She closed the door and sank in a heap on the floor. She was so disappointed, so utterly ashamed of herself. How would she ever meet Dante's eyes after embarrassing him in front of his family and friend? How could she be such a failure? The incident had caused her self-confidence to wither. She always makes wrong decisions and embarrasses others. "Maya," his voice laced with concern cut through her thoughts. She didn't respond. He crouched behind her and implored, "Look at me, sweetheart." She shook her head, sobbing even harder now. His gentleness was only making her more emotional. "Please," she sobbed, hiding her face between her knees. He came in front of her and cradled her red cheeks. Holding them gently, he lifted her face. Her cheeks were soaked with tears, her eyes red-rimmed and her face clouded with sorrow. "I am sorry," she apologized, her chin wobbling. Dante wiped away her tears. She raised her sorrowful eyes to his and explained "I didn't mean to embarrass you in f
"Good Morning, Glinda," Maya regarded the old maid with a warm smile as she descended the stairs. Glinda wished her back but her smile quite didn't reach her eyes. Maya caught on to that. "Is everything okay?" she questioned, approaching her. The old lady looked hesitant for a moment. "Mr. Martinez has given orders to dismiss the kitchen staff," she disclosed. Maya was shocked to hear that. "All of them?" she asked, perplexed. "I informed him about how they treated you. He got furious and told me to fire them first thing tomorrow morning," she explained. Now it made sense. She wasn't pleased to hear it. "But I can't bring myself to fire them. Most of them are the sole providers of their families. Lily bears the expenses of her three kids, Jenny has an ill mother," she shared her concern. It was wrong of them to mistreat Maya but being snatched of their livelihood was a bit too much. Maya agreed. She understood where they came from. Their loyalty towards Dante had caused them to
Eviana moved towards her, her gaze sweeping over her with a curious appraisal."I haven't rescued her," Dante answered, slightly irritated. For some reason, he didn't like the statement. Eviana didn't respond. Maya grew self-conscious as she noticed her eyes linger on her scars. The woman smiled when their eyes met. Maya reciprocated the smile, her steps languid as she descended the stairs. "I am Eviana, Dante's childhood friend and his first-ever girlfriend," she beamed, drawing Maya into a hug. Maya shot a glance towards Dante, who responded with a shake of his head. She shifted her gaze back to sparkling Eviana. Her golden locks echoed her radiant personality. Her green eyes "Maya," she replied, gently stepping away from the hug. "I know, Katty told me about you" Eviana responded, smiling. Maya's smile faltered at the mention of Mrs. Martinez. Eviana took her hand and offered her a comforting smile.She said, "don't worry, I don't believe in everything I heard. I prefer kno
"It's a funny story," he answered before kissing the top of her head. She was curious now. "A boy in our class was pressuring her to get into a relationship with him. To dodge him, she asked me to be her pretend boyfriend. We acted the part until she had to leave for London," he explained. Understanding dawned on Maya. "Did you ever confront that boy?" she asked. "Not really. I saw him talking to Eviana a few times but he never bothered me," Dante replied. Maya hummed quietly. For some reason, she wasn't convinced. Something was lurking in her eyes when she said she was his girlfreind, something that made her instincts prickle. However, she knew she had no right to be jealous. What they had was still nameless. It was more than just friendship but less than a relationship. There was no confession or declaration..................After taking a shower, she concealed all her scars and went downstairs for breakfast. She spotted Eviana and Dante on the table as soon as she stepped in.
