Page 54 of HEARTSTORM

These past few days passed like a blur.

Maya started classes again, and most of our mornings fell into a rhythm—mine with art and painting, hers with Chemistry and Anatomy

Today was Friday, and we finally had the weekend to ourselves.

But tonight came at a cost—it was the opening night of the hotel, the one in partnership with Crawford. That made Nick's recent silence feel even more unsettling.

Everything felt calm. Too calm.

I didn't trust it. This wasn't like his usual nasty attitude at all.

Maya's been strangely quiet about all this too—calm on the outside but tense as hell underneath.

I caught it in the look she gave me this morning before rushing off to class—her eyes darkened, shadowed by the thought that today was the day.

I was just praying tonight goes smoothly. Please, no more pain, no more damage. We've been through enough already.

I was home after my shift at the museum, halfway through my smoothie when Maya walked in.

"Hey," she said flatly. She walked past me, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, then sat beside me without another word.

Her mood swings hitting again.

I looked at her. "Rough day?"

She didn't answer, just twisted the bottle cap harder than she needed to.

"Hey..." I said, stroking the ends of her hair.

"I know we're both on edge, but we have to keep it together... especially tonight."

Maya's eyes locked onto mine, a frustrated breath escaping her lips. "Not when he's gonna be there too."

"Okay..." I sighed. "But I don't think he'd dare start anything. Not when everyone's eyes will be on him... and on you."

Wishful thinking, maybe—but I had to hold on to something.

Maya's jaw tensed, lips pressed together like she was holding something in. I leaned in, planting soft kisses on her neck, watching her slowly melt into my touch.

I clung to that moment of peace.

The afternoon slipped by as we waited for Lily—she'd insisted on doing our hair and makeup. I stole a quick glance at the elegant, large bag Maya held—still sealed tight.

Inside was her Prada dress for tonight.

"Hey, hey, hey," she stopped me, a sly smile on her lips. "Patience, okay? You'll have to wait and see."

"Ugh, no hints at all?" I pouted, giving her my best pleading eyes.

Maya tilted her head. "You'll get a front-row seat... and maybe even a little more tonight."

Her words only sent a burning heat through me, making the anticipation even more insufferable.

Lily showed up with a garment bag in one hand and a makeup kit in the other, her hair tied up like she meant business.

"You go with the other stylist, Maya," she said, a teasing spark in her eyes. "I'm going to have a little girl-to-girl conversation with your girlfriend."

Maya folded her arms. "I'm a girl too," she said.

"Sure, sure," Lily hummed, dismissing her words as she practically pushed her out of the room.

"Don't trust a word she says, Grace," Maya muttered with a smirk.

We both burst into laughter as she disappeared down the hall.

"Finally," Lily said with a hint of mischief, making me wonder what she had planned. "First, the hair."

Once she finished washing it, she grabbed a brush and started detangling.

"So, how's your sex life going, Grace?" she asked out of the blue.

I nearly choked.

"Don't worry," she laughed. "Maya didn't tell me anything. This is between us... if you feel like talking about it."

"Uhm, sure..." I murmured, letting myself relax a little. "It's going... pretty well actually." I chuckled. "Can't complain."

Lily let out a playful smile. "Oh, you've got me curious now... I always wondered what it's like with a girl..."

I met her eyes in the mirror, a grin tugging at my lips. "No one knows a woman's body like another woman, you know..."

We couldn't hold it in and burst into a crazy, loud laugh that echoed through the room.

When we finally caught our breath, she turned back to my hair—and I knew it was the right moment to get serious.

"So..." I began slowly, "how's your love life?"

Lily shrugged. "Not much going on."

I paused, searching for the right words.

"Maybe because your heart's already got someone in it..."

Her hand slowed for a second. I could tell she was listening.

"I know it's hard to let people in—especially when trust doesn't come easy," I said carefully, subtly hinting at her toxic past with Nick fucking Crawford. "But maybe you could just... give yourself a chance."

"Maybe," she murmured. "A chance..." she repeated.

I nodded. "You deserve it, Lil. Think about who makes you feel happy and safe... and give that a chance."

Lily didn't say anything, but I saw it in her eyes—that flicker of recognition. James. She knew exactly what I meant.

She smiled and kept working on my hair, straightening it until it was silky and smooth as glass. I kinda liked it like this.

"I have a dress for you, Grace," she said suddenly. She was practically buzzing.

"Um, Lily... I already picked out what I'm wearing—"

"Nope," she cut me off, handing me the bag with the dress. "You're trying this one. Come on!"

I didn't feel like arguing anymore—plus, I was really curious to see this dress.

I pulled it out and it was a fitted light blue dress, the soft fabric shimmered, and the cut in the back gave off a bold, elegant vibe.

I slipped it on, and when I caught my reflection in the mirror, I barely recognized myself but again... I liked it.

Lily beamed with excitement when she saw me and started working on my makeup.

After a while, she smiled and said, "All done, bestie."

I was totally stunned by the look—in the best way possible. I was literally glowing like a mirror ball.

"Maya's done too," Lily said, opening the door.

My heart skipped a beat the moment Maya walked in—I nearly stopped breathing.

Her long hair was styled in a low bun, flawless and pulled back with surgical precision. It framed her sharp features perfectly.

And the dress. Oh—her dress.

A cobalt blue dress that clung to her curves like it was made just for her. No straps, with a daring slit on her right leg, making her look even hotter.

"You are... beautiful..." I breathed, my eyes struggling to find where to look.

