Chapter four

Daniel's pov

This wasn't meant to happen, but the heart wants what it wants and every part of me wants Maya.

The moment I laid my eyes on her I was love struck. It wasn't my intention to get stuck in this web of complication.

I knew Maya felt the same, I could see beyond her walls.

“I don't know what you want.” She responded

I moved close to her, she tried stepping back, and I wasn't going to let her go.

I wrapped my hands around her back, pulling her close to me.

“Tell me, you don't want this as much as I do and I'll leave.” I whispered in her ear.

She hesitated giving in to my touch.

“Daniel, I…. We can't do this.” She forcefully detangled herself from my grip.

“I need you to leave.” She said without making eye contact.

I smiled, knowing I had gotten under her skin. "You're right, we can't do this... yet," I whispered, my eyes locked on hers. "But I'll be back.”

I planted a kiss on her cheek. I turned and walked away, feeling her eyes on me. I knew I had planted a seed, and it would only be a matter of time before it grew into something more.

I stirred awake, sunlight streaming through the curtains of my expansive bedroom. I rubbed my face, trying to shake off the remnants of last night. As I threw on a loose shirt and headed downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air.

In the dining room, my parents, Pamela and Frank, were seated at the large oak table, enjoying breakfast. My mother, as poised as ever in a tailored blouse, greeted me with a smile.

"Good morning, Daniel. You're up late today."

"Mornin'," I muttered, sliding into the seat across from my father, who was engrossed in the financial section of the newspaper.

"Coffee?" Pamela offered, already pouring me a cup before I could respond.

"Thanks," I said, taking a sip.

Pamela wasted no time. "Daniel, when was the last time you spoke to Chloe?"

The question made me pause mid-sip. I set the cup down, my jaw tightening.

"Mom, we've been over this. Chloe is not my business anymore."

Pamela's expression hardened, but her voice remained calm. "She's a wonderful girl, Daniel. You two were perfect together. It's a shame you couldn't make it work."

"She was perfect for you, not for me," I replied, my tone clipped. "And I'd appreciate it if you stopped imposing her on me."

Frank finally looked up from his newspaper, raising an eyebrow at the tension between my mother and me.

Pamela, undeterred, leaned forward. "Fine, not Chloe. But what about that older woman? The one you mentioned seeing a few months ago?"

I froze, my fork hovering mid-air. I set it down deliberately, meeting my mother's gaze.

"I don't have any woman in my life, Mom. And honestly, I'd prefer if you respected my decisions."

Pamela sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I just want what's best for you."

"And I'll decide what that is," I said firmly, standing. "Excuse me."

I headed upstairs, shaking off the conversation. After a quick shower, I dressed in a tailored suit and tie, preparing for a busy day at the office.

As I buttoned my cuffs, my phone buzzed. I answered with a smile, my tone softening.

"Hey, Helen."

A melodic laugh came through the line. "Good morning, Daniel. Did I wake you?"

"Not at all. I've been up for a while," I lied, leaning against the dresser.

"I miss you."

"I miss you too," I replied. "Are we still on for tonight?"

"Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Good. I'll call you later, okay? Love you."

"Love you too.”

As I walked into the sleek, modern space that housed my company, my personal assistant, Lilian, greeted me by my office door, tablet in hand.

"Good morning, Mr. Daniel," she said, falling into step beside me.

"Morning, Lilian. What's on the agenda?" I asked, dropping my briefcase onto the floor.

"You have a meeting with the marketing firm at 2 p.m. to discuss the expansion project. I'll remind you when it's time," she replied, making notes on her tablet.

"Perfect. And Lilian, can you do me a favor?"

"Of course, sir."

"Order a bouquet of flowers and some chocolates. Have them delivered to my address by noon."

Lilian nodded, making a note.

"Anything else?" she asked.

"No, that'll be all for now. Thank you."

As she left, I sat at my desk, staring out the window at the bustling city below. My thoughts drifted back to Maya.

I couldn't shake the image of her fiery spirit and striking features from my mind. I needed to see her again, to taste her lips and feel her skin against mine.

I adjusted my tie as I made my way to the boardroom. My assistant, Lilian, walked beside me, tablet in hand, outlining the key points of the meeting.

"The marketing firm representatives are already in the room, sir," she informed me. "They'll present their strategy for the expansion project, and at the end, they've prepared a shortlist of candidates for the lead role. They'll ask for your decision."

I nodded, barely paying attention. I had spent the morning distracted by thoughts of Maya, replaying our encounters over and over. It unsettled me that she occupied so much of my mind, but I forced myself to refocus as we stepped into the room.

The meeting commenced with the marketing firm laying out an ambitious strategy, complete with projections and creative pitches. I listened intently, occasionally asking sharp, insightful questions that left the presenters scrambling for answers.

By the end of the session, the head of the marketing team slid a folder across the table toward me. "These are the candidates we've shortlisted for the marketing lead role," he explained. "We believe they all have the expertise and creativity required for this project."

I opened the folder, my eyes scanning the names. One name stopped me cold: Maya Bennett. My chest tightened as I read her profile.

"This one," I said, pointing to her name. "She's the one I want. Maya Bennett will start tomorrow."

The room went silent for a moment. The head of the marketing team cleared his throat. "Are you sure, Mr. Daniels? We have several strong candidates."

"I'm certain," I said firmly, closing the folder.

As we exited the meeting, Lilian gave me a sideways glance. "Do you know this Maya Bennett?" she asked, curiosity lacing her voice.

I didn't waver. "Not really," I replied curtly, brushing off her question.