"Ten years ago… where black and white formed the yin-yang, where water crossed in the same river, and birds flew together… They call it simulated, or just nature. Is falling in love that, or something more? I mean, all things could be explained by science, but love… I saw it in a movie: 'Something that can break the laws of physics is love.' I don't know if that's true, but who knows? Is it destiny that always wins?"
Zoey sighed, standing on the bridge, lost in thought after a long day of school and singing auditions. She was tired, and her mind was wandering. Why was she thinking about this stuff, anyway? Especially when she's single…
As a girl walked past behind her, giggling at something on her phone, Zoey zoned out, lost in thought. She didn't notice the girl's presence, didn't think someone would end up being so significant. The girl's laughter faded into the background as Zoey stood there, her eyes fixed on the bridge's railing.
The girl, still smiling, dropped a tiny bag as she walked by. Zoey didn't see it happen, but she did notice the bag lying on the ground. She approached it, picked it up, and looked around, wondering if someone was looking for it. Her eyes scanned the area, and she remembered the girl who had passed by, giggling. Zoey hadn't seen where she went, so she rushed to the other side of the bridge, bag in hand, hoping to find her.
As she searched, Zoey couldn't help but think about the girl's lost bag. What if something important was in there? She didn't want to pry, but she had to return it. After roaming around the area, Zoey finally spotted the girl sitting on a bench, looking down at her phone. Zoey approached her, feeling a mix of curiosity and hesitation.
The girl looked up, and Zoey saw that she was calm, despite having lost her bag and phone. She seemed… serene, as if she'd just taken a relaxing stroll. Zoey approached her, holding out the bag. "Hey, I think you dropped this," she said, trying to sound casual.
"Hey… you dropped your bag on the bridge," Zoey stammered, her eyes locked on the girl's face as she handed over the bag.
The girl's gaze met Zoey's, and Zoey's breath caught. She was stunning – angelic features, gothic style, and an air of quiet confidence. Zoey's eyes widened, and she stared, mesmerized, as the girl smiled.
"Hey, miss, you're drooling," the girl said, her voice low and husky, as she took the bag from Zoey. She wiped Zoey's drool with a black cloth, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Are you okay? What's your name?"
Zoey blinked, her face flushing with embarrassment. She hadn't even noticed she'd been staring. "I-I'm Zoey," she stammered, feeling a bit dazed.
The girl smiled, her eyes curling at the corners. "I'm Maya," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. As she smiled, she thought to herself, "So cute and interesting."
Zoey snapped back to reality, her face still flushed with embarrassment. Maya, the girl she'd been drooling over, was wiping her drool with a cloth, acting like nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
"Hmm, you don't really remember… wow, you're cute and hilarious," Maya said, opening her bag to check its contents. She seemed relieved to find her pills still there, then turned her attention back to Zoey. "I asked your name, and you looked at me… and drooled. I mean, why?"
Zoey was mortified. She looked away, trying to avoid the question, but Maya's persistence only made her more flustered. Her eyes landed on Maya's shirt, which read "Kokoro". "Ohhh, nice name… Zoey Kokoro, anyway, my name is Maya King. Nice to meet you," she stammered.
Maya checked the time and said, "Are you hungry? It's almost dinner time. We can grab something; it's my treat. But you can pick the spot – I'm kind of lost, haven't been here in a while. What do you say?"
Zoey's eyes widened as she looked at Maya. "What…?! How do you know my name? I mean… huh? And why would I go to dinner with you? I mean… is it like a date or what? I mean, wait, I'm not prepared for this!"
Maya was taken back by Zoey's reaction, but she couldn't help laughing. "Yes, maybe. I mean, you have this thing with very important items, so yes, you gained yourself a free meal. But you don't have to overreact; it's not like it's a romance series, hehe."
Maya giggled, leaning her head to the side, looking at Zoey with amusement. Zoey, still blushing, looked away, trying to process what was happening.
As Zoey tried to process what was happening, Maya's comment about the romance series ticked her off. "Well, it's not my fault a very beautiful girl is asking me out, and that I know too much romance… so yeah," Zoey said, trying to keep her cool.
Maya smiled, unfazed. "Since it's my treat, where would you like to go? Thai or Japanese?"
Maya looked around, spotted a Thai restaurant nearby, and pointed. "How about that one? It's a Thai restaurant. I think you'll find what you're looking for there. You said Thai or Japanese, but I could only find the Thai one. Will that be okay?"
Zoey nodded, still smiling, and said, "Since you're paying, does that mean I can have anything I want?"
Maya's eyes sparkled as she walked towards the restaurant entrance. "Yes, little oey, come on, let's go in," she said, opening the door for Zoey.
Zoey's face flushed at the nickname, but she couldn't help being charmed by Maya's playful nature. As she entered the restaurant, she wondered how Maya knew her name, but she didn't ask, too caught up in the moment.
The manager welcomed them warmly, showed them to their table, and handed them menus. "When you're ready, just give us a heads up, okay?" he said, leaving them to decide.
Maya sat down, looking at Zoey with a mischievous grin. Zoey's heart skipped a beat as she sat across from her, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
As Maya looked at the manager and nodded, she and Zoey sat down, perusing the menu. Zoey's Thai wasn't great, but Maya waited for the manager to leave before addressing it.
"Seems someone's off their Thai lessons," Maya said, smiling and giggling.
