“It’s nothing. I’ve applied the balm. Give it ten minutes and you’ll be fine,” the maid briefed as she gently wrapped the gauge around her ankle. Maya was still clad in her bathrobe.“Thank you,” Maya responded, relieved.“Also..” the maid began as she clipped the gauge. She met her gaze and continued, “….Sir told me to tell you that you are allowed to stay here as long as you want.”Hearing that, a bright smile lit up Maya’s face. He wasn’t kicking her out. She still had a roof over her head. “Thank you,” she expressed her gratitude, her eyes quickly misting over. The old maid smiled.“Don’t thank me. Thank sir,” she told her in a soft tone. Realization dawned on Maya. “Should I bring your breakfast in the room or do you wish to come downstairs and personally express your gratitude to him,” the maid asked. Maya took the hint.“I’ll be downstairs,” she decided.After thirty minutes, the pain in her heel had dulled to a mild tingle. She had already changed into an ankle-length dress,
Night arrived and Maya went downstairs for dinner. She had lots of questions swirling in her head. The first and foremost was about Dante’s woman. Where was his wife? She hadn’t seen any woman in the mansion yet who could be called his wife. Maybe she lived somewhere else or perhaps she was out of town. Her thoughts came to a halt at the sight of him. She offered him a gentle smile as their gaze met accidentally. He gave her a nod. Taking her usual spot, she sat down and upturned her plate. She threw an anticipatory glance at him. He was donning a white t-shirt and grey lowers. His damp hair cascaded over his forehead, stopping just short of his grey eyes, lending him a bad-boy vibe. She felt a stirring in her stomach.“Your baby is very cute,” she complimented out of the blue. There was a genuine affection in her voice.His eyes reflected a momentary wonder before he nodded his head in agreement, “He is.” “He has taken after you mostly. His mother must be disappointed,” she adde
She joined him for dinner in the evening to know his plan for Vincent. In just a couple of days, she had become really fond of Vincent. He was eating his food in silence.“Good evening,” she chirped as she pulled out a chair. Dante glanced at her briefly, murmured a greeting, and returned his attention to his plate. Some habits never change. He used to avoid eye contact with her four years ago too. That was one of the reasons she believed that they were not a perfect match.She lowered herself in the chair and began to load her plate.They were in middle of dinner when Vincent’s piercing cries blared through the baby monitor. Dante immediately shot to his feet and hurried towards his room. Maya followed him.He cradled Vincent in his arms and swayed him tenderly but the baby didn’t stop crying. She was hesitant to offer help as she didn’t want to be seen as an intruder. But when he failed to soothe the bay, she stepped in.“May I?” she asked. He looked hesitant but gave him to her any
Maya tossed and turned in the bed. The sleep had eluded her and all she could think about was the shameful incident that had happened some hours ago. She’ll make sure to wear a bra from now on every time she goes outside her room. It was so fucking embarrassing.As she couldn’t sleep, she climbed out of her bed with a sigh of frustration and decided to go out to take a stroll in the garden. Fresh air might help her some.The mansion was dead silent as she quietly padded her way towards the back garden. But just as she was about to slip outside, a soft glow from the kitchen caught her eyes, halting her in her tracks. Did the servants forget to turn the light off? To turn the light off, she changed her direction and headed toward the kitchen. The sight she met in the kitchen caught her off guard. She stood stunned with her jaw crawling on the floor, her eyes almost popped out. He was shirtless. Holy fuck, he was shirtless. She couldn't fight the temptation of assessing his physique. Th
The next day she was called downstairs to have breakfast with him. Her eyes caught him seated in his usual chair as soon as she stepped through the door. Even though years had passed he was still the same- brooding, distant and mysterious. She clearly remembered their first meeting. He hadn’t even cracked a smile, not even as courtsey when her dad had introduced them. His gaze had been as piercing and cold as the sharp edge of blade. His eyes lacked the warmth and spirit she had seen in boys of her age. It had felt like he was there to fix a deal. She had never seen a man more serious. Even her dad appeared jovial in comparison to him. She knew they were a mismatch right from the beginning.“Good Morning,” she greeted with a warm, friendly smile. He glanced up at her, muttering a quiet “morning” before his eyes returned to his plate. She pulled a chair and sat down in it.She took a slice of bread and began buttering it with a knife.“You said you are looking for a job. Any success ye
His frigid eyes locked onto hers with a menacing glare, making her smile fade instantly. She couldn't recognize the man but his venomous words had stung her."Sir brought her," the servant replied, his voice devoid of warmth. Many servants here harbored resentment towards her for what she had done to their master. She had gathered this much through their glares. She clutched little Vincent closer to her chest as he approached her. The hatred burning in his eyes unmistakable. "I've seen many shameless women but none like you. Even whore have more integrity," he taunted, not caring he was being too harsh. He stopped avfew steps away from her. "Shut up. You don't know me," Maya snapped, her cheeks hot with humiliation. No one had any right to question her character.The man stared her down in sheer contempt. She felt like some filthy worm from a gutter. "I know you well enough. You are a selfish bitch who manipulated my friend for her personal gain. A coward who couldn't face
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Carlos marching out of the mansion. Standing at her window, she watched as he climbed into his car and wondered if they had continued arguing after she left. The way Carlos had stuck up for Dante, it was more than evident that they were very good friends. Reflecting on it now, she remembered Dante mentioning a friend during one of their date nights. She couldn’t recall the name, but she was now certain Dante had been talking about Carlos. They were best friends. Guilt would eat her alive if their friendship got ruined because of her. The unexpected sound of a knock startled her. She swiveled and waited for the person to come in but when no movement happened she asked the person to come in. The door opened a moment later, revealing him. Attired in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, he exuded an inescapable masculine energy. The suit hugging his muscular frame in all the right places. She drew in a breath. The man was so tall that if he st
"Hey," she greeted him, grinning nervously. The light in her eyes dazzled his vision, caused him to almost stagger in his strides. His heartbeat accelerated, mocking his earlier vow to Carlos. Dante strolled in, feigning indifference. Her smile faltered upon meeting his dry response but she quickly restored it. "Glinda told me you like Spanish food," she disclosed, nervously rubbing her palms together. "Sit," she urged enthusiastically. He sat down in his seat, prompting Maya to sit beside him. The maids came forward to serve the dishes.She watched him in anticipation as he took the first spoonful of her paella. Her eyes followed every move of his facial muscle as he chewed on it. When she failed to figure out his reaction, she asked, "how is it?"He turned his face towards her and gave a nod of approval, "It's good." Good wasn't even the right word to describe it. It was way way more delicious than that. He didn't know this Goddess could even cook. He was turned on. Only good?
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