AMAYA'S POV After accepting a better relationship with my mom, I still can't help feeling awkward. For the last twenty-two years of my life, it was my first time having her beside me. She's finally smiling, a real one this time. I also realized that Vanique has forgiven her already. Maybe she thought I was the hard one, that's why I came last. Other than that, I had another time spent with Max in bed. Though not the thing everyone would expect. I was sick after that dramatic rain embrace and an intense debate when we got home. They interrogated us while we were still soaking wet so can I also blame them for this? But what can I say? I was also lucky enough to see Max's gentle side. He was the one taking care of me while I'm on bed rest. I have to admit, I am both emotionally and physically stressed. How much worse could I get? And yet this was my first time experiencing this consecutively. It is something new and unforgettable. "Hey, Umm. I know that we haven't talked that much wh
AMAYA'S POV Why does he have to come back when I just started to fear losing Max? Are you serious right now, Flynn? I peeked to look at Max and Flynn talking not too far from where I was standing. Max seemed to be so calm and even smiled at Flynn. Yet here I thought they could still be holding a grudge against each other. I appreciated how they were so professional in this public place. Is it Flynn that Max said he is going to meet today? Oh please, why did we have to see each other again when he's not supposed to be here? I am muddled with emotions right now. That I can't think straight. Do I want to ask him a question? Should I blame him when I was the one who gave him so much reason to leave? No, I am not in pain anymore. "How about if we'll eat lunch and continue this conversation while eating?" Max's voice was getting nearer and I could feel myself shiver. How I wish he will never talk to me again. I thought to myself. Max's hand touching my waist to turn me beside him,
MAX'S POV Before the day ended, I already mentioned to Amaya that we are going to have breakfast together with Flynn tomorrow. Well, I don't know why I dragged him into this but he was cool about it. So I think Amaya would be fine too. I'm starting to get paranoid. She can be reckless and whatever temptation is in front of her can be deceiving. To be exact, I don't trust her, yet I can't just keep watching them again without doing anything. So we had our breakfast in a fancy restaurant with both of my companions still wearing their pajamas. Though I'm not sure about Flynn's because he's only wearing sweatpants and a shirt while Amaya was still in her sleeping pajamas in a hood. I was confused why these two act like they were not business people. Amaya places her head on the table still feeling drowsy while Flynn is trying to wake himself by watching videos on his phone. "Are you guys serious? It's almost noon?" My question made the two of them look at me angrily. "I had a meetin
AMAYA'S POV What Conan said got me speechless. I thought that after we settle down not having sex anymore created a boundary between us and that our friendship was enough but it seems like strong desires cannot be stopped that easily. I haven't been able to settle down with one man just yet and here I am stuck in another complicated situation. "Amaya? Are you okay?" Max's voice got me back from spacing out after sitting on the chair waiting for the orders to arrive. "Yeah, I'm good," I replied as Austin arrived with two trays serving it on our table. The food amazed me. It's mouth-watering. Tons of burgers, two trays of fries, cheesy spaghetti, and chips. To be honest, this doesn't fit my diet but of course, there's always a cheat day. "There's more. Please enjoy this while waiting. And ah- Miss Amaya? Can I take a picture with you later?" Austin's bad boy vibes yet pleasing personality smiled at me as I smiled back at him and agreed. Why would I say no? I was about to get one
AMAYA'S POV Today is going to be the day that Vesna Anderson is going to pay for what she's done. I had enough of all the nonsense she had caused. She doesn't know who she's dealing with. As we arrived at the justice hall, there was media everywhere we looked. Flashes flickering through our faces with their unlimited questions. Vanique was also getting more uncomfortable each time they took a step closer. "Miss Amaya, How come you hid this issue until today? Don't you think that this could affect the guests arriving at your gala?" One of the reporters managed to come near me when suddenly a man in a well-prepared tuxedo suit stood in front of me and tried to stop the reporter from coming closer. He seems like a bodyguard but not mine. My bodyguards usually wear civilian clothes. So I looked back to the rest of the crowd and found out that some other men were refraining from the media like him while Conan was arriving. I doubted the thought that it was for him. Is it? Yet he confir
MAX'S POV Having Vesna behind bars for long didn't make me feel satisfied. Somehow, she became the reason why I became so doubtful of everyone right now. I realized that Liam knew about this. And yet, he didn't tell me anything. He pretended not to know anything and played along with Vesna's game. My psychologist too. He might have known about it all along that maybe, that's why he left. I hated these thoughts. I can't find a valid reason for me to believe this nonsense. Don't they feel ashamed of this? When we got back to my hotel, Liam was standing in front of me. Silent, waiting for me to say something as I can't help staring at him. He could either be guilty or as speechless as I do. "Did you know something about Malia being a Howards?" I couldn't stop myself and finally asked him while my hands were shaking and I want answers. "Answer me! Did you have any idea of what Malia's real identity is?!" I furiously asked again. Liam's silence pissed me off that I collared him out o