"Welcome back," Eviana beamed as Dante entered through the door. Maya watched her scampering towards him from a distance. "Did you bring what I asked?" she demanded, excitedly. "Here is your chocolate cake," Dante extended the paper bag towards her, causing her to grin wider. She eagerly took the bag, bouncing in joy."And that's the reason why you are my favorite ex," Eviana chirped. Dante took her comment as a joke and proceeded towards his room. Maya turned around and left for her room. Their interaction had left a bad taste in her mouth. "Come. Have some," Eviana patted the spot beside her for him to claim. "I don't want it. You enjoy," Dante waved her offer off and headed upstairs....Maya leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the day pressing against her eyelids. Every moment of their interaction played in her mind, each memory tightening around her chest, leaving her breathless. She hated to admit it but she was jealous. Her eyes fluttered
He skimmed the vibrator over her swollen clit. She moaned and he shushed her by placing his finger on her lips. "Not a squeak from you," he instructed in a hoarse whisper, peering deep into her eyes. She blinked at him, her eyes glazing over. He then proceeded to increase the speed and ran it along her pussylips. "Aaah," she moaned again, her body curling against the restraints. "What did I say about making noise?" he taunted, slapping her pussy. She gasped, startled by his move. He then proceeded to rub her tender flesh to ease the sting. She felt torn between the onslaught of pain and pleasure. "Have you ever tried this, sweetheart?" he questioned, pressing the running vibrator against her bundle of nerves. She shivered visibly, biting down on her lip. Amid the haze, the woman forced herself to shake her head. She had never tried a vibrator or any sex toy before. This was her first. "Innocent little thing," he smirked, slowly slipping the device into her wet hole. Her body
Her mouth went dry as she read the article. Business Tycoon Dante Martinez Caught In An Extra-Marital scandal? Next to his picture was a picture of a silhouette with a question mark written over it. Her identity wasn't disclosed. "Someone must have told the media about you," Eviana explained, note sounding happy. "Who did it?" Maya questioned, feeling out of her depth. "Don't know. But this...," she sharply pointed towards the newspaper. "...will ruin his image to the dirt," she completed, her voice reflecting concern. Maya gaped at the paper, a heavy feeling settling upon her heart. She didn't need to be told how much a rumor could damage one's image. And it wasn't even a rumor. "Katty," Eviana whispered, looking past Maya's shoulder. Maya turned around to find Katty coming straight towards her. Her gaze was hard and face a mask of rage as she stopped a step short from her. Maya opened her mouth to speak but was silenced instantly by a hard slap across her face. She momentari
She drew back and connected her gaze with him."Are you.." before she could finish, his phone began ringing again. His face twisted with irritation as he looked down at the name flashing. It was his assistant. Maya stepped away, allowing him the space. "What is it now?" he practically barked into the phone. She flinched at the harshness in his tone. However, his expression soon turned from anger to shock to consternation as worry filled his features. "I am coming," he responded before hanging up. "What happened?" Maya asked, concerned by his paled face. He looked up at her, his eyes reflecting a sense of dread. "Dad is in the hospital. He had a heart attack," he told her. "I've to go," he said absently before starting towards the door. "I'll come with you," Maya insisted, knowing very well he was already spent and this news had drained him further. She knew he would still soldier on but he would need someone to lean on. He didn't protest and took her hand. They left together.
She stared at him as he remained asleep. She was torn between her mind and her heart. Her heart was urging her to tell him everything but her mind was filled with doubts. How would she tell him that Paulo has her private pictures? It felt too shameful to share.After Paulo hung up on her, she called him several times again but he didn't answer. She was waiting for him to call her again so that they could trace her location. And the moment his location is traced, it will be over for him. She reached out with her hand and interlaced their fingers, her eyes never leaving his striking face. She knew she was way too rude with him tonight and the guilt of it sat heavily on her chest. Sin woke up to find her side of the bed empty. Sitting up, he ran his fingers through his messy hair while looking around for her. A few moments later, the door flung open, and walked in Maya, carrying a tray of coffee. Her face split into a wide grin as soon as her gaze landed on him. "Good morning," she ch
"Earth calling, Maya. Do you copy?" Miguel teased, waving his hand in front of her face. Maya blinked, her eyes refocusing as she snapped out of her thoughts. "Sorry, what?" she asked, meeting his amused gaze. "I was wondering if you've prepared the papers for presentation," he said, unfazed by her lack of attention. "Yeah. It's done. I'll share it with you right away," she replied. "No need. I want you to present it today," he told her. Maya shot him a look of confusion. "Your dad will be presiding over the meeting. So make sure you impress him," he advised her, an encouraging smile on his face. Maya felt a tightness gripping her chest as memories of that night surfaced. The rift in her relationship with her dad had deepened when she left with Dante the following morning. Her dad didn't want her to go back but staying away from Dante was excruciatingly painful. "Hmm," Maya responded with a small smile. Even with little preparation, the presentation was a success. She was, no d
Dante gazed down at his angel, a soft smile curving his lips. Gently, he wrapped a lock of her silky hair around his finger, twirling it absentmindedly. A few months ago, if someone had dared to tell him this moment would be real—that he would have her by his side—he might have laughed bitterly or even snapped their jaw for mocking his feelings. He still, sometimes, couldn't believe she was really here. He recalled the day she had suddenly appeared before his car. It was impossible to recognize her, as her face was caked in dirt, her clothes torn, and her eyes closed. She looked completely different from her earlier self, but something in him recognized her despite her disheveled state. He was utterly shocked and distraught to find her like that. But they were past those days. Now that they were together, he was determined to fill her life with love and happiness. He had already prepared her divorce papers and the day he would find Paulo, he'd make him sign the paper so that he could
