Ch. 201..210

Chapter 201

As they boarded the jet, Maya couldn't help but marvel at the sheer luxury of it. She had never traveled in a private plane before, and it was an experience that left her both in awe and gratitude.

Just as she finished texting Liam and letting him know she was flying with Evelyn and Derek, Evelyn settled into the seat across from her.

"Excited?" she asked with a broad smile since she had noticed the way Maya had been looking around earlier when they just boarded Maya nodded, unable to suppress her grin. "Very. Thank you for letting me join you."

Evelyn waved it off. "It's no trouble at all. It seems like fate that we're all heading to Husla at the same time."

Maya tilted her head thoughtfully. "Who knows? Maybe it is."

Evelyn smiled as she stole a glance at Derek, who was busy speaking with the flight crew. His demeanor was calm but focused.

She returned her attention to Maya, "So, how long are you going to be in Husla?" She asked curiously.

"I can't say yet, but I will let you know as soon as I'm sure," Maya promised, and Evelyn nodded before returning to her own seat.

Alone now, Maya's thoughts drifted to her meeting with her brother once again, and she reached for the locket around her neck.

She hesitated for a moment before unclasping it and letting it rest in her palm. She looked down at the small, delicate piece of jewelry, which was the only tangible connection she had left to her family. Her fingers brushed against the cool metal of the locket as she flipped it open, and she stared into the face of the little boy in the picture.

There was something familiar about him that tugged at her heart, though she quickly brushed it off. She was sure she felt that way only because of the connection between them.

Maya gazed at the picture for a long time, wanting to familiarize herself with every detail of his face so that she would easily recognize him when she saw him.

After staring at it for a moment, she raised her head, and her eyes met with Derek, who had just finished speaking with the flight crew and was taking his seat beside Evelyn. Her heart skipped a beat for a minute when she saw the little boy's face in his, but she quickly looked away and discarded the thought.

She was beginning to imagine crazy stuff because of the duration she had spent looking at the picture.

She was certain that if she had looked up and seen Liam or any other guy there, she would have seen her brother's face in theirs, too.

As the jet ascended into the clouds, Maya reached for her bag and pulled out a book while still holding onto the locket.

"How do you feel?" Evelyn asked as she linked her hand with Derek's.

"Excited. Anxious," he said, and she nodded.

"You will meet her soon""" Evelyn said and then looked at him with a serious expression.

"Do you think she might know about what happened to your parents?" Evelyn asked, and Derek paused as he thought about it

"I don't know. I'm not sure. She was only a baby then..."

"But the lady that raised her might have told her, don't you think so?" Evelyn asked, and Derek sighed.

"Maybe. I'm sure we will find out soon," he said, and she yawned as she gave him a nod.

"Why don't you try to get some rest?" Derek suggested since he had noticed her dozing during the drive to the airport earlier, and she had been yawning a lot.

He couldn't blame her since she had woken up earlier than usual and had been up for hours thanks to his nightmares.

"Will you be okay?" She asked, not bothering to deny that she needed to rest.

"Sure. I need to think, too""" he said as he gathered her close so that

she was resting against him.

Evelyn sighed as she leaned into him. "Alright."

She shut her eyes to sleep, but after trying unsuccessfully to find a comfortable position, she gave up.

"Why don't you go sleep on the bed?" He suggested.

"But I want to stay close to you," she said with a pout, and Derek smiled despite himself.

"I will cuddle you until you sleep off," Derek said as he rose and he escorted her to the sleeping area.

"Let me know if you get bored and need me to keep you company," she offered as they both lay on the bed.

"Sure," he said with a smile, kissing her forehead as she snuggled against him.

Derek held her close and waited until she had fallen asleep before leaving her to return to his seat.

As Derek returned to his seat, his gaze fell on the locket in Maya's hand, and he froze mid-step.

Something about the small, worn locket caught his attention again, as it had the night before, and he remembered seeing something similar in his dream.

Maya, sensing his gaze, glanced up. "Did you need something?" she asked, quickly closing her book and setting it aside.

Derek shook his head, his voice coming out quieter than he intended. "No, it's just... that locket. May I... see it?"

Maya hesitated, her fingers instinctively clutching the locket tighter. "Why?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, offering her an awkward smile.

"I'm not sure. It just looks so familiar, and it keeps catching my attention."

Something in his tone made Maya pause. Her eyes softened, and she held it out to him. "It's the only connection I have left to my family," she said, and Derek took the locket

with a reverence that surprised even

him.

He studied the intricate design, his thumb brushing over the tiny scratches that had accumulated over the years. When he opened it, his breath caught.

Inside was a picture of a young boy with a mischievous grin standing beside two smiling adults. The faces were unmistakable.

They were the people he had dreamt about- his parents and himself.

He stared at the locket, his hands trembling slightly. "This... this is me"" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he looked from the picture to Maya. Maya's heart pounded as she processed his words. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

He turned the locket toward her, pointing to the picture. "That's

me. And those are my biological parents. Where... where did you get this?" His voice cracked as he looked at her, his eyes filled with disbelief and hope.

She had said it was the only connection she had left to her family.

He didn't want to believe that Maya was his sister and had been right under his nose this whole time, and he did not know it.

But at the same time, it made sense that she was the one. What were the chances that she had the key that had helped him unlock his memory? Or that they were both making impromptu trips to Husla? Maya's lips parted, but no words came out. She felt like the world had tilted on its axis. She took the locket back, staring at the picture as if seeing it for the first time.

Her mind raced through a thousand possibilities. Only a short while ago, she had looked into Derek's face and thought he looked like her brother, and here he was, saying he was the one in the picture. Derek was her brother? Her elder brother? The sister she had overheard them talking about was her?

How did that make any sense? Maya mused as she looked at him again. "This is you?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Derek nodded slowly, his throat too tight to speak. "How... how do you have this, Maya?" His voice was barely above a whisper, as though he was afraid of the answer.

Tears welled up in Maya's eyes, "These are my biological parents and my elder brother, she admitted, tears dropping from her eyes.

Evelyn, who had decided to use the restroom before going to sleep and had been observing the exchange silently, gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.

Neither of them heard her or noticed her presence. The words hung in the air, heavy with emotion and disbelief.

Derek stared at Maya, his mind

reeling. He wanted to say

something, anything, but all he could

do was pull her into a tight embrace, his heart pounding against hers. "Maya"" he whispered, his voice breaking. "It's really you."

Maya broke into a sob as she clung to him, "I can't believe this"" she cried.

Tears streamed down Evelyn's cheeks as she watched the reunion, overwhelmed by the moment. She pressed her hand to her lips to keep from sobbing. She couldn't believe that Maya, who had been living with her all these years, was Derek's blood sister.

Maya was indeed family, after all.

 

Chapter 202

Derek and Maya remained in each other's embrace, their hearts beating in sync as the intensity of the moment enveloped them.

Everything else around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of their connection and the unspoken words that lingered between them.

Evelyn carefully stepped back into the sleeping area, not wanting to get in the way or interrupt their reunion. Her heart was at ease, knowing that Derek's sister was Maya, whom they already considered family. After what felt like forever, Derek pulled away to look into Maya's face. The face he had gotten used to without knowing was his sisters.

He opened his mouth to say something but then closed it when something else came to mind. They were still on their way to Husla when they should have been heading back to Ludus.

"Give me a moment. I need to speak to the pilot," he said, and Maya nodded.

"I suppose you want to tell him we're turning around"" Maya said awkwardly, and Derek nodded.

"Yeah. I'll be right back. We have so much to talk about," Derek said before going to inform the pilot that there was a change of plans.

As Maya returned to her seat and waited for Derek to return, tears slid down her cheeks, and her lips curved in a shaky smile. Her mind drifted to her thoughts that morning.

Who would've thought that Evelyn was going to be her sister-in-law, that Samantha, whom she had nurtured since she was a baby, was actually her niece, and that she was expecting another niece or nephew?

To think she had raised her brother's child without even realizing it brought fresh drops of tears to her face. Like Samantha, she had also met her brother on her first day in Ludus without realizing it.

She looked up when Derek joined her again, and she sniffled. "I still can't believe it. You're really my brother?" She asked as Derek took the seat opposite her.

"I'm still trying to believe it myself, but I'm glad it's you," Derek said as he reached out and brushed the tears from her cheeks.

"You remember this?" Maya asked, referring to the locket since it was what had drawn Derek's attention.

"Not entirely. It just seemed so familiar when I saw it on you last night, and I couldn't tell why. And then I had a dream, and I saw something similar," Derek said, and Maya looked down at the locket. "Perhaps you would have known if I had taken it out earlier.

Yesterday was the first time I took it out since I received it from my late mother," she explained.

"What did she tell you? And how long have you been searching for me?" Derek asked, and Maya took a deep breath, gathering her

thoughts.

"I only just started searching for you. I wasn't sure you would remember me or that you would want me to be involved in your life. But for some reason, I just felt the urge to find you," she said, and Derek leaned back, his eyes locked on hers. "Have you always known about me?" he asked, and Maya shook her head.

"I only learned about you some years ago when my mom, the woman who raised me, was dying. She told me the truth that she wasn't my birth mother and that my parents had died in a car crash when I was just a baby, and she had taken my brother to the orphanage home because she didn't have the means to care for us both."

Her voice cracked, but she pushed on. "She gave me this locket and told me it was the only thing left of my real family, and I was holding on to it when she found me. All this while, I hadn't thought of finding my brother even though I had the information I needed to find him, but after receiving so much love from you and Evelyn, I decided to find my brother- if he was even alive. I never imagined it would be you, Derek. I didn't think I'd ever find you," she said as fresh tears flowed from her eyes.

"I'm sorry I didn't find you all this while. I can't imagine how tough things must have been for you," Derek said softly.

"I always knew I was adopted, but I knew nothing about you. I totally lost the memory of my life before the accident. I only found out about your existence recently, and that's why I started searching for you," Derek said, and Maya nodded, understanding that he had only been a kid then. "Better late than never, right?" She asked, and Derek took a shaky breath, his gaze softening as he nodded.

"Tell me everything, Maya. I want to know everything. Tell me about your mom. How did she find us?" Derek asked, curious to know how she had taken them out of the car wreck.

"She said she was returning home alone from a late night shift when she saw the car. It was burning, but my brother... you were seated away from the car with me in your arms, crying. We were both crying and terrified. She said she couldn't ignore the cries, so she got out to help. She said our parents were already gone by the time she got there. She couldn't save them..." Maya paused, her voice trembling as she wiped away her tears.

Although Derek was confused about how he got out of the car with Maya, he knew Maya wouldn't have the answer since she was telling the story as she had been told.

"She took us home that night because she feared I wouldn't survive the night without immediate care. She planned to take both of us in, but her circumstances were dire. She barely had enough to feed herself, let alone two children. So, the next morning, she took you to the local orphanage and kept me. She said it broke her heart to separate us, but she thought you'd have a better chance at life through the orphanage."

