She turned the laptop on and started to work. About half an hour later, there was a knock on the door.Carrying yogurt and sliced fruit, Aiken entered the room smilingly. “Having yogurt can aid digestion after a meal, while these fruits will provide you with vitamin C!”He placed them on the desk and winked at Maia. Maia was puzzled. “What the hell is all this about?”“You’re my guest, aren't you?” Aiken said. Bewildered, Maia just said, “Well, thank you.”“Don’t sweat it!” Aiken grinned and left. At that moment, Maia's phone beeped. It was a text message. “Stay away from Aiken Cantrell, or I’ll fuck him up.”Maia saw the number and knew who the sender was. In the past, she had yearned to see that number on her phone screen, but her wish had never come true until now.Maia put her phone down without replying and continued to work. Not getting a reply after three hours, Cedric cursed in frustration.He sent her another text. “Why aren’t you replying?”Half an hour later,
”Hey, Aiken didn’t ask for free food from us, okay? He gave me 100 bucks for four quiches.” “Yeah, he paid 100 bucks for my waffles.”“Me too! 100 bucks!”Several fans promptly posted the transaction records along with pictures of their food to debunk the rumors.Soon, the video of Aiken talking to his fans by the window was uploaded as well. Suddenly, the netizens started to comment differently. “Holy shit, he paid so much for just a few quiches and waffles… He’s so good to his fans! You have my support, Aiken.”“Way to go, Aiken! To those who criticize him, fuck you!”“Aiken showed up as soon as he heard his fans chanting for him. He even asked them to give the money to their family because they were the ones who prepared the food… And did you see how he told his fans that he loved them? He totally won me over!” …Aiken sighed and said, “It’s so tough to be a star. People just attack you for no reason.” “Then get a new job.” Jordan took a bite from a waffle. “Maybe
Zera burst into tears. “Why are you doing this to me?” She turned and ran toward the elevator. “Zera! Zera!” Worrying that she would try to kill herself like last time, Rita gave chase. When they were gone, Maia pushed Cedric off her. The doctor and the nurse let out an embarrassed smile. “We’re here to change your dressing, sir.”Cedric’s gaze was still fixed on Maia. “Teach her how to do it.”He sounded adamant. The doctor and nurse looked at Maia. “We would really appreciate it if you could help, miss. We should have changed his dressing long ago,” the doctor asked pleadingly. Maia frowned, not yielding. Cedric frowned and snorted.The doctor grew desperate and quickly handed the dressing tray to Maia. “Please, miss!”Maia was flustered. That asshole must have told the doctor to do this!Clenching her teeth, Maia took the dressing tray. With the doctor’s instructions, she began changing Cedric’s dressing. Cedric looked at her with a triumphant half-smile.
It was almost 6 p.m., and Maia wondered why Aiken hadn’t arrived yet as she gazed into the distance. Cedric approached her and held her hand. “Let’s board the plane.” Maia yanked her hand free as she saw two people approaching. “Your family is here.”Rita hurried over, pulling Zera along. “Why didn’t you tell me that you chartered a flight?” Rita smiled motherly at Cedric. “It’s too windy out here. Let’s board the plane.”Pulling Zera along, Rita tried to board the plane, but Maia stopped her. “Did I say you could board the plane?”Rita snapped, “Why should I ask for your permission?”“Because I’m the one who chartered it.”Rita was stunned. Composing herself, she asked, “Cedric, is that true?”“Absolutely.”“You’d better not be lying to me. How could this be? What about me and Zera?”“I’m sure you can find your own way home,” Cedric said coldly, without even looking at them. “I don’t care! I’m your mom, and we’re going back with you!” Like a madwoman, Rita tried
Cedric nodded. “I promise. Now, could you please let me go? Let’s just sit down and talk.” Why was he still holding her hands when they were just having a chat? “You’re learning fast.” Cedric teased. She was getting better at identifying his loopholes. He eventually relented and let go of her. “Maia, you should try their fruitcake cookies.” Aiken quickly took the seat that was next to Maia. Maia nodded. As she was about to reach for the cookies, Cedric grabbed one and tossed it into his mouth. Then he turned to her and instructed in a surly tone, “You can’t eat them.”“They are my gifts. Why can’t I eat them?”“There’s mango in them, and you’re allergic to mangoes.” Aiken immediately apologized. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had a mango allergy.”“Who told you that?” Maia refuted and grabbed a cookie. Cedric stopped her by grabbing onto her wrist. “I know you’re just doing this to spite me, but you shouldn’t joke around with your health.” His frown deepened as he snatched the c
Cedric had already informed Baz to prepare access to the VIP exit. Those reporters outside were wasting their time because they would not be able to see them. “Mr. Cedric, the car is ready. The family doctor is also waiting for you at your residence,” Baz informed Cedric politely. Cedric nodded and got into the car without saying a word to Maia.Just then, Maia's cell phone rang. She answered the call, knowing it was Nigel from the caller ID. “Hi, Nigel.” “Maia, are you already at the airport? I’m here to pick you up.” Maia took a glance at her surroundings and quickly sent Nigel her location. Soon after, Nigel was there along with Aiken’s drive home. “Maia, let me send you home!” Aiken smiled charmingly at her as he gestured for her to get into his car. Before Maia could decline his offer, Nigel parked his car in front of her and got off. “Maia, let’s go.” “There’s no need to trouble you. I can send her home.” Nigel knew who Aiken was the moment he set eyes on him. Hi
“Say that again." Cedric grabbed her wrist and gave her a deadpan look.“I’ve said it over and over again. I don’t love you anymore, and I won’t love you again. The Maia you knew is dead!” He pulled her in and kissed her lips to silence her. Maia’s eyes were wide with shock as she struggled against his embrace. She bit his lips hard and shoved him away from her. Cedric cried out in pain as her shove caused him to pull his back injury. He smirked as he wiped the blood off his lips. “It’s enough as long as I love you.” Just then, the car pulled to a stop. Baz tried to remain invisible as he got out of the car quietly. Maia studied her surroundings. Prismara Hill was brightly lit, and when she saw his villa, the memory of that winter day came rushing back into her head. She did not want to continue sharing the same room with him, so she exited the car. The chilly night wind calmed her down as her mind cleared up. She took a deep breath and called Buck. Sadly, her cell phone was sna
Another roar of the thunder woke Maia from her trance. She quickly rushed to shut her windows while calming herself. There was no need to think about the past. Everything was over. …The rain continued to fall all night and did not stop until dawn. “Mr. Cedric, you should allow the doctor to check on you.” Oswald came into Cedric’s bedroom, trying to get him to cooperate. Cedric had changed everyone who worked in his villa after what had happened to Maia. He also went to great lengths to reclaim Oswald. Oswald had been his caretaker since Cedric was a child, and Cedric knew he could trust him.“Baz, you should help me out here. Aren’t you Mr. Cedric’s assistant?” Oswald yelled at Baz.Baz did not know what more he could do. “You know what Mr. Cedric is like. I can’t change his mind if he doesn’t want to listen.” He looked over at Cedric. The man stood by the window, overlooking Prismara Hill’s rainy view. Baz muttered, “Ms. Maia used to love looking at the rain. However,