Zoey looked up, embarrassed. "Well, no, I'm not… you were talking fast. I mean, if someone here doesn't understand Thai, it's…"
Maya cut her off, her expression playful but firm. "Firstly, I'm half Thai; I live there, and it's not that hard to learn. Secondly, I know four languages: English, Japanese, Thai, and Portuguese. So, I'm good. Lastly, I'm not around your age; you're being too casual."
Zoey's tone shifted, and she said, "My apologies. I forgot you look young, and I got carried away."
The food arrived, and Maya stood up, sitting beside Zoey. She gently turned Zoey's face towards her, wiping a cream stain from her lips. Maya's thumb lingered, then she licked it off. "Wow, tasty," she said, her voice low.
Zoey was stunned, unsure how to react. Maya picked up a fork. "Want me to feed you?"
Zoey snapped back, "No… it's fine. I'm okay… I mean, I'm suddenly full. Excuse me, Miss; I have homework. See you… and thanks for the food."
Zoey grabbed her bag and rushed out, leaving Maya smiling. "Okay, bye… travel safe," Maya said, knowing they'd meet again.
Maya sat back down, enjoying the meal, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She thought to herself, "Guess I came on a bit strong. But hey, at least she's interesting."
As she finished her meal, Maya paid the bill and left the restaurant, wondering when she'd run into Zoey again. The city was big, but their paths would cross – she was sure of it.
Zoey was blushing, still reeling from the unexpected encounter with Maya. She rushed out of the restaurant, unsure of what to say or do. As she walked home, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being caught off guard. She replayed the moment over and over in her head, wondering what she could have done differently.
Meanwhile, Maya remained seated at the table, lost in thought. After a few seconds, she asked the waiter for the bill and paid, ready to leave. As she exited the restaurant, her phone rang. It was her mother.
"Hello, Mother, how are you?" Maya answered.
"Oh, hey Miss M, I'm fine. I'm at Monica's place. I'll be back later. If you're hungry, just tell the maids to make you something. I've already sorted everything out," her mother replied.
Maya's expression changed, and she asked, "You're at mommy's place? I thought she was in the hospital. How is she doing? It's been a long time since I saw her."
Her mother smiled, "Aww, you really miss her, don't you? You can always come visit. And, by the way, did you see little Zoey yet? She's grown up so much."
Maya's eyes sparkled, "Yes, I saw her earlier today. We had dinner, but I think she remembers me. Anyway, I know she's cute. I almost lost it when I saw her."
Her mother teased, "Oh my days, really? Don't tell me you made a move. You know she can't resist a flirty person like you."
Maya chuckled, "Well, I guess it runs in the DNA, hmm? Mother, don't forget to greet mommy for me. I have an early day tomorrow. Bye."
As Maya ended the call, Zoey's mother, Mina, was talking to Monica, who was recovering in the hospital. Monica asked about Maya, and Mina hesitated before answering, trying to reassure her that Maya would be back soon.
Monica smiled weakly, "I mean, I don't have enough time…"
Mina cut her off, embracing her, "No, Mon, I still need you. You can't just leave me. I just got you. You should be positive, okay? Don't worry about Maya; she's going to come back to us."
As they held each other, the tension in the room was palpable, and it was clear that their bond was strong, but their situation was fragile.
Zoey stood frozen, listening to the conversation through the door. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but the words cut deep. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she rushed upstairs to her room, throwing herself onto the bed. The pictures of Maya covering her walls seemed to mock her, and she felt like she was drowning in a sea of emotions. She cried herself to sleep, overwhelmed by the weight of her thoughts.
The next day, Zoey couldn't bring herself to go to school. Two months passed, and she hadn't left her room, lost in a haze of sadness and confusion. Maya, unable to handle the pressure, had returned to France, leaving Zoey to grapple with her emotions.
Maya's mother, Mina, knocked on Zoey's door, calling out, "Honey, the food is ready. Can you come down and eat with us? We have something to talk about, okay?"
Zoey didn't answer, but eventually, she emerged from her room, wearing her sleeping pajamas. She saw her mother and Monica sitting side by side, and her eyes dropped as she bowed her head. Monica and Mina exchanged a look, and Mina spoke up, "Well, dear, we called you here to have breakfast with us. You can't keep locking yourself in your room, you know. I'm here, and your mom is here for you too, okay?"
Zoey's voice was barely above a whisper, "Okay, I understand, Mother."
Monica's eyes welled up with tears as she reached out to Zoey, but Zoey didn't flinch. Just then, Maya walked into the dining room, suitcase and handbag in bowed , and greeted everyone with a warm smile.
The room fell silent, with Zoey's eyes fixed on Maya, her emotions in turmoil. Maya's gaze met hers, and for a moment, time stood still.
The room was filled with a mix of shock and surprise as Monica and Mina's words sunk in. Maya's eyes met Zoey's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Maya's expression was calm, but Zoey's face was etched with anger and confusion.
Maya stood up, her eyes never leaving Zoey's, and approached her. "Long time no see, little oey," she said, her voice low and smooth. "About the dinner, you shouldn't have ran away. I mean, I'm like family, remember?"
Zoey's eyes flashed with anger, and she raised her hand to slap Maya, but Maya caught it mid-air. "Aww, you're still this cute. I get it, you're mad. But I kind of thought you still remembered me," Maya said, her voice teasing.
Zoey yanked her hand free and stood up, her eyes blazing. "Wow, so you're May… it's you. Why did you come here? I thought you didn't want to come back here. Argh, if this is what you called me for, then... I just lost my appetite."
