"What is done can't be undone. Or should it be undone? Sometimes, it depends on what was done. Would knowing that make everything easier to decide? Someone once said everything happens for a reason. Should we be the ones to find that reason?"
Many days passed since Maya's encounter with Zoey on the bridge. She was consumed by hurt and uncertainty, replaying the moment over and over in her head. The question that lingered, unasked and unanswered, was why Zoey had left her like that. Maya's emotions swirled – anger, blame, and sadness – making it impossible for her to confront Zoey or move on.
As a result, Maya fell apart. She sought solace in alcohol, crying alone through the nights and days. Her identity, once defined by her roles as CEO, manager, and 'crowded princess,' began to fade. The weight of her grief and sorrow was crushing.
It was her little sister, Charlotte, and her assistant, Kimberly, who helped Maya slowly pick up the pieces. They were constant presences, ensuring she wasn't alone and gradually weaning her off the bottle. Though the longing for Zoey lingered, it became less overwhelming with time. Maya was learning to navigate her new reality, but the question still lingered: why had Zoey left her?
Maya laid on the bed, emerging from a 3-hour sleep induced by medication. She'd resorted to it to escape the nightmares and tears that haunted her whenever she thought of Zoey. As she slowly woke, she looked around, taking in her surroundings. Her little sister, Charlotte, was sitting beside her, holding her hand. Maya's confusion turned to frustration, and she pulled her hand away.
"Charlotte, you shouldn't be here all the time, checking on me," Maya said, her voice laced with guilt and exhaustion. "I mean, I've stopped drinking. What more do you want from me?"
Charlotte's expression softened, her eyes filled with concern. "Maya, I can't just leave you like this," she said, her voice gentle. "I mean, I really care about you, sis. You're my big sister, and I love you. I want to be here for you."
Her words were laced with sincerity, and Maya's defenses dropped slightly. She looked at Charlotte, really looked at her, and saw the worry etched on her face. A pang of guilt hit her, and she softened her tone.
"I'm sorry, Char," Maya said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate it, really. It's just…Zoey…it's all still raw, okay?"
Kimberly walked in, a tray of food in hand – stir-fry with noodles and beef stew, Maya's favorite. She approached the bed, placed the tray on the stand, and hesitated for a moment.
"Well, my Lady, this…this is actually Lady Charlotte's place" Kimberly said, almost tripping over her words. She caught herself, shooting a quick glance at Charlotte, hoping she hadn't noticed.
Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing something was off, but her foggy mind didn't press the issue. "Thanks, Kim" she said, her voice weak. "Just leave it there."
Charlotte intervened "Yeah Kim, thanks. We'll get her eating in a bit."
Charlotte helped Maya sit up straight, then handed her the bowl of food. "Here, eat something" she said softly.
With a straight face, she turned to Kimberly. "I'm going to get some water. Kim, can you come with me and help?"
Kimberly nodded, following Charlotte out of the room. The door clicked shut behind them, and they exchanged a loaded glance. "We need to be careful," Charlotte whispered. "Maya's not stupid. She'll figure it out soon."
Charlotte shot Kimberly a knowing look, her expression neutral. Kimberly's awkward smile betrayed her, and she nodded almost imperceptibly before following Charlotte out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Kimberly's eyes scanned the hallway, searching for Charlotte, before she was suddenly pulled into the main bedroom. The door slammed shut, and she heard the lock click into place. A shiver ran down her spine as Charlotte pinned her against the wall, a fierce look in her eyes.
Kimberly gasped as Charlotte's hands slid under her top, sending shivers down her spine. She looked away, her cheeks flushing with heat. "No, please…Lottie, wait," she stammered, trying to push Charlotte's hands away. "I didn't mean to expose us…I'm sorry."
Charlotte's gaze locked onto Kimberly's, her hand frozen mid-air. She withdrew her hand from Kimberly's top and took a step back, her eyes never leaving Kimberly's face.
"Well," Charlotte said, her voice low and husky. "You still didn't disobey me, and now it's punishment time. But you're lucky my sister's…distracted." A sly smile spread across her face. "But that doesn't mean I won't do anything to you."
She pinned Kimberly's hands to the wall above her head, her eyes drifting down to Kimberly's lips. Charlotte's mouth crashed onto Kimberly's, the kiss deep and demanding. Kimberly's knees buckled as she kissed her back, her body melting into the touch.
