Maya's POV
The silence that followed my outburst was deafening. I could almost hear the gears turning in their heads, processing what I'd just said. Then, all at once, the room exploded.
"Have you lost your mind?" My mother's shrill voice cut through the air like a knife. Her face, usually carefully composed, was contorted with rage. "After everything we've done for you?"
My father's response was quieter, but no less cutting. "Ungrateful," he spat, his eyes cold and hard. "We gave you everything. A home, a family, a future. And this is how you repay us?"
Their words hit me physically, each one chipping away at the resolve I'd built up. I opened my mouth to respond, but my mother wasn't finished.
"You know what? Maybe we made a mistake bringing you back," she hissed. "Our real daughter wouldn't be this stupid, this selfish."
I flinched, her words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. Real daughter. As if I was some cheap imitation, a knockoff they'd accidentally brought home.
"If it wasn't for us, you'd still be God knows where, probably dead in a ditch somewhere," my father added, his voice dripping with disdain. "We're the only reason you have a family at all."
I felt something inside me crack, a hairline fracture spreading through my heart. These people, who were supposed to love me unconditionally, who had searched for me for years... how could they say these things?
Before I could gather my thoughts, Daniel stepped forward, his face a mask of irritation. "Enough of this nonsense," he snapped. "The party starts in twenty minutes. We need to focus on what's important here - the company, the investors. We can't waste any more time on Maya's... delusions."
He practically spat the last word, looking at me like I was something he'd scraped off the bottom of his shoe.
Fiona's sobs suddenly quieted, and she looked up with tear-filled eyes. "Oh, please," she whimpered, her voice trembling. "It must be so difficult for her… with everything"
I stared at her, incredulous at her audacity. She turned to my parents, her expression a perfect mask of concern. "I worry about her, you know. She seems so... lost sometimes. Maybe we should consider getting her some help?"
My mother nodded, buying into Fiona's act completely. "You're so thoughtful, dear. Always thinking of others."
Fiona then turned to Daniel, her hand grasping his arm. "Daniel, darling, I'm so sorry. I hope this doesn't ruin the evening. The investor... the company... it's all so important."
Daniel's face softened as he looked at Fiona. "Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll make it work. Are you sure you're up for the party?"
Fiona nodded bravely, then turned to me with a sickeningly sweet smile. "Oh, Maya," she cooed, "I do hope you'll still come. It would mean so much to me if you could be there for my big moment. After all, we're sisters, aren't we?"
Her big moment? I wanted to scream, to tell her exactly where she could shove her fake kindness. Instead, I nodded stiffly, watching as Daniel led her out of the room, his hand lingering possessively on the small of her back. Any lower, he'd be grabbing her ass.
As they left, Fiona glanced over her shoulder, and for a split second, her mask slipped. The look in her eyes was pure, undiluted malice. Then it was gone, replaced by her usual simpering smile.
I didn't have much time to dwell on it. Getting ready was a blur, before I knew it, I was being herded into the car, squeezed between my parents like a child. The ride to the party passed in a blur of tense silence and sidelong glances.
—
The party was in full swing by the time we arrived. The room was a sea of designer dresses and expensive suits, the air thick with the scent of perfume and the sound of forced laughter. I stood in a corner, nursing a glass of champagne I had no intention of drinking, watching as Fiona worked the room.
She was wearing my necklace, the centerpiece of the new collection. It glittered under the soft lights, drawing every eye in the room. Including mine. I couldn't help but imagine myself up there, explaining the intricate design, the hours of work that went into each piece. In my mind, I saw myself confident, respected, admired.
The fantasy shattered as Fiona took the stage, tapping a spoon against her glass for attention. The room fell silent, all eyes on her as she began her speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice sickly sweet, "I can't tell you how honored I am to be here tonight..."
I tuned out her words, focusing instead on the necklace. My necklace.
As Fiona wrapped up her speech and opened the floor for questions, a voice cut through the polite applause.