Derek leaned forward, his voice filled with quiet intensity. "I don't blame her for that. It must ve been an impossible choice for her.

But she saved our lives. Without her, neither of us would be here today."

Maya nodded a bittersweet smile on her face. "She was a good woman, Derek. She raised me despite her husband's objection and gave me everything she could. I loved her deeply, and I miss her every day."

Derek reached across the table and took her hands in his. "I wish I could ve met her. She sounds like a remarkable woman." "She was," Maya whispered, squeezing his hands.

"Things must have been tough for you after her death," he said, and Maya nodded.

"Her husband-made life difficult for me, but thankfully, Evelyn showed up and employed me as her live-in nanny, and I have been with her

since then," Maya said, and net

then

smiled, "Evelyn is going to be so

shocked when she finds out I'm your

sister."

Derek smiled, "Yes. And she brought you to me without knowing," Derek said, his heart filled with gratitude for Evelyn.

"Life is quite unpredictable"" Maya said thoughtfully, "I never would have imagined that something like this would happen. I was still in awe of your relationship with Samantha, and now this," she said, and Derek squeezed her hand.

He knew he should probably tell her

how their parents' died, but he

wasn't sure.n now was the time to get into that. He would get to it

eventually, but for now, he justel.ne

wanted them to savor this moment before bringing that unpleasantness into the picture.

They spent the next few hours talking about their lives before now, crying, smiling, and laughing happily at being reunited.

As the jet prepared to land, Derek rose. "I should check on Evelyn.

I'll join you shortly," he said, his voice soft.

Maya nodded. "You should," she said, wondering what Evelyn's reaction would be when she heard about her being Derek's sister. Yeah. She was Derek's sister. She mused, a smile gracing her lips again. No matter the number of times she said it, it still amazed her.

As she watched Derek go, she wondered what Liam's reaction be when she told him. What about Derek's and Evelyn's parents?

She was going to think about all that later. What mattered now was that she had found her brother, and he was someone who had already considered her family, so she didn't need to be scared of being rejected by him.

As Derek walked into the sleeping area, he was surprised to find Evelyn sitting up, wide awake, her eyes red-rimmed but steady. She looked at him, her expression unreadable.

"How long have you been awake? Are you okay? Why are you crying?" he asked with a concerned frown as he joined her and took her hands.

"I'm okay. I just couldn't sleep," she said and embraced Derek.

Derek hugged her back, "I need to tell you something," Derek said softly, but Evelyn pulled back to look into his face.

"I know," she said, her voice trembling. "I overheard everything."

"You did?" he asked, surprised, and she gave him a nod.

"I'm so happy for you, Derek. I'm happy for Maya, too. It's just so incredible that you're both siblings. I still can't wrap my head around it," she said as tears slid down her cheeks, and Derek brushed her tears off. "You made this possible, baby. You've been caring for my sister this whole time," he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

"She has been the one caring for Sam and me," Evelyn said as she embraced Derek again. "And I'm sorry," she said, and Derek frowned.

"What for?" He asked, confused.

"I realize now why you were looking at her necklace. I can't believe I..."

"Let's not talk about that. It's in the past," he said, kissing her lightly and hugging her again.

"Thank you," he murmured after a while.

"What for?" Evelyn asked, confused.

"For everything. Thank you for bringing Samantha and Maya into my life. You gave me a complete family," he said, feeling even more grateful than ever. Evelyn's face broke into a small, teary smile. "It wasn't me, Derek.

The universe is in favor of you. That's why they sent Maya to me," she said, pulling back to look at his face.

"You should go back to her. She needs her brother after being

separated from you for so long," Evelyn urged, and Derek nodded.

"Come with me. Let's go together," Derek said, and although Evelyn was reluctant to join them, Derek took her with him.

As Derek and Evelyn walked in, Maya looked up, and as soon as she saw Evelyn, she rose, and her tears started afresh. "I... Derek... he's..."

Evelyn covered the distance and enveloped her in a hug. "It's okay, Maya," she whispered. "I know everything, and I'm happy for you.

I'm happy for you both."

The two women cried in each other's arms while Derek stood silently nearby, watching with gratitude and love. His eyes teared up as he watched them, and he walked over and embraced them both.

They all settled in their seats when the pilot announced that they were about to land, and each of them struggled to compose themselves.

As the jet descended, they were all filled with gratitude for the way fate had brought them together, hope, and the anticipation of what lay ahead.

The events of the past hours had been nothing short of miraculous, and the bonds they had discovered nurtured, and reinforced during the flight marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives- one filled with promise and healing.

 

Chapter 203

The drive to the house was silent as all three of them processed the discovery.

As Derek drove, his mind raced with thoughts of how to tell Maya about their parent's murder and how to go about finding out what happened to their parents.

Maya, on the other hand, was thinking about how to break the news to Liam. She wondered if she should tell him over the phone or in person. She wanted to see the shock on his face, Maya thought with a small smile.

Evelyn also was filled with thoughts of her own. She was amazed by how fate had brought them all together.

It was amazing how she ended up with Michael's cousin on her way from his place after being betrayed by him and how she also ended up taking in Derek's sister.

Evelyn paused when something occurred to her, and she turned in her seat to look at Maya, who was in the back seat, "Did you have another reason for going to Husla? Why were you going to Husla when you could have both met here in Ludus?" Evelyn asked, and Derek looked at Maya through the rearview mirror.

"I thought my brother was most likely in Husla, and I didn't want to make him travel such a long distance to find me," Maya explained with a small smile. "I'm glad we were all saved from this unnecessary trip; otherwise, it would have been very awkward after wandering around Husla aimlessly," she said, and Derek nodded.

"We almost made a pointless trip. I'm glad we found out before we got there," he said, thinking about what a waste of time it would've been to arrive at Husla with Maya only to realize it was her all along.

"It's all thanks to Evelyn for suggesting I fly with you," Maya said, and Derek nodded while Evelyn smiled happily.

"I'm glad I could be of service," she said with a proud smile.

"By the way, Maya, were you the one communicating directly with the orphanage home?" Derek asked, meeting her gaze through the rearview mirror.

Maya shook her head. "No. A friend was helping me" she said, hoping they wouldn't probe further. Not wanting to give them a chance to ask her any question, she changed the subject, "When I was told you didn't want to reveal your identity, I figured you were someone important. I never would have imagined it was you," Maya said with a sigh, still overwhelmed by the revelation.

Evelyn looked at Maya again. "Why didn't you tell me about your reason for traveling?" she asked, partially disappointed that Maya had kept something of that magnitude from her instead of asking her to help.

Maya looked away briefly before meeting Evelyn's gaze again, "I didn't tell you about it because I wasn't sure how the meeting would go. I didn't want to get my hopes up and tell you about it only to find out my brother doesn't want to have anything to do with me." Evelyn's expression softened. "Why would you ever think something like that?"

Maya shrugged, "It sounded like he was someone important."

"And you don't think you are?" Derek asked softly.

"I just didn't want to have high expectations," she said, and Evelyn sighed.

"I hope you start having high expectations now, Maya," Derek said, and Maya nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude.

"Thank you. Both of you," Maya said, feeling very grateful and happy about the twist in her life right now.

Once they got to the house, they unpacked their bags from the car, and as they all went to their bedrooms, they agreed to meet again in thirty minutes for dinner.

The moment Derek and Evelyn walked into their bedroom, Evelyn looked at Derek skeptically, "Do you need me here? Or do you need a moment alone? I could excuse you," She offered, knowing that Derek would need a moment to himself to think and put himself together.

Derek turned to her with a soft smile. Although he had been thinking of being alone, now that she asked, he realized he didn't want her to leave him.

"I want to be alone, but I also want you here," he admitted, and she smiled.

"What do you want me to do?" She asked, and he held out his arms.

"Hug me. Hold me"" he said, and she nodded as she stepped forward and embraced him.

Derek buried his face in the crook of her neck, and he finally let the tears he had been holding back for hours flow freely now in the sanctuary of their bedroom.

His body shook as he sobbed silently, heartbroken by all that Maya had told him she had endured over the years while he lived in affluence.

He was broken by the thought that all these years he had partially held a grudge against his parents for making him adopt their dead son's identity, without realizing that they had done it out of love and concern for his wellbeing regardless of how it affected them. Evelyn held back her tears as she patted his back, muttering words of comfort to him and assuring him that everything was going to be okay now.

After crying for some time, Derek remembered that they had to go have dinner with Maya, so he did his best to pull himself together.

After he had composed himself, he pulled back to look at Evelyn.

"Thank you," he murmured, and she smiled as she brushed the tears from his face.

"There is nothing to thank me for. I'm grateful that you let me stay with you," she said softly.

"I didn't tell her about the murder," he said, and Evelyn nodded.

"I know. That wasn't exactly the time to tell her all of it. How are

you feeling? Do you think we should go get Samantha, or should we wait until tomorrow?" Evelyn asked since it was almost 8 p.m.

already.

"She is probably in bed already. We can get her tomorrow. I'm exhausted and having a headache," he said, and Evelyn nodded as she raised herself on her toes and kissed his forehead.

"Let's quickly freshen up for dinner, and then you can get some rest, Evelyn suggested, and Derek nodded.

For tonight, he was going to enjoy having his sister with him, and tomorrow, he would tell her exactly what he believed happened to their parents and maybe together they could figure out a way to find out why their parents had been murdered.

Away from there in Maya's bedroom, the moment she walked inside and shut the door behind her, she dialed Liam's line.

"Maya?" Liam called in surprise as he received the call, wondering how she was able to talk to him when she was on the plane to Husla. Maya smiled, "Yeah. It's me."

"What sort of plane did you travel on to have arrived already?" He asked, and Maya giggled.

"I'm back in Ludus""" she said, and Liam raised a brow.

"You are? Why? Did the plane break down in the air?" He asked, and she laughed, wondering if Liam was always this funny or if she was just in a good mood and was finding everything he was saying funny. "There was no need to continue the trip. I found him. My brother," she said, her heart fluttering as she said the words out loud to him.

"You found him? What are you talking about? Last I checked, I'm the one communicating with the orphanage, not you," Liam said, and Maya smiled.

"Can we meet tomorrow? I'll tell you all about it when I see you tomorrow. I want to tell you in person," she suggested.

"We can see tomorrow, but I don't

think I can wait until tomorrow to

hear whatever it is you have to say. I don't mind hearing about it over the phone. Don't tell me you told Evelyn and that guy about it, and they helped you find him?" Liam asked, not liking the thought that Derek might have beaten him to it and helped Maya find her brother.

Maya giggled, "Well, something like that. I'll tell you about it tomorrow," she said, and Liam scowled.

"How about I drive over there?" he suggested.

Maya glanced at the clock and bit her lip, "It's almost 8 p.m." she pointed out.