AMAYA'S POV There is no reason for me not to continue with this celebration. Although there was another problem that just appeared, Vesna's loss and the development of my company makes it worth a while. The Gala was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or also known as The MET. It was a sensational event where you can find all the media in New York City. And it even blew the minds of the public when Mr. Hugo Lefebvre was my date. The son of the second in line of famous business people in New York, who owned the Oasis, a very famous hotel in New York City. As expected, the crowd was asking so many questions about our relationship. None of us answered and just let them continue taking pictures while Hugo's hand was around my waist. Though somehow, I didn't get any reactions from Max even when he was just right beside me without a date and tagged along with Flynn. He was pretty distracted the whole time. He seemed to be looking for Malia but we both can't find her anywhere since she w
MAX'S POV As I went back inside the museum. Everyone was disturbed. It seems that Amaya was having a panic attack at the front being surrounded by the people she was with on the same table, including the man who seems to be her date for the night. I was about to come closer when Conan and Malia pulled me back. "Max just don't," Malia said while holding a grip on my arms. I looked at her still confused as to why I can't go near her when that reporter already revealed that we were linked to each other. So why not let them know it's true? I turned again to Amaya's direction when suddenly the man who was beside her stood up straight as if he was about to assure everyone that she was doing fine. But instead... "Fear not everyone, Amaya's fine. Knowing the news just got her devastated and could add some complications to her baby." The crowd reacted by whispering to each other. It caused another fuss which also got me dumbfounded. Was I? I thought to myself. But again another piec
THIRD PERSON’S POV On their upcoming day of exchanging vows, Amaya’s wishes were supported by Max. He helped with everything as much as he can. He looked for willing volunteers especially those from Brooklyn. He also contacted their friends from Canada and Malia sent off twelve people as well. Noah and his family offered their assistance too. Yet this charity had to last a week than it was anticipated because of an additional team building activity and physical check-up. Kenzo on the other hand worked hard with them. They even had a surprising guest who came after he found out about the major event the Galiviosa was holding. “Xihizoo!!!! It’s you! It’s really you!!” Amaya was so happy upon the real Xihizo’s arrival that she jump straight into his arms. Xihizo was surprised by this new behavior Amaya showed but he was glad that she was doing fine. His gaze was then caught by a familiar face in Amaya’s office, he separated himself from her and walked closely to the stranger. By the t
AMAYA’S POVI decided not to continue with the case anymore and open him a new opportunity instead. We returned his things back to his safe and left a note on his bedside table. Please see me in my office tomorrow, Kenzo. -AmayaNoah drove Ace and me back to my office and while on the road, I can’t help but think about those people who are desperate as him. Even though I missed certain events in my life I can still keep up with it now that I am the boss yet not them. Because once they stop they won’t even have enough to feed the mouths in their family. It’s sad but that’s reality. The car stopped when the traffic light turned red and I saw a homeless man sitting beside a restaurant while most people just walks past him. It breaks my heart just by looking at him. Then an idea popped up in my head. When arrived at the Galiviosa, I talked with Noah and Ace about what was going to happen next. “I suggest we keep the recordings just in case he makes another reckless decision. I don’t do
AMAYA’S POV My suggestion hyped Xihizo so much that he even led the way back to his room. He ordered so much food and drinks. He was feeling abundant that he also invited Noah to eat with us. When we were still at the bar earlier I saw Ace pass by so I excused myself to the bathroom. There Ace added a micro mic behind the button of my shirt and a camera on my necklace. “He has a very low alcohol tolerance so you can start asking him anything you want once he gets drunk. Act curious about what he remembers about your childhood and as I estimated he will last for at least an hour drunk talking so be sure to ask as fast and as much as you can. I’ll be watching you from the other room. Don’t worry if he tries to make a move on you because his room is surrounded by cameras. Once he’s down, I’ll get inside with you to open the safe where he hid all his documents.” I felt relieved that Ace is here. I may have planted that idea in Xihizo’s head but it still doesn’t change the fact that I