"Excuse me," a man said, his tone curious but slightly challenging. "I couldn't help but notice... the necklace seems a bit... incongruous with your overall style. It's beautiful, certainly, but it doesn't quite fit. I'm curious about the creative process behind it. How did you come up with this design?"
A smile crept up my lips as the room fell silent. Whoever this person was, they weren't wrong.
And I could see why. See, Fiona with her bold makeup, flashy dress, and larger-than-life personality, was the epitome of flamboyance. She thrived on attention, her every move calculated to draw eyes and turn heads. High-profile was an understatement when it came to Fiona.
But my necklace? It was the antithesis of everything Fiona represented. Its design was subtle, with clean lines and understated elegance. It spoke of quiet confidence, of maturity and sophistication. Where Fiona was a firework, loud and fleeting, the necklace was a star - constant, enduring, and beautiful in its simplicity.
The contrast was jarring, now that someone had pointed it out. It was like seeing a delicate orchid trying to bloom in the middle of a carnival. The necklace belonged on someone who understood its quiet power, not on someone who saw it as just another accessory to flaunt.
I watched as Fiona's composure slipped, just for a moment. Her eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. For the first time all night, she looked truly flustered.
"Well, I... that is to say..." she stammered, her hands fluttering nervously around the necklace.
A warm feeling spread through my chest as I watched her squirm. It wasn't quite happiness - I was too broken for that - but it was something. Satisfaction, maybe. Or justice.
As Fiona continued to flounder on stage, I allowed myself a small, secret smile. For the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of hope.
***
Maya's POV The room buzzed with murmurs as Fiona stumbled through her explanation. From the corner of my eye, I saw my parents exchanging worried glances. My mother's perfectly manicured nails dug into my father's arm as she whispered urgently in his ear. A moment later, they were at my side. "Maya," my father hissed, his breath hot against my ear. "Get up there and help her. Now." I shook my head, a small act of defiance that sent a thrill through me. "No. This is her moment, isn't it? Let her handle it." My mother's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Don't be stupid, girl. Do you want your precious adoptive mother to suffer?"My blood ran cold. "What are you talking about?""It would be such a shame if we couldn't afford her medical bills anymore," my father said, his voice dripping with false concern. "After all, quality care is so expensive these days."The threat hung in the air between us, as tangible as the pearls around my mother's neck. I swallowed hard, memories of my adoptive m
Maya's POV "Yes, my wife. Is there a problem with that, Mr. Thorne?" Alex's smile turned casual, almost playful, but his eyes remained sharp. "No problem at all. I just... might have thought differently." Daniel's jaw clenched, and I could feel the anger radiating off him. "If you'll excuse us," he said, his voice tight. "We're needed inside." As he began to steer me away, Alex spoke up again. "Before you go, I must say, Mr. Russo, you're a lucky man." His voice was warm, but his eyes never left mine. "Your wife is not only beautiful but incredibly knowledgeable. A rare combination." Daniel's laugh was just a touch too loud, too forced. "Oh, I know how fortunate I am," he said, pulling me closer. "Maya is... one of a kind." I could feel Daniel's fingers digging into my side, a silent warning. Play along, they seemed to say. "We're very much in love," I heard myself say, the words tasting like ash in my mouth. "Aren't we, darling?" Daniel's smile was all teeth. "Absolutely besot
The darkness pressed in around me, broken only by slivers of moonlight sneaking through the curtains. I sat on the plush carpet of my prison, my back against the cold, unyielding door as I curled in on myself, my hands bracing my knees to my chest. The digital clock on the nightstand blinked neon against the darkness, 7:42 PM. Daniel's mocking laughter still echoed in my ears. "You should thank Fiona, you know," he'd sneered earlier. "If it weren't for her, you'd be in a much worse situation." I'd begged the damn bastard, I'd pleaded. Hell, I'd even tried reasoning with him. Fat lot of good that did me. "Daniel, please," I'd said, my voice embarrassingly small. "You can't keep me locked up forever." He'd just smirked, those eyes I once thought were kind now cold as ice. "Watch me." The click of the lock had been final, absolute. I'd pounded on the door desperately until my fists ached, screaming myself hoarse. "You bastard! Let me out!" Silence was my only answer. Now, ho
