Page 52 of HEARTSTORM

I woke up way before my 8 a.m. alarm.

Definitely not like me.

I was still wrapped in Maya's arm when I glanced up and saw her beautiful face, still asleep. I watched the slow rise and fall of her chest, her breathing calm and steady.

I could've stayed there, just watching her all day.

But I had to move—my body was getting restless. I shifted slowly, careful not to wake her. I tiptoed into the bathroom and closed the door behind me. My heart was racing for no reason. Or maybe for every reason.

I jumped into the shower, hoping the warmth would calm my nerves—it didn't. The water ran over me, but my chest still felt tight. I brushed my teeth and styled my hair into soft waves, brushing it more carefully than usual.

I stepped out of the bathroom quietly, keeping my head down.

"Grace," Maya said calmly—but I flinched before I even realized it.

"Hey," I said, forcing a smile.

"How are you?" she asked, watching me as I opened my closet.

"Good," I nodded a few times, picking up the white suit I had bought and laying it over the chair.

"I see..." she murmured. "What do you want for breakfast?"

"I'm not hungry," I replied quickly, still focused on the suit.

"I think you should eat anyway, baby," she said, firm but gentle.

"Yeah, whatever," I muttered, my hand waving through the air like it didn't matter.

"Alright..." Maya trailed off, clearly not believing a single word. "I'm gonna take a quick shower. You'll be here when I get back, right?" Her voice was soft, but there was something cautious in the way she said it.

I just nodded silently, still lost in my own thoughts, refusing to meet her eyes as I heard her stepping into the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, I was still standing there like an idiot, my mind racing in a hundred different directions.

The one thing I knew for sure was that I'd been a jerk to Maya, while all she ever did was stay patient with my moods.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally stepped out of the bathroom. I didn't think twice. I rushed to her, hugging her tightly—but in the most fragile way possible.

"I'm freaking out, I'm so sorry, baby," I blurted out, my voice cracking.

"I know," she said softly, her voice calm and knowing as she stroked my hair. "I was just waiting for you to tell me." She pulled me down to sit beside her, wrapping her arms around my waist. "Just breathe, okay? You need to trust yourself."

I let out a deep sigh. "This job... it's always been my dream. But now that it's here... I feel like I'm second-guessing everything."

Her eyes steady as she held my gaze. "Grace, this is exactly what you're meant to do. I know it. You're going to kill it."

I pulled her closer, my heart finally settling into a steady rhythm. "I'll try to—"

Maya interrupted gently, "You don't have to try. You just will." Her hug tightened, steadying me.

"Okay," I said, sounding more sure. "I guess... I'll eat something, then."

"Good girl," she praised me.

We ate buttered toast with jam, sipping espresso and juice. Maya kept things light, cracking jokes and avoiding any talk about the job. It made me feel more grounded, less stressed about everything.

She just made everything feel a little less impossible.

By the time we finished breakfast, I'd done my makeup and was slipping into my suit. Maya stared at me from head to toe, raising an eyebrow.

"You look gorgeous, baby," she murmured. "You're driving me crazy right now."

"Thank you," I said, blushing as I adjusted my jacket and tried to steady my shaking hands. "I'm calling an Uber now."

"Ah-ah-ah," she interrupted, shaking her head. "No Uber."

"I don't have a car, Maya," I said, confused.

Her smirk was already in place as she rose with ease, grabbed my hand, and pulled me toward the balcony.

"Why do we need to go to the balcony?" I protested.

"Trust me," she said, nudging my hips.

Maya opened the door, letting the cool morning air wash over us. Her eyes gliding across the driveway before she pointed at a sleek white convertible parked and waiting.

"That one," she said, with a teasing smile. "You see that one?"

I swallowed. "Yes..."

She met my eyes, her own sparkling. "That's your new car."

I froze, my breath catching in my throat as I stared at her in disbelief.

"You... you bought me a fucking car?"

Maya chuckled but didn't flinch. "No, relax," she said, her hand resting on my waist as she met my wide-eyed gaze. "I know you'd freak out—this was just a car parked in our garage. I had it fixed up, and now it's... yours."