"I'm the one coming over, not you. You can either tell me over the phone or let me come and hear it from you in person. Do you know how hurtful it is to my ego that first he stole Evelyn from me, and.

he's trying to prove that he's &

reliable than I am by beating me in helping you find your brother?" Liam asked, and Maya giggled.

"It's not a contest. And I doubt he would have been able to help me figure it out had you not started the process with the orphanage," she said, and Liam snorted.

"It is a contest. And for all you know, he found the wrong person.

How can you be so sure he found the right person? You haven't met your brother yet, have you?" Liam asked, and Maya giggled.

"I've met my brother," she said, and he paused.

"I'm coming over. I'll call you when I get close to the house, and you can come out to talk to me," he said. Not wanting her to argue or discourage him, he quickly hung up the call.

Maya laughed softly as she dropped her phone on the bed and quickly went in to freshen up.

By the time she got downstairs for dinner, Derek and Evelyn were both seated already. Despite the sumptuous dinner that was served on the table, neither Derek nor Maya had the appetite to eat.

They both picked at their food in silence, each feeling full and too exhausted to eat. Evelyn, on the other hand, ate with zest until she noticed that they were both not eating.

"I guess I'm the only hungry person here," she observed, and Derek looked up, startled out of his thoughts.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to kill the mood." He pushed his plate away slightly, folding his hands on the table. "I'm just... processing everything."

Evelyn reached over, placing a gentle hand on his. "You don't have to apologize, Derek. I understand."

Maya nodded. "Yeah, it's a lot to take in. It still feels unreal." She smiled shyly, trying to lighten the mood.

Derek's lips curved into a faint smile. "It feels unreal for me, too," he admitted, "but in a good way."

Evelyn took a sip of her water, her gaze shifting between them. "It's going to take time. But you both have found each other, and that's what matters."

Maya nodded, her smile growing. Derek cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "You should try to eat something, even if it's just a little. It's been a long day, and you will need our strength for tomorrow." Evelyn grinned playfully. "You sound like a big brother already."

Derek and Maya laughed. "Well, I guess I'll have to practice. I've got a sister to look after now."

Before Maya could say anything, her phone buzzed with a phone call from Liam, and her heart skipped a beat as she wondered how she was going to tell them she was going outside to meet with someone. She cleared her throat. "Uhm, do you mind if I step outside for a while? I need to talk to my friend, the one who was helping me," Maya explained awkwardly.

"Oh, that's nice. Why not invite your friend inside?" Evelyn asked

with a wide smile, eager to see Maya's friend.

Maya smiled shyly, "I don't think he would want to come in right now. Maybe some other time," she said, and Evelyn exchanged a look with Derek, who nodded. "Alright. We will talk tomorrow," he said, resisting the urge to ask her to be careful.

Maya nodded as she pushed away from the table and quickly walked away to go meet Liam.

 

Chapter 204

Maya's heart raced as she walked down the blocks to meet Liam at the spot where he had parked his car. She felt both excited and nervous at the same time since this was the first time she was sneaking around this late. Liam opened the door and got out as she got close to the car. "I was beginning to think you weren't going to come out," he said, watching her approach.

Maya rolled her eyes playfully. "Why couldn't you just listen and wait until tomorrow?" She asked as she stopped in front of him.

"In case you haven't noticed. I'm a very curious person. I wouldn't be able to do anything else until I find out what happened," he said, and she laughed.

"So, what would you have done if I didn't show up? Go back home and wait until tomorrow? Or come knock at the door?" She asked dryly as she rubbed her arms.

She had stepped out of the house wearing shorts and a tank top and hadn't realized that the evening air was chilly.

"Let's be glad you came and saved me the trouble of doing either of those," he said as he went around the car to open the passenger door for her to get in.

"You made me lie to Evelyn and sneak around like a silly teenager," she said with a scowl as she got in and sat down.

Liam raised a brow as he shut the door but said nothing until he went around and got into the driver's seat. "They came back, too?

Didn't you say they were traveling together, and you joined them?

Did you even board the plane at all, like you told me?" Liam asked once they were both settled inside.

"You have so many questions. Yes, they are back. Yes, they were traveling together, and I joined them. Yes, we boarded the plane, as I told you. Any other questions?" Maya asked, and Liam chuckled.

"Spill it. Tell me exactly what happened as it happened," he urged her.

Maya grinned, "Well," she started slowly, "after our phone call, I went to inform Evelyn that I was going on an impromptu trip to Husla..."

"Maya, you can skip that part. I know about that from the text you sent me," Liam pleaded, knowing she was dragging it out slowly to torment him.

Maya giggled, "Okay. So, I was on the plane. It was so beautiful.

This was my first time on a private jet, she said, and Liam groaned, making her laugh again.

"Okay. Sorry. So, while I was seated in the plane, I was looking at this" she said, reaching for the locket around her neck again. "I wanted to familiarize myself with my brother's face. I wanted to see if I would be able to recognize him easily when I meet the adult version of him," she said, and Liam nodded.

"I suppose either Evelyn or Derek saw the picture and knew the people inside?" He asked, and Maya grinned.

"Yes. But will you slow down and let me get to that?" She asked, her heart racing as she thought about how it happened again, reliving that incredible moment in her head.

"Okay. Fine. Get on with it," he said, and she smiled.

"When I looked up after staring at the picture for a long time, my gaze fell on Derek, and he looked like the adult version..."

Liam chuckled, "Don't tell me you went to him and told him that."

Maya laughed, "I didn't. But then a short while later... wait. I skipped something," she said, and Liam covered his face with his hands as he groaned.

"Relax" she said, giggling, "It's just that last night Derek seemed interested in my necklace during dinner," she said, and Liam frowned as he started to piece her words together.

"Is this going where I'm thinking?" He asked, not wanting to believe it.

That would be too much of a coincidence. What were the chances? No. It didn't even make any sense.

Maya smiled, and tears gathered in her eyes as she bobbed her head, seeing that Liam was figuring it out, "Yes, Liam," she said with a shaky smile, "Derek is my biological brother," she said, as the tears dropped from her eyes.

Liam's jaw dropped, and for a moment, he stared at her as she smiled and wept, unable to believe it. It was just too unbelievable.

"Maya, you're saying Derek is your brother?" He asked softly, and Maya bobbed her head.

"He is. He's this little boy in the picture. He saw it and said so himself," she said, her voice trembling with both joy and disbelief.

"I still can't believe it. It still feels as though I'm dreaming."

Liam leaned back in his seat, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

He exhaled deeply as if trying to process what she had just told him. "Wow," he said finally, his voice low. "That's... huge, Maya. I don't even know what to say."

Maya wiped her tears quickly with the back of her hand, her smile growing. "Neither did I, at first. I mean, imagine finding out like that. On a plane, of all places!" She laughed softly, the sound filled with a mixture of relief and excitement. Liam turned to look at her, his face still painted with disbelief. "So, what did he do? Did he hug you? Did you both cry like in those reunion shows? Was it awkward?"

Maya chuckled, shaking her head at his weird question. "For some reason, it wasn't exactly awkward. It was just shocking. And yes, he hugged me, and we cried," she said, her voice hitching.

Liam shook his head, his lips curved in a smile. "And Evelyn? Was she there for this whole exchange?"

"Not at first. But she joined us, and she wept, too. She was so happy. Can you imagine that they were both going to find me and I was going to find him? It's all just so..."

"Insane," Liam completed her sentence, shaking his head, "This is insane. It's like something out of a movie, he said, a small smile

tugging at his lips."

"I know!" Maya agreed, her hands waving animatedly. "I cried like a baby, Liam. I just couldn't hold it back, no matter how much I wanted to. I was so overwhelmed."

Liam softened, watching her with an affectionate smile. "I don't blame you. This is a life-changing moment, Maya."

Maya nodded, "It is. Of all people in the world, my brother just happened to be Derek Stone-Samantha's father. Like, I've been taking care of my niece this whole time. They're my family, Liam. Evelyn is going to be my sister-in-law, she said, giggling when Liam scowled at her playfully.

"I suppose you were right about Evelyn and Derek being meant to be, after all, he said, and she nodded.

"Yes. So, have you made up your mind to call Evelyn?" She asked, and Liam sighed.

"I planned on calling her this weekend. I will. But let's not talk about that right now. Let's talk about you. We should celebrate," he said as Maya grinned.

"Why do I feel like you're looking for an excuse to hang out with me?" She asked with a teasing smile.

"Because I am And I also want to celebrate with you. I'm glad you found your family, and I'm happy you've seen that all your worries

about your brother possibles et

not

t," he said,

wanting you were irrelevant," he and she nodded as her lips curved with a smile.

"I asked Derek why he didn't want to reveal his identity while searching for me. He said they didn't want a situation where word of it would get out and people would start calling and Claiming to be his sister she said, and Liam nodded.

"That makes sense. So, what happens now? Have you two talked about the future?" Liam asked, and Maya hesitated, her expression turning serious.

"What's there to talk about? We talked, but this is still sinking in for both of us. It is a lot to process, you know?" She asked, and Liam sighed. "Yeah. You're right," he said with a nod. He then reached over and gently touched her shoulder.

"I'm happy for you, Maya. I'm glad it turned out this way," Liam said, and Maya looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, Liam. You've been so helpful. Thanks for being a friend I didn't know I needed," she said, and Liam waved it off.

"I actually need this friendship more than you," he said, and she smiled.

"Maybe you can be friends with my brother now," she suggested, and he groaned softly.

"He's so lucky to have you and Evelyn," he said, and she grinned.

"We are lucky to have him, too. I should head back now. If you want, we can hang out sometime soon. But instead of waiting until the weekend to talk to Evelyn, I think you should talk to her tomorrow," she suggested.

"Tomorrow is Friday, Maya. It's the weekend already. Don't worry. I will talk to her. I will drop you off, he said, looking her over.

Maya let out a deep breath, her heart feeling light. "No, I can go alone."

"I'm not letting you go alone. Apart from the fact that it's dark, it's cold, and you're not exactly covered well," he said, and Maya hesitated for a moment before giving him a nod.

As Liam started the car, he glanced at her again. "Maya?"

"Yeah?"

"This is the beginning of something incredible. Don't let anything hold you back, okay?"

Maya smiled, her chest swelling with hope. "I won't. Thank you, Liam."

He gave her a small nod before pulling away from the curb. As they drove through the quiet estate, covering the short distance, Maya leaned back in her seat, holding the locket tightly in her hand.

Once they got to the front of the

house, Liam parked the car and turned to her, "I would have come out to get the door, but I don't want

them to see me," he said as he leaned towards her to open

Without thinking, Maya leaned forward and pressed her lips to his before he could lean back.

Liam blinked at her in surprise, but before he could say anything, she got out of the car quickly and ran off without saying a word to him.

 

Chapter 205

Maya's heart was pounding as she hurried up the stairs to her bedroom, her legs moving faster than her mind could process.

The kiss- the soft, unplanned kiss lingered on her lips like a spark refusing to burn out.

