Maya stood by the window, watching the last traces of daylight fade into the evening sky. The quiet hum of the city outside felt distant tonight, like the world had paused for a moment just for her. Her home, usually simple and quiet, felt a little warmer, a little brighter—as if it, too, knew today was special.The soft scent of jasmine lingered in the air, drifting from the flowers Elias had sent earlier. A single card had come with them: “Looking forward to tonight.” She had read it more than once, each time feeling a little flutter in her chest.She glanced down at herself, running her hand over the smooth lines of her dress. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was elegant—something she had chosen with care. Her heels rested by the front door, waiting. Her hair was pinned back simply, a touch of lipstick the only bold color on her face.She had told herself she would enjoy tonight. No work, no worries, just a night to celebrate something she rarely allowed herself to feel—seen.Just as
Elias sat in his office, quiet and still, his phone resting on the desk beside him. The photo Daniel had sent glowed faintly on the screen—Maya sitting across from Colton at a restaurant, a soft smile on her lips, the lighting dim and warm.Daniel’s message had been simple:“Looks like she’s moved on already. With your rival, no less.”Elias stared at the image for a moment, then turned the screen face down. He didn’t feel anger—at least not toward Maya. Instead, something deeper settled inside him, like a quiet ache he had no name for.He didn’t doubt her.He knew her. Maya wasn’t someone who played games or chased power. She was thoughtful, private, and guarded with her trust. Whatever reason she had for meeting Colton, Elias was certain it wasn’t what Daniel tried to imply.But the photo had stirred something else in him—something he could no longer ignore.His feelings.He’d spent so long pretending they didn’t exist. Telling himself it was better to stay quiet, to focus on protec
It had been a few days since Anika’s birthday party, but the buzz surrounding it had yet to settle. While the Denovan residence slowly returned to its usual calm rhythm, Colton remained unusually active for someone who had only planned to stay briefly. His official reason for extending his visit was family, but deep down, he carried another purpose—one he had told no one. He was searching.Years ago, when he was still a boy, the Denovan family had suffered a quiet tragedy: the loss of their youngest child. She was too young to remember, too young to understand. A series of painful events, hushed-up details, and half-truths had buried the memory deep in the family’s history, but Colton had never truly forgotten. And now, something in his gut told him that the truth might be closer than anyone realized.That gut feeling only grew stronger after meeting Maya.He’d kept his distance after their frosty encounter in the garden, but her presence lingered in his mind. At first, he’d convinced
The morning was quiet and overcast, with soft gray clouds blanketing the sky. A gentle stillness lingered in the air, casting a muted light across the city as it slowly stirred awake.Maya stood by her window for a moment, sipping a warm cup of tea as she watched the quiet hum of the street below. The calm after Anika’s birthday celebration was both a relief and a strange emptiness. Yesterday had been filled with laughter, balloons, and the sight of Anika’s glowing face—but today, it was back to reality.She turned away from the window and placed her cup in the sink. The silence of her apartment pressed in gently, familiar now. Though her heart ached to stay close to Anika, she reminded herself that life had to continue—her work, her growth, her independence.By the time she stepped into her bedroom, the wardrobe doors were already wide open. Maya pulled out a clean, slate-blue blouse and paired it with high-waisted black trousers. Her style was always simple and elegant—nothing flas
Maya stepped into her apartment just as the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue across her living room. The soft click of the door closing behind her felt like the end of a whirlwind. She leaned against it for a moment, exhaling a long breath. The laughter and music of Anika’s birthday still echoed faintly in her ears—memories that already felt distant now that she was home.Slipping off her heels, she walked barefoot across the polished floor and placed her purse on the console table. The apartment was quiet, a stark contrast to the vibrant banquet hall she’d left behind only hours ago. The walls, painted in gentle cream, seemed to wrap around her like a blanket, reminding her she was once again alone.Maya wandered into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water. As she sipped, her mind replayed the scenes from the party—Anika’s radiant smile, her delighted laughter when the cake was brought out, and how her little arms had wrapped tightly around Maya’s waist
Laughter rang through the grand banquet hall as the party continued into the late afternoon. Children ran around with balloon animals and face paint, the air filled with the sweet scent of vanilla cake and fresh flowers. The waitstaff moved smoothly among the guests, serving sparkling juice and bite-sized pastries on silver trays.Maya stood quietly near a tall window, sipping from her glass and watching Anika from afar. The little girl was full of life, dressed in her soft blue gown like a tiny princess. She had just finished cutting her towering birthday cake and now darted across the room toward her friends, her curls bouncing with every step.Maya smiled faintly, touched by the sight of Anika’s joy. She had promised herself she wouldn’t cry today, not when this day belonged to Anika. But just as she turned to place her glass down, her smile slowly faded.Across the room, she spotted Colton again.The same man who had spoken to her with such cold suspicion just earlier… was now cr