Mina's voice cut through the tension, "Both of you sit down and shut it! Can't you see your mom is not in the best shape, and we have something important to say… Stop this silly fight of yours now!"
Maya sat down, a small smile playing on her lips, but Mina's sharp gaze silenced her. Monica looked at Maya and Zoey, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination.
"Well, I know things aren't in their best now, with me being sick… But my time is almost over, and what I want is for everyone here to overlook that fact. I mean… what I know is that we need to be happy with the time we're given. We have to be happy with the time we're given, and we must not spend time in sadness."
Monica's voice trailed off, and she coughed, struggling to breathe. Mina held her hand, helping her drink some water.
"My last wish is for you… both of you," Monica continued, her voice weak. "I want you to take care of each other… so, I want you to get married."
The room fell silent, with Maya and Zoey staring at each other in shock. Maya's eyes sparkled with amusement, but Zoey's face was a mask of anger and confusion.
"Wait… as in, marry her? What? I mean, I don't know what to say…" Maya started to say, but Zoey cut her off.
"Huh? I don't understand this… How and why would I marry her? I am sorry, but I can't marry someone like her," Zoey said, standing up and rushing upstairs, angry and confused.
Maya remained seated, a small smile on her face, but her eyes followed Zoey, and it was clear that this was far from over.
Monica and Mina looked at Maya, and Monica asked, "So, that's why you avoided coming home… and you knew… Look, it's because you did something, huh? Well, explain yourself."
Maya stood there, unsure of where to start, her eyes cast down. Mina's patience was wearing thin, and she poked Maya's shoulder, her voice laced with frustration. "Well, speak up now! I'm getting annoyed with your pointless fighting. You're a grown woman, Maya, and it's time you started acting like one."
Maya took a deep breath and began, "It happened two years ago, I guess… We… ohm, I'm not good at handling breaks. As I was going through one, when she fetched me from the bar, I was drunk, and I just kissed her. I didn't realize or know why she returned the kiss, but I understood the next day when I told her to forget that it had happened, and I saw her smile dim. Since then, I didn't know how to talk with her, so I just kept my distance, but it became worse after that… That's it."
Mina's expression was a mix of shock and anger, and she looked at Monica, her eyes wide with disbelief. "My god… so, you asking for this arrangement was your way of fixing… this? Well, Mon, your beloved May fucks up and makes us clean up. I mean, what the hell…"
Monica held Mina's hand, trying to calm her down. "Mina, mind your language. Don't forget your title, and I don't like that kind of language. Anyway, May, I know how you feel about Zoey, but it's complicated because of what happened. Just try talking with her, and can you not tell Charlotte about this till it's time? I trust you with Zoey."
Maya nodded, holding Monica's hands. "I will fix this, and I'm sorry about this."
Mina didn't say anything, looking away, trying to process the situation. Monica turned to Maya and said, "Well, I will deal with her. Try talking with Zoey, okay?"
Maya stood up, bowed to them, and followed Zoey to her room. She knocked on the door, took a deep breath, and entered. The room was filled with pictures of her, and Maya's eyes widened as she saw a drawing of herself on Zoey's bed. She murmured to herself, "Wow, she really has it bad."
Maya looked around for Zoey and saw that the window was open. She approached it and looked outside, hearing someone crying on the balcony. She went out and saw Zoey, crying. Maya knelt beside her, pulled her closer, and comforted her, embracing her.
"Look, I'm very sorry about what's happening now. I know you hate me, and I deserve it, but I did this for you, for us. Please believe me," Maya said, her voice soft and gentle.
Zoey quickly hugged her, slowly easing into the comfort that Maya offered. She cried for what seemed like an hour, then responded to Maya's words, her voice barely above a whisper, "Is… that so? You know it's impossible for me to hate someone I really love… No, I don't hate you. I'm just hurt."
Maya gently wiped away Zoey's tears, her eyes locked on hers. "I haven't told you this, but I was confused, and I was concerned about you. I thought you hated me for not treating you like a friend. It was like I crossed the line, but now I know how I feel about you. If it's too late, then it's okay, but I'm in love with you, and I'm sorry I hurt you like that."
Zoey's expression shifted, and a smile spread across her face, her eyes shining with tears. She looked down, her face flushing with shyness. Maya's heart skipped a beat as she gently lifted Zoey's chin, their eyes meeting.
"Well, action speaks louder than words, huh?" Maya whispered, her voice husky, as she leaned in, her lips inches from Zoey's.
Their moment was shattered by a scream, and they pulled back, confused. They rushed downstairs to find Monica lying on the rug, Mina holding her close, tears streaming down her face. The maids were in a panic, and one of them had called the ambulance.
Zoey and Maya rushed to Monica's side, panic etched on their faces. The ambulance arrived, and Monica was rushed to the hospital, her family following close behind.
In the waiting room, the tension was palpable. The doctor emerged, his expression grave. "Sorry for your loss, but we tried everything we could. The cancer had already spread throughout her insides. There was nothing we could have done."
Mina's face went pale, and she looked at Maya and Zoey with a mix of shock and grief. She had a heart attack, and the doctors rushed her to the ER. Zoey and Maya were in shock, tears streaming down their faces as they held each other, unsure of what to do.
"Mother… Mother, answer me!" Zoey cried, holding onto Mina's hand, but it was too late. The doctors took Mina away, leaving Zoey and Maya to grapple with the devastating news.