For a moment, I was lost in the moment—the car, the gesture, her words. Everything hit me straight in the heart.

Before I realized it, I wrapped my arms around her, my voice catching with emotion. "Maya, this means more than I can say. I'm speechless. Thank you, baby."

She smiled, her hand rubbing my back in a calm, soothing way. "You're welcome, sweetheart."

I pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, still trying to wrap my head around everything. "When did you do this?"

Maya grinned. "From the moment you had that interview."

"You're insane," I whispered, shaking my head. "And this insane girl needs a kiss now," I murmured against her lips.

"I'll take that," Maya purred, her breath hot on my lips as she melted into the kiss.

Our kiss deepened with urgency, mouths and tongues intertwining in a heated rhythm. It was intense and passionate, sparking something more—if only... we had time for that.

Of course, I had to leave just when things were getting hot...

"I'll see you later, baby," I said, stealing one more kiss and looking into her eyes. "I love you."

"I love you too," she said, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Ah," I hummed, pausing. "Behave yourself, Maya," I said with a teasing edge, though my tone stayed firm. "You know exactly what I mean."

She chuckled, voice dripping with confidence. "I'll be a good girl. Promise."

I shook my head, smiling to myself as I turned away—God, she's so smooth.

I rushed downstairs and approached my new car, finally taking a closer look.

The interior was amazing—sleek, comfortable, cozy, and everything looked brand new.

When I turned, I spotted a beautiful white rose resting on the passenger seat.

I picked it up, smiling like an idiot as my fingers brushed the soft petals.

Tucked beneath it was a small card that read:

You've got this. I believe in you—always.

Yours, M.

At that moment, I knew I wouldn't be afraid of what lay ahead.

I couldn't help but grin, picturing Grace's face when she realized the other surprise I'd just pulled off.

Keeping the secret was a breeze—Nelly had my back, and everything went down exactly how I planned. I'm pretty damn satisfied with that.

I threw on some comfy sweatpants, a black crop top, and a gray zip-up hoodie.

Despite Grace's warning to behave, my reckless side didn't have to worry today. Today was all about relaxing and chilling—no stress about anything.

I happily made my way downstairs, not really having a plan in mind. My husky trotted over to me, tail wagging, licking my hand as I bent down to pet her.

I guess my plan is to take her for a run. That actually sounds pretty good.

Just as I was settling in, I looked up and caught sight of my father.

My body went stiff.

My mind went blank.

"Good morning, Maya," he said formally, heading to prepare a coffee.

I didn't think twice.

My plan, cancelled.

"Can we talk?" I said, my voice was firmer than questioning.

"Sure," he said, as if he was somehow expecting me to say that. "In my office," he added.

His office. I barely stepped inside. It was the place where we fought the most. That damn room should've come with a warning: 'Enter at your own risk.'

And I was taking that risk—like I always do.

The office was dark, clean, and organized as always. Only a stylish lamp illuminated the room, casting shadows. The polished wooden desk sat in the middle, with perfectly aligned papers and important-looking documents, along with a couple of high-end pens.

A few family photos in the corners—only the ones he's willing to show. The ones that still felt safe, from before Mom got sick.

The others, the ones that reminded him of things he couldn't fix, were hidden away.

That room had become a symbol of everything we couldn't talk about—everything we couldn't change.

I wonder if this conversation is going to be any different.

I still have Grace's promise to keep.

My father slid composedly into the leather armchair in front of the desk, across from me.

"What do you want to talk about, Maya?" he asked cautiously.

"Let's skip the small talk. I need to know more about the new hotel," I said, getting straight to the point.

"I already told you everything," he replied, his face revealing nothing.

"I don't think so," I said immediately.

He leaned back in the chair, still maintain his calm composure. "Then ask me what you want to know."

This has been on my mind for a while.

"The deal you made with Crawford to open the hotel—" I paused, jaw clenched hard.

Just the thought of it made my stomach twist and my blood boil.

"What were you thinking, doing this after everything that happened?" I demanded, folding my arms tightly.

My father opened his mouth, but I anticipated his words. "And don't give me that bullshit about being friends with them."

