched her jaw and wore the robe. She felt his heated gaze still on her, but she had no reasons to turn around and confirm. Maya strode to the elevator. She was lucky that this was a private elevator; no one could see her in this state, not until she reached the lobby on the ground floor. But Laura, who accompanied her in the elevator, pressed the Basement button, which meant it was guaranteed that, apart from the driver, no one would see her present state.

The elevator doors slid open on the basement level, and Laura guided Maya toward a sleek, upscale car waiting nearby. Thankfully, the window panes were tinted, offering a measure of privacy. Just as Maya was about to step into the car, a sudden flash caught her off guard. She turned around to check, but there was no one in sight. Shrugging off the momentary distraction, she entered the car, and Mohan drove them away.

As Laura returned to the elevators, a woman dressed in black emerged, clutching her camera with excitement. She had just captured some sensational news, ready to share it with the world.

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Wrapped in a black satin robe, Ranveer Malhotra stood next to the pool, sipping Vodka at almost 01:00 am at night. The essence of Maya Bajaj in that pool was still fresh, and he was unable to divert his mind into anything else. She could easily lure any man she desired. Even him! The moment he thought this, he angrily threw the vodka glass down with force, breaking it into pieces. What was wrong with him? How could he feel that way for that woman when he clearly knew what she did 3 years ago?

************

Maya awoke suddenly, startled by the morning light. She had arrived home the previous night to find her mother already asleep, and Ritu had left a message on her phone, explaining that she couldn't wait past 10:00 pm. Garima had been alone for nearly two hours, but Maya was relieved to see that her mother was alright. Garima hadn't even noticed Maya's return home last night. Maya pushed aside the duvet and went to check on her mother.

Garima stood by the couch with another bouquet in hand.

“Mom, this is becoming too frequent now. What does he want?” Maya angrily muttered.

Garima chuckled.

“This one is not for me, baby. It came for you just 10 minutes ago.”

Maya froze. For her? The roses reminded her of the day when she walked the ramp. This was a similar bouquet that Ranveer Malhotra had left for her that night. She hurriedly took the bouquet from her mother, trying to find the note attached to it.

“They gave this envelope with it,” Garima showed her an envelope, and Maya was glad it was unopened. Usually, her mother didn't read her letters, and she really appreciated that. Maya took it from her and started unfolding.

“I will make some coffee for us.”

Garima left for the kitchen, giving Maya ample time to take care of this bouquet and envelope. Maya found a cheque inside. It was the same amount as her pending incentives. And along with it was another note.

‘Last night, you were exactly the way I wanted you to be. You earned your incentives back, Miss. Bajaj.’

Maya crumpled the note. What was this supposed to mean? She was drenched, and he liked seeing her like that? Was that how he wanted to see her always? She despised such men.

Vikram’s call buzzed on her phone.

“Yes, Vikram,” she answered.

“You did a miracle, I suppose. Ranveer is ready to continue the contract with Blitz. Congrats, your job stays, Maya.”

Maya took a sigh of relief because the contract meant a lot to her company and all the models who worked for them. She couldn't let them lose their jobs. However, the incentives he paid her, along with this dirty note, she would never accept. Vikram hung up after checking what time Maya would be reaching the office so they could discuss the progress of their other work.

Maya sat on the couch, exasperated. She knew the incentives meant a lot to her, especially for her mother’s next treatment, but she had to put a full stop to his intentions. She knew what she had to do. She put the cheque back in the envelope.

“Maya, what is it?” Garima came out with their coffee mugs.

Maya denied sharing any of this with her.

“Nothing, Mom, it’s just an appreciation letter from my show’s sponsor.”

Garima sat next to her. Maya took the mug from her and started sipping her coffee.

“Is he single?” Garima teased.

Maya rolled her eyes.

“Mom, please.”

She tried to get up, but Garima pulled her back.

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