Page 41

I woke up with a smile already on my face.

Yesterday felt like a dream I never wanted to wake up from.

It had never happened to me. I felt light, like I was floating. I was just... happy. Completely and totally.

I stayed in bed a few more minutes, curled up in the sheets, hugging the pillow and just letting it all replay in my head.

I was more than ready to see Maya again—so fucking ready.

It was past nine—definitely not a morning person—and I dragged myself out of bed, still smiling like an idiot.

A quick hot shower. Light makeup: blush, mascara, pink lipstick. I pulled on a soft lilac top and high-waisted jeans. I brushed through my wavy hair and added a few cute gold hair clips.

As I stepped out of my room, I noticed Maya's door was wide open.

An... invitation?

I glanced inside.

Empty.

As I stepped forward, Maya's scent wrapped around me—spicy, warm, unmistakably hers.

The room looked spotless. Bed perfectly made. Nothing out of place.

If anything, everything was almost too perfect—like she'd been gone for a while.

I stood there for a second, feeling strangely hesitant. Then I shook it off. Maybe she'd just gone downstairs already anyway.

When I got to the living room, Nelly was there with a soft smile, but Maya wasn't.

"Morning, Nelly," I said, trying to sound normal.

"Good morning, Grace. Want something to eat?"

"Just a smoothie would be good," I replied, but she still handed me a toast with jam. I sat down at the counter, barely touching the food. My stomach was tight.

"Do you know where Maya is?" I asked as casually as I could.

Nelly looked up, thoughtful. "I haven't seen her this morning..."

My chest tightened even more. If not even her trusted family assistant knew where she was... then maybe Maya didn't want to be found.

"She probably stepped out," Nelly said with a shrug. "You know Maya."

Yeah. I did know her. That's what made me worry.

I tried to push the thoughts away. No—after everything we said last night, the promises we made to each other, she wouldn't just disappear like that.

I swear, if she's up to something...

My fingers instinctively curled around my phone.

No message. No sign.

Maya has my number, but I still don't have hers.

Unfair. One-sided.

It twisted in my stomach. A stupid little thing to care about—but it stuck with me.

I went back to my room and tried to distract myself with one of my favorite books—Renaissance art. I flipped through the pages, running my fingers over the images. I loved them. But they barely held my attention today.

I still kept my phone next to me. Just in case.

Minutes passed. Then an hour. What the hell is she up to? Then two hours passed.

Still nothing.

Now I couldn't help but overthink—what about yesterday? Did I do something wrong? What if she's not sure anymore?

I keep replaying every word, every look—searching for a sign I missed, but... there was none.

Yesterday was perfect.

And I refused to believe it meant nothing. Not to me.

It was already noon when I went downstairs again. Mom was sitting with Victor, talking softly, both of them smiling. It was sweet. And also a little too much to watch right now.

They invited me to join them at the long dining table. I didn't have the heart to say no, even though I wasn't hungry. I sat down trying to act normal—trying not to let my disappointment show.

The thought of asking her father for her number crossed my mind. But no—I won't do that. If Maya wanted to talk to me, she would.

I just pushed the food around the plate with the fork. I could barely think about anything but Maya.

Right in the middle of my silent panic, my phone lit up beside me.

Unknown number.

Come outside.

My heart fluttered, and I had to fight the urge to scream with joy in front of everyone.

I started to rise from my seat, but something made me stop.

What if it's not Maya?

What if it's... Nick again?

It freaked me out.

I blocked him everywhere—messages, socials, everything. But he could still find another number to text me from. He would. That's exactly the kind of nasty thing he'd do.

My thumb froze above the screen.

I know it sounds silly, but I needed to make sure—I had to.

I typed quickly: Who is this?

The reply came fast. Just one word.

Sweetheart.

And just like that, I knew.

I stood up from the table like something pulled me by the chest.

"Sorry! I-I'm going for a walk," I blurted. My mom and Victor looked confused, but I rushed to the door before they could say anything.

My heart was pounding wildly, my breath caught somewhere between anger and excitement.

But somehow, I had to maintain my composure—because now she owed me a damn explanation.

And there she was.

Maya stood with arms crossed, one leg crossed over the other, chin lifted confidently.

She wore skinny jeans that hugged her curves perfectly and a light blue crop top with little white flowers. She looked beyond stunning, even though this definitely wasn't her usual style.

Her black horse stood behind her.

Oh, she is definitely up to something.

A smirk appeared on Maya's red lips. "Hi, beautiful."

"Dumbass," I addressed her, folding my arms.

Maya chuckled. "My god, I deserved that, didn't I?"

"Yes. Where've you been all morning?" I asked, voice low as I slowly walked down the stairs, eyes locked on her.

Maya grinned, stepping closer. "Come with me and find out."

She offered me her hand, and I hesitated, unsure if I should take it. I was still mad at her for not reaching out, but then her eyes begged me to, and I gave in.

"Fine," I muttered, our fingers intertwined.

"Good girl," she praised me.

"Not the horse again," I said as she patted the saddle on the horse's back.

"Yes, the horse again, Grace," she said, wrapping her arms around my waist to help lift me up.

She was careful and gentle, making sure I was steady before easing me into the saddle and letting go.

Her touch alone sent a warm shiver straight through me.

"Alright," Maya said with a happy hum, straddling the horse in front of me with effortless ease. "You know the rules, right, Grace?"

"What rules?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Hold on to me. And never let me go," she replied, her voice teasing just enough to make me burn with heat.

I clung to her waist, rolling my eyes. "You seriously vanished all morning and now you're giving me romantic one-liners on a horse?"

Maya glanced over her shoulder, her expression turning more serious. "Guilty. But I hope I'll make it worth the wait."

I pulled myself closer, wrapping my arms tighter around her waist, letting my cheek rest against her back.

Her hand slid over mine, fingers curling softly around it, and stayed there—for the entire ride.

The rhythm of the horse was steady, almost hypnotic. My eyes naturally fell shut as I relaxed into the warmth of Maya's body.

"Um... how big is your property?" I asked as the minutes stretched on.

"Very big," Maya replied nonchalantly. "But we're almost there, sweetheart," she reassured me.

As I looked up, I finally spotted something:

a white blanket spread out on the grass, embroidered with flowers.

I still couldn't see clearly what was on it, but it looked so pretty and full of things I could easily adore.

"It's beautiful," I said.

Maya smiled and guided me down from her horse, her hands holding me tightly as she helped me. She carefully tied the horse to the tree, then took my hand and led me to the blanket.

I could finally see everything—frosted cupcakes in soft pinks and whites, fresh cherries, bowls of strawberries and marshmallows, a plate of heart-shaped chocolates. Pink roses scattered around the blanket framed the whole picnic.

My heart was pounding in my chest so loudly.

"Do you like the surprise?" Maya asked softly, almost hesitantly.

My eyes glistened. "You did all this for me?"

Her hands rubbed my back gently. "Yes. All for you."

I could barely keep it together from how happy and overwhelmed I felt.

"I really love it, Maya," I whispered, wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her close. "This is just... it's perfect..." I said sincerely.

Maya brushed a stray hair from my face and kissed my cheek. "I like seeing you happy," she said and I blushed visibly.

We sat down on the blanket together as I rested my head on her shoulder, our hands naturally intertwined.

"I'm so sorry I was late, Grace," Maya said softly. "And for not reaching out—it was part of the surprise. It just took me longer than I thought to get everything ready, especially out here."

I shook my head, my smile growing wider. "Don't even worry. It was worth the wait—and even worth my overthinking," I laughed.

"What were you overthinking?" she asked.

I remained silent, my gaze dropping, before Maya's voice broke through softly, "Tell me, Grace."

"I kept torturing my mind..." I sighed against her chest. "If this is really what you want..."

"This is exactly what I want, Gracie," she said firmly. "You and me. More than anything." She pressed a kiss to my forehead.

A calm settled over me from her words, but it was her actions that spoke even louder. "This is exactly what I want too, Maya."

She leaned in. "Good, because this is only the beginning," she said.

She was about to lean back and turn around when I pulled her closer to me again.

"Wait," I murmured, timidly playing with a strand of her hair. "I think you deserve this one..." I leaned in and kissed her.

Her hand sank into my cheek as the kiss, at first soft, became deeper and passionate. "It was worth it if this is the reward I get," she murmured.

I smirked. "Much more than that," I teased, before my fingers suddenly started tickling her side.

Maya didn't flinch or laugh like I expected. She just stayed still, her eyes half-lidded, almost like she was enjoying the way my hands wandered over her body.

I tried to tickle her ribs, but still—no reaction. Not a single giggle or twitch.

"Keep trying Grace," Maya said with a confident smirk. "Try harder."

She suddenly lifted her arms, like she was daring me.

"That's not possible!" I exclaimed, half frustrated, half laughing.

"Ow, you still wanna play?" she said, taunting.

Before I could say anything, Maya flipped the game on me—her fingers tickling my sides, and suddenly I was the one squirming, trying to hold back laughter.

"Not fair!" I squealed, twisting away as best I could, but Maya's hands were relentless.

"Say it," she said, and I couldn't take it anymore.

"Okay-okay! I give up!" I gasped, breathless and laughing.

Maya finally stopped, her eyes sparkling as she pulled me close again. "See? I'm too good at this."

I just shook my head at my defeat, and Maya turned around. "I'm not finished with the surprises yet."

She pulled out two small white canvases and a set of watercolor brushes and paints.

My eyes lit up. "Wait... this is everything I've ever wanted! Plus, I can finally beat you!"

Maya smiled. "Yes, sweetheart, you surely will win this one."

We sat back down on the blanket, each with a canvas in front of us. I dipped my brush in pink and red and began making light strokes. Maya picked blue and gray, her brush moving fast and messy.

We teased each other as we painted—Maya poked my side to throw me off. I pushed her hand away.

"Stop cheating," I said.

She laughed, pinching my neck gently. "Careful, I play dirty." And I blushed.

Minutes passed, and our canvases took shape.

When we stopped, I looked at Maya's work first—an abstract swirl of shapes and shadows that looked more like an accident than a painting. But it had personality.

"Wow, that's actually pretty impressive," I said, blinking in surprise. "And totally you," I added with a smile.

Then she looked at mine—I painted a heart made of roses and thorns twisted together, as detailed as I could.

Maya's mouth dropped open, eyes wide. "Grace, this is amazing. Seriously."

She gently took the canvas from my hand to get a closer look, her eyes almost hypnotized by it.

"It's nothing, really," I said shyly.

She shook her head and reached over to my neck. "It's not nothing, sweetheart. You're a natural."

"Thank you," I whispered, kissing her. "Thank you for everything you did, Maya. You didn't just make things feel so right—you make me feel so good."

"But it's not over yet, Grace," she said, turning serious again.

I blinked, hiding my face with my hands. "No way—Maya. You've already surprised me too much. I'm embarrassed now," I mumbled.

Maya reached up and pulled my hands away from my face, then she held something out to me—a tiny box.

I felt my heart skip. My cheeks turned even redder as I whispered, "What is it?"

"Open it," she said, teasing. "Would you?"

I slowly lifted the lid, revealing the sweetest little ring inside—a golden sun with a sparkling yellow gem at its center.

"It's so cute," I whispered, overwhelmed. "Why the sun?"

"Because you're like the sun," Maya answered like it was the most normal thing to say.

Before I could say anything, she pulled out a second box. Another ring—this one shaped like a silver crescent moon with a blue gem in its curve.

She slid the moon ring onto her finger, her eyes never leaving mine.

I didn't hesitate. I picked up the sun ring and slipped it onto my finger, my heart swelling.

"Then you're like the moon," I said softly.

Maya nodded, then leaned in, gently cupping my face. Her voice low and steady.

"Can I call you mine now?" she asked, her eyes burning into mine.

I nodded immediately, smiling through the emotion that hit me all at once.

"There's nothing I want more," I whispered. "I'm yours."

Then she kissed me. Slowly, deeply, letting our breath melt into each other.

I was hers. She was mine.

A/N

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