Page 57 of HEARTSTORM

I heard Grace's door click shut as I stood there, unfazed, in front of my father.

There was no way out now.

I had to face the aftermath.

But I wasn't about to back down.

I spoke first, sharp as a knife, confronting him about something that had been tormenting me longer than I could remember.

"I bet this isn't what you had in mind when you thought about my future, huh?"

My father scoffed. "My reaction would've been the same if Grace were a man," he said steadily. "It's not about who you are, Maya."

His words nearly caught me off guard, like a sudden shift I hadn't seen coming, until he kept going—

"It's about the choices you're making."

The weight of his words settled. It wasn't about who I was or who Grace was—it was about me choosing something that didn't fit his plan.

"You never saw me for who I really am," I said, voice hard as I swallowed the bitterness of my words. "And if you think this is just another reckless decision, you're wrong."

His expression darkened, a flicker of something raw flashing in his eyes as my words clearly struck a nerve.

"Say whatever you need to say," I cut in. "I know you're dying to lecture me."

He turned to face me, frustration spreading across his face.

"You think this is a game, Maya? You have no idea how deep the consequences run."

I didn't flinch. "Consequences don't scare me. I'm still choosing Grace."

"All I see is you acting on impulse, dragging everyone down with you." His voice grew colder, more bitter.

My hands clenched into fists, my whole body stiff with rage. My pulse pounded in my ears.

"I'm not the problem here!" I snapped.

His gaze landed back at me, flickering with something unreadable.

"I'm done pretending to be what you want me to be." I spat, nails digging into my palms so hard they ached. "And you sure as hell don't get to make me feel like I'm wrong for it."

My breath came in sharp gasps, my outburst spilling out raw and uncontrolled—like I'd kept it inside for too long.

He paused, swallowing hard, fighting to hold something before he spoke.

"So why are you still here, in this house," his voice dropped to a whisper, "if I make you feel this way?"

There was no harshness now. Just a fragile tone.

I glanced away for a moment, my chest tight, caught between what it was when Mom was here, and what it has become.

And then, finally, I let my words out.

"Because... this house holