Chapter 4

MAYA’S POV

I started staying away from him entirely. At home, I woke up earlier just to avoid breakfast with him, and I locked myself in my room the moment I returned from classes.

I stopped looking for his car in the driveway. I stopped glancing at his closed bedroom door. I cut him out of my sight completely, determined to tear his presence out of my heart once and for all.

But as I pulled away from Killian, someone else started appearing in my world much more often.

I began seeing Carter Blackwood all around campus.

Whether I was walking to the design studio or sitting in the courtyard, he always seemed to be nearby.

He never forced himself into my space, but whenever our paths crossed, he would offer me a warm, genuine wave and a brilliant smile that made the heavy ache in my chest feel just a little bit lighter.

A few days later, I was walking across the main quad with my best friend, Chloe. The afternoon air was crisp, and I was gripping my jacket tightly as Chloe chattered away about an upcoming test.

Suddenly, she stopped, turning her sharp eyes on me. "Okay, Maya, out with it. You’ve been a total ghost lately," Chloe said, bumping her shoulder against mine. "And I know it’s because of him. Honestly, it is high time you got over this obsession with Killian. It’s been seven years of pining from afar. He’s untouchable, and he clearly doesn't see what's right in front of him."

I let out a heavy, tired sigh, looking down at my sneakers as we walked. "I’m trying, Chloe. Trust me, I am trying so hard." I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat, my voice dropping to a whisper.

"But it’s not easy. Especially not when we are staying under the same roof,” I added silently, bringing my voice down to a whisper.

"Well, if trying on your own isn't working, I know exactly what you need to do," Chloe urged, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. "You need to date someone else. Go out, have fun, let some other guy treat you right! That is the only thing that's going to finally get your mind off Killian."

Just as the words left her mouth, I looked up. Walking straight toward us down the paved path was Carter. The moment our eyes met through the crowd of students, his face lit up.

That perfect, gentlemanly smile broke across his lips, and he adjusted the strap of his backpack, slowing his pace. He stopped right in front of us, his clear blue eyes locked onto mine with genuine warmth. "Hey, Maya. How are you doing?"

I couldn't help but smile back, a faint flush creeping into my cheeks. "Hey, Carter. I'm doing alright." Remembering manners, I quickly gestured to my friend. "Oh, this is my best friend, Chloe."

"Nice to meet you, Chloe," Carter said politely, giving her a charming nod before turning his full attention right back to me. "So, Maya, I actually wanted to ask you something. I just got the invite to the national championship celebration party at the Yates Estate this weekend. Are you going to be attending?"

My heart skipped a beat, a sudden wave of nervousness hitting me. He had absolutely no idea that I was living in that very house, or that the party was happening right outside my own bedroom door.

Because of the situation, I didn't really have a choice. I had to attend. "I... I'm not entirely sure yet," I lied softly, shifting my weight from foot to foot.

Carter's smile softened, his eyes holding mine with a look that made my stomach flip. "Well, I really hope to see you there. The party won't be nearly as interesting if you aren't in the room." He gave me a final, lingering look and a warm wave. "Have a good evening, girls."

We watched him walk away, his tall, athletic frame moving easily through the crowd. The absolute second he was out of earshot, Chloe grabbed my arm so tightly her nails dug into my jacket.

She looked like she was about to completely scream in joy. "Oh my god! Maya," she squealed, shaking my arm wildly. "Do you see that? That is Carter Blackwood. His family is practically royalty, he is gorgeous, and he is completely into you. Forget Killian. Carter is your ticket out of heartbreak land. You are absolutely going to that party, and I am making sure you look like a total knockout."

By Saturday night, the Yates Estate was completely buzzing.

The mansion was packed to the brim with loud, thumping music that vibrated through the floorboards, flashing strobe lights, and hundreds of students celebrating the big championship win.

The air inside was thick with the scent of expensive liquor and sweat. Upstairs in my bedroom, Chloe had spent the last two hours completely dolling me up. She had refused to let me wear my usual oversized sweaters.

Instead, she had styled my hair into soft, elegant waves and done my makeup perfectly, highlighting my eyes. She had practically forced me into a stunning, form-fitting emerald green dress that cut mid-thigh, showing off curves I didn't even know I had.

"You look absolutely breathtaking, Maya," Chloe gasped, admiring her handiwork. "Now, go down there and claim your new life." Feeling a mixture of intense nerves and newfound confidence, I slipped out of my room.

But the moment I reached the top of the grand staircase and looked down at the chaotic crowd below, the suffocating heat and noise hit me like a wall. I couldn't do it.

I couldn't face the sea of people and I definitely couldn't risk bumping into Killian while he was surrounded by his adoring fans.

Needing air, I turned on my heel and walked down the long, quiet upper hallway, stepping out onto the massive stone balcony that overlooked the dark, sprawling gardens below.

The cool night wind felt incredible against my bare shoulders, cutting through the heat of the house. I wrapped my arms around myself, leaning against the cold stone railing, letting out a deep breath.

"I knew I'd find you away from the madness."

The smooth, familiar voice made me turn around quickly. Standing at the entrance of the balcony, a glass of champagne in his hand, was Carter. He stopped dead in his tracks the moment his eyes landed on me.

His blue eyes widened, scanning down the emerald green dress, taking in my styled hair and the exposed skin of my collarbones.

For a long, breathless moment, he just stared, completely struck dumb by the sight of me. A slow, breathless smile spread across his face as he stepped into the moonlight toward me.

"Wow, Maya... you look absolutely breathtaking. I mean it. You look like an angel.”