Stellan walked out of the hospital, his mind a storm of worry and guilt. He needed to see Maya, to apologize for everything that happened. He went back to the office
When he arrived, Maya was already waiting by her desk, looking exhausted but still beautiful. Without a word, Stellan walked up to her, his eyes full of regret.
"Maya, I'm sorry," he said, his voice low. "I never meant for any of this to happen.
Maya sighed, her eyes softening. "Stellan, I know you didn't mean for any of this. I know everything about the arrange marriage your father wanted you and Ziva to have
Stellan was shocked, he nodded. "You're right. But I want to make things right. Let's go somewhere and talk, just you and me."
Maya hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Let's go."
They drove in silence, the city lights blurring past them as they made their way to Stellan's apartment. The tension was palpable, but so was the lingering connection between them.
When they arrived, the city lights filtered through the glass, casting a soft glow over the living room. The silence between them was comfortable, not empty, filled with the hum of the air conditioner and the faint echo of their breathing.
Stellan turned to Maya, his eyes searching hers. He reached out, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You're beautiful," he whispered, his voice low and sincere.
Maya's cheeks flushed, a shy smile breaking through. "You're not so bad yourself," she teased, her eyes sparkling.
Stellan chuckled, the tension easing. He leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a feather-light kiss. Maya's heart raced, her hands finding his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
Their kiss deepened, soft at first, then more urgent. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them, lost in the moment. Stellan's hands slid around Maya's waist, pulling her closer.
"I've wanted to do that for a while now," he murmured against her lips.
Maya giggled, a sound that made Stellan's stomach flip. "I thought you'd never ask," she replied, her voice breathy.
They pulled back slightly, foreheads touching, breathing each other in. "What now?" Maya asked, her eyes searching his.
Stellan smiled, a genuine, happy smile. "Now… we see where this goes. Together."
Maya's smile matched his, radiant. "I like the sound of that."
They kissed again, slower this time, savoring the moment. The night stretched out ahead of them, full of possibilities.
The sunrise filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft amber glow over the bedroom. Maya stretched lazily, the faint scent of coffee drifting from the kitchen. She glanced at Stellan, still asleep beside her, his breathing steady and calm.
She slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb him, and padded toward the bathroom. As she passed the hallway, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror , hair a little tousled, cheeks flushed with the memory of last night's kiss. She smiled, feeling a warmth she hadn't expected.
In the kitchen, the maids were already bustling about, preparing breakfast. When they saw Maya, their eyes widened in surprise, then softened into curious smiles.
"Good morning, ma'am," one of them greeted, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Would you like coffee or tea?"
Maya laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Coffee, please. Black, no sugar."
The maids exchanged glances, then one whispered, "We didn't think the master would ever bring a lady home like this."
Maya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
The other maid, a kind-faced woman named Aisha, leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, we've known Stellan for years. He's always kept his distance from women, even Ziva, his arranged wife. He was always formal, always… reserved."
Maya felt a flicker of surprise. "Really? I didn't know."
Aisha nodded. "Yes, ma'am. He never let anyone get close. But with you… it's different. We can see it."
Maya's heart swelled with a mix of emotions, happiness, a touch of pride, and a hint of responsibility. She realized that she was stepping into a role that was new for Stellan, and perhaps for herself as well.
Just then, Stellan emerged from the bedroom, his hair slightly disheveled, eyes still sleepy. He caught sight of Maya and smiled, a genuine, relaxed smile that made the maids' eyes widen even more.
"Good morning, beautiful," he said, pulling her into a light embrace.
The maids giggled, exchanging amused looks. "Good morning, sir," they chorused, trying to hide their smiles.
Stellan chuckled, shaking his head. "Okay, okay, you've all seen enough. Let's have breakfast."
As they sat down at the table, Maya leaned toward Stellan, her voice low. "Your staff seems… surprised."
He grinned mischievously. "They're just shocked I finally found someone who can handle my… intense personality."
Maya laughed, the sound light and carefree. "I think I can manage."
The day stretched ahead, full of possibilities, and for the first time in a long while, Stellan felt truly at peace.
The day unfolded with a relaxed rhythm. After breakfast, Stellan and Maya lingered at the table, sipping coffee and sharing stories. The maids, still buzzing with curiosity, slipped in and out, serving fresh fruit and warm croissants, their earlier shock softening into genuine smiles.
Stellan, usually guarded, found himself opening up more than he ever had. He talked about his childhood in Lagos, the challenges of his father putting him in a marriage he doesn't want, and the pressure of expectations that had kept him distant, even from Ziva.
Maya listened, her eyes warm, offering supportive nods and gentle questions that drew him out.
Maya, in turn, shared snippets of her own life, her dreams of becoming a writer