Charlotte's grip tightened, her tongue exploring Kimberly's mouth. The kiss was rough, almost bruising, and Kimberly was lost in the sensation. When Charlotte finally broke away, Kimberly was panting, her legs weak.
Charlotte caught her, a wicked giggle escaping her lips. "Wow, you're already like that from just a kiss," she whispered, her breath hot against Kimberly's ear. "Maybe I shouldn't have been serious…hmm."
Kimberly lay on Charlotte's chest, still trying to catch her breath. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment, and she couldn't meet Charlotte's gaze. "Can you stop this…I am really tired," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I want to go to bed…you totally drained me."
Charlotte gazed at Kimberly, a soft smile playing on her lips. Without a word, she scooped Kimberly up and carried her to the bed, tucking her in with a blanket. She placed a gentle kiss on Kimberly's cheek and forehead, then slipped out of the room, leaving Kimberly flushed and smiling.
As the door closed, Kimberly's grin grew wider. That was close. She was lucky Maya was still preoccupied, rolling around in bed, oblivious to the tension that had just unfolded between her sister and her assistant.
Kimberly's eyes sparkled with mirth as she drifted off to sleep, replaying the moment in her mind, a secret smile still playing on her lips.
Maya sat propped up in bed, her food forgotten, her mind a million miles away. Charlotte slipped into the room, a knowing glitch in her step. She followed her sister's gaze to a spot on the wall, her eyes narrowing as she pieced together the puzzle.
"Aww, you're cute when you're thinking about that special someone," Charlotte teased, her voice low and playful. She flopped onto the bed beside Maya, who snapped out of her reverie, her eyes darting to Charlotte's.
Maya's expression remained neutral, her voice flat. "You're crazy, Char. I'm just thinking about work, not a person. Anyway, can you give me my tablet? I need to check something."
She held Charlotte's gaze, her eyes unyielding, daring her sister to push the issue. Charlotte's grin faltered for a moment, before she shrugged and handed over the tablet, dropping the subject.
Charlotte's expression turned concerned, her eyes dropping to the floor as she hesitated. "Well, finish your food first, okay?" she said, her voice low and placating. "It's just…you need to eat something."
Maya's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Why are you not letting me have my tablet?" she asked, her voice rising. "I mean, it's mine. I need it for work. If not that, then can you give me my phone instead? This is serious, okay?"
Her words came out clipped, her tone sharp, and Charlotte could see the anger simmering beneath the surface.
Charlotte kept her eyes downcast, her head shaking slowly from side to side, a silent "no" hanging in the air.
Maya's eyes blazed as she towered over Charlotte, her voice icy cold. "Charlotte, my phone. Now. I am not going to ask again."
The air was thick with tension as Charlotte winced, her eyes squeezing shut, bracing for impact. She stood frozen, awaiting the explosion.
Maya stormed off the bed, the bowl of food clattering to the stand as she ruffled through her things, her movements frantic. She spotted Charlotte, still paralyzed, and seemed about to unleash a scathing apology… but her eyes landed on the phone screen, and her face went slack.
Her gaze snapped to Charlotte, a mix of shock and fury etched on her face as she read the notification: " about a celebrity cheating scandal and it was about Zoey".
Maya's voice thundered through the room, her words dripping with venom. She stared at Charlotte, the phone held tightly in her hand, her eyes blazing with a mix of hurt and fury.
"What the hell is this?" she spat, her voice trembling with rage. "So you knew she was still doing this, and you didn't tell me? Why? Because I'm an idiot? I didn't have the need to know? You're my sister, Charlotte! Why are you hiding something like this from me?"
Her words poured out In a torrent, her anger and pain palpable. "We're still married, and she's still gallivanting around, clubbing and sleeping with other women. And to top it all off, she's a crowned princess? I'm done. This isn't the first time, but why did you do this, Charlotte? Tell me!"
The room seemed to vibrate with Maya's rage, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.
Charlotte's eyes welled up with tears as she slowly raised her gaze to meet Maya's. Her voice cracked as she spoke, "I didn't know how to tell you…I mean, I knew you'd be angry, and you'd storm off to confront her."