She pushed open her bedroom door and stepped inside, shutting it quietly behind her.

The room was dimly lit by the moonlight spilling through the window. Her breathing was uneven, and her chest rose and fell with a rhythm she couldn't control.

She leaned against the door, her fingers brushing over her lips as if trying to convince herself it had actually happened.

"What did I just do?" she whispered, her voice trembling. She dropped her hand and crossed the room, her steps slow and uncertain.

Sinking onto the edge of her bed, Maya stared at the floor, her mind racing. Her cheeks were warm, and her stomach churned with a mixture of exhilaration and dread. The memory of Liam's wide, surprised eyes flashed in her mind.

He hadn't even had the chance to react.

She buried her face in her hands, groaning softly. "Why did I do that?" she muttered. It wasn't like her to act so impulsively, so... boldly.

She replayed the moment in her head- how natural it had felt to lean in, how she hadn't even stopped to consider the consequences or the fact that Liam was in love with Evelyn.

She fell back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her heart still raced, refusing to settle. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips despite her turmoil.

That fleeting moment had felt perfect, as though it had been waiting to happen all along.

Still, uncertainty crept in. What if she had ruined the friendship between them with her thoughtless action?

She was nothing like Evelyn. Evelyn was a brilliant, accomplished lady. How would he drop from wanting Evelyn to someone like her?

Until now, she had been just a mere nanny with no college degree or anything special to her name. Who was she to think that someone like Liam would be interested in her?

The thought made her chest tighten, and she rolled onto her side, hugging a pillow to herself.

"I'll just pretend it didn't happen," she mumbled to herself. But even as she said the words, she knew it would be impossible to forget her first kiss.

Outside the house, Liam remained in his seat, staring at the front yard of the house with surprise. His mind was a chaotic whirlwind of thoughts, all centered on one thing: Maya had kissed him.

He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his lips pressing together. The feeling of her lips on his still lingered, soft and electric. He could still see her wide, nervous eyes as she'd pulled away and bolted from the car. She hadn't said a word, leaving him stunned and frozen in place.

"Did that really just happen?" he murmured, glancing at his reflection in the rearview mirror as though it might give him answers.

The warmth in his chest spread outward, mixing with the disbelief and confusion swirling inside him. He hadn't seen it coming-hadn't expected her to close the gap between them so suddenly, so fearlessly. But she had, and now he couldn't stop thinking about it.

A small, amused smile tugged at his lips as he started the car and pulled away from the driveway.

As he drove home, he thought of her. Maya was unpredictable and utterly captivating in a way he had not expected

He never would have imagined being in such a situation with Maya, but something about it didn't feel wrong.

That kiss, brief as it had been, seemed natural. It hadn't felt calculated or hesitant. It had felt genuine.

He shook his head, chuckling softly under his breath. "Maya," he said aloud, the sound of her name grounding him.

But then another thought crept in, uninvited. What if he was reading too much meaning into the kiss? What if it had been a mistake? What if it had been a spur-of-the-moment action born

from the high emotions of the evening?

He sighed, his grip on the wheel loosening as he pulled up to a red light. "Don't overthink it, Liam," he told himself firmly.

But how could he not?

He thought back to the way she'd smiled at him tonight, her gratitude for his support shining in her eyes. The way she'd leaned on him, trusted him, opened up to him. Did it mean something more? Or was he reading too much into it? And what about him? Was he interested in her that way? Had he moved on from Evelyn already? Or was he just distracting himself?

By the time he reached his driveway, his emotions were a tangled mess. Excitement, confusion, hope, and fear swirled together, making it impossible to settle on one.

Liam killed the engine and sat in the dark car for a moment, staring out at the quiet street. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply.

Deciding to give Maya a call and let her know that he had gotten home, he dialed her line.

The phone rang a couple of times, but there was no response.

He tried again, and when there was still no response, he sighed as he got out of the car.

The thought of Maya pulling away- of her regretting the kiss - sent an unexpected pang through his chest.

Back in Maya's room, she bit her lip as she stared at her phone, too embarrassed and scared to receive Liam's call.

What if he wanted to scold her? What if he was mad and disappointed? Maya mused as she picked up her phone and switched it off.

She didn't want to face him tonight. Maybe another time. But not tonight.

As Maya drifted off to sleep, she dreamt of Derek, Evelyn, Samantha, and Liam, who also found his way into her dreams, as he had unknowingly found his way into her heart.

Evelyn, Derek, and Maya sat at the dining table for breakfast the next morning.

Maya was a bundle of nerves as she poked at the slices of melon on her plate, her fork moving aimlessly.

She wasn't hungry. Not with the embarrassing memory of last night swirling in her mind like a storm cloud.

In the brightness of the day, she realized that she had been out of her mind last night. Her cheeks warmed at the thought of how she had acted with Liam- throwing herself at him so recklessly. Her stomach churned as shame and regret weighed heavily on her. She had turned off her phone first thing that morning and tucked it away in her drawer. Facing Liam was a problem for later

- after she had come up with an acceptable excuse and could muster up the courage to apologize.

For now, she needed to avoid the possibility of hearing his voice or seeing any messages from him.

Across the table, Derek and Evelyn exchanged a silent look. Evelyn raised her eyebrows slightly as if encouraging Derek to say something. With a slight nod, Derek cleared his throat. "Maya?" His voice was soft, careful, and laced with concern. "Are you okay?"

Maya's head jerked up, startled out of her thoughts. Forcing a smile, she met his worried gaze. "Yes," she said quickly, though her voice was quiet. "I'm fine. Just... thinking."

Derek didn't look convinced, and

Evelyn tilted her head, studying

Maya with a motherly kind of patience Before they could press further, Maya changed the subject since she didn't want them to ask her what she was thinking about.

She twirled her fork between her fingers and looked at Derek. "By the way," she began, her tone casual, "did your parents live in Husla before? I mean, how come they adopted you from there?"

Derek's expression softened as he

leaned back his chair, relaxing a

little. "Yeah, they did. Back then, my dad was still managing the company in Husfa. That was before he took over the headquarters here. They moved here not long after the adoption."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "So, just like you were in Husla before coming here to take over. Funny how you both never crossed paths while you were there," she said, glancing between the two.

Maya shook her head, a faint smile

tugging at her lips. "How could we have crossed paths? Apart from the fact that Husla is a really big city, we don't move in the same circles. doubt we would ever have visited the same places," she said, matter of factly as she pointed out the

difference in their upbringings.

Derek's expression shifted, a shadow of guilt flickering across his face. Evelyn noticed immediately and reached out, covering his hand with hers. She gave him a reassuring squeeze and grinned. "Well, thanks to fate- and me- you both visited the same place.

My life!"

Her playful tone broke the tension, and the three of them chuckled, the mood lightening a little. Evelyn kept the conversation flowing smoothly after that, making sure they were both relaxed.

Once the plates were cleared, Evelyn exchanged another look with Derek, this time more serious. She gave him a subtle nod, signaling that it was time.

Derek turned to Maya, his expression more solemn now. "Uhm, Maya," he started carefully, his voice tinged with hesitation.

Maya's eyes widened slightly. She straightened in her seat, sensing the shift in his tone. Her stomach twisted in anxiety as she looked at him curiously, suspecting he wanted to talk about something serious.

"I need to discuss something with you," Derek continued, and she swallowed hard, nodding for him to go on.

What was it? Did he tell his parents about her and they didn't want someone like her in his life? She mused, her heart racing.

"I'm listening," she said, looking from Derek to Evelyn and then back again.

He glanced at Evelyn briefly before locking eyes with Maya. "It's about our parents."

Maya blinked, her pulse quickening. "What about them?"

Derek hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. "That night. It wasn't an accident," he said finally. "They were murdered."

The words hung in the air. Maya's mouth fell open, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. "Murdered?" she whispered, the word feeling foreign on her tongue as she processed what he had just said.

Derek nodded, his jaw tight. "Yes."

Maya's mind raced. "But... how? Why? Who would do something like that?"

"I don't know all the answers yet," Derek admitted, his voice steady but strained. "But I remember some things now. Pieces of that night are coming back to me."

Maya's eyes widened. "You remember?"

Derek swallowed hard, his hand tightening around Evelyn's for support. "Not everything. But I remember enough to know it wasn't an accident. I saw it happen." His voice faltered slightly, and Evelyn squeezed his hand again. Derek took a shaky breath as he continued to tell her about the

memory and what his mother had told him, too.

Maya's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at him. Just listening to him made her heart heavy with sorrow.

Now she understood exactly why he had lost his memory. It had been too traumatic for a child his age.

Maya stared at him, her throat tightening with emotion. "Derek...

I'm so sorry you had to go through that." Her voice trembled as she spoke, tears dropping from her eyes.

Derek took a shaky breath, nodding. "Now that I've found you, I want to know why they were murdered. I need to find answers," Derek said, and Maya nodded.

"I want to know, too," she said, brushing the tears from her eyes.

She wanted to know the reason her parents had been taken from her at such an early age and why she had been thrust into a life of hardship.

Derek nodded, his resolve hardening. "We'll find out the truth together."

"Together," Maya echoed, her voice quiet but filled with resolve.

Now that they had found each other, they were going to find answers together.

Derek leaned forward, his voice softening. "I'll need a copy of the picture in your locket. And I think we should contact the orphanage. If we know when I was brought in, it could help us find

more clues. If your mom were alive..."

"I know the date" Maya cut in before he could finish.

"You do?" Derek blinked, surprised.

"Yes. It's my assumed birthday. My mother said she celebrates my birthday on the date she saw us," she said, and a relieved sigh escaped Derek's lips.

"As weird as that sounds, it's a good start. Knowing the date and the place where it happened would go a long way in helping us get answers," Evelyn said, and both Derek and Maya agreed. Derek nodded, his resolve hardening further. "We'll get the answers. No matter what it takes, we will uncover the truth."

 

Chapter 206

As Derek drove toward his parents' house, Evelyn sat quietly beside him, occasionally glancing at the backseat where Maya fidgeted with her hands, her anxiety tangible.

Maya had been silent for most of the ride, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. She was a bundle of nerves as she stared out the

window, her eyes darting over the passing landscape but not really seeing it.

She was anxious about being introduced to Derek's parents as his sister. Her breath hitched slightly when Derek turned onto a quiet street lined with stately homes, the houses growing larger as they approached their destination. "Hey," Derek said softly, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "You okay back there?"

Maya nodded quickly, though her trembling hands betrayed her nerves. "I'm fine. I guess," she replied, her voice too high-pitched to be convincing.

"Anxious?" Evelyn asked knowingly.

"Very," she admitted.

Evelyn twisted in her seat to face her, her expression warm and reassuring. "It's normal to feel that way, Maya. But Derek's parents are wonderful people. They're going to love you." Maya bit her lip and shook her head. "What if they don't? What if

they think I'm lying or trying to take something from them?"