Several months had passed since the events that had changed their lives forever. Both Zoey and Maya were still reeling from the loss of their mothers, but Maya's struggles with manic depression had taken a toll on her mental health. She spent weeks in a mental health hospital, working through her trauma and learning to manage her condition.
Following the advice of her therapist, Maya and Zoey decided to take a break from everything and go to Thailand. They spent two years there, working on their relationship and making their mothers' wish come true – they got married after Zoey turned 18.
During their time in Thailand, Zoey took care of Maya, helping her to recover and manage her condition. Maya, in turn, treated Zoey like a princess, showering her with love and affection. They got matching tattoos, a symbol of their love and commitment to each other.
As they rebuilt their lives, they discovered a new passion for music. They became the first lesbian married couple to make it big in the entertainment industry, with Zoey's soulful voice and Maya's captivating stage presence. Zoey's stage name was Zodiac, and Maya's was Aurora. Together, they were known as Duality, a perfect blend of two unique individuals.
Their rise to fame was meteoric, with fans all over the world falling in love with their music and their story. They graced the red carpet, performed at award ceremonies, and even landed a few endorsement deals. But despite the glamour and the glory, Maya's royal duties called, and she had to return to France and Japan, leaving Zoey behind.
It was a difficult separation, but they made it work, with Maya taking on the role of Zoey's manager and ensuring she had everything she needed to succeed. Zoey was heartbroken, but she knew it was necessary for their careers and for Maya's responsibilities as a member of the royal family.
Maya's little sister, Charlotte, was graduating from boarding school, and Maya had to attend the ceremony. Charlotte was surprised to see Maya alone, and she teased her about her secret marriage to Zoey.
"Maya, why didn't you tell me about you and Zoey?" Charlotte asked, as they drove to the palace.
Maya blushed, surprised by Charlotte's knowledge of her relationship with Zoey. "Who told you that?" she asked, trying to play it cool.
Charlotte laughed, "Lady Grandma told me when she visited me earlier. You're so cute, Maya, calling each other Tee rak 'my love' in Thai."
Maya smiled, happy that her secret was out, but also nervous about how her highness, Lady Sakura Kokoro III, would react.
As they arrived at the palace, they were greeted with a sea of Sakura blossoms and a formal welcome from the staff. Maya and Charlotte kneeled down, bowing to their highness, who looked at them with a mix of surprise and expectation.
"I thought your mother made it clear, Maya. Why is Zoey not here?" Lady Sakura asked, her voice firm but gentle.
Maya hesitated, unsure of what to say, but she knew she had to be honest. "Your highness, she wasn't ready to return here because of what happened, but I promise to bring her to heal in the palace. Your highness, I hope you understand."
Lady Sakura nodded, her expression softening. "I hope you do, Maya. Don't forget, I'm not the only one who believes in you."
Maya nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She knew she had the support of her family, and that gave her the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they entered the palace, Charlotte turned to Maya and whispered, "I'm glad you're happy, sis. You deserve it."
Maya smiled, feeling grateful for her sister's understanding and support. She knew that she and Zoey still had a long way to go, but with their love and the support of their family, they could overcome anything.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Thailand, Zoey was in the dressing room after her event, introducing her new album that she had released after Maya left the spotlight. She was still thinking about Maya a lot, as she usually called during the day, but it had been close to a week since she'd last called her. Zoey didn't give up on her, though.
As she was lost in thought, her assistant knocked on the door, and Zoey felt a little fatigued, maybe from the performance. She quickly called her assistant in to help with the outfit's zip on the back. Just as her assistant was helping, Maya burst into the room, her eyes flashing with possessiveness and jealousy. She jumped to conclusions, seeing the assistant's hands on Zoey, and rushed to separate them.
"Don't ever touch her," Maya said, her voice low and serious. "She's mine, okay?"
Zoey was shocked by Maya's sudden appearance and her words. She felt a mix of anger and relief, and she pushed Maya away, trying to process her emotions.
"Well, I told her to," Zoey said, her voice a little angry. "And you can't just come in here after disappearing on me, huh. Can you leave us?"
The assistant bowed and quickly exited the room, leaving Zoey and Maya alone. Zoey stood up, looking at Maya with a mix of emotions, and hugged her tightly. Maya wrapped her arms around Zoey, holding her close, and whispered, "I don't really want to see you with anyone else. I don't trust anyone with you, remember?"
Zoey pulled back, looking at Maya with a hint of amusement. "Well, if you don't want anyone or anything, you should be here then. But since you're not, what do you want me to do? Pray for you to appear or draw a magic circle on the ground to conjure you, huh?"
Maya's expression turned serious, and she sighed, tired of Zoey's unique humor. She pulled Zoey closer and kissed her on the lips, silencing her teasing words. Zoey was surprised, but she quickly melted into the kiss, her anger and frustration forgotten.
As they broke apart, Maya looked at Zoey and said, "Are you done complaining?"
Zoey blushed, feeling a little shy, and looked away. Maya smiled, holding Zoey's chin and turning her face back to hers. She slowly unzipped Zoey's outfit, her eyes locked on hers, and Zoey's heart skipped a beat.
"Well, once this happens, we can't stop it," Maya whispered, her voice husky. "Are you not afraid that someone might see this?"
Zoey's eyes locked on Maya's, and she smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't care."
Maya's hand slid down Zoey's back, sending shivers down her spine. Just as things were getting intense, someone knocked on the door. Maya's eyes narrowed, and she asked, "Who is it?"
