Chapter 4

Saturday afternoon, Maya debated whether or not she should do as her husband had instructed and refuse to make their marriage public. What was the worst he could do to her if she refused?

 

"Remember what I told you," Jason whispered into Maya's ear as they waited for their parents to exit the cars.

 

Maya still felt uneasy after what Jason had said when he visited her.

 

"Good afternoon, Mr and Mrs King," Maya said with a polite smile. 

 

"Oh please, dear, call me Julia, or better yet, call me Mom. You're part of the family now." Mrs. King told her and pulled her in for a hug.

 

After some time, Maya wrapped her arms around Mrs King and tightened her grip. It had been so long since she saw anybody other than the house staff.

 

"That's enough now, Mother." Jason hissed.

 

His mother glared at him, and he stepped back. Maya let go as soon as she saw her parents. She ran up to her parents and hugged them both.

 

"I missed you guys so much."

 

The family goes to the dining room to enjoy their lunch. Jason knew Maya wouldn't disrespect him after their last conversation, so he had nothing to worry about. He knew he wouldn't have to make it public. 

 

"So tell us, Maya, what have you been doing to keep busy?" Her mother, Charlotte, asked.

 

"Funny you should ask ma," Maya said while she stabbed a potato with her fork.

 

She looked over at Jason, who was eager to hear her response. She smirked and looked over at her mom.

 

"I've just been doing a lot of reading. I drive around now and then, but I must say, I'm not the best driver. It's insane that Jason trusts me with his precious cars. He's just so sweet."

 

Jason's eye started to twitch. He just wanted this lunch to end right there. Maya gave Jason a challenging look, and in that moment, he knew lunch wouldn't go his way. Jason quietly ate while everyone spoke.

 

"Oh, that's lovely. I sure hope you didn't crash any." Everyone laughed, everyone except Jason.

 

"You'd be surprised, ma." Maya giggled.

 

The entire family thought she was joking around. Jason didn't find it funny at all. He even contemplated burning the villa down while he was in it.

 

"How's Blake?"

 

Maya spent a lot of her time thinking about her little brother. Her parents rarely called to tell her about his progress, so she saw this as the perfect opportunity to ask about him.

 

"He's doing just fine, honey." Her father, Anthony, nervously said.

 

Maya knew he wasn't doing well. If he were, he would have joined them for lunch. Whenever she saw Blake, he would always pretend like everything was alright. Maya hated that. He was only thirteen years old. He didn't have to be strong for her. Blake was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was only four years old. He sent his entire life in and out of the hospital.

 

"Maya, listen. We have all been talking. We think maybe it's time for you and Jason to make your marriage public. We know it's a big step, and it would be okay if you wanted to hold it off a little longer."

 

That was the conversation Jason had dreaded since his parents had brought it up. He had no say at that moment. All eyes were on Maya, and Jason prayed she would refuse.

 

Maya looked over at Jason and tried to hide her smile. It was at that moment he knew what her answer would be.

 

"I would love that," Maya said with much enthusiasm.

 

The entire table started cheering. Jason clenched his Jaw at her response. He never thought she would have the nerve to disobey him. He would make her jump through hoops to keep him happy at his penthouse.

 

"That's amazing!" Julia said and gave Maya another big hug.

 

Maya was enjoying every second of this. What she enjoyed most was watching her husband try not to flip the table. Maya knew living with him wouldn't be easy, but she needed to be in the city. She would deal with all the disrespect when she got there.

 

They enjoyed their lunch and had small talks here and there. Jason hadn't said a single word all afternoon.

 

"Lunch was amazing, Maya. I can't wait to see you once you move in with Jason." Julia placed her hand on the side of Maya's face and gave her a soft smile.

 

"I can't wait to see you again... Mom."

 

Julia's smile widened at the sound of Maya calling her mom. She had always wanted a daughter of her own and she was so grateful to have a daughter as humble as Maya.

 

"Nathan! She called me mom!" Julia yelled out to her husband.

 

"That's amazing, darling!" Nathan yelled back.

 

"Bye."

 

Jason and Maya waved at their parents and watched them drive off. As soon as the cars disappeared, Jason grabbed Maya by the arm.

 

"What the hell were you thinking? I thought I gave you clear instructions on what to say!" Jason barked.

 

"I thought about it and realized I didn't want to be stuck at this villa for another year. I would much rather spend time with my husband in his penthouse."

 

Jason dragged Maya inside, where the two continued their argument.

 

"For the last fucking time, I am not your husband, and you are not my wife!"

 

Maya wasn't phased by anything Jason said anymore. She knew he was trying to keep her away from him.

 

"Whether you like it or not. I'm moving in with you in your fancy little home, and we can play happy family." She mocked.

 

"With how you're behaving, you should be glad I'm not bending you over this table and disciplining you right now!" Jason scoffed hotly.

 

Maya found it quite amusing.

 

"Yea, because you would like that wouldn't you, Jason? I'm sure you would just love to bend me over this table right here." Maya crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow.

 

Jason stared at Maya with wide eyes. He was too stunned to speak. Maya had a devious smile on her face and walked to her bedroom to get all her things packed.