Derek chuckled softly, his voice calm. "Trust me, that won't happen. My parents aren't like that. They've been waiting for this moment just as much as I have- even if they didn't know it yet." "But-" Maya started, only for Evelyn to interrupt.

"No buts" Evelyn said firmly, her tone gentle but decisive. "They're going to be thrilled to meet you. You've been part of their lives longer than you realize. You were Samantha's nanny, remember? They already know how amazing you are."

Maya's lips twitched into a faint smile at the mention of Samantha, but the tension in her shoulders didn't ease. Derek caught her reflection in the mirror and spoke again.

"Maya," he said softly. "You're my sister. That's all that matters.

You belong here, and they'll see that. Just give them a chance."

Maya exhaled shakily, "I wish I could take your word for it. It's not like I deliberately want to worry. My stomach just won't stop jumping," she said, and both Derek and Evelyn chuckled. "Try to relax," Derek said as they pulled into the driveway of his parent's home.

"I will try," Maya said, swallowing hard as Derek parked the car and turned off the engine. Evelyn reached over and squeezed her hand reassuringly before they all stepped out.

As the three of them climbed the steps to the front door, her nerves surged again as Derek unlocked the door.

Derek led them into the warm, inviting foyer. "Wait here while I get them," he said, motioning toward the living room.

Maya sank onto the edge of a plush armchair, her fingers gripping the armrest. Evelyn settled beside her on the couch, offering another reassuring smile. Maya tried to return it but failed as her stomach twisted in knots. Derek walked down the familiar hallway to his parents' bedroom, his steps slowing as he reached the door. He hesitated for a moment before knocking softly.

"Who is there?" his mother's voice called.

"It's me"" Derek said.

There was a pause before his mother spoke again, her tone laced with surprise and curiosity. "Derek? What are you doing here?

Weren't you traveling?"

"Can I come in?" he asked instead of answering.

"Of course"" she replied, and Derek pushed the door open.

His parents were sitting together on the bed, his father reading a newspaper while his mother folded laundry. Both of them looked at him, their expressions shifting from surprise to concern when they saw the somber look on Derek's face. "What's wrong?" his mother asked, rising to her feet. "Why are you here? Is everything okay?"

Without a word, Derek dropped to his knees in front of them. His

mother gasped, and his father lowered the newspaper, his brow furrowing as he exchanged a look with his wife.

"Derek?" his mother whispered, her voice trembling. "What's going on? Did something happen?"

Derek looked up at her, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, Mom," he said hoarsely.

"Sorry for what?" she asked, crouching down to his level, her hands trembling as she gripped his shoulders.

"For misunderstanding you all these years"" he said, his voice cracking. "For resenting the fact that you gave me his name. I thought you did it for the wrong reasons. I didn't realize you were trying to protect me."

His mother's face crumpled, tears

spilling down her cheeks as she shook her head vehemently. "No, Derek. You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing. I should have explained everything to you when you were old enough to understand. I thought you had moved past it. I only realized you were still bothered by it when the scandal came up, but I was too upset to tell you the truth. I'm the

one who's sorry."

Derek reached for her hands, his grip firm but gentle. "No, Mom. I was ungrateful. I've been an unfilial son, and I-"

"Stop," she said, cutting him off as tears streamed down her face.

"You've been the best son I could ever ask for. I'm so proud of you, Derek. Always."

They embraced tightly, their tears mingling as they clung to each other. Derek's father cleared his throat, breaking the emotional

moment. "Are we done with the drama? Because I'd like to know why you're really here when you should be on your way to Husla."

Derek and his mother laughed through their tears as they pulled back from each other. "Did you really have to ruin the mood?" Derek's mother asked, dabbing her tears with the hem of her sleeve.

"What was I supposed to do? Join you both?" He asked dryly before returning his attention to Derek.

"No apology is necessary. You're our

son. We did what we had to do to protect you. We didn't mind being misunderstood as long as you were safe. It's our job to protect you, I'm glad that you understand now," he said, and his wife nodded in agreement as she straightened.

"Yes, Derek. All I've ever wanted is for you to be happy. I know it might not have seemed so when I tried forcing you to marry Sandra, but that was because I honestly thought Evelyn was all they painted her to be, and didn't want you to make a mistake. All I do is because you're my son, and I love you," his mother said softly.

"I know that now. I understand. And I'm grateful," he said, and his father sighed.

"So, are you going to keep kneeling? Why are you not on your way to Husla? I hope you're not planning on taking my granddaughter away. We made plans for the weekend and next week already," He said, and Derek chuckled as he rose.

"I came to introduce someone to you."

"Introduce someone? Who?" his mother asked.

"My sister. I found my her," Derek said simply.

Both parents paused, and his mother's eyes widened in disbelief.

"What?" his father asked.

"So soon? How?" His mother asked.

"You'll find out how soon. She's waiting in the living room," he said, and his mother gasped, a hand flying to her mouth.

She didn't wait for any further explanation as she hurried past Derek and out of the room. His father followed, shaking his head in amazement.

In the living room, Maya stiffened as Derek's parents appeared.

His mother's eyes landed on Evelyn first, and she frowned. "I hope you're not about to tell me Evelyn is your sister."

Everyone laughed, but Maya's nerves only heightened as their attention shifted to her. She shrank under their gazes, her hands twisting in her lap. Derek stepped forward, his voice steady. "Mom, Dad, you've met Maya. She's my biological sister."

His mother's jaw dropped, and his father looked stunned. "Maya?" his mother repeated. "Didn't you say she was Samantha's nanny?" "Yes," Derek said. "She's my sister."

"How?" His mother asked, exchanging a look with her husband

"Why don't you sit down, and I will tell you everything?" Derek suggested, and his parents sat down.

Derek went on to tell them all that had happened on the plane and showed them the picture in Maya's locket.

When he finished, his mother turned her attention to Maya, her eyes softening. She felt sorry for Maya after hearing about how she had lived until now. Before she could speak, Maya leaned forward in her seat, "I know this is unexpected and quite unbelievable. I don't mind a DNA test," she offered quietly. Derek's mother smiled, "Just to be sure, a DNA test will be done.

But regardless of that, I've heard so much about you from Samantha, and even if you weren't Derek's biological sister, I think you're family."

"I agree. I have always known I was meant to have a daughter.

Who knew it would take this long to have one?" Derek's father asked with a smile.

"Two you mean? We have Evelyn too, and a granddaughter," his wife corrected, and they all laughed.

Maya's eyes filled with tears as Derek's mother rose from her seat and extended a hand to her. "DNA or not, you're family now," Derek's mother said, her voice warm. "Welcome home." When Maya rose to take her hand, Derek's mother embraced her

instead, and Maya broke into a sob, overwhelmed by their easy acceptance.

Derek exchanged a look with Evelyn, and they both smiled, relieved that his parents had not disappointed them.

 

Chapter 207

The sunlight streamed through the hospital window as Ethan sat upright in bed, glaring at his brother, Melvin, who reclined in a chair nearby.

Ethan's injured arm was propped on a pillow, still in a sling. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his irritation was as visible as the tension in his shoulders. "I'm done with this place""" Ethan declared, his tone irritable. "I feel fine. They should discharge me already."

Melvin looked up from his phone, one eyebrow raised. "You can't even use your arm yet. What do you plan to do- telepathically open doors and feed yourself?"

"That's exactly why I need to leave," Ethan shot back. "If I were home, Rayna could work from there while taking care of me, and we'd get to spend some more time together. But no, I'm stuck here with you, and she's out dealing with business." Melvin snorted, shaking his head. "You sound like a lovesick puppy."

Ethan's scowl softened slightly, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile. "I'm not sure about the puppy part, but yeah, I'm lovesick."

Melvin chuckled, leaning forward. "You've got it bad, huh? She'll be back soon. You can survive a few hours without her."

Ethan sighed and leaned back against the pillows. "I know. But

that doesn't make me miss her any less."

"What do you plan to do when your arm gets better and you have to go to work and be away for months?" Melvin asked, and Ethan sighed deeply.

"I've been wondering the same thing. It's... weird. I never expected to feel this way. I didn't plan on falling for the woman I planned to marry. Now the thought of being away from her for too long makes me... uneasy." Melvin chuckled. "Wow. You've fallen hard, Ethan."

"Totally," Ethan admitted, running his good hand through his hair.

His frustration ebbed, replaced by a quiet determination. "While we are on the subject, I need your help with something."

Melvin tilted his head, intrigued. "Oh? What's that?"

"I want to propose to her."

Melvin let out a low whistle. "You're kidding."

"I'm dead serious," Ethan replied, meeting his brother's wide-eyed stare. "You know I'm not. Have you forgotten my plan to get married before I return to the Sea?"

Melvin chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "I haven't forgotten. But things are different now, right? It's no longer just about your plan. Don't you think it's a little soon?" Ethan's expression didn't waver.

"It's not soon enough. If I could do

it right now, I would. And trust me, we are on the same page. She

knows how I feel about getting married soon. It's just that I want to propose to her. The time might be short, but I want to do it the right way."

Melvin raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, Romeo. Slow down a little. We can figure something out. Just don't go proposing in a hospital gown."

"Another reason you should tell the doctor that I'm ready to go home. I will pay for home service if I have to"" Ethan said, but before Melvin could respond, the door creaked open, and both men turned their heads. Rayna stepped in, carrying a small box tied with a ribbon. Her face lit up when she saw that Ethan was up, and she made her way to the bedside with a warm smile.

"Guess who brought treats" she announced, setting the box on the small table beside Ethan's bed.

Melvin's eyes lit up. "Please tell me those are your famous cookies."

Rayna laughed softly. "Better. There's a mix of cookies and some chocolate truffles."

Ethan reached for her hand with his uninjured one, his earlier irritation melting away. "You didn't have to go through the trouble."

"It's not trouble," she replied, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "I figured you could use a little sugar," she said with a wink

"You have all the sugar I need. I just need to get out of here to have it," Ethan whispered for her ears alone, and she giggled.

Ignoring them, Melvin opened the box, and he groaned in appreciation as the sweet aroma wafted out. "Rayna, you're a lifesaver. And just so you know, if Ethan messes up, I'd totally disown him for your sake," Melvin said, and Rayna giggled. "No one will be messing up or disowning anyone," she said and turned back to Ethan, her eyes softening as she noticed his gaze fixed on her. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better now that you're here"" Ethan said, his voice low. He tugged her hand gently, urging her to sit on the edge of the bed.

"You're such a smooth talker," Rayna teased, though her cheeks flushed pink.

Melvin cleared his throat loudly, breaking the moment. "Can you wait for me to leave before you start your hospital romance? I will give you two some privacy now," he said, taking the box with him. "Where are you going with that?" Ethan asked before Melvin could take a step towards the door.

"Home to my beautiful wife and darling daughter. Why?" Melvin asked, and Ethan scowled.

"You can't take that. She brought it for me""" Ethan said, and Melvin raised a brow.