It was Zoey's assistant, reminding her about the event's after-party. Zoey gently stepped out of Maya's grasp, a hint of disappointment on her face. "Looks like I'll be seeing you at the palace tonight. I can't skip this," she said, heading to the fitting room to change.
As Zoey got ready, Maya waited, looking stunning in her own right. When Zoey emerged, she was surprised to see Maya still there. "May, honey, you're still here? Don't you have somewhere to be?" she asked, a hint of teasing in her voice.
Maya avoided the question, standing up from the couch and approaching Zoey. She checked Zoey's dress and makeup, her eyes lingering on her face. "Not really, but since I'm here, why don't I go with you? I mean, I'm your wife, remember?" she said, showing Zoey the wedding ring.
Zoey's eyes sparkled as she looked at the ring, then at Maya. "The problem is, the list is already full, and the invitations are submitted. How will you go with me? I mean, if you're going, your clothes look odd," she said, concern etched on her face.
Maya smiled, unfazed. "I think I can get in. Have you forgotten who I am? It's nothing big. And as for what I'll wear, hang on," she said, pulling out her phone to make a call.
Zoey couldn't resist Maya's charm, and she hugged her neck, laying her head next to hers. Maya smiled, petting Zoey's hair as she finished her call.
Finally, Maya's personal fashion designer arrived with a selection of dresses. But to Zoey's surprise, they were all black, with no other colors in sight. The designer bowed, explaining that Maya liked gothic-style outfits, and they looked pretty on her.
Zoey's imagination ran wild, picturing Maya as a vampire princess. She teased Maya, saying she was cute, not dark. Maya's expression turned stern, and she sent the designer away, saying, "Thanks for bringing them. You, Maya, go now. Keep that up, and I'm not going anymore, and you'll sleep outside."
The designer bowed and left, and Zoey leaned in, giving Maya a soft kiss on the lips. "I mean, you don't have to be cute about it. I really love everything about you. Your height is adorable," she said, hugging Maya tightly.
Maya blushed, trying to hide her smile. "Oh, you're sweet-talking your way out of this, huh? Well, I'll have to think about this more. Stop talking about my height and age, okay? I don't like it. Now, let me go, and stop seducing me. Go pick me a dress," she said, her voice husky, as she looked at Zoey's chest, making Zoey giggle and quickly stop.
Zoey smiled, letting go of Maya as she headed towards the dresses to pick one for her. She scanned through the options, murmuring to herself as she dismissed each one. "No… too hot," she said, passing over a tight micro skirt. She picked up a black see-through dress, her eyes widening in horror. "What… hell no…"
Finally, she found a black medium-length dress with black roses designed on it. She picked it up and brought it to Maya. "How about this one? I mean, it looks the part, right? Plus, it has a veil."
Maya smiled, taking the dress from Zoey. "Well, darling, you're so possessive of my body. I mean, that's cute, but you're taking it too far," she said, heading to the fitting room to change.
Zoey watched her go, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Last time I checked, you're still mine, and I have to be. I mean, you're worse than me," she said, her voice trailing off as Maya disappeared into the fitting room.
When Maya emerged, Zoey's breath caught in her throat. Maya looked breathtaking, and no matter what she wore, she always looked hot and beautiful. Maya walked towards Zoey, a confident smile on her face. "What I know is that no one is worthy of you besides me, and that's all. Anyway, how do I look?"
Zoey was mesmerized, her eyes roving over Maya's body. "Damn, you are hot… I mean… what," she murmured, imagining Maya in the see-through dress.
Maya approached the mirror, adjusting her bag as she stood next to Zoey. "Come on, me of course I'm hot. Anyway, are you ready to go now, Tee rak?" she asked, her voice dripping with self-confidence.
Zoey nodded, taking her bag and holding Maya's hand as they headed out of the room. They took the elevator to the parking lot, and Maya guided Zoey to the VIP parking area. Zoey's eyes widened as they stopped in front of a black Lamborghini Sian.
"Maya, what… did you just buy this car?" Zoey asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Maya smiled, unlocking the car and opening the door for Zoey to get in. "Get in, and I'll show you," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Zoey got in, and Maya closed the door, walking around to the driver's side. She started the car, and it roared to life, and they sped off towards the venue of the after-party.
As they arrived, they were greeted at the entrance, and Maya's presence commanded attention. They walked in, Zoey on Maya's arm, and the room fell silent.
"Your highness, we didn't expect to be graced by your presence," someone said, bowing low.
Maya smiled, her eyes scanning the room. "This is really unexpected. I didn't expect you to know this event was that important or special for someone like me," she said, her voice dripping with royal charm.
Maya smiled, nodding to the bowing person. "To be honest, it's not… I just came here because I was afraid my wife would be here alone, and for me, she is important and special. So that's all," she said, looking at Zoey with adoration.
The person, who had a history of beef with Zoey, excused themselves, seething with jealousy. As a waiter with a tray of champagne glasses passed by, the girl deliberately trapped the waiter's arm, causing the tray to spill all over Zoey's dress.
Maya instantly reacted, holding Zoey as she assessed the situation. She asked if Zoey was okay, her anger simmering just below the surface. The media snapped pictures, capturing the chaos.
Before anyone could react, Maya approached the girl, her eyes blazing with fury. She pinned the girl against the wall, choking her, as the girl struggled to breathe. The people around them tried to intervene, but Maya's anger was too intense.