AMAYA’S POV Since that Scrooge got what he wanted he doesn’t bother us that much anymore. He’s like a spoiled brat right now just because he’s been pampered with all the cash and services. I didn’t want this to last for a week but it seems that Ace couldn’t make time. I’m really sorry Amaya, there is a ceremony coming up this Saturday which means the following days are going to be busy and need extra hands. You know I badly wanted to work with you, It’s just that right now isn’t the best time. I promise I’ll be there as soon as the ceremony is over. And while I’m at it, I’ll assemble all the instruments. Now I felt bad for Ace too. I only wish I had the same knowledge as Ace with the technologies. Then I wouldn’t have to bother them about this. And about Max, I was able to turn the table by acting that Ace was really asking how I was doing while he continues to explain himself. After that, I distracted him with a kiss and it continues to something else. Being entrapped by this cha
AMAYA’S POVI would be owing a lot to Noah. Though I can only wish there was something I can do to help with their relationship. Vanique was still on a break that I gave her to take some time to reflect on everything that has been happening in her life while Mom was trying her best to accompany her. My head right now is a mess that I couldn’t even try to review Max’s preparation for the wedding. I had too many expenses coming especially with an additional Scrooge-like someone.“Hey babe, You still haven’t been able to see the coordinator's idea. We really need your utmost opinion about it. You are the bride after all.” Max’s determination about this wedding remained the same. I love his enthusiasm though and I hope that he will continue to remain occupied. I was trying to clear my mind on the couch while he tries to make use of the time to get my perspective on the wedding. “I’d like the church to be at the St. Peter Cathedral. The theme would be just fine if it's all white so it wo
AMAYA’S POVWhen he raised his voice my body started trembling. He’s making me anxious. I don’t understand what he is so upset about. I kept on stuttering while I tried to calm him down. It went silent between us for a few seconds and I couldn’t help myself to hold my breath. It’s like I was waiting for him to do something aggressive. In his state, it wasn’t impossible to happen. But I was lucky when he suddenly left the conference room doing nothing. As I heard the door close, my legs gave up, and I fell to the floor, losing all my strength. Then I didn’t even notice that I was already crying. My chest felt so heavy that I am trying to keep up with my breath. I wanted to wail though I couldn’t. The room feels so cold. I didn’t want to get up. I stayed inside there for as long as I can remember when Max shows up. I looked at him blankly because I couldn’t really tell if I should be happy or not. But despite my anxiousness, I was able to notice a bruise beside his lips and right eye.
MAX’S POVThe presentations went well and I was able to make a decision on the spot. Though still, I felt bad someone had to leave so I made a different offer instead.“Anyway, I don’t want you guys to leave disappointed so I’m gonna offer you a different job. It is not going to be a wedding though but you’ll have to organize an event for my company. Since we launched our branch here, we haven’t really made a decent event to celebrate so that’ll be coming maybe a month from now. While the other team will organize a gala, I’ll let my assistant contact you. As for the chosen team, hopefully, my fiance will be ready by next week so kindly keep your presentation. I’ll contact you for the schedule as soon as possible. Thank you.”Now, I needed to get back to Amaya’s office and I am expecting the guy to be gone. I would probably take three days' leave from my work so I can do this without my time being divided. That’s the least I can do. Now, I am done with the organizers, should I let them
AMAYA’S POVBefore Max returned to us in the office, Xihizo was left on the couch watching TV while I went back to sit at my table to sign and review some papers that had just arrived. I remembered we haven’t continued our wedding preparations since the incident. I reached out to one of my drawers and found the list I made and the samples of the invitation format. There was also a folder filled with different color schemes which I haven’t decided yet. I felt the same excitement I used to feel when I started this. I took all of it out and placed it all on my table. When Xihizo noticed it he walked towards me and asked about it.“These were my part of the preparations. I can’t believe I didn’t make that much progress.” I said to him with a soft tone trying to control myself not to cry. The thought of marriage made me happy and more to that I am going to be with the man I love. I couldn’t stop imagining walking down the aisle while he waits there at the altar. I want that to happen as s
MAX’S POVIt has been a while since I had a nice sleep like this, especially with Amaya beside me. She became one of my comfort zones after I realized I was already in love with her. But as I turned my head on the other side of the bed, she was gone and I also noticed that I may have been asleep for a while now. I tried to peek from the curtains to know if it was still night time but the sun almost blinded me with its brightness. It was morning already so I proceeded in opening the rest of the curtains so it may give more warmth to Amaya’s bed. Not that last night was not enough but also since sun rays may also have their benefits. And since I am already naked, I think it would be best to just go to the bathroom straight. After taking a bath I went straight to the other floor where the kitchen was yet I didn’t see Amaya there. She did leave a note though saying that my breakfast is on the table so I went to the dining room where a plate is covered with a silver cloche and looked under