"Didn't you say she shouldn't have gone through the trouble, and she had all the sugar you need?" Melvin asked sweetly.

Rayna laughed, "I can't believe you heard that," she said, blushing.

"I did. My hearing is perfect. So, I'm going to take these with me, and in exchange, I will go talk to the doctor about having you discharged so you can get out of here and get all the sugar you need," Melvin said, and Rayna giggled, feeling mildly embarrassed.

"Make sure you do that. But I need a taste of that" Ethan insisted.

Melvin handed him the box, and once Ethan grabbed a cookie, Melvin strolled out of the room with the box, leaving them alone.

Alone now, Ethan tugged Rayna closer, his hand resting on hers.

"I'm glad that you're back. I missed you sorely. I wasn't kidding earlier. I really do feel better when you're around."

Rayna smiled, her fingers tracing

circles on the back of his hand. "b

missed you too. But I had orders to fill, and I had to make sure

ve

everything was running smoothly at the bakery."

"I get that,

than murmured, his

ket

eyes searching hers. "But I'd rather you stay with me. Even if it's just to

na about taking my meds or

eating."

Her laugh was soft and musical. "Don't tempt me. I'll never leave."

"That's the idea,, Ethan said, his voice serious. He leaned forward, brushing his lips against her forehead.

Rayna's cheeks warmed, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she cupped his face gently, her thumb grazing his cheek as she kissed him. "Have you made up your mind about where to stay? Mine or yours?" Ethan asked, resting his forehead against hers.

"Mine would be easier for me 'cause I have all my baking items there."

"I could buy you every single item you need," he said, and she smiled.

"Is that your way of saying you want me to move to yours?" She asked, and he grinned.

"You caught me"" he said, and she giggled.

"You're something else, Ethan."

"I know you love me" he replied with a crooked grin.

Rayna rolled her eyes but leaned in again to kiss him lightly. It was brief, but the warmth lingered as she pulled back, her eyes shining.

"I do," she admitted softly.

"As much as you love kissing me?" He asked with a teasing smile.

"Almost as much"" she said, and they both laughed.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, and Ethan's heart swelled with love for her.

"I can't wait to go home with you," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination.

Rayna raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a smile. "Why? Do you have something you plan to do?" She asked with a suspicious smile.

"Lots of somethings," he said with a suggestive wink, and she giggled

"Let's not rush. You need to heal first," she said softly.

Ethan grinned. "I'm already halfway there. Thanks to you. And I don't even need to use this hand."

Rayna shook her head, laughing softly. "You're impossible."

"And you're possible," Ethan countered jokingly, and he pulled her closer as she laughed.

"I'm so glad I didn't blow it with you, Ray. It would have been the biggest regret of my life," he said, and she rolled her eyes.

"Or maybe not. You wouldn't know. How can you regret not having something you never had?" she countered.

"You're my golden sun. My soul mate. Of course, I'd have known. I love you, Rayna," he said softly, and she grinned.

"I love you, too."

 

Chapter 208

Liam leaned against the desk in his office, his phone pressed to his ear. It was the twentieth time he had tried calling Maya, and once again, her phone went straight to voicemail. Frustration bubbled under his calm exterior as he hung up and stared at the device in his hand.

What was going on? She hadn't answered any of his calls, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she was avoiding him. Why else would her phone be turned off since last night? He ran a hand through his hair, his thoughts circling back to the kiss.

Had it been too much for her? But he wasn't even the one who initiated it, Liam reminded himself. She had done it all herself, and he had even been too shocked to respond. So, why was she making him feel like he had done something wrong? Was she regretting it? With a sigh, Liam decided to change tactics. If Maya wouldn't answer his calls, he knew Evelyn would. He scrolled through his contacts, found her number, and hit the call button.

Away from there, Derek was chatting with Evelyn as they drove home from the hospital.

They had visited the hospital to check on her parents and Ethan.

Thankfully, Claire was to be discharged the following day, and Ethan on Monday.

They had not told Evelyn's parents about Derek's relationship with Maya yet. They had decided to wait until they came home before breaking the news to them.

While Derek and Evelyn chatted about spending another weekend without Samantha and how his parents had insisted on keeping her over, Maya sat in the passenger seat, gazing out the window, lost in thought.

Her silence hadn't gone unnoticed, but Evelyn and Derek chose not to press her, giving her the space she seemed to need.

When Evelyn's phone rang, she glanced at the screen, her eyebrows lifting in surprise. "It's Liam," she said aloud.

Maya's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name, and she turned toward Evelyn. Her expression was carefully neutral, though her fingers curled into her lap.

Maya turned back to the window as Evelyn received the call, her pulse racing. His name alone was enough to send her into a whirlwind of emotions. She held her breath, hoping that he wouldn't say anything about her to Evelyn. Evelyn didn't notice the shift in Maya's demeanor as she answered the call with a warm smile. "Liam! It's so good to hear from you finally."

"I'm sorry I haven't called you this whole time"" Liam said on the other end of the line, his tone apologetic. "I needed some time to sort things out."

Evelyn's smile softened. "I understand," she replied, her voice gentle. "And I'm so glad to hear from you now. How are you?"

"I'm good," Liam said, though his voice carried a note of hesitancy.

"Actually, I'm working in Ludus now."

"Ludus?" Evelyn repeated, her surprise evident. "You mean you didn't go back to Husla after we saw you last?"

"No," Liam admitted. "I didn't. I didn't just come for a conference as I told you. I was going to tell you I relocated, but after what happened, I... didn't want to make things awkward by saying anything." Evelyn frowned slightly as she realized what had happened. Her gaze flickered to Derek. "I'm sorry, Liam. I didn't..." she began, but Liam cut her off.

"There's nothing to be sorry about," he said firmly. "I made my own choices. Can we not dwell on it?"

Evelyn nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Well, how's it going here? Are you settling in?"

"It's... fine," Liam said, though his tone was less than convincing.

"But it's lonely, and I was hoping to reconnect with some familiar faces. How are you? And how are Sam and Maya?"

"We're all doing well," Evelyn said warmly. "Samantha's fine. She is with her grandparents. And Maya-"

She paused, glancing at Maya, who was staring straight ahead, her face unreadable even though her heart was racing now at the mention of her name. "Actually, Maya's right here," Evelyn added, smiling. "Would you like to say hello?"

Maya's head snapped toward her, her eyes wide. She shook her

head quickly, silently pleading with Evelyn not to hand her the phone, but Evelyn didn't understand.

"I'd love that," Liam said, and Evelyn turned to Maya.

Confusion flickered across Evelyn's face as she noticed the flush spreading across Maya's cheeks. Still, she offered the phone to her. "Here, Maya, Liam wants to say hello," Evelyn said, and Maya hesitated. Maya's heart pounded in her chest as she reluctantly took the phone, her hand trembling slightly. She held it to her ear, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hello?"

"Maya"" Liam said, relief washing over him. "I've been trying to reach you. Are you okay? Why's your phone off?"

"I'm fine," she said quickly, her voice tight. "Thank you for checking on me. I hope you're okay, too?"

Before Liam could respond, she handed the phone back to Evelyn, her movements stiff and hurried. Evelyn watched her, puzzled, as Maya turned away and focused on the passing scenery outside the window. "Why are you not..."

"So, where are you working in Ludus?" Evelyn asked at the same time, and Liam realized, to his disappointment, that Maya had returned the phone.

Liam's voice came back on the line. "I'm at Royalty International.

Uhm... I was wondering if I could drop by for dinner, maybe tonight or tomorrow. Whichever is convenient for you. You know, make up

for the dinner I missed. I haven't stopped regretting walking away from that sumptuous meal," he said, his tone light but hopeful.

"Plus, I could use some company. Maybe get to know Sam's Dad, too."

Evelyn smiled, her earlier confusion giving way to warmth. "Of course, Liam. You're always welcome. Tonight is okay."

"Alright. Thank you," Liam said before hanging up.

When she ended the call, she turned to Derek, her eyes alight with happiness. "You won't believe that Liam is working in Ludus now," she told him. "And he's coming over for dinner tonight."

Derek nodded. "That's cool" he said simply, glad that Liam had come around since he knew Evelyn had been worried about losing her friend.

While they both talked about Liam, Maya's heart raced in the back seat. Dinner. Tonight. With Liam.

What was she going to do?

Later that evening, the warm, savory aroma of roast chicken filled the dining room, mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread and buttery mashed potatoes. Evelyn glanced at the clock as the chef carried a steaming casserole dish to the table, placing it in the center with care. "I just realized that I forgot to text Liam our new address. What if he goes to the former house thinking we are there? That would be a disaster. I should call him," Evelyn said with a slight frown as she looked around for her phone.

"I think you left it upstairs""" Derek said, and she rose to get her phone out of the bedroom.

"Don't worry, I will go get it," Derek said, not wanting her to stress herself.

As Derek headed for the stairs, the doorbell rang, and he raised a brow. "Are we expecting someone else? I'll see who is at the door," Derek said, heading for the door instead.

Maya, who was seated at the table, froze for a split second, knowing that it was Liam. He had arrived at the new house without getting the address from Evelyn.

How was he going to explain that? She mused, her heart pounding.

She glanced at Evelyn, who was adjusting the napkins, and thankfully, she didn't seem to notice her momentary panic.

Why had she agreed to this? She could have stayed in her room, pleaded a stomachache, or simply avoided this entire situation. But now, there was no escape.

The man she had kissed- impulsively kissed- less than twenty-four hours ago was about to walk through that door.

At the door, Derek stared at Liam, surprised to see him there when Evelyn had just mentioned that she hadn't sent him the address, "How did you get here?" He asked, unable to stop himself.

Liam's brows drew together, "Evelyn invited me over for dinner, he said, wondering if Derek had a problem with him being there.

"I know that. But she didn't send you this address. The last time you visited, she was at the old house," Derek pointed out, his eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Liam realized his error too late. He had been in haste to come over for dinner so he could see Maya and had forgotten to take care of such an important detail.

His heart raced as he tried to come

up with a reasonable explanation, but he knew nothing but the truth would clear up this

misunderstanding unless he wanted to say he had been stalking Evelyn, as he knew Derek might be thinking.

"Babe, who is at the door?" Evelyn called from inside as she headed upstairs to get her phone since Derek was taking too long.

"It's not what you're thinking," Liam assured Derek.

"You don't even know what I'm thinking. Don't assume you do," Derek said, fixing him with a look.

"Come in. I hope you have a good explanation for Evelyn," Derek said as he stepped aside for Liam to enter.

As they approached the dining, Maya's breath hitched when her gaze fell on Liam, who looked effortlessly handsome in a casual button-up shirt and dark jeans. When her eyes locked with Liam's, her cheeks flushed instantly, and she instinctively looked away from him and down at the napkins in front of her.

Derek noticed her reaction and looked from her to Liam and then

back again, wondering what that was about.