Eviana bristled as she saw them together, walking in through the door, hand in hand. Her fists clenched, jealousy burning through her veins.For a brief moment, her eyes met Maya's. The frown on Eviana's mouth quickly curved into a smile, but Maya responded with cold indifference. She wasn't going to get fooled by her fakeness any longer."I am so happy you came back," Eviana approached them, speaking in a sickly sweet voice. "This is my home. Of course, I was coming back," Maya responded curtly, not buying her lies. From today on, she was going to trust her instincts. Eviana's smile hardened. "Of course, of course. The way you left, I thought you wouldn't come back until Dante had ground his nose to your feet," she joked before coming to a stop in front of her and continuing, "Please, forget about everything that happened. I can understand how embarrassed you must have felt while apologizing to me. In honesty, I also didn't like Dante's forci." She stopped to gauge her reaction. "
Dante stood taller, his piercing eyes firmly locked on her as she descended the stairs. "Come home with me," his silent command rang clearly in the air, his stare unwavering."I am staying here tonight," she answered, her voice cold. Dante's jaw tightened in strong disapproval. "Why?" he gritted out, his voice low and dangerous. "This is her home. She doesn't need your permission to stay here," Mr. Diaz cut in. "This is not her home," Dante asserted, gaze still locked with her. Maya looked away, breaking their eye contact. "You better leave now. I will not come with you," she refused, folding her arms over her chest as if protecting herself. Though her voice was persistent, the furrow in her brows betrayed the conflict brewing beneath her calm facade. She avoided eye contact with him, afraid she might give in to his demand if she did. "Stop acting like a child and come with me," Dante insisted, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Don't make me call guards, Dante," Mr. Diaz war
"What's wrong with her?" Katty had written below the pictures she had shared with Dante over the chatting app.It was pictures of Maya and a man whose face wasn't clear. The photos were taken from behind the man, with only Maya’s face visible as he carried her in his arms. Dante burned with jealousy. His eyes burned holes through the screen as he struggled to suppress his rage. He didn't respond to Katty, instead, he called Maya. She didn't answer, further fueling his anger.Seething, he stormed out of his office and drove to hers. .......Maya was surprised to learn that Dante had come to see her. Despite her craving to see him, she told her P.A to not let him in. The bruise he had inflicted on her ego was still fresh and hurting. Despite her clear instruction, the door of her room flew open a few moments later, startling her. She looked up to find him stalking toward her. His face- a mask of pure rage. She got to her feet, feeling intimidated by the oppressive aura he exuded. "Wh
"You okay?" Miguel questioned after noticing her dour mood. "I am good," Maya answered flatly. Her lips pursed by suppressed fury. "Alright. Get up. We have somewhere to be," Miguel prompted her. Maya frowned. "Where to? You didn't say anything about going anywhere" she asked"It was last minute," he stated. Maya drew a sigh before getting to her feet. He hadn't stopped calling and messaging her since morning. But her anger hadn't eased a bit. Actually, she was more hurt than angry. She cut yet another call and followed Miguel out. She was determined to not forgive him this easily. He pulled over in front of a restaurant. They took their seat at the table in the corner. "Who are we meeting?" Maya questioned, drawing out her tab from the bag to jot down notes. "They'll be here any minute," Miguel said, taking a quick glance at his watch. Maya nodded while Miguel beckoned a waiter."Two drinks for us," he ordered. Maya didn't object. She was also craving something strong to fo
"Don't try me," he warned her, adopting a tone he had never used with her before. Maya was stunned, heartbroken. "What's wrong with you?" Maya retorted, not able to understand why he was being such a jerk to her. Dante let out an exasperated sigh. "Just apologize to Eviana," he said. "I won't," Maya refused outrightly. Dante clenched his jaw. "It's okay. I don't want any apology. Just don't fight on my account," Eviana interrupted. "She has slapped you. It's not a trivial matter. The least you deserve is an apology," Katty asserted, giving dirty eye to Maya. Dante took an angry stride towards her, his huge frame dwarfing hers. "Don't push it, Maya. Just do as I say," he gritted out. He loved her but he wouldn't support her where she was wrong. She needed to take responsibility for her mistakes. "Watch your tone with me," Maya seethed, not backing out. "And you want her to run this house with you. She is immature, who can't take responsibility for her own actions," Katty punct
"Come in," she answered, her tone tinged with mild annoyance at the interruption. A man came in, carrying a large bouquet of roses. She got up from her chair, confused. The man extended the bouquet towards her. She stared at the bouquet, hesitant to take it."This is for you," he clarified, noticing her hesitation. "For me?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. She took the bouquet and began searching for a note. There it was nestled among the crimson blossoms. A knowing smile spread across her face as she realized who the sender was. "I'll take my leave," the man said. She nodded absently, her entire focus centered on the card. She opened the note, and her smile grew into a full-blown grin as she read it: "I Love You," in all caps. She gently brushed her fingers over the letters, her heart blooming like those flowers. You are my heaven. It is a simple sentence but deep enough to stir butterflies in her stomach. She couldn't stop smiling as she read and reread his confession. Bringi