All Chapters of Mine for a Night : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Maya's POVLiam was in a meeting with the Peterson Group—a three-hour marathon session that would keep him locked away until well past lunch. I knew because I had memorized his schedule like my life depended on it, which, in a twisted way, it actually did. Every appointment, every conference call, every bathroom break was catalogued in my mind like vital intelligence.The moment his office door clicked shut behind him and the low murmur of voices began, I slid into my chair and opened my laptop, my fingers trembling against the keys. The cursor blinked at me accusingly from my half-finished document, but I couldn't focus on quarterly reports when my best friend was eight months pregnant and drowning in secrets.This was wrong. I knew it with every fiber of my being. I could practically hear Aria's voice in my head, see the hurt in her eyes when she'd made me promise not to interfere. I was betraying her trust, crossing a line we'd drawn together with tears and desperation just weeks a

Damien's POV "What?""Maya?" Her voice went sharp with betrayal, her hand moving protectively to her swollen belly. "She promised me she wouldn't—""Don't be angry with her. She's worried about you. About the baby."The word hung between us like a bridge neither of us was sure we could cross. I watched her face carefully, looking for confirmation of what I already knew in my bones."It's not your problem," she said, starting to close the door.I put my hand against it, gently but firmly. The wood was warm under my palm, solid and real. "Can we talk? Please?""There's nothing to talk about.""Aria." I took a breath, gathering courage I didn't know I possessed. "Is the baby mine?"Her lips trembled, and for a second I thought she might slam the door in my face. But then her shoulders sagged like she was finally too tired to keep fighting, and she stepped back, letting the door swing open."Come in," she said quietly. "But not for long."I followed her into the apartment, my eyes taking

Maya's POV I burst through the hospital room door like a tornado, still in yesterday's work clothes, my hair a mess from running through three blocks of traffic. "Aria! I got your text and—" I stopped dead when I saw him. Damien Knight was sitting in the chair next to Aria's bed, holding a tiny bundle wrapped in pink blankets. His expensive suit was wrinkled beyond recognition, his usually perfect hair disheveled, and there was a look of complete wonder on his face. "Maya," Aria said softly, her voice exhausted but happy. "Meet your goddaughter." I felt my legs go weak. "She's here? But you weren't due for—" "Babies make their own schedules," Damien said without taking his eyes off the infant in his arms. "She decided last night was the right time." I moved closer, my anger at him temporarily forgotten at the sight of the tiny perfect face peeking out from the blankets. "She's beautiful, Aria. Absolutely beautiful." "Her name is Emma," Aria said. "Emma Rose." "Can I...?" I r

Aria's POVI was trying to figure out how to fold Emma's impossibly tiny onesie when Damien walked into the hospital room carrying what looked like half of Babies"R"Us."You're back," I said, surprise evident in my voice. It had only been six hours since he left to "handle things," and honestly, I'd been preparing myself for him not to return at all."I said I would be." He set down several shopping bags and a car seat that probably cost more than my monthly rent. "How's Emma?""Perfect. The pediatrician says we can go home this afternoon if you want to—" I stopped myself. "If I want to."He caught my correction and his jaw tightened slightly. "Aria, we need to talk."My stomach dropped. Here it was. The reality check. The moment he explained why this was all too complicated and he needed to step back."It's over," he said simply."What's over?" But even as I asked, I was already bracing for impact."My engagement. Victoria and I ended it this morning."I stared at him, trying to proc

Maya's POVI knew something was wrong the moment I walked into the office Monday morning. The usual buzz of conversation died as soon as I appeared, and I could feel eyes following me as I made my way to my desk.Jennifer from accounting was the first to approach, her face a mask of barely contained curiosity."Maya, is it true?" she whispered, glancing around to make sure no one was listening."Is what true?""About you and..." She nodded toward Liam's office. "The rumors flying around are insane."My stomach dropped. "What rumors?""That you two were... you know. Involved. And that's why you got promoted so fast."I felt the blood drain from my face. "That's not—""Maya." Liam's voice cut across the office like a blade. "My office. Now."The walk to his office felt like a death march, especially with half the office watching. I stepped inside and closed the door behind me, my hands shaking."Sit down," he said without looking up from his desk.I sat, trying to keep my voice steady.