Her words were barely audible, her body shaking with sobs. She looked fragile, vulnerable, and utterly broken. The tears streamed down her face as she struggled to get the words out, her eyes pleading for understanding.
Maya's words cut through Charlotte's tears, her anger and hurt simmering just below the surface. "Yes, I am angry," she spat, her voice venomous. "She's dragging the family name through the mud, and that's why she left me? I need answers, Charlotte, and she won't talk to me. I think it's time I pay her a visit and get some explanations."
Maya's movements were swift and decisive as she slipped on her shoes and began searching for the car keys. Charlotte's eyes widened as she watched, her hands outstretched in a pleading gesture. "Maya, don't go…please," she said, her voice trembling.
But Maya was beyond reason, her mind set on confronting the woman who had hurt her. She found the keys and turned to leave, but Charlotte's next words stopped her in her tracks.
Kimberly's sleepy eyes widened as she took in the scene before her, her voice hesitant as she addressed Maya. "Ohm, My Lady…what's happening?"
Maya's gaze swung to Kimberly, her anger still simmering, but her expression faltered for a moment as she took in Kimberly's confused face. Charlotte seized the moment, her voice urgent as she tried to intervene.
"Maya, don't go," Charlotte said, her hands grasping for her sister's arm, but Maya shook her off, her eyes flashing with determination.
"This doesn't concern you, Kimberly," Maya said, her voice firm, as she turned to leave. "And Charlotte, don't try to stop me."
Maya's words cut through Kimberly's apologetic expression, her anger and frustration boiling over. "Don't 'my lady' me, Kimberly. I don't care if you knew or not, I need to go now."
She turned to Charlotte, her eyes flashing with challenge. "So, Charlotte, are you going to let me go or what?"
Charlotte's shoulders slumped, her eyes dropping to the floor as she stepped aside, defeated. Maya didn't hesitate, brushing past her sister as she stormed out of the room, leaving Charlotte and Kimberly in a stunned silence.
Kimberly's eyes followed Maya, her expression etched with concern, before swinging back to Charlotte, who stood frozen, tears streaming down her face.
Maya's anger radiated like a palpable force as she brushed past Kimberly, not uttering a word. Kimberly's instincts screamed at her to stay out of it, to let the storm pass, so she kept her silence.
As soon as Maya disappeared from view, Kimberly rushed to Charlotte's side, her movements swift and worried. She wrapped her arms around Charlotte, holding her close as the tears continued to fall. "Hey, it's okay," she whispered, her voice soft and soothing, trying to offer some comfort to the distraught woman.
Kimberly's gaze locked onto Charlotte's, her eyes filled with empathy and understanding. She didn't press for answers, didn't ask questions, didn't try to fix the situation. She simply held Charlotte, offering silent support, her presence a comforting anchor in the chaos.
She stroked Charlotte's hair, her touch gentle, as she whispered, "It's okay, I'm here. You're not alone." Her words were a soft promise, a pledge to stand by Charlotte, no matter what.
Maya stormed towards the car, her face set in a mask of determination. She yanked open the door, slid inside, and slammed it shut behind her. The engine roared to life as she jammed the key into the ignition, her movements swift and angry.
She pulled out of the driveway, tires squealing as she sped off, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. Her phone was already in her hand, her fingers flying across the screen as she checked Zoey's location. A cold smile twisted her lips as she saw the tracking app ping with Zoey's address.
"You're going down, Zoey," she muttered, her voice low and menacing. The city blurred past her window as she sped towards confrontation, her anger burning brighter with every passing moment.
Maya's frustration boiled over as she slammed on the brakes, the car skidding to a stop. The tires screeched in protest, the sound echoing through the air. She let out a guttural scream, her voice carrying outside the car, as she pounded her fist on the steering wheel.
"Damn it!" she yelled, her anger and helplessness simmering.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to rally, her mind racing for a solution. She dialed Zoey's agency, her phone pressed to her ear, but the call went unanswered. Her jaw clenched in frustration.
With no other option, she forced herself to call Karen, Zoey's assistant. The phone rang, and Maya's anxiety spiked, her grip on the phone tightening as she waited for Karen to answer.
Karen's tone was dismissive as she answered the phone, "What is it, Maya?"
Maya didn't hesitate, her voice firm and commanding. "Where's Zoey? I've been tracking her, and her location's not updating. Tell me where she is, Karen."
