Only one day was left before the wedding day, and everyone in the house was running left and right, making sure that everything was ready in time and looked perfect. Maya spent most of her time in the kitchen. That day she had to make the wedding cake, and finish some decorations.As she was working on the cake, Maya couldn’t help but remember the rehearsal dinner that was the previous day. Stephany’s family was also there. They were so happy, living on cloud nine.The more she noticed their presence, the more Maya felt bitter in her heart. The more she felt defeated.Subconsciously, Maya reached out to touch her heart over her chest. Her heart was still hurting so bad, but she had always been a fighter.The more it pains, then the sooner it will be numb, Maya thought to herself. She kept doing the pep talk to herself, reminding her of the things that she had been through from the orphanage, then what happened to Octavio,

Maya shook her head quickly. She squeezed Sicilia’s hand before she said, “Please don’t speak like this, Madam. Alexander is a grown-up man. He makes his own choices, and you must not blame yourself when he fucked up. Excuse my French...”“Oh... this is the first time I hear you speak French,” Sicilia replied teasingly.Maya shrugged her shoulders. From the time she arrived at the Knight’s Mansion, she did her best to be respectful. In fact, she had held back her rebellious attitude a lot of respect for Sicilia.If not, would Alexander leave unscattered when he slept with her and not take responsibility after? He should at least pay for her virginity, right? Maya knew that was expensive when auctioned.And damn, I did not even charge him, Maya thought bitterly.“I totally forgot to ask you about the reason why you came to see me in the first place, excuse my poor mind,” Sicilia

“I’m sorry, if I could ever choose who to fall in love with, it would be you,” Maya said apologetically. She was also not lying. Maya really felt bad for Pete. Thankfully, he seemed satisfied with her answer. He grinned before he said, “Good, keep that in mind. If you ever find yourself lonely, just call me.” “I will” Maya broke the hug and walked toward the stairs. She looked back at Pete, tears filling her eyes. Leaving him wasn’t as easy as she thought. “Bye Pete,” She said, but he didn’t respond, only waving. She went to her room, with the memory of his broken smile filling her mind. Maya went to her room, but before on the way there, she saw another friend, who was casually leaning on her door. “Rick...” She called out. He was looking at her expressionlessly with his arms crossed over his chest. He was clearly displeased. “Hey, Rick,” Maya greeted as she hopped towards him, like an obedient girl. He glared at her,

“Alexander doesn’t love her,” Maya muttered, and then she realized something. “Wait! How did you know that? I never told you that!” Pete chuckled over the phone before he said, “It was actually just a guess. I did not expect for Alexander to be really the lucky guy that you fell in love with.” There was unmasked sarcasm in his tone. “Pete! Are you making fun of me?” Maya asked. She was actually surprised at the way Pete was talking to her at that moment. He… He seems different.   “Of course not, Maya,” Pete said, his tone softer as if he was apologetic. “But look. Alexander is still marrying my sister, so in a way, she’s already ahead of you in so many ways. Well, in just a couple of hours, she would be Mrs. Knight. So that would be too awkward or painful to be there, right?” Pete continued, “Your call. Oh, and keep in mind that if you did somehow choose to go back, it might cause a scene, and you know me well, Maya. I never lie, and I will never

Maya took big gulps and continued running away.She was catching her breath as she looked around, she also asked strangers where she could stay, but no one understood her.Just when she was about to give up, a modest young man who was wearing glasses said, “Are you looking for a place? Tourist, perhaps?”“You can understand me. Thank God!” Maya sighed out of reliance and continued, “Yes, I’m a bit lost, and the flight… took me elsewhere. I’m supposed to be in France.”“Okay.” The man explained as he pointed at an alley, “Go straight, and you’ll find an inn there. Book a ticket from the airline company directly to avoid the same mistake. There are not a lot of English speakers here, so be careful, okay?”“Thank you very much for your kindness, sir!” Maya greeted the stranger with such a smile and gratitude as she waved goodbye and proceeded as she was in