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
Just as Colton reached the glass doors leading back to the banquet hall, they slid open—and there stood Mrs. Denovan. She had been looking for him. Her eyes flicked from her son’s face to Maya’s distant figure, and she instantly understood. She knew that guarded look in Colton’s eyes—knew he would be questioning Maya’s presence. “Colton,” she said softly, stepping forward to block his path. Her tone was gentle, but purposeful. “A word, before you go back in.” He stopped, brows lifting slightly, but said nothing. With a calm smile, she turned toward Maya and led Colton a few steps aside, slipping effortlessly into the strained silence that clung to the night air. “Colton,” she began gently, laying a hand on his arm. “This is Maya.” Her voice was warm but firm. Colton turned to her slightly, his guarded expression unchanged. Mrs. Denovan continued, her tone softening. “She’s Anika’s birth mother.” Maya’s breath caught. Though she had heard those words before, somehow, hearing them
The crowd slowly settled after the unexpected entrance. Soft chatter resumed, but many eyes lingered on the tall man who had just arrived.He stepped inside, his arrival quiet but commanding. He wore a tailored navy-blue suit that hugged his broad frame with sharp precision. His dark hair was neatly brushed back, revealing a high forehead and strong brow. But it was his eyes that drew attention—sharp, striking, and an intense shade of green that seemed to cut through the noise.In his hand was a rectangular gift box wrapped in deep green paper and gold ribbon.Anika, standing near the front of the hall with Maya and the Denovans, turned at the sound. Her face lit up instantly.“Pumpkin!” she squealed.Without waiting for permission or acknowledgment, she took off in a blur of blue satin, her little feet pattering across the marble floor as she rushed toward the man.Colton’s serious expression melted into a warm smile the moment he saw her. He bent just in time to catch her in his ar