Karen's attitude shifted, her voice laced with earlier rudeness as she hesitated, "Uh, I…I think she's at the venue, getting ready for tonight's event…"
Maya's grip on the phone tightened, her eyes narrowing. "Which venue?"
Karen's demeanor turned smirk, her voice dripping with satisfaction as she said, "Oh, you mean you don't know?"
The phone screen flickered, and Maya's eyes widened as she saw Zoey's face on the screen, laughing and snuggling into Karen's lap. The image was all too clear – Zoey was with someone, and it wasn't her.
Maya's face turned white with rage as she dropped the call, her fingers flying across the screen to close the video call. She jammed the car into gear, tyres squealing as she sped off towards the location, her heart racing with fury.
The GPS navigation system recalculated the route, and Maya's eyes snapped to the screen, her jaw clenched in determination. She knew exactly where she was going, and she was going to make sure Zoey gave her some answers.
Maya stormed into the hotel, her eyes blazing with fury, her rank and status evident to all who saw her. The manager, recognizing her, rushed forward, bowing low in deference.
"Your Highness, welcome to the-"
Maya cut him off, her voice icy. "Where is she?"
The manager's eyes flicked to the elevator, his voice hushed. "R…room 37, Your Highness. The penthouse suite."
Maya didn't wait for further confirmation, her heels clicking on the marble floor as she strode towards the elevator, her anger building with every step.
Maya's long strides ate up the distance as she made her way to the elevator, the crowd parting like the Red Sea. She stepped inside, the doors closing behind her with a soft whoosh.
"Thirtieth floor, please," she said, her voice firm and commanding.
The elevator responded with a soft beep, and the car began its ascent. The ride was smooth, but Maya's tension was palpable. She was a storm about to break, and everyone knew it.
The doors slid open, and Maya burst out, her eyes fixed on the room number. She homed in on the door, her feet moving swiftly. The key card slipped into the slot, and the lock disengaged with a soft click. Maya pushed the door open, her eyes blazing with fury as she stepped into the room...
Maya's eyes scanned the room, her anger and adrenaline pumping. She stormed towards the bedroom, flanking the door open with a burst of energy.
Charlotte slumped against Kimberly, her eyes welling up with tears as she struggled to process the emotional turmoil unfolding outside. Kimberly held her close, trying to offer what little comfort she could, but it was clear that Charlotte was frazzled.
Kimberly's eyes met Charlotte's, and she saw the panic etched there. "Hey, it's okay," she whispered, trying to sound soothing. "Maya's a force to be reckoned with. She'll be fine."
Charlotte nodded, trying to shake off the anxiety, but it was clear she was on edge. She took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself, but her voice trembled as she spoke. "I just…I don't know what I would do if something happened to her, Kim."
Kimberly's grip on Charlotte tightened. "Nothing's going to happen, okay? Maya's strong, and she'll work things out. We just need to be here for her when she gets back."
Kimberly's curiosity was killing her, and she couldn't take it anymore. She pulled back slightly, her eyes locked on Charlotte's, her voice laced with genuine confusion.
"Okay, babe, I need to know what's going on. I've been trying to piece things together, but I'm coming up blank. What's happening with Maya and Zoey? Why is everyone so worked up?"
Charlotte hesitated, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for the right words. She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's…it's a long story, Kim. But basically, Zoey's been playing Maya, and I think Maya just found out."
Kimberly's eyes went wide with excitement, and she squealed, bouncing up and down slightly. "Ooh, yay! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll be good, I promise!"
Charlotte rolled her eyes, a small smile creeping onto her face despite her attempts to keep a straight face. "Okay, okay…Zoey's been cheating on Maya, and I think Maya just found out. Happy now?"
Kimberly's face lit up with a mixture of shock and excitement. "Oh my god, that's huge! Poor Maya!"
Charlotte took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Kimberly's as she began to reveal the complicated history between Maya and Zoey.
"The thing is, Kim, Maya and Zoey…they're not just any couple. They have the same last name, and their families have a really messed up past. They're actually cousins, and their families have been at odds for years."
Kimberly's eyes widened in shock, her mouth forming a silent "O".
"Wait, what? Cousins? Like, as in…as in family?"