Zoey, realizing Maya's rage, tried to separate them. However, Maya's grip was too strong, and she accidentally pushed Zoey, causing her to fall and sprain her ankle. Zoey screamed in pain, and Maya's anger instantly dissipated.
She rushed to Zoey's side, holding her close as she called the hospital. The crowd was in shock, unsure of what to do as the situation escalated.
The ambulance arrived, and Zoey was taken to the hospital. Maya, still in tears, rushed to her car to follow the ambulance.
At the hospital, Zoey was taken to the ER immediately. Maya was beside herself with worry, pacing the waiting room as Charlotte arrived.
Charlotte hugged Maya, asking what happened. Maya, still crying, said, "I didn't mean to do it. I was protecting her… I mean…"
Charlotte calmed her down, bringing her medication and water. As Maya composed herself, the doctor emerged, informing them that Zoey was awake and fine, just sprained her ankle.
Charlotte thanked the doctor, relieved that Zoey was okay. Maya, still shaken, nodded, her eyes welling up with tears as she asked to see Zoey.
As the doctor nodded and walked away, Maya stood up, but Charlotte stopped her. "No, no, wait, big sister. You need to relax first and calm down, okay? I mean, if she sees you like this, she'll get mad because you didn't take the pills. Let me talk to her, okay?"
Maya thought of what she would say to Zoey when she saw her, but nothing came to mind, so she backed down, blaming herself. Charlotte sighed before entering Zoey's ward. She went in, putting on a smile for Zoey's sake.
"How is she?" Charlotte asked, holding Zoey's hand. Zoey was still shaken by Maya's behavior and reaction, but Charlotte tried to talk to her, shaking her shoulder gently to bring her back to reality.
"Oh, Charlotte… it's you. What are you doing here? I missed you," Zoey said, hugging her.
As they hugged, Charlotte noticed a scar on the back of Zoey's hair. She looked at Zoey, asking about it, but Zoey hid it, saying she had fallen.
Just then, Maya entered the room, standing by the bed and apologizing to Zoey for what happened. Charlotte was angry at Maya, and it showed. "Oh, so this isn't the first time it happened… What's wrong with you, big sister? Do you even know she's…"
Zoey quickly stopped Charlotte, calming her down. "No, please, I don't want more drama. You're the only family I have left. Please don't… and it's not her fault. She forgets to take her pills. She has a lot to deal with, and you need to understand. Please."
Charlotte nodded, leaving the room to get some fresh air and answer a phone call.
Maya approached Zoey, still in tears, and hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry, Zoey. I didn't mean to hurt you," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Zoey hugged her back, comforting Maya as she knew she was clingy when upset. She kissed Maya's forehead gently, patting her back and brushing her hair. As Maya calmed down, Zoey tried to lighten the mood.
"Are you really older than me, hmm? If someone entered here, they would think otherwise, you know," she teased, smiling.
Maya looked up, a hint of relief on her face. "I don't care if I look younger. I'm just hugging my wife and showing her love. That's all," she said, her voice filled with adoration.
Zoey teased Maya, saying, "Aww, really? I mean, I'm sure you're happy laying on my chest. I know they're comfortable…" Maya hugged her more, getting comfortable on Zoey's chest, and blushed a little, hearing Zoey's teasing.
Zoey continued, "Aww, you're so cute. I mean, are you my Tee rak or my baby?" Maya looked at Zoey, saying, "Both, and now I need milk," as she licked her lips, looking at Zoey with interest. Zoey resisted, saying, "You're so naughty… but I can't, as you see, I'm in the hospital. So, yeah, you need to wait like a good girl, right."
Zoey pinched Maya's cheeks and kissed her on the nose. Maya smiled, blushing, and got a heavenly treatment from her darling wife. "Hmm, only on the nose…" she said, looking up at Zoey.
Zoey pulled Maya closer, getting close to her lips, and stopped, not kissing her. She laid back on her bed, saying, "Well, bye. I'm going to sleep. The meds are kicking in," as she faked a yawn.
Maya didn't take no for an answer, pinning Zoey on the bed and looking at her in the eyes. They were about to kiss when Maya's phone rang. She stopped, checking who was calling, and saw it was Lady Grandma.
She showed Zoey, saying, "I have to answer this." Maya hesitated but answered the phone. "Yes, Grandmother," she said, speaking with her grandmother.
Her grandmother replied, "Don't 'yes, Grandmother' me. You're really liking causing trouble, huh? I mean, you're all over social media, and the family is asking questions. I would have no choice but to relieve you of your title if this continues."
Maya cut her grandmother off, saying, "What? No, with all due respect, Grandmother, you can't do that. I was protecting my wife, your Granddaughter-in-law. She is part of the Royal family. I mean, what do you mean by relinquishing my title? I mean, Mother crowned me. You can't…"
Lady Grandma cut her off, saying, "No, no, I can do anything I want, actually. And I will. I'll just give you one chance. Fix this, or you know what will happen."
Maya's grandmother ended the call, and Maya looked at the shrine where the pictures of Monica and Mina were, her mind flooded with memories of them. She stood there, under the Sakura blossoms tree, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Maya didn't move, frustrated and unsure of what to do. She sat down on the chair, and Zoey, sensing something was wrong, got off the bed and slowly walked to her, trying not to put pressure on her injured leg. She sat on Maya's lap, looking at her, and hugged her neck.
"You know, I really appreciate what you did for me," Zoey said. "I mean, I don't know if you're not perfect Royal Blood or not. I still love you."