Daniel's eyes locked onto the designs spread across the bed. "What are you doing?" I stiffened, caught off guard by his sudden appearance. "Just... working on some new designs." "New designs?" Daniel scoffed, sauntering into the room. "As if the ones you've been churning out aren't enough." His dismissive tone made something twist inside me. "Those designs are making you money, aren't they?" I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them. Daniel's head snapped towards me, surprise flickering across his face before it hardened into a scowl. "Careful, Maya. Don't forget who you're talking to." "How could I?" I muttered, turning back to my sketches. "What was that?" Daniel's voice dropped dangerously low as he crossed the room in two quick strides. I should have backed down. Should have apologized. But something in me refused to yield this time. I met his gaze. "I said, how could I forget? You never let me." Daniel's eyes narrowed. "You're in quite a mood tonight,
The tension in the room evaporated the moment Daniel answered his phone. His face, moments ago contorted with rage, smoothed into a mask of politeness. "Grandfather," he said, his voice suddenly warm. "How are you?" I lay there, heart still racing, as I listened to Daniel's side of the conversation. His brow furrowed, lips pressing into a thin line. "Tonight? But-" Daniel paused, clearly cut off. "Yes, of course. We'll be there." He hung up, turning to me with a scowl. "Get up. We're going to dinner at the old mansion." I blinked, struggling to process the sudden shift. "What?" "Grandfather wants to see you," Daniel spat, as if the words tasted foul. "He misses you, apparently." --- The leather seats of Daniel's luxury sedan creaked as he shifted gears, his cologne almost suffocating in the enclosed space. We'd been driving in tense silence for nearly twenty minutes, the city lights giving way to the manicured lawns of the suburbs. "Remember," Daniel said, his voice l
The dining room was a study in opulence. A massive mahogany table dominated the space, its polished surface reflecting the warm glow of the chandelier overhead. Fine china and gleaming silverware awaited us at each place setting. As we took our seats, I couldn't help but feel like a fraud in this world of old money and more uncomfortable secrets. Grandfather sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding even in the act of unfolding his napkin. "Alex, my boy," he said, his voice warm. "It's been too long. Tell me, how was your time abroad?" Alex smiled, and I was struck again by how at ease he seemed in this setting. "Enlightening, Mr. Russo. The techniques I learned in Italy have been invaluable to my work." "Italy?" I blurted out before I could stop myself. All eyes turned to me, and I felt my cheeks warm. Grandfather chuckled. "Ah, I forget my manners. Maya, dear, Alex was a student of mine before he went abroad to study jewelry design. One of my most promising pupils
I stood there, caught between Alex's piercing gaze and the echo of Daniel's words still ringing in my ears. The hallway suddenly felt too small, too confining. I needed air, space, anything to clear my head. "I didn't realize you were so concerned about other people's personal lives," I said, aiming for nonchalance but hearing the brittleness in my voice. Alex blinked, taken aback by my sudden sharpness. He recovered quickly, his expression softening. "I just came out for some air," he said lightly. "The atmosphere in there is... rather intense." I let out a humorless laugh. "You don't know the half of it." I glanced back towards the dining room. "I should go. Grandfather will be waiting." "Maya," Alex's voice stopped me. "A woman like you... you shouldn't be trapped in a broken marriage." The words hit me like a physical blow. Broken marriage. Such a simple phrase to describe the wreckage of my life. I felt a tidal wave of emotions crashing over me – anger, hurt, fear, and s
