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CHAPTER 13: Three AM Confessions

Author: Maria_starling
last update Last Updated: 2025-12-05 01:50:28

Maya's Pov

I couldn't sleep. Again.

Three nights in a row now, I'd lain in bed staring at the ceiling, replaying that conversation in the snow. The way Derek had looked at me. The things I'd almost said before he walked away. The way my chest still ached every time I thought about it.

The clock on my nightstand read 2:47 AM. I gave up on sleep and climbed out of bed, pulling on my robe. Maybe tea would help. Maybe sitting somewhere that wasn't my bedroom would help. Maybe anything would help.

The house was dark and quiet as I crept downstairs. Everyone else was asleep, probably dreaming peaceful dreams, not torturing themselves over impossible situations.

I flicked on the small light over the stove and filled the kettle with water. The sound seemed too loud in the silent kitchen. I grabbed a mug from the cabinet and a tea bag from the canister Sophie had left out.

"Can't sleep either?"

I jumped, nearly dropping the mug. Derek stood in the doorway in sweatpants and a t-shirt, his hair
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    Maya's Pov I sat on my bed at eight forty-five, car keys in my hand, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My heart pounded so hard I could hear it.In fifteen minutes, I was supposed to meet Derek at the construction site. Alone. Away from the house. Away from Sophie.My phone buzzed. Sophie."Movie night! We're watching Home Alone. Get down here!"My stomach dropped. How was I supposed to sneak out during movie night?I texted back: "Headache. Think I need to sleep it off."Sophie: "Want me to bring you Advil?"Maya: "No, I already took some. Just need to lie down in the dark."Sophie: "Feel better! Love you!"The guilt was crushing. I turned off my bedroom light and waited, listening to the sounds of the movie starting downstairs. Laughter. Sophie's voice. Home.At eight fifty-five, I crept down the back stairs and out through the mudroom. My car was parked on the side of the house. I'd purposely left it there this morning instead of in the garage.The drive into town took twent

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  • Forbidden Christmas    CHAPTER 13: Three AM Confessions

    Maya's Pov I couldn't sleep. Again.Three nights in a row now, I'd lain in bed staring at the ceiling, replaying that conversation in the snow. The way Derek had looked at me. The things I'd almost said before he walked away. The way my chest still ached every time I thought about it.The clock on my nightstand read 2:47 AM. I gave up on sleep and climbed out of bed, pulling on my robe. Maybe tea would help. Maybe sitting somewhere that wasn't my bedroom would help. Maybe anything would help.The house was dark and quiet as I crept downstairs. Everyone else was asleep, probably dreaming peaceful dreams, not torturing themselves over impossible situations.I flicked on the small light over the stove and filled the kettle with water. The sound seemed too loud in the silent kitchen. I grabbed a mug from the cabinet and a tea bag from the canister Sophie had left out."Can't sleep either?"I jumped, nearly dropping the mug. Derek stood in the doorway in sweatpants and a t-shirt, his hair

  • Forbidden Christmas    CHAPTER 12: Baking and Breaking

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