Maya replied, hugging Zoey back and laying her head on her chest, feeling a sense of calm and warmth. "Remember, you are my medicine. That's why I love you so much."
Zoey teased Maya, saying, "Aww, my daughter. My wife laughs. I mean, just say it. You like my body, and you love laying on my boobs because they're like pillows, soft and warm, right? Hmmm?"
Maya blushed, getting a little annoyed. "Can you stop that? You're not funny. You really like being a pervert," she said, trying to hide her smile.
Zoey giggled, lifting Maya's face to see if she was blushing. "Aww, you're so cute, honey. I really love your embarrassed side. And it's not like you're not innocent or anything," she said, playing with Maya's cheeks and kissing her nose and all over her face.
Just then, the nurse opened the door to check on Zoey, and Maya quickly spanked Zoey's butt to stop her from teasing her. Zoey moaned a little, looking at Maya, and said, "Ouch, that hurts. Why did you do that for?"
Maya replied, "Well, the nurse is here."
Zoey looked at the nurse and waved, saying, "Hey, can you carry me to the bed, love?"
Maya picked Zoey up and carried her to the bed, laying her down comfortably and covering her with the blanket. The nurse checked Zoey and gave her some pills to drink, then left the room.
After a few hours, Zoey was sleeping, and Maya watched her, feeling a little sleepy and cold. She decided to lay in bed with Zoey, and they hugged each other tightly.
The next morning, Charlotte entered Zoey's room to check on her, wondering where Maya was. Zoey was going to be released today to heal at home. Seeing Zoey sleep, Charlotte thought she would find Maya there by Zoey's side, so she decided to wake Zoey up.
"Oh, hey, Charlotte. Morning," Zoey said, yawning.
Charlotte looked at Zoey and asked, "Where is she… your darling?" as she noticed black hair on Zoey's shoulder. She pulled the blanket down a little to see who it was, and it was Maya sleeping, drooling on Zoey's chest. Charlotte wasn't surprised, saying, "Wow, why am I not surprised with this? Why does she act like a little girl? She's so clingy and stubborn. My god, can you wake her up? You're always like this everywhere."
Zoey looked at Maya, who was just adorable and her heart's joy. She gently woke Maya up by poking her nose and cheek, and Maya slowly woke up, hugging Zoey more as she felt comfortable laying on her.
Charlotte looked at them, closed her eyes, and sighed, saying, "Big sister, you do know we're in a hospital, not your bedroom. Can you restrain yourself? We need to take care…"
Maya hearing Charlotte's voice, got up, looked at her, and said, "I don't really need to explain myself."
Charlotte looked at them, stepped outside, and before saying anything, "I really need to speak to you, big sister." Maya got up from the bed, leaving Zoey, kissed her on the forehead, and followed Charlotte.
They went to the roof to talk. Maya looked at Charlotte, waiting for her to speak up. Charlotte started talking, "Big sister, it's Grandmother… she sent me here to come back with you and Zoey, but thanks to what happened, we can't travel normally."
Maya sighed, looking at Charlotte, leaning on the wall, and said, "Yes, I do know that. I mean, things are a mess now, but we have no choice. I kind of didn't want her to go back to Japan yet. I mean, I just wanted to spend more time with her, to make up for what I lost and stuff. I don't know, maybe this is the end."
Charlotte looked at Maya, wanting to say something, but she didn't. She was really worried about them and her finding out about it, so she just kept quiet, lost in thought.
Maya looked at her, confused about this look, but thought it was about memories of the past. "Hey, Charlotte, are you okay?" she asked.
Charlotte looked at Maya, looked away, and said, "Nah, I'm fine. You go take care of your beloved, okay."
Maya doubted Charlotte was okay but didn't want to make her uncomfortable, so she just left her to go check on Zoey.
As Maya was heading back to Zoey, she saw the doctor heading out of her room with a nurse, and Maya was concerned that something might be wrong. She rushed back in, opening the door and looking around, calling out to Zoey, "Tee rak, are you okay? Talk to me!"
Zoey was packing her belongings, and she replied to Maya, "No, I'm fine, don't worry. I'm just packing up to get out of here, that's all." Maya stopped her from doing it, not wanting her to exhaust herself since she was still injured.
Maya said, as she was helping her with packing up, "You do realize I'm here for you." Zoey giggled, smiling at Maya, and said, "Aww, cute. But what I know is that when you help me with something, I always need to check it to give approval, especially cooking."
Maya was ready to go, holding Zoey's bag, and replied, "Can we not go there?" Maya sulked, looking away, as Zoey was teasing her again. Zoey hugged her from behind, looking at her, and gave her a sniff kiss on the cheek, trying to comfort her.
"Aww, Tee rak, you know I'm just kidding. You don't have to be serious every time, you know," Zoey said. Maya looked at Zoey, stopped sulking, and held Zoey's hand.
"Anyway, can we go now? Remember, Grandmother needs us. You know we can't say no, right," Maya said. Zoey nodded as they walked to the hospital's parking lot.
The Royal escort service was already waiting for them, and they had to avoid the main entrance because people from the media were already there, surrounding the entrance. So, they had to use the other way. The escort service took both Maya and Zoey to the car, and they had to make their way to the airport.
They didn't complain, knowing what kind of situation they were in. As they drove to the airport, they got in, and were escorted safely to a black private jet to avoid wasting time and the risk of being seen.