Fiona’s POVThe door slammed behind us, the sound echoing through the empty house. Daniel's hands were on me instantly, rough and demanding. His mouth crashed mine, tasting of whiskey and barely contained rage. I knew this mood - he needed an outlet, and I was more than willing to provide it."Fuck, Fiona," he growled, pushing me against the wall. His hand sliding up my thigh, bunching my dress around my waist. "I need you. Now."I moaned as his fingers found my aching pussy, already wet and wanting. "Then take me," I challenged, nipping at his lower lip.Daniel didn't need to be told twice. In one fluid motion, he lifted me, as I grabbed his strong arms for support, my legs wrapping around his waist. I felt his cock, hard and ready, pressing against me. With a grunt, he thrust inside, filling me completely, and instant."God, yes," I screamed, my head falling back against the wall. Daniel set a punishing pace, each thrust driving me higher. The picture frames rattled fiercely with th
AlexI made it to my car before my composure cracked. Sitting behind the wheel, I slammed my palm against it hard enough to hurt, cursing under my breath. I'd handled that all wrong. Again.The look on Maya's face when I admitted hiring a PI—pure betrayal. Rage. Fear. All justified.I started the engine but didn't move, just sat there staring up at the lights of her apartment building. She'd tried to slap me. Again. I couldn't blame her."Not investigating you anymore." Christ. As if stopping was some kind of favor I'd done her. No wonder she'd exploded.The envelope of evidence sat on the passenger seat where I'd placed a second copy before heading up to her apartment. I'd known she might destroy the first one. Might not believe me. Might throw me out.I'd been right about all of it, and still managed to fuck up the execution completely.The dashboard clock read 8:47 PM. Not even nine, but I felt as if I'd aged a decade in the last forty minutes. I pulled away from the curb, forcing
I slept poorly that night, dreams shifting between the peaceful cabin workshop and nightmarish scenarios where faceless figures stood watching through windows, calculating, waiting.By dawn, I'd made my decision. I would go to the mountains, to the cabin where I'd been truly happy. I would seek answers on my own terms, without Alex's theories coloring my perceptions or Daniel's threats hanging over me.I finished packing quickly, loaded my car, and left a message for Grandfather explaining my need for a brief leave of absence. He'd understand—might even approve of the strategic retreat while Daniel's legal situation developed.As I drove toward the mountains the next morning, I kept checking my rearview mirror, unsure if I was afraid of being followed or being alone with these new thoughts.
That night in my apartment, unable to sleep again, I opened my laptop and did something I'd been avoiding—I searched for our old address in the mountains. The cabin wasn't technically ours; Mami Lulu had rented it for years from an elderly couple who'd never bothered to raise the price or ask questions about the woman raising a child in the remote location.To my shock, the property appeared in current real estate listings. FOR SALE: Rustic 2BR Mountain Cabin with Workshop. The photos showed a structure slightly more weathered than in my memories but essentially unchanged—the wooden porch, the stone chimney, the clearing surrounded by tall pines.The coincidence felt significant, almost supernatural. I'd been dreaming of the cabin for weeks, and now it was available, as if waiting for me to return.Witho
The glass rod glowed orange-red under the flame, softening until it drooped like honey. I twisted it carefully around the metal mandrel, just as Mami Lulu had taught me."Steady hands," her voice came from behind me. "Let the glass tell you what it wants to be."The small workshop smelled of propane and hot glass, with undertones of the pine forest surrounding our cabin. Sunlight streamed through the windows, catching dust motes and turning them golden. The rough-hewn wooden walls felt solid and permanent around me."There," I said, holding up the mandrel to show her the perfect round bead I'd formed. Blue glass with swirls of green, like the deep pools in the creek behind our cabin.Mami Lulu smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling. "Beautiful, mija. Now let it cool slowly."I placed the mandrel in the cooling rack, satisfaction warming my chest. Through the open window, I could hear the creek bubbling over rocks, the rustling of pine needles in the breeze, the distant call of a ha