"Hello, Maya" Liam said, his voice soft yet distinct. The sound of her name on his lips made her stomach flip.

She forced herself to meet his gaze, her own smile nervous and brief. "Hi, Liam," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Liam?" Evelyn called from the stairway, surprised to see him,

"How did you know this place?"

Seeing that Liam was in a pickle and couldn't come up with an explanation because he didn't want to put her in a difficult position, Maya decided to step in.

She cleared her throat, "Actually, he is the friend mentioned the other day. He was the gynecologist that attended to me when I visited the hospital. And he was also the friend who helped me contact the orphanage," Maya said, flashing Evelyn an apologetic look,

ΛΟΣ

"So, he was the one you went out to talk to last night?" Evelyn asked, and Maya nodded.

"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you," she said quietly.

"Don't be mad that she kept it a secret from you. I asked her not to say a word to you until I was ready to talk to you," Liam said, and Evelyn exchanged a look with an equally surprised Derek

"I told you it wasn't what you were thinking," Liam said, and Derek raised a brow.

"And I told you, you didn't know what I was thinking," Derek retorted.

"What were you thinking, then?" Liam asked, and Derek shrugged.

"Not your business" Derek said with a smirk and Liam chuckled.

"I didn't realize that you both were so close," Evelyn said, looking from Derek to Liam.

"We are not..."

"We are..." Liam and Maya said at the same time, and Evelyn's lips twitched with amusement as she exchanged a look with Derek, wondering what was going on with Maya.

Evelyn clapped her hands together. "Well, let's not keep the food waiting. Everyone, take your seats!"

As they settled around the table, Maya found herself seated with Liam directly across from her. She tried not to meet his eyes, focusing instead on passing plates and filling glasses.

The conversation flowed easily at

first. Liam talked about how

surprised he had been when Maya told him that she had found her brother and how upset he had been

that Derek had beaten him

toit

.n

before she told him that Derek was

her brother.

As they talked, Derek chimed in with his dry humor. Liam laughed, his deep chuckle filling the room and sending an involuntary warmth through Maya's chest.

"So," Derek said, slicing into his chicken, "how has work been

treating you? Do you like Ludus?"

Liam paused, his fork halfway to his mouth, and glanced at Maya before answering. "Work is good. And so far, Ludus has been full of interesting discoveries."

Maya's pulse quickened at his words. Was that directed at her? Or was she just imagining things?

Evelyn leaned forward, her curiosity evident. "Do you know many people here yet? Made any friends?"

Liam shook his head. "Just Maya. That's part of why I was so excited to come tonight. It's nice to have familiar faces around."

Maya's heart skipped at his words. She remembered now that they had planned to hang out. He was lonely. And here she was, avoiding his calls and acting distant. Guilt gnawed at her. "So, Liam," Derek said, changing the subject, "are you into sports?"

Liam laughed. "Sure. If you're up for it, I wouldn't mind a good game night," Liam said, realizing he didn't feel as uncomfortable around Derek as he had assumed he would be.

He didn't feel the jealous or resentful either seeing Derek and Evelyn together. Most of his focus was on the lady who was seated across from him and doing all she could to avoid his gaze. "Challenge accepted" Derek said, grinning. "You'll regret it, though."

As the conversation turned playful, Maya allowed herself to relax a

little. She laughed along with the others, the tension in her shoulders easing.

But every so often, she felt Liam's gaze on her, steady and unwavering. And every time, it sent a shiver down her spine.

Derek and Evelyn pretended not to notice Maya's behavior or the tension between Liam and Maya.

By the time dinner ended, both men were chatting like they had been friends for a long time, and as Liam rose to leave, he turned to Maya before Derek and Evelyn could offer to see him off. "Maya? Do you mind seeing me off to my car?" He asked, his expression gentle and hopeful.

Her heart leaped at his request, and she looked up at him, "Sure," she said quickly, though her voice was small.

 

Chapter 209

Maya's heart raced as she followed Liam to the door. She tried to come up with the right excuse to explain her action and an appropriate apology.

When they got to the door, he held it open for her to step outside, and then he shut it behind him.

Neither of them said a word until they got to his car, which was parked some distance away from the house. Then Maya turned to Liam, but before she could say anything, Liam spoke. "Well, that's out of the way now. I'm glad I've told her the truth," he said, and Maya forced a smile.

"Yeah," she said, her voice slightly cracked.

She cleared her throat, "About last night..."

"Why are you avoiding me?" They spoke at the same time.

Maya looked down, "I feel embarrassed," she admitted

"Why?" Liam asked quietly.

Maya looked up at him, "Are you seriously asking me that?"

"Yes, I am," Liam said with a nod.

Maya inhaled deeply, "Fine. I feel embarrassed because I kissed you. I did something I wasn't supposed to do. I had no right to do

that. And I feel ashamed of myself. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I have no idea what I was thinking or what possessed me.

You've been really kind to me, and maybe it's because I'm not used to such kindness without strings attached, I'm not sure. What I did was wrong. I'm sorry," she said, her words pouring out really fast as her heart hammered in her chest.

Liam stared at her as she spoke, unsure what to do with her apology. His mind had been messed up since she kissed him, and he wasn't sure an apology was enough to fix it.

"How about we both get on the same page?" He suggested.

"What do you mean?" She asked with a confused frown.

Without responding to her question, Liam stepped forward, and his arm went around her waist, covering the space between them.

Maya's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes widened in surprise as he lowered his head to hers. Mayas breath hitched as Liam's lips claimed hers with a deliberate intensity.

The kiss wasn't a mere brushing of lips as hers had been. He nibbled softly on her lower lip until her lips parted of their own accord, and then he devoured her lips, kissing her so passionately that the world around her blurred, leaving nothing but the warmth of his touch and the electric pull between them.

His arm tightened around her waist, anchoring her as the kiss deepened, sending shivers coursing down her spine. She felt her hands rise, hesitating before settling against his chest, where his heart pounded just as wildly as hers.

For a moment, Maya forgot how to think and how to breathe. All she knew was the way his lips moved against hers, tender yet consuming as if he'd been waiting to do this for a long time. His other hand moved gently to her cheek, cradling her face as though she were something precious.

Her knees threatened to buckle, but his hold on her was firm. The kiss wasn't just a response but an answer, a declaration she hadn't been expecting.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers. They stood there, breaths mingling in the cool night air. Maya's eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze, which was heavy with emotion and something she couldn't quite name.

"Does that clear things up?" Liam's voice was low, slightly raspy.

His lips curled into the faintest smile, but his eyes stayed locked on hers, searching.

Maya opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Her hands trembled where they still rested against his chest, and she quickly pulled them back, wrapping her arms around herself instead as she stepped backward. "I... I don't understand," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Liam laughed softly, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "What's not to understand, Maya? You were embarrassed and avoided me because you kissed me. Now I've kissed you and balanced it up.

There's nothing for you to feel ashamed about anymore."

Her cheeks flamed. "But I told you it was a mistake."

"And now I'm telling you it wasn't. This wasn't. I kissed you because I wanted to. Because I've wanted to since... since you

kissed me mistakenly," Liam said, his tone firm but gentle. "Do you think I've been able to stop thinking about you since last night?

Because I haven't."

Maya blinked up at him, her heart racing even faster now. "You... you haven't?"

"No," he admitted, his thumb brushing against her cheek.

She shook her head, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.

"Liam, this is so confusing."

"What is?" Liam asked, wanting to know exactly what she was thinking.

"You. Your feelings for Evelyn""" she explained without meeting his gaze.

"Oh. I understand," he said with a nod.

"You do?" She asked, and he nodded.

"I can't explain why I'm feeling this way about you right now or why I no longer feel as strongly for Evelyn as I did. I don't think we have to figure it all out tonight," he said softly, his hand dropping to his side but still close enough to touch her. "I just needed you to know where I stand. And to know that you don't have to avoid me. We can figure it out together slowly."

Maya bit her lip, her mind spinning. She wanted to run, to hide, to protect herself from the storm of emotions brewing inside her. But at the same time, she wanted to stay, to trust the safety she felt in his presence.

"What now?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Now, you go back inside and turn on your phone so I can call you when I get home. And then you will tell me all you've been up to today while ghosting me.

And then, after that... we take things one step at a time. Together.

Figure out what this is between us and what to do about it. Is that good enough for you?"

Maya felt her heart squeeze at his words, which wrapped around her like a warm blanket. She nodded slowly, still unsure but willing to try.

Liam stepped back, giving her space, "Good. You can go in now," he said, and Maya stared at him for a moment.

"I'm sorry for avoiding you," she said, and he smiled.

"It's okay. I understand," he said, and she nodded before turning around and walking back to the house.

Inside the house, Evelyn had a smile on her face as she and Derek walked into their bedroom. "Did you notice all that tension between them?" she asked Derek, and he chuckled.

"It was hard not to notice. But the tension seemed to be coming more from Maya's end. Did she have a crush on Liam?" Derek asked curiously as they got on the bed.

Evelyn shook her head. "I have absolutely no idea. This is the first time I'm noticing anything out of the ordinary in their interaction," she said and then giggled.

"Liam and Maya. That is one pair I didn't see coming, but it's not exactly unwelcome," she said, and Derek scowled.

"Well, if anything of the sort is going to happen between them, he is going to have to prove himself to me. He can't just jump from my wife to my sister," he said, and Evelyn laughed.

"I'm not your wife yet, Derek. Why do I have to keep reminding you of that?" She asked with amusement.

"I wonder why you keep wasting your time doing that when it's not needed. No one asked you to remind me," he said with a grin, and she giggled

"And there is no reason why he can't have feelings for Maya," Evelyn said, and Derek raised a brow.

"If he liked you enough to move down to Ludus because of you, how can he move on so easily?" Derek asked, and Evelyn shook her head.

"I don't think he came here because of me. It doesn't make sense that he would make such a huge career move for my sake when we weren't even dating," Evelyn said, and Derek shook his head

"He did. Trust me. And even if he didn't, for someone who claimed to be interested in you, I don't think he would move on in a matter of weeks. I couldn't even move on for six years," Derek said, and Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"Liam and you are completely

different. I had sex with you, but I

was never intimate with Liam, so there is no sexual tie or anything to make it hard for him to move on. Also Liam and I weren't meant to be, unlike you and I," she said, and this time, Derek grinned.

"Alright. With these few points of yours, you have been able to convince me," he said, and she giggled.

"I'm glad that Liam is here, though.

Maybe we can register at the clinic where he works, and he can deliver our baby. It would be nice having the same doctor deliver both our

ep

babies," Evelyn said, and the smile slid off Derek's face.

"Liam was the one who delivered Sam?" He asked, and Evelyn paused when she realized she had just let it slip.

"Yes. I thought I mentioned it to you before?" She asked with an innocent smile.

"No, you didn't. And I'm pretty sure you know you didn't. You said he was a friend you met when you were pregnant, and he has been helpful all these years and is dear to you and Sam..." "You remember all I said," Evelyn said with a wince.