Charlotte nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah. And it's all because of some drama that went down when Zoey went abroad for surgery. Maya thought Zoey had abandoned her, and it triggered a really dark time for her. She almost relapsed, Kim. It was really bad."
Kimberly's face softened, her eyes filling with empathy and understanding. "Oh, Charlotte…I had no idea. No wonder Maya's so intense about this."
Kimberly's eyes were wide with shock as she stared at Charlotte, her voice barely above a whisper. "Wait, what…are you saying that Maya is…is sick? And Zoey is hiding their relationship?"
Charlotte's expression was a mix of concern and caution, her eyes darting around the room as if checking for listeners. "Shh, Kim, keep it down…Yeah, Maya's been dealing with some mental health issues, and Zoey's been…complicated. She's been using their family connection as a excuse to keep their relationship under wraps, and it's been eating away at Maya."
Kimberly's face was a picture of stunned silence, her mind racing to process the revelation.
Charlotte's eyes narrowed playfully, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. "You want to hear the rest, or do you want to keep interrupting, hmm?"
Kimberly's face lit up with a sheepish grin, and she nodded eagerly. "No, no, I'm good, I promise! I'll be quiet, just…please continue."
Charlotte chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, alright…So, like I was saying, Maya and Zoey's families have been at odds for years, and their relationship's been a secret because of it. But I think Zoey's been using that as an excuse to keep Maya at arm's length, and it's been really hard on her."
Kimberly nodded, her eyes wide with understanding, her earlier outburst forgotten.
Charlotte's voice cracked as she continued, her eyes welling up with tears. "They're married, Kim…Zoey's part of the royal family, and some things are kept out of the media. Zoey had cancer, and she didn't want Maya to know. She didn't want to burden her, especially since Maya's been dealing with her own demons. So we lied, we told Maya she was going abroad for surgery, but the truth is…she was fighting for her life."
Kimberly's face was etched with shock and sadness, her eyes brimming with tears. "Oh, Charlotte…I had no idea. Poor Maya, poor Zoey…what must she be going through?"
Charlotte nodded, a sob catching in her throat. "I know, it's a mess. Maya was…she was broken, Kim. She thought Zoey had left her, and it sent her into a tailspin. I don't know how she's going to handle this, I really don't."
The room fell silent, the weight of the secrets and the pain hanging heavy in the air.
Kimberly's gentle touch seemed to unlock a floodgate of emotions in Charlotte, and she felt herself melting into the hug. "I hope so, Kim…I really hope so. I just want Maya to be happy, and I know Zoey does too. We all just got tangled up in this mess…"
Kimberly's voice was a soothing whisper, her words a gentle balm to Charlotte's frowning heart. "You did what you thought was best, Char. You protected Zoey's wishes, and you supported Maya through a tough time. That's love, babe. And I know Maya will see it that way, eventually."
Charlotte's tears began to fall, and Kimberly held her closer, letting her cry it out. The room was filled with the sound of soft sobs and gentle murmurs, a sanctuary of comfort and understanding.
Charlotte's voice was muffled against Kimberly's shoulder, but the concern was clear. "I just hope Karen doesn't stir up trouble…Maya's… fragile, right now."
Kimberly's grip on Charlotte tightened, her voice firm. "We'll handle Karen, babe. We've got this. Maya's got a lot to process, but we'll be here for her, no matter what."
The two women held each other, a silent promise passing between them. They'd face whatever came next, together.
Kimberly's expression turned sour, her voice laced with annoyance. "Ugh, Karen…why does she always have to be brought up? Can't she just stay out of it?"
Charlotte's eyes rolled slightly, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "Sorry, babe. I know you don't like talking about her. But seriously, Kim, Karen's not going to do anything. She's all bark, no bite."
Kimberly snorted, her voice dripping with disdain. "I hope so. My Lady's got better taste than to be messed with by someone like Karen. She's got Zoey, and she's not going anywhere."
The room fell silent, the only sound the gentle rise and fall of Charlotte's chest as she rested against Kimberly. Kimberly's arms wrapped around her, holding her close, providing a sense of safety and comfort.
The tension seemed to melt away, and for a moment, the world outside receded, leaving only the two women, lost in the quiet intimacy of the moment.
Maya's eyes narrowed, her surprise quickly turning to wariness as she took in the scene before her. Karen's smile grew wider, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of triumph and curiosity as she sauntered towards Maya.