Maya stepped closer, took my hand, and spun me around before gently kissing it. "You are stunning, love. You're more beautiful than ever."

"Wow, you'll be calling me single in two hundred different ways," Lily commented.

We hugged and thanked her. Then, Maya and I finally headed to her father's car, already waiting outside.

"I really don't know if I can keep my eyes off you without it being obvious to everyone, Grace," Maya murmured. "Especially in that dress..."

Her warm hand resting on my bare back sent shivers down my spine.

I kissed her lips with a grin. "We'll always be together, even if we have to stay away from certain... temptations."

"Always?" she asked, her voice wavering as she stopped walking.

"Always," I said.

We reluctantly let go of each other's hands, holding on to the moment a little longer before climbing into the backseat of the car.

My mom turned to us with a warm smile. "You both look gorgeous," she said, glancing between me and Maya.

Victor's expression was as composed as always, but in the rearview mirror, I caught a brief, approving nod meant for us.

The sky darkened as we drove, the sun already set, leaving streaks of pink and orange behind. I glanced at Maya, who was already looking at me. Her hand found mine, and I took it without hesitation.

The backseat was our little secret for now.

As we drove farther, the streets started to change. It felt even fancier here, with expensive cars and modern buildings towering above the streets.

We finally reached the huge, imposing gate. As we drove past it and parked, I felt nerves crawling up my spine.

Maya's grip on my hand tightened, and I glanced over at her.

"Everything's going to be alright," she whispered before we had to let go of each other's hands.

I took in the view of the hotel—it was breathtaking. Modern and sleek, with tall walls and columns reaching high. The beige exterior was illuminated in sections by soft lights that added a luxurious feel.

The elegant sign on it read:

Russell Hotel Resort.

"At least my father wasn't lying about this," Maya said, lifting her chin to admire it.

The sound of our heels clicked against the marble floor as we stepped inside. Everything was polished and sparkling, with bright chandeliers lighting up the space.

Maya barely reacted—she just made sure to stay right by my side, like she was claiming me without a single touch.

Still, something felt different tonight.

You could tell by the way her arms rested behind her back, her jaw stayed tight, and her breathing quickened just enough to give her away.

"You okay?" I asked as a group approached to congratulate Victor.

"Coping," she replied dryly.

We walked into a huge room that I guessed was the main hall. At least fifty round tables were perfectly set, and the clinking of glasses filled the air.

Just as I saw Maya relax a bit, her calm expression vanished instantly—I decided to follow her gaze against my better judgment.

And, of course, there he was.

Nick Crawford.

That signature arrogant smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he leaned against the bar. He was dressed in a suit and tie. Pathetic.

"Asshole," Maya muttered.

"Let's just ignore him and pretend he's not even here," I said, resting my hand on her back for a moment.

Her guard was up again, but at least she looked away from him.

As we tried to get rid of him, another Crawford made his way over.

Derek Crawford, the patriarch, shook off Victor's hand.

"The other asshole," Maya muttered.

He and Victor exchanged a few words. The interaction felt cold, distant—he seemed just as manipulative as his son.

We finally reached our table and sat down. Of course, Maya took the seat right next to me. I slid my hand under the table to rest on her bare leg, and she immediately squeezed it.

The lights dimmed softly as the waiters began inviting everyone to take their seats.

"What's happening now?" I asked Maya.

"The speech," she replied. Not a single word slipped out of control.

Victor kissed my mom's cheek and walked to the center of the room. He was handed a microphone and a glass of champagne.

Everyone quieted down, and he began to speak, calm and composed.

"I want to thank you all for being here today. This hotel isn't just business—it's our passion, and tonight, we're proud to share what we've built." His eyes landed on our table as he offered a smile. "I'd like to acknowledge a few important people before we go on..."

Maya gripped my hand while the other rested under her chin. She swallowed hard.

"My daughter Maya, I hope she's proud of what we've created." He paused, almost like he was holding back something—emotion, maybe. "My partner Giselle, with her daughter Grace, they've brought so much joy into our lives lately. Let's raise a glass to that."

He lifted his glass, and everyone cheered.

I smiled warmly at his unexpected praise, then looked at Maya, who seemed to freeze for a moment.

I swore her eyes grew glossy, with a hint of affection behind that impassive expression.

She finally looked at me, a small smile tugging at her lips.

When Victor came back to our table, she gave him a small nod—a quiet 'thanks'—before taking a sip of her champagne.

A huge step for her.

I pictured the moment we'd finally tell them the truth about us. All I wanted was for them to accept us—and be happy, just like we are now.

For a moment, it felt like nothing could break what we had.

Until—

A light illuminated the center of the room, and everyone went quiet again.

"What happens now?" I asked Maya, who seemed just as confused as I was.

"What now?" she retorted, directing the question to her father.

"I don't know. There's probably a mistake," he said, straightening up.

Before Victor could ask for an explanation, Nick Crawford appeared in the center of the room.

His confident, condescending expression said it all as he took the microphone.

The air around me felt suddenly heavier, thick with tension. My stomach twisted into knots. A chill ran down my spine.

My gaze found Maya as the storm began to brew within her. I had never seen her expression darken like this before.

"Tell me this is a joke," she seethed, glaring at her father.

My hand slid on her thigh, feeling her leg moving restlessly. I couldn't do anything to stop it.

"Was this planned?" Maya demanded.

Victor didn't speak. He just looked at Nick with concern.

"Tell me," her voice lowered as she clenched her fist. "Was it planned?"

"No," Victor said.

Unplanned things rarely end well.

Especially if it's coming from your worst enemy.