"Perfectly. So, I'm going to assume you forgot to mention the most important part," Derek said, his voice ringing with accusation, and Evelyn giggled.

"Alright. I'm sorry. I deliberately didn't mention it,' she admitted.

"Why?" Derek asked, confused.

"It's just that when I mentioned to Ray that Liam was my OB/GYN, she was weird about it, and I just thought it was best not to mention it to you, too," Evelyn explained.

"She was weird, huh?" Derek asked, his tone ripe with implication.

"C'mon, babe. It's not a big deal. Liam is a professional.."

"The only man that is going to ever deliver our baby is me," Derek cut in, and Evelyn laughed.

"Jealous much? You're not even a doctor," she pointed out.

"Exactly my point. So, unless you

want to wait until I get a medical degree, which might take years because I'm not sure I will pass my exams easily, I suggest you make sure the next OB/GYN or whatever you call it is a lady," he said, and Evelyn giggled.

"I really don't get why you're making this a big deal," she said, laughing.

"It is a big deal! I can now see why he fell for you," Derek said, looking her over suggestively, and Evelyn laughed.

"He didn't fall for me because of anything he saw. Don't be ridiculous," she scolded.

"I don't care. I'm going to make him play some physical sports with me. Maybe basketball, and I will beat him to a pulp," Derek threatened, and Evelyn laughed.

"You will do no such thing. Maybe you want Maya to disown you," she said, and they both laughed.

"Well, tomorrow is our appointment with the obstetrician- a lady, so you have nothing to worry about. We will bring my parents home after we are done," Evelyn reminded him, and Derek nodded. "Tomorrow is another busy day," he said with a sigh.

"Yeah. I hope we hear back from the investigator tomorrow as he promised," Evelyn said with a yawn, referring to the investigator who was looking into the murder of Derek's parents.

"Me too," Derek murmured as he pulled Evelyn closer to himself and turned off the lights in the room so they could go to bed.

 

Chapter 210

Evelyn and Derek had breakfast alone the following day because Maya claimed she wanted to sleep in and eat much later. They all knew she was avoiding them because she didn't want to talk about whatever was happening between her and Liam. After breakfast, Evelyn decided to have a word with Maya, so she took a tray of breakfast up to Maya's room and knocked softly on the door.

Evelyn heard a faint rustle from within, and after a moment, the door creaked open. Maya stood there, dressed in a casual hoodie and sweatpants, her dark hair tied into a messy bun. Her guarded expression softened slightly when she saw Evelyn standing there with a tray of breakfast.

"Good morning," Evelyn greeted with a warm smile. "Breakfast delivery."

"Thank you," Maya said as she took the tray from her."

"Can I come in for a quick chat?" Evelyn asked, and Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of suspicion crossing her face.

"Is this about... last night?" she asked, her voice cautious.

Evelyn chuckled softly. "Not entirely. Just wanted to check on you."

Maya opened the door wider and stepped aside, gesturing for Evelyn to come in. Evelyn entered the small, cozy space, her eyes briefly scanning the neatly made bed and a stack of books on the nightstand.

"So," Evelyn began, her tone light. "How are you doing this morning?" She asked as Maya set the tray down on top of the stack of books by the nightstand.

Evelyn chose the seat by the window, waiting for Maya to settle on the edge of the bed.

Maya shrugged, pulling her legs up to sit cross-legged on the bed.

"I'm alright. What about you?"

"I'm okay, too," Evelyn replied, leaning back against the chair.

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Maya tensed slightly. "Let me guess... Liam? I'm sorry I didn't tell you I..."

Evelyn smiled reassuringly as she cut in. "Yes, about Liam, but not in the way you're thinking."

Maya relaxed slightly but stayed cautious. "Okay..."

Evelyn's smile widened. "Actually, I just wanted to say I'm not upset or anything about you keeping his secret. If anything, I'm glad you two got to know each other better. He's a really decent guy, and I think it's wonderful that the two of you have struck up a friendship." Maya's cheeks flushed, and she blinked, her brows knitting together in surprise. "Really?"

"Of course," Evelyn said, her voice gentle. "You don't need to feel

awkward or guilty about anything. I'm totally cool with... whatever is going on between you two."

Maya's head snapped up, her eyes wide. "Whatever's going on?" she echoed, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "I'm not sure there's anything going on," she muttered. "I mean... he likes you, Evelyn. I don't see how someone like him could go from liking someone like you to... me."

Evelyn's smile faltered, replaced by a look of disbelief. She raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Maya, please don't tell me you said that to him."

Maya shook her head quickly. "Not exactly. But it's the truth," she admitted.

"No, it's not," Evelyn countered. She straightened, her tone growing more serious.

"It is," Maya insisted firmly.

"What is the truth? That he liked me or that he can't go from liking

'someone like me' to you?" Evelyn asked, and Maya gave a half-shrug but said nothing.

"What do you mean someone like me?" Evelyn asked, and Maya sighed.

"Seriously, Evelyn, can you not see all the difference between us?

Do I need to spell it out? Until a couple of days ago, I was your employee. You're an accomplished lady. I have nothing. I am nobody..."

"For Christ's sake, Maya, why on earth would you think I'm better than you in any way?" Evelyn cut in with a frown.

Maya hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not thinking it. It's the reality. Look at me. I don't have a degree. I don't have a good job. I have health problems. My lifes a mess, Evelyn. I've got nothing going for me. Well, until recently, like you know." Evelyn sighed, her expression softening. "Maya, all of those things can change in the next two to five years, and they will if you work towards them as you have planned. But why do you think those are the criteria for being worth loving?"

Maya glanced up at her, confusion clouding her face as she bit her lip, her eyes glistening. "But he's a doctor, Evelyn. He's accomplished so much, and I'm just... me. I'd never catch up."

"And that's all you ever need to be, Maya. You. Unapologetically you. Listen," Evelyn continued, her tone earnest. "You're a kind, genuine, and thoughtful person. That's what matters. That's the only thing anyone worth having in your life would care about. You don't have to catch up."

"But I will only be an embarrassment to him in his social circle..."

"None of that matters" Evelyn said firmly. "If Liam likes you- and I'm pretty sure he does- then he sees all the amazing things about you that you can't seem to see in yourself. If you like him, and he likes you, that's what counts." Evelyn reached out, placing a comforting hand on Maya's knee.

"And if you want, you can ask to take things slowly, keep it between the two of you while you pursue your dreams. And maybe when you feel more confident you can make it open. If you like

him, Maya, give yourself the chance to see where this could go.

Don't walk away from this because

།

of some idea that you're not enough. You are enough, Maya. You, more than anyone else, should believe that about yourself. What do you expect others to do if you look down on yourself? You're more than enough for Liam or even the president."

Maya's shoulders sagged as a small smile crept onto her lips.

"You really think so?"

Evelyn squeezed her hand. "I know so. And honestly? If you care about him, don't let your insecurities get in the way. You deserve happiness as much as anyone else." Maya nodded slowly, her voice soft. "Thank you, Evelyn. I... I'll think about what you said."

Evelyn smiled, standing up. "Good. I have to go now. We have an appointment with the Obstetrician. And we will be bringing my parents here from the hospital."

"I'll make sure their room is ready before they get here," Maya said as she saw Evelyn to the door.

Forty-five minutes later, Evelyn and Derek entered the obstetrician's office hand in hand.

They checked in at the front desk, exchanged smiles with the receptionist, and sat in the waiting area.

Derek tapped his knee rhythmically, his eyes flitting around the room. He paused to look at Evelyn, his gaze softening as it landed on her belly.

"Are you nervous?" Evelyn teased, reaching over to still his hand.

"Not nervous," he said, his lips twitching into a smile. "Just... I don't know. Excited. This feels unreal."

Before Evelyn could respond, the nurse called them in. Derek stood immediately and helped Evelyn up, his hand never leaving hers as they followed the nurse down the hallway.

The examination room was small but welcoming, with soft pastel walls and a monitor mounted on the wall. Evelyn settled onto the examination table, and Derek pulled a chair close.

The obstetrician, a cheerful woman in her forties, entered with a warm smile. "Good morning, Evelyn. And you must be Derek?"

"That's me!" Derek said, his voice warm but tinged with awe. His gaze darted between the doctor and the equipment.

"Are we ready to meet baby today?" the doctor asked, slipping on gloves and preparing the ultrasound machine.

Evelyn nodded eagerly. Derek looked like he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. He settled for squeezing Evelyn's hand.

The doctor dimmed the lights, and

the soft hum of the machine filled the room. Evelyn shifted her shirt to expose her belly, and Derek watched intently as the doctor applied the coolgel and began moving the

probe across her skin.

The screen flickered to life. At first, there was just a blur of gray and black, but then the outline of a tiny form appeared. The room grew quiet except for the rhythmic whooshing sound that

suddenly filled the air.

"There it is," the doctor said, her tone soft. "That's your baby's heartbeat."

Derek's breath hitched audibly. He leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the screen. His hand tightened around Evelyn's, and she glanced at him to see his expression. His mouth was slightly open, his eyes wide with wonder. "That... that tiny bean-like shape? That's our baby?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes" the doctor confirmed, smiling. "That's your baby."

Evelyn felt a lump form in her throat as she watched Derek. His eyes glistened, and he didn't even seem to notice the tear that slipped down his cheek. She reached over with her free hand, brushing it away gently. "It's real," he said, his voice cracking. "I mean, I knew it was real, but... hearing it. Seeing it..."

Evelyn's heart swelled. She placed her other hand over his, their fingers lacing together. "It's amazing, isn't it?" she murmured.

"It's incredible," Derek said, his eyes

never leaving the screen. He laughed softly, a mix of joy and disbelief.

"Look at that. That's our baby, Eveet

Our baby. Did Samantha look this way, too? Or did she have a different shape? Make like a banana?" He

asked with a grin, and bote

Evelyn and the doctor laughed.

The doctor explained what each stage of the fetus would look like

until the baby was fully formed and ready to be born, and Derek soaked it all in, nodding and asking questions, his awe evident with every word.

When the doctor printed the ultrasound images and handed them over, Derek held them like they were the most precious thing in the world. He studied them, tracing the tiny silhouette with his finger. Evelyn watched him, her chest tight with emotion. This moment felt perfect-sharing this experience with Derek and seeing his love for their baby already written all over his face. "Thank you," he whispered suddenly, his eyes locking with hers.

"Thank you for giving me this."

Evelyn smiled, her eyes shining. "You've given me just as much, Derek. More than I ever thought possible."

As they left the office, Derek still holding the ultrasound pictures, they stopped in the hallway. He pulled Evelyn into a gentle hug, resting his chin on her head.

"I'll never forget this day," he said softly.

"Me neither, Evelyn replied, holding him tightly. For a moment, it was just the two of them, their love for each other and the life they had created together filling the quiet space.