"Well, well, well…look what we have here," Karen purred, her voice dripping with condescension. "The lovely Maya, back from her little excursion. I hope you had a pleasant time, darling?"
Maya's eyes flashed with anger, her voice low and menacing. "You think you're clever, don't you, Karen? Playing games, manipulating people…what do you want?"
Karen's words struck Maya like a slap, her eyes widening in shock as the truth dawned on her. "You…you're working for Zoey? She's the one who's been manipulating you?"
Karen's grin returned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Aww, don't be mad at me, Maya. I'm just the messenger. Zoey's worried about you, and she wants to see if you're really committed to her. And I have to say, I'm a bit curious myself…do you still care about her, or are you just going to keep running away?"
Maya's mocking laughter echoed through the room, a cold, calculated jab at Karen's fragile ego. "Aww, are you going to cry because she didn't choose you? I mean, it's nothing new. Even my little sister saw what kind of person you are: pretty on the outside and rotten on the inside…just a broken character."
Karen's face contorted with rage, her hand clenched into a fist. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "This isn't over, Maya," she hissed
Zoey's sudden appearance brought an abrupt halt to the tense exchange between Maya and Karen. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the charged atmosphere, before landing on Karen. "Karen, I think that's enough for today. You can go now. I need to talk to Maya."
Karen's eyes narrowed, but she seemed to think better of arguing with Zoey. She tossed the key card onto the table and stalked out of the room, leaving the two women alone.
Karen shot Maya a venomous glance as she turned to leave, her heels clicking on the floor. With a slight nod, she responded to Zoey's request, and the door closed behind her, the soft thud echoing through the room.
Maya's eyes locked onto Zoey, and for a moment, she was transported back in time. She saw the girl she once knew, now grown into a fierce, capable, and stunning woman. The air was thick with unspoken emotions as they locked eyes, the silence between them palpable. Zoey's sudden movement broke the spell, and Maya's gaze followed her as she sat on the bed, wrapped in a towel, her hair still wet from the shower.
Maya's eyes scanned Zoey's frame, taking in the subtle changes that seven years had brought. Her gaze lingered, a mix of confusion and concern etched on her face. "I mean, I thought after seven years you'd take care of yourself…I mean, what's going on? Are you okay? You can tell me," she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.
Zoey's words dripped with sarcasm, her eyes flashing with a hint of defiance. "Wait, wow, really? Now you're worried about me? Aren't you the same person who said I was dead to you? Now you're here asking if I'm okay? Well, you know how to make an entrance. What if I say the same thing now? What will you do then?"
Maya's expression was a mask of concern, but her eyes betrayed a deeper turmoil. She pulled out her phone, her fingers scrolling through the screens with a practiced ease, before finally stopping on a news article. She held out the phone, the headline screaming about Zoey's cheating scandal. "What is this? Can you explain it?" she asked, her voice lipped with a mix of confusion and disappointment.
Zoey's eyes scanned the article, her expression a mixture of resignation and curiosity. She wasn't surprised that Maya had seen it, but what caught her off guard was the fact that Maya cared enough to confront her about it in person.
Zoey's giggle was like a soft melody, her smile lighting up her face as she applied lotion to her legs, the gentle massage seeming to relax her. "Well, you saw that…I didn't think you'd care enough to ask about it. It's nothing serious," she said, her voice casual.
Maya's annoyance boiled over, her voice rising in frustration. "What the hell, are you kidding me? That's all you have to say? You do know you're still a princess, but you did this…and to top it all off, you seem not to care! You're dragging the family name down with this. Are you going to tell me why you did it?"
Zoey's eyes blazed with anger as she stood up to face Maya, her voice rising in a mixture of pain and fury. "Yes, it's because my so-called wife is too much of a narcissist who cares about some fake cheating scandals, but didn't even check on her sick wife for Seven years! Don't talk to me about family or yourself, because I nearly lost my life sacrificing for you, a person who doesn't care. But now, I'm done. Okay? To top it all off, I received divorce papers while I was undergoing treatment…who does that?"
Maya stood frozen, her eyes locked onto Zoey as the weight of her words settled in. She was stoic, her face a mask of shock and guilt, as the truth of her actions crashed down on her. She didn't know what to say or do, her mind reeling with the revelations. She had gotten the answers she wanted, but they were too much to process.