Some hours passed, and they were still in the private jet. Maya was sleeping on Zoey's lap, feeling comfortable and safe. Zoey smiled, looking at Maya sleeping, and fixed her hair and blanket to keep her warm.
As Zoey gazed out the window, the pilot made an announcement that they were about to land, and they had arrived in Osaka, Japan. Zoey saw Mt. Fuji and said, "Wow, it's been a while since I've been here."
Zoey gently woke Maya up, saying, "My love, we're here. You must wake up now. We're about to land. We've arrived." Maya slowly woke up, stretched a little, and hugged Zoey, looking at her.
"What time is it, and how do I look?" Maya asked. Zoey giggled and replied, "Well, it's 7 pm, and you look trouble. Wow, I think you shouldn't have slept, you know."
Maya looked at Zoey, letting go of her, and said, "You have to be kidding me. What… the hell?" Zoey just laughed at her and said, "No, you look nice. I was just kidding, okay?" as she fixed Maya's hair and kissed her cheek. She made Maya look at her phone's selfie to support her statement.
The jet landed on the runway at the airport, stopping as the steps were placed. Both Zoey and Maya got out of the jet, with Maya helping Zoey walk down to the ground. Maya's car was waiting there, along with security cars to escort them to the Royal palace.
Maya gently put Zoey inside the car, got in the driver's seat, and made sure Zoey's seatbelt was okay and that she was comfortable. The security guards closed the car door, and they were ready to escort them to the palace.
Maya started the car, drove out of the airport, and headed to the palace. She was speeding, making the distance short, and they soon arrived.
Upon arrival, Zoey was feeling anxious about being there, as she had never been there many times and didn't know how to act. She wasn't used to the new title, but she couldn't do anything about it.
Maya parked the car near the front door and looked at Zoey, holding her hand. "Zo, are you okay? I mean, we're here, and we can't get back now," she said.
Zoey looked at Maya and replied, "Oh, no, I'm really fine. It's nothing serious. I'm fine, okay? It's just that I haven't been here in a long time, and, you know, I kind of don't know how to act. Remember, I'm married to you now. We kind of have the same rank. Isn't that crazy?"
Maya kissed Zoey's hand and placed her hand on her cheek to make her feel better. "Well, I get it. I mean, I've been prepared for this, and I sometimes forget that you haven't. You were just brought here halfway. I know that being my wife is really hard. It's really not beautiful every time, and the craziest thing is that you're a crowned princess now. And for me, you're not all bad at being either. You've been doing your best at both, so I really hope you give yourself credit because I really appreciate and love you."
Zoey smiled, with tears in her eyes, not expecting those nice words. "Thanks, I love you too, May," she said.
Maya slowly wiped her tears, got out of the car, and opened the door for Zoey to get out. Zoey got out, closed the door, and they held each other's hands as they walked into the palace.
Lady Grandmother was waiting for them in the sitting room, and they approached the room, bowing to greet her.
Lady Grandmother looked at them, her expression stern, and said, "Since she is here, I think I have to talk with her in private." Maya looked at Zoey and Lady Grandmother, perplexed by what she was hearing, and simply said, "Yes, Grandmother. I will wait in my room."
Maya went to her room, and Zoey remained with Lady Grandmother, talking. After a few minutes, Zoey joined Maya, hugging her from behind, thinking about what she and Lady Grandmother had discussed.
"May, honey, I have to go, okay," Zoey said. "I don't know when I'll come back, but I'll be as soon as I can, okay?"
Maya looked at Zoey in disbelief, slowly turning to face her. "What? I don't understand. We only just got here, you know… Is this about Grandmother? Because if it is, then no, I'm not letting you go."
Zoey looked at Maya, shaking her head, and held her, trying to calm her down. But it wasn't working, so she gave her water to drink. Maya drank the water and fell to the ground, asleep, because the water had a sleeping agent in it.
Zoey looked at Maya, gently carried her to the bed, and covered her with a blanket. The maids came into the room, and Zoey kissed Maya's forehead, leaving a phone near the bed stand.
Zoey turned to the maids and said, "I'm sorry you have to do this, but it was the only way. Can you make sure she's safe and take care of her for me? I might not be back. I really don't know. Just make her understand with the phone I left, okay?"
The maids bowed, and Zoey left the palace.
The next morning, Maya woke up, looking around the room for Zoey. She saw the phone with a note that read, "I hope you understand, and I'm really sorry."
Maya's anger filled the room and the hallways as she screamed and threw the phone against the wall, breaking it. The maids rushed to aid her, finding her in a rough state. Her Grandmother rushed to her, trying to calm her down, and called Charlotte, who arrived earlier.
Maya was in a rough state, crying and screaming for hours until she passed out. The maids helped her back to bed. Both Charlotte and her Grandmother didn't think this could happen.
As Maya slept, her Grandmother called a doctor to check up on her.
Charlotte was thinking, feeling guilty about the situation, and said, "I think we should have told Big Sister about Zo's thing… I mean, I really feel guilty, you know."
Lady Grandmother looked at Charlotte, stressed out about everything, and replied, "No, what? We can't do that… I mean, how will she handle this? I mean, what did you want me to say? 'Hey, Granddaughter, your wife has cancer'? No, I can't say it like that. You already saw how she gets, but now it's worse because she's not here."
Charlotte looked out the window and said, "Yes, I know, Grandma. She's gone for treatment. Let's just hope that everything will be okay."
Present Day,
Maya got back to her place after meeting up with Zoey. She took out a black box with Zoey's things that were left by her 7 years ago.