Betrayed by my Ex, Became the Billionaire's Obsession

DEMI

Gavin shocks me with every move he makes. I've lost count of how many times he's done that this morning, yet I'm still trying to process the fact that he might actually be my boss.

And now, a loyalty question, really? It's almost as if he knows what he's doing. Like it's something calculated. I didn't mention names while I was pouring my heart out last night. Neither did I mention anything about me and Laila being set for the same interview today.

I maintained the story along the lines of, My ex and best friend betrayed me.

Now Gavin is acting like he knows the whole story. Not that I'm complaining. Everything he does and says warms my heart in every way possible.

Putting Laila and Ernest in their place? Serves them right.

I shift my glance to Laila, eager for her response.

She gives me a brief glance and then flashes the fakest smile at Gavin, holding her head high.

"I value loyalty more than anything else." She says.

Liar.

Liar.

Liar.

I find myself rolling my eyes.

"Are you sure about that?" Gavin asks.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" She responds.

"Well, we'll find out about that in a short while," Gavin says nonchalantly.

"How do you mean?" asks Laila.

"That's for me to know, and for you to find out later," he says, turning to me, his lips curving into the most perfect smile.

The way he eyes me, makes me shift from my seat. It's not that I'm uncomfortable but his eyes look so sexy and is it just me or is there some heat from his gaze? It makes my insides tingle.

"Tell me about loyalty, Miss Perez?" He asks, the smile never leaving his face.

Somehow, it makes me feel at ease.

"I wouldn't betray anyone important to me, either. If I'm working in this company it would mean it's important to me, and I'll always stay loyal to it... and to you, most importantly." I say, the words coming out so naturally.

His eyes linger on me for a few seconds.

"Can I say something else about myself?" Laila's annoying voice breaks the silence. Gavin and I must have been in a staring contest for longer than we should.

"And what is that?" Gavin probes.

"I work in this company, currently." She says, the pride evident in her voice.

"I know," Gavin snorts.

"You do?" She leans forward excitedly.

"I know that you're looking to work at a higher level."

"And my colleagues can testify about my impact and productivity..."

"If I wanted to listen to testimonies, I would have scheduled this interview in a courtroom." Gavin cuts her short. Laila now looks like she want to crawl under her seat.

"I'm sorry," she mumbles.

My days have never been better.

Gavin is dealing with Laila in a very appropriate way.

"Anyway, I'm not going to bore you with stupid questions. I have something more interesting," he announces.

"Really?" Laila jumps in quickly. On the other hand, I remain calm but still wondering what my probably, future boss' intentions are.

"Ever heard of a polygraph?" He asks. I nod at the same time Laila says, "yes."

"Good. Because it's on its way. This is going to be fun, don't you agree?" He asks, looking at Laila, who's excitement has suddenly faded.

___________

I've seen polygraphs in movies and social media, but I never thought I'd have one connected to me.

While I was researching interviews last night, this was the last thing I'd expected.

Gavin had instructed for Laila to begin. After fixing her, a woman seats on the opposite side to record the response.

"Are you ready?" Gavin asks.

Laila sighs and says, "Yes."

"Good. First question," Gavin crosses his arms, standing before her, while she's on the couch. I watch on the other side.

"Do you believe you're fit for this job?"

"Yes, I believe in myself and I know I'm fit for this job."

Gavin eyes the lady and she nods. "True."

"That was just to test if this is working."

Laila smiles in response.

"Now, back to the billion dollar question that will determine whether you'll get hired or not."

I see the exact moment when Laila swallows.

For someone who was completely sure she's getting the job and is better than me, she looks like she's dreading the question.

"I value loyalty. So much." Gavin begins.

Uh oh..

Why do I have a feeling I know where this conversation is headed?

"You said you value loyalty, and I took your word for it. Someone close betrayed me before, and if we're going to work together, we should be on the same page, don't you agree?"

Laila is silent for a while before she replies with a nod.

"Laila Wilson, have you ever betrayed your best friend?"

Oh God...

I know, I thought I knew where this conversation was headed, but I didn't know it would be this straightforward.

Laila shifts on her seat. Uneasy. She gives me a brief glare, and I wink.

She quickly looks back at Gavin and stutters.

"I don't...I..."

"It's a simple yes or no question, Laila," Gavin reminds her.

Now, this is more fun than I thought. I don't take my eyes off Laila.

After fidgeting in her seat for a while, she suddenly gains momentum and holds her head high as she says. "No."

Immediately, there's a sound that tells me it's nothing good.

Gavin looks at the lady behind the machine who shakes her head.

I didn't know what his reaction would be, but I wasn't expecting a laugh.

When he's done laughing, he glares at Laila.

"So much for someone who values loyalty, huh?"

"There must be a mistake," Laila says with worry written all over her face.

"Yeah sure," Gavin responds sarcastically.

When the machine is disconnected, Laila moves closer to Gavin and tries to hold his hand but he avoids it.

"What do you think you're doing?" Gavin retorts.

I see the desperation in Laila's eyes that I almost feel pity until I remember the pain that came with her betrayal.

"But that wasn't necessary," pleads Laila, while I watch silently, in amusement. "I can prove my loyalty in so many ways."

"Except that was all the proof I needed." Gavin concludes nonchalantly.

He knew what he was doing. He knew everything. All this was planned. He must have investigated enough to know this much about the whole situation. I don't know how to feel about it.

On one hand, it melts my heart. It feels like he's fighting for me. Who wouldn't feel that way if a man like Gavin Morgan does something like that for you?

On the other hand, I still don't understand why he would do all this for me. I'm just a stranger he met at the bar. Everything else was a coincidence. Yet here we are.

"Now, listen to me carefully, Laila," he says. "I woke up feeling kind today, which is why you'll still retain your job. But...if I hear any form of disrespect, a single mistake and you're gone," he warns. "You can leave."

Laila stares at him for a while then back at me