Zoey's gaze lingered on Maya, her eyes a mix of anger and sadness. She sat back down, her movements slow and deliberate, leaving Maya speechless and lost. "Well, you wanted the truth, right? Well, there it is," she said, her voice dripping with a hint of resignation.
Maya's arms wrapped around Zoey, holding her tight as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Her voice was muffled against Zoey's shoulder as she whispered, "I didn't really know anything at all…I was blind and no one told me anything. But I can't use that as an excuse. What I can say is that I'm glad you survived the surgery and I still love you so much…I don't hate you. I said you were dead to me because I was hurt, a lot. I couldn't stand you leaving me like that…I mean, I didn't imagine it happening. I panicked and I couldn't take it."
Maya felt the tension in Zoey's body, her silence speaking louder than words. She pulled back, her eyes searching Zoey's face, but Zoey's gaze was fixed on something else, her expression unreadable. Maya's heart sank, realizing her apology might not be enough, not yet.
Maya's lips grazed Zoey's forehead, her eyes locked on hers, pleading for a connection. She went for a kiss, but Zoey's hand blocked her, a firm barrier between them. Zoey's words were like a slap, a cold dose of reality. "Well, you're not getting off easy," she said, her voice firm, but with a hint of a tease. "You'll have to make up for Seven years, and I get to call the shots. I might just change my mind, but it's not because I have a soft spot for you. I just wanted to see you apologize…and more."
Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of determination flashing across her face. "No, why do I have to?" she said, her voice firm but even. "I mean, I was in the dark too, so we have to make it up to each other. How's that?"
Zoey's head snapped back, her eyes flashing with a firm resolve as she looked away from Maya. "No, no, we can't have that," she said, her voice firm and unwavering. "Since you said it yourself that you have no excuses, so are you going to stick to that? If so, then get out."
Maya's eyes widened in shock, her face paling as she took a step forward. "No, please…fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, a hint of desperation creeping in. "We can come to something…I mean, I will agree to that. I don't want to leave…so can I still stay here with you?"
Zoey's expression softened, a sly glint in her eye as she said, "That's my girl," her voice dripping with sarcasm and a hint of playfulness. She pinched Maya's cheeks, turning her face to look at her, and slowly, a smile spread across her face.
Maya's face flushed with happiness as she met Zoey's gaze, her eyes shining with relief and love. She was thrilled to see Zoey's smile again, and for a moment, she forgot about everything else. But a flicker of concern sparked in the back of her mind, a reminder of the divorce papers that still lingered, unresolved. She pushed the thought aside, not wanting to ruin the moment, and simply basked in the warmth of Zoey's presence.
Maya's eyes softened as she gazed at Zoey's peaceful face, her heart swelling with love and longing. She leaned in, her lips brushing against Zoey's forehead in a gentle kiss. As she wrapped her arms around Zoey, pulling her closer, a sense of relief washed over her. She had missed this, missed being with her, and being able to hold her like this. With a contented sigh, Maya let herself drift off to sleep, Zoey safely in her arms.
They both slept till the morning
Zoey lay there, watching Maya sleep, her heart melting at the sight of her peaceful face. She couldn't help but poke Maya's nose, a soft giggle escaping her lips. Maya's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at Zoey with a sleepy gaze. Without a word, she buried her face in Zoey's chest, snuggling in close. The cold rainy weather outside was instantly forgotten, replaced by the warmth of their embrace.
Zoey's voice was soft and teasing as she said, "Wow, I didn't realize you missed them a lot then me," her words dripping with playful sarcasm, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Maya's face flushed with a warm blush as she gazed up at Zoey, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Hmm, what? You really like being naughty when it comes to this…you know it's cold, I want to cuddle with my girl," she said, her voice low and husky, her eyes sparkling with affection.
Zoey wrapped her arms around Maya, pulling her in tight as she nuzzled her face closer. "Oh, I understand you," she murmured, her voice low and soothing. "I mean, it's okay, I don't mind you doing that," she said, her words barely above a whisper.
Zoey's words hung in the air, her warm breath whispering against Maya's skin, sending shivers down her spine. And just as Maya was about to snuggle in closer, Zoey's phone suddenly buzzed on the bedside table…