I spent the rest of Sunday at Mami Lulu's bedside, reading to her unresponsive form from design magazines, describing the gala and its aftermath. The nurses said talking to unresponsive patients could help, that they might hear even if they couldn't respond. I chose to believe it, needing some connection to the woman who had truly raised me.Evening found me back at my apartment, reviewing the briefing materials Grandfather's assistant had sent over. Board member profiles, financial summaries, pending contracts—hundreds of pages of information I needed to absorb before Thursday.My phone buzzed with a text from Troy: Dinner? I have gossip about the industry fallout.I agreed, grateful for the break and the company. Troy arrived with Thai food and a bottle of wine, settling cross-legged on my couch as he unpacked containers."It's deliciously messy out there," he reported gleefully. "The industry is completely split. Old-guard designers are clutching their pearls over your 'violent out
I sank back into the chair, adrenaline leaving my body in a rush. Grandfather returned to his seat more slowly, his composure unchanged but his breathing slightly labored."Are you alright?" I asked him."Perfectly fine. Are you?"I nodded, though my hands were shaking. Daniel had never attempted to physically harm me in front of witnesses before. Always in private, always deniable."He'll challenge the transfer," I said."He'll try." Grandfather straightened the folder Daniel had knocked askew. "He won't succeed."Martha appeared in the doorway. "Mr. Giuseppe, security confirms Mr. Daniel has left the premises.""Thank you, Martha. Tea, please."After she left, Grandfather regarded me thoughtfully. "I apologize for my grandson's behavior.""You're not responsible for him.""In some ways, I am. I raised him after my son died. Perhaps too indulgently." He sighed. "I knew he was controlling, temperamental. I didn't know the extent of his abuse toward you."I said nothing. What was there
I stepped into the room, keeping my distance from Daniel, whose body radiated tension like heat."What matters?" I asked, though I already knew."The scene at the gala last night," Grandfather replied. "And its aftermath."Daniel made a sound somewhere between a laugh and a snort. "The scene? You mean her assault on Fiona in front of the entire industry?""I mean Fiona's drunken disruption of an official announcement, followed by Maya's admittedly dramatic response," Grandfather corrected. "Which has resulted in quite the media situation.""She slapped her sister across the face," Daniel said through clenched teeth. "After you ambushed me with this ridiculous 'transfer of power' stunt. The board will never—""The board has already approved the transfer," Grandfather interrupted. "The paperwork was completed yesterday afternoon. The announcement was merely a formality."Daniel's face went pale, then red again. "You did this behind my back.""I did this through proper corporate channels
I woke to the insistent buzz of my phone vibrating against the nightstand. Squinting at the screen, I saw twenty-seven missed calls, forty-two text messages, and over a hundred social media notifications. It was 7:18 AM."What the fuck," I mumbled, scrolling through the texts. Troy had sent eighteen of them, each more dramatic than the last:WAKE UPTHE VIDEO IS EVERYWHEREYOU'RE TRENDING #TeamMaya vs #TeamFionaINDUSTRY CIVIL WARCALL ME IMMEDIATELY YOU GLORIOUS VIOLENT QUEENI opened Instagram to find my feed flooded with clips of last night's confrontation. Someone had recorded Fiona's drunken accusations, Alex's defense, and my slap—the moment captured in high definition, my silver dress catching the light as my hand connected with Fiona's cheek. The most popular version had over 200,000 views already.Comments ranged from supportive to vicious:This is the energy I'm bringing to my next design review meetingRich people fighting over jewelry. Eat the rich.Russo family drama is b
Fiona stood swaying in the center of a cleared space, her designer dress rumpled, her makeup smeared. She was gesturing wildly as she spoke, voice too loud, words slurred."—just sits there, accepting awards for designs she stole! Ask anyone who really knows her work!" She spotted me and pointed dramatically. "There she is! The fraud herself!"Silence fell as every head turned toward me. I froze in the doorway, unprepared for Fiona's sudden appearance after weeks of her complete absence from my life."Maya," she called, lurching forward. "Tell them! Tell them how we worked on those designs together! Tell them how you took all the credit!"Grandfather appeared at my side. "Security is on the way," he murmured. "Say nothing."But Fiona was advancing through the crowd, her intoxication evident in her unsteady gait. "You're all being fooled! She's not a genius—she's an opportunist! First Daniel, then Alex Thorne, now Giuseppe. She sleeps her way into every opportunity!"A few uncomfortabl