Under the Same Roof

Chapter 7

Morning sunlight slipped through the hospital curtains, filling the room with a soft golden glow.

Maya Collins sat beside Lia’s bed, gently brushing her daughter’s hair away from her forehead. Lia was finally asleep after a difficult night, and for the first time in days, her breathing seemed peaceful.

Maya smiled faintly.

Then she felt someone watching her.

Daniel Bennett stood near the doorway, holding two cups of coffee.

“Good morning,” he said quietly.

Maya looked up. “You didn’t have to come this early.”

“I wanted to.”

He placed one of the cups on the small table beside her.

“How is she?”

“Better. The doctor says her condition is stable.”

Daniel glanced at Lia. His expression softened.

“She’s a fighter.”

“She gets that from me,” Maya replied.

A small smile appeared on Daniel’s face. “I can see that.”

For a moment, neither spoke.

Six years ago, they had shared everything. Now even an ordinary conversation felt unfamiliar.

Daniel pulled a chair closer.

“Maya, I’ve been thinking. You and Lia shouldn’t have to keep moving between the hospital and wherever you’re staying. My house has enough space. There’s a guest room you can use until Lia is better.”

Maya immediately shook her head.

“Daniel, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why?”

“Because we are not together anymore.”

“I know that.”

“Then why are you making this difficult?”

Daniel leaned forward.

“Because my daughter needs stability. And whether you like it or not, I intend to be part of her life.”

Maya looked away.

She wanted to argue, but the truth was that she was exhausted. More importantly, she couldn’t deny that Daniel was making an effort.

Before she could respond, Lia stirred.

“Mummy?”

Maya turned immediately. “I’m here, sweetheart.”

Lia opened her eyes and noticed Daniel.

“Daddy!”

Daniel’s face brightened.

“Hey, princess.”

He moved closer, and Lia stretched out her little arms. He carefully lifted her into his embrace.

Maya watched them silently.

There was something painful about seeing how naturally they fitted together. Six years of separation had taken away so much time, time neither of them could recover.

“Daddy, will you come and see me tomorrow?” Lia asked.

Daniel kissed her forehead.

“I’ll come today, tomorrow and every day after that.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

Lia smiled and rested her head against his chest.

Maya quickly looked away before either of them noticed the tears gathering in her eyes.

By afternoon, Maya had reluctantly agreed to Daniel’s suggestion.

They arrived at the Bennett mansion shortly after four.

The house looked exactly as she remembered it. The tall glass windows, the marble staircase and the perfectly arranged flowers in the entrance hall.

Memories came rushing back.

She remembered the first time Daniel had brought her there. He had held her hand and whispered that one day, the house would feel like home to her.

Now she was returning as the mother of his child, carrying six years of unanswered questions.

A housekeeper approached them.

“Good afternoon, sir.”

Daniel nodded. “Please prepare the guest room on the east wing for Maya and Lia.”

“Certainly, sir.”

Before Maya could follow the housekeeper, a familiar voice stopped her.

“Well, this is unexpected.”

Victoria Bennett stood at the top of the staircase.

Her eyes moved from Maya to Lia before settling on Daniel.

“Daniel, may I speak with you?”

“Not now, Mother.”

Victoria’s expression tightened.

“I believe we need to discuss the decision you’ve made.”

Daniel stepped slightly in front of Maya.

“My daughter and her mother are staying here. That’s all you need to know.”

Victoria stared at him.

“Your daughter?”

“Yes, Mother. My daughter.”

For a brief moment, something unreadable crossed her face.

Then she forced a smile.

“Welcome back, Maya.”

Maya returned the greeting without warmth.

“Thank you.”

Victoria turned and walked away, but not before giving Maya a look that sent a chill down her spine.

Later that evening, Daniel found Maya standing on the balcony outside her guest room.

“Can’t sleep?” he asked.

She shook her head.

“Your mother doesn’t want us here.”

Daniel stood beside her.

“Don’t worry about her.”

“That’s easy for you to say. You’ve known her your entire life.”

He looked at her.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Maya turned.

“What is it?”

“Someone sent me another message.”

Her stomach tightened.

“What kind of message?”

Daniel hesitated.

“It said they know what happened six years ago. They want me to meet them tomorrow night at eight.”

Maya’s face went pale.

“Daniel, don’t go.”

“I need answers.”

“What if it’s a trap?”

He looked at her seriously.

“Then I’ll be careful.”

Maya grabbed his arm.

“Please. I don’t want anything happening to you.”

Daniel stared at her hand resting against his arm.

For a moment, the years between them seemed to disappear.

“You still care about me,” he whispered.

Maya quickly withdrew her hand.

“Don’t mistake concern for love, Daniel.”

He nodded, although the disappointment in his eyes was impossible to hide.

“I won’t.”

He turned to leave, but Maya’s voice stopped him.

“Daniel?”

He looked back.

“Whatever happened between us, please don’t let the past destroy what we have now.”

His expression softened.

“I won’t, Maya. Not this time.”

As he walked away, Maya returned to the balcony.

Across the hallway, Victoria stood silently behind a partially closed door.

She had heard enough to understand one thing.

Daniel was getting closer to the truth.

And if he discovered what she had done six years ago, everything she had protected could come crashing down.

She reached for her phone and typed a message.

“We have a problem. Daniel is asking questions again.”

She pressed send.

A reply arrived almost immediately.

“Then make sure he never discovers the truth.”