"I'm still the one in charge, Maya. Crawford is just a partner," he said, voice steady but with a tense edge.

I scoffed. "I don't care. You're still letting him get his hands too deep into it."

He looked at me, surprise flashing across his eyes. "Since when do you care so much about the hotels?"

He had a point, though. I'd spent years trying to avoid that part of my life—love it or hate it, it had always been a part of me, but right now? I cared.

Yesterday, when I stayed in that suite with Grace, something shifted in me. It became the place I never wanted to leave. It was mine—ours.

It mattered to me that control wasn't just in our hands anymore, but in Nick's as well.

I have to claim what's always been mine.

"Since you let the Crawfords take advantage of it like that," I said, not beating around the bush.

My father exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. I could tell I was already stressing him out. Good.

"I assure you," he said, tone collected but firm. "The new hotel will still have only our surname on it, if that's what worries you, Maya."

I reached over and grabbed a pen from the edge of his desk, spinning it carelessly between my fingers as I finally spoke, with a hint of suspicion—

"I wonder when you made this whole deal with him..."

His calm expression faltered for the first time—his eyes flickered with a hint of nervousness, his jaw clenched slightly. Finally, a real reaction from him.

So, here's where I need to dig deeper.

Interesting.

"Was it before or after my accident with Nick?" I asked purposefully.

My father narrowed his eyes, his body tensing even more. "It wasn't an accident, Maya. You deliberately caused that damage. You destroyed every single one of his vehicles. An accident worth millions."

He had to remind me. Of course he did.

But I'm still proud of what I did—no matter how much he disapproved of my little 'revenge accident.'

"You still haven't answered me," I said, demanding an explanation. "When did you make the deal?"

"I've told you everything you need to know, Maya," he said, his voice carrying a quiet authority that left no room for further discussion.

"What?! You basically didn't say anything!" I protested.

"You'll see everything for yourself when the hotel opens this Friday." His gaze didn't waver from mine, and I could tell he wasn't going to budge on this.

"My college classes start again, in a couple of days," I said, dismissing his words.

"Yes, I know. Good luck with your year," he replied, his tone completely serious.

"I'm not about to give up on my dream of becoming a doctor," I said firmly. I sat up fast, almost tipping the chair beneath me.

His voice was even calmer now. "I never asked you to do that."

"But I'm not going to just stand by and watch you mess everything up with the hotels either," I said with conviction, snapping his expensive pen against the desk.

"I expected nothing less," he said, his face remaining impassive, but there was something in his eyes—like he was almost secretly pleased.

I stared at him, both irritated and in disbelief.

Was he really okay with me getting involved in the hotels? Did he actually want me to take charge alongside him?

I spun around and stormed out, slamming the door hard enough to make sure he heard it.

My head was buzzing, but one thing stood out—I needed to know when he had actually made the deal with Crawford.

Or worse... I'd already figured it out.

I walked down the hallway, still racing to put the pieces together—until I nearly collided with Nelly. She looked shocked and moved with sudden urgency.

"What's going on?" I asked.

She kept her head down. "Nothing," she brushed me off.

"That doesn't seem like nothing," I said, trying to read her face.

Nelly didn't say a word—just let out a heavy sigh.

"Nelly, tell me what's going on," I urged.

She finally looked up, her face showing clear distress. "There's someone at the gate we don't want here..."

The second she said it, I knew exactly who it was.

My jaw clenched, fury already rising as I fought to hold myself together.

"I'll handle it," I said immediately.

"I think Victor should be the one handling it, Maya. You're too involved," she said cautiously.

"It's my problem, Nelly. Don't tell my father," I said firmly. She nodded reluctantly. "Just make sure you don't open the gate, okay?" I added, already rushing toward the door and heading straight for the gate.

So much for having no stress or a relaxing day.

That's fucking wild.

I haven't even recovered from what I might've just found out... and now there's already something even worse.

My steps were sharp and steady, my mind a fucking blur, focused on nothing but getting there.

And punching his face if necessary.

For the record, it is.

I didn't need to look far to know who was standing in front of my gate.

A/N

Yeah... who do we think it is?