LOGINMaya has always lived in the shadows, hiding her dreams behind quiet brushstrokes and careful smiles. Love? That was a risk she never dared to take — especially not with Ethan, her best friend’s successful, enigmatic older brother. With his sharp suits and quiet strength, Ethan is everything she shouldn’t want… and the only man who has ever truly seen her. But when a charming rival starts pursuing Maya, her safe world begins to unravel. Suddenly, she’s forced into the spotlight, facing the whispers of a town that never really forgave her family — and the haunting secrets Ethan carries behind his guarded eyes. Torn between a love she craves and a past that still holds her hostage, Maya must find the courage to fight for her own happiness. A stolen glance. A hidden touch. A love so deep it could heal them… or break them forever. When her heart is finally on the line, will Maya risk everything for the one man she was never meant to love?
View MoreCHAPTER 57 The smell of smoke filled the air. Maya arrived as fast as she could, her heart pounding hard in her chest. The night sky glowed orange from the fire ahead. Her studio—her dream—was burning. By the time she arrived, flames had swallowed almost everything. People stood watching, some filming, some whispering. The firemen tried their best, but the damage was already done. “No… no…” Maya whispered, her knees weak as she stared at what used to be her art gallery. Paintings, frames, effort—all gone. By the time the firefighters were done, about a quarter of her paintings were still left and that gave her a bit of hope. It was still early evening, but she couldn’t go home. She just sat nearby on the pavement, hugging her knees, staring into nothing. Her hands trembled. Her chest ached. It was almost dawn when she finally dragged herself home. Her whole body ached. She could barely keep her eyes open. she was completely tired and sleepy no matter how she tried to deny it
Chapter 56Ethan leaned back in his office chair, his phone pressed tight against his ear.He froze for a second, then spoke low. “I understand.” He cut the call at once.Without wasting another breath, he dialed Daniella’s number. She picked up on the second ring, her voice sweet and sharp at the same time.“Ethan,” she purred.“What are you doing in Paris?” Ethan demanded.“Oh? So you know already.”“Answer me, Daniella.”“I’m here for… business. And maybe pleasure.”“Good, just stay away from Maya, she's going through a tough time now.”She chuckled softly. “Maya? Always Maya. Do you ever get tired of saying her name?”“Don’t play games with me.”“I’m not. I only had dinner with her. We talked.”Ethan’s jaw tightened. “What did you tell her?”“The truth,” Daniella said calmly. “That you two will never last. That guilt will eat both of you alive.”Ethan raked his hand in his hair. “You had no right.”“I have every right Ethan, I have. You were mine once.”“That was the past.”“But y
Chapter 55 Lily walked beside Ethan through the busy airport. She held his hand a little too tightly, like a child afraid of losing something. “Don’t look like that,” Ethan said softly, noticing her sad face. “How am I supposed to look?” Lily shot back, forcing a small laugh. “My brother is leaving me.” “I’ll be back,” he promised. “You better be,” she whispered. “Maya will need you.” At her name, Ethan’s eyes darkened but he didn’t reply. They stood for a while until the final boarding call came. Ethan hugged her tightly. “Take care of yourself. And… take care of Maya if she lets you.” “I will,” Lily whispered into his chest. Then he left. As Lily walked out of the airport, her phone buzzed. She looked down and froze. Maya. Her heart jumped, she hadsnt picked any of her calls earlier, She quickly picked up. “Hello? Maya?” “Lily,” Maya’s voice came through, sounding tired. “Oh my gosh! Where are you? Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” Maya said. “I took the art off
Chapter 54 Mrs Bennett stroked Maya hair lovingly. " My husband couldn't speak.....to protect the company, your dad was framed, too many fake evidences against him.....too many people involved, saying anything at that time would only have escalated the matter." Maya looked confused. " Why did you people take me in?" " Because you will always be a daughter to us" Mrs Bennett smilled at her. " And also because your dad asked for it." Maya gasped. " My dad did?" Mrs Bennett nodded. "And we were glad to oblige," The morning sun had only just begun to climb, casting pale streaks of gold across the quiet neighborhood. It was well past six a.m., and Ethan sat on the couch with his elbows on his knees, staring blankly at the floor. His phone lay beside him, screen dark, dozens of missed calls unanswered. His mother returned just then, slipping off her shoes quietly as though she didn’t want to wake the house. Ethan didnt look at her. “How is she?” he asked. “She’s… okay,” his mo






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