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CHAPTER 93
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2025-01-07 01:51:55The air was lighter in the suite, the tension that had loomed over them for so long now dissipating. Maya found herself smiling more, even laughing at Reese’s jokes as they packed away the remnants of the dinner from the night before.
Zane had left early for a meeting with his legal team, ensuring the aftermath of Helena’s fall was handled smoothly. Maya, however, decided to take the morning for herself, something she hadn’t done in what felt like forever.
She stood on the balcony, sipping her tea as the city hummed below her. The crescent moon necklace Zane had given her rested against her collarbone, a constant reminder of how far they’d come.
“You look deep in thought,” Reese said, stepping onto the balcony with her own cup of coffee.
Maya smiled faintly. “I guess I am. For the first time in months, I’m thinking about the future instead of just surviving the present.”
Reese nudged her playfully. “That’s a good thing, Maya. So, what’s the plan? You and Zane jetting off to some tropical paradise?”
Maya chuckled. “Maybe. He mentioned taking a trip, somewhere quiet. It sounds perfect.”
“Good,” Reese said, her tone sincere. “You both deserve it.”
---
A Visit from the Past
As the day stretched on, Maya decided to step out for some fresh air. She wandered through a nearby park, the sound of children laughing and birds chirping creating a serene atmosphere.
She was about to sit on a bench when a familiar voice called out.
“Maya?”
She turned, her breath catching as she saw Jeremy standing a few feet away. He looked different—less confident, more subdued.
“What are you doing here?” Maya asked, her tone wary.
Jeremy raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I’m not here to cause trouble. I just wanted to apologize.”
Maya crossed her arms, her green eyes narrowing. “Apologize? For what? For spying on me? For putting my life at risk? Or for working with Helena to destroy everything I care about?”
Jeremy flinched at her words. “For all of it,” he said softly. “I made a mistake, Maya. A huge one. And I regret it every day.”
Maya shook her head, her emotions swirling. “Regret doesn’t change what you did. You betrayed me, Jeremy. I trusted you, and you used that trust against me.”
“I know,” Jeremy said, his voice breaking. “And I’ll never forgive myself for it. But I wanted you to know that I didn’t do it for her. I did it because I thought I didn’t have a choice.”
Maya stared at him for a long moment before speaking. “You always have a choice, Jeremy. And you made the wrong one.”
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing alone in the park.
---
Processing the Encounter
When Maya returned to the suite, Zane was waiting for her. He stood by the window, his silver eyes lighting up when he saw her.
“Hey,” he said, pulling her into a hug. “You were gone longer than I expected. Everything okay?”
Maya leaned into him, her heart steadying in his presence. “I ran into Jeremy at the park.”
Zane stiffened slightly. “What did he want?”
“To apologize,” Maya said, her voice tinged with frustration. “He said he regrets everything and that he didn’t feel like he had a choice.”
Zane’s jaw tightened. “And did you believe him?”
Maya sighed, pulling back to meet his gaze. “I believe he regrets getting caught. But it doesn’t change what he did. I told him as much.”
Zane cupped her face, his expression softening. “I’m proud of you. It’s not easy to confront someone who hurt you.”
“I just want to move on, Zane,” Maya said, her green eyes shimmering with determination. “I don’t want him, or Helena, or anyone else from my past holding me back anymore.”
Zane nodded, his silver eyes filled with admiration. “Then that’s exactly what we’ll do. Move forward. Together.”
---
A Quiet Evening
That evening, the team gathered in the living room, the atmosphere light and relaxed. Alex had brought in a deck of cards, challenging Reese to a game of poker. Camilla, ever the tech enthusiast, had rigged the TV to stream a live feed of their favorite comedy show.
Maya sat beside Zane on the couch, her head resting on his shoulder. For the first time in months, she felt truly at ease.
“Do you think this is what normal feels like?” she asked softly.
Zane chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “If it’s not, it’s close enough for me.”
They stayed like that for a while, the noise of laughter and the clinking of glasses filling the room. It wasn’t extravagant or extraordinary, but it was theirs—a small slice of peace in a world that had been anything but kind to them.
---
Looking Ahead
As the night wound down, Maya found herself standing on the balcony again, the city lights stretching out before her. Zane joined her, his presence warm and steady.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, wrapping an arm around her waist.
“Us,” Maya said, her voice thoughtful. “The future. What comes next.”
Zane nodded, his silver eyes reflecting the light of the city. “We have a chance to start fresh. To build something real, away from all of this.”
Maya turned to him, a small smile playing on her lips. “Then let’s do it. Let’s leave the past behind and start over.”
Zane leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both tender and filled with promise.
“Wherever we go,” he said softly, “it’ll be perfect. As long as I’m with you.”
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