FALLING FOR MY CEO BOSS

Maya couldn't move fast enough. Her legs felt like they were going to give out beneath her, but she kept walking. Every step took her farther from the nightmare, farther from the image of Jayden and her best friend tangled together on that bed. She just needed space, air, anything that wasn't this moment.But then, she heard him. The thud of his footsteps. Jayden."Maya, wait!" His voice was breathless, almost frantic. "Maya, please just let me explain."Her heart was pounding so hard, she almost couldn't breathe. She kept walking, faster now, hoping he wouldn't catch up, but he was too quick. His hand grabbed her arm, pulling her to a stop."Maya!" Jayden's voice cracked, like he was hurting too. He was desperate. She could hear it. "Please, just let me explain. I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean for it to happen like this."She pulled away from his grasp, her whole body stiff. "You didn't mean for it to happen?" Her voice was tight, barely holding together. "You were in bed with her, Ja

The bar smelled like whiskey, sweat, and something bitter Maya couldn’t name. Neon lights flickered above her, casting soft blues and reds across her face as she made her way to the counter. Her heels clicked against the floor, but she barely noticed. She didn’t even feel them.“Something strong,” she told the bartender, her voice flat. “Doesn’t matter what.”One drink turned into four. Her hands trembled slightly, her head heavy but not numb. She just wanted everything to stop spinning for a while.“You alright, sweetheart?” a voice slurred next to her.She didn’t even look. “I’m fine.”“You don’t look fine,” the guy said, moving closer. “Wanna dance? Get your mind off whatever’s messing with that pretty head of yours?”“I said I’m not interested.”The guy laughed, low and mocking. “You think you’re too good to talk to me or something?”She finally turned toward him, eyes red but sharp. “Back. Off.”Instead of backing off, he scoffed and shoved her,just enough to knock her off balanc

Maya woke up to the soft buzz of her phone under her pillow. Groaning, she reached for it, only to see a flood of messages from Jayden lighting up her screen. “I’m sorry, Maya. Please talk to me.” “I messed up. It meant nothing.” “Please forgive me.” She stared at the screen for a few seconds, her face unreadable. Then, without a word, she locked the phone and tossed it aside. Sitting up, she took a deep breath and whispered to herself, “I’m ready to forget all that happened… and move on.” For the first time in days, she actually felt a little lighter. She threw on a casual outfit, tied her hair in a loose bun, and padded downstairs barefoot. There was a soft smile tugging at her lips, the kind her mom hadn’t seen in a while. “You look… different,” her mom said, peering at her over the rim of her tea cup. “What happened?” Maya paused, spoon in hand, thinking she’d just say “nothing.” But her mind drifted to the kiss—the one at the club. That man’s eyes, the way he made her for

The front door creaked open. “I’m hoooome! Who missed me?!” Everyone turned, surprised. Maya blinked. “ Marcus?!” There he was in the doorway , tall, built like a gym poster, and wearing that same crooked grin. His hoodie clung to his muscles, duffel bag slung over one shoulder like it weighed nothing. Maya laughed. “Why do you look like a tree trunk with legs?” Marcus gasped. “Disrespect! You mean a majestic oak. Show some appreciation for all this hard work.” He flexed dramatically before wrapping her in a bear hug, lifting her clean off the floor. “Still tiny,” he teased. “Still feisty. I missed this.” Their mom stood up, smiling wide. " Marcus look at you! My goodness,college turned you into a tank!” He moved to her next, hugging her gently but firmly. “Missed you, Mom. Nobody makes scrambled eggs like you. And you look even younger,did Dad finally start doing the dishes?” Their dad raised a brow over his newspaper. “Funny. Try that again and I’ll make you do the yard wo

Nathaniel stormed into his office and dropped into his chair, fists clenched, chest rising and falling in short, angry breaths. His jaw was tight, his thoughts a mess. He didn’t even know who he was mad at anymore , Ariel, himself, the past. The door opened quietly behind him. Jason stepped in, shutting it gently. “Nate,” Jason said carefully, “what was that back there?” Nathaniel didn’t look at him. Jason stepped closer. “Seriously? You just yelled at your sister like that in front of everyone.” Nathaniel’s voice was cold. “Get out, Jason.” Jason blinked. “Wait, what?” “I said get out,” Nathaniel growled, sharper this time. Jason’s jaw tightened. “Wow. Really? You’re kicking me out for calling you out?” “Jason…” Nathaniel warned. “No, it’s fine,” Jason said, raising his hands. “But if I walk out that door, just know… you lost a brother.” He turned toward the door. His hand had barely touched the handle when.... “Jason.” Jason stopped, back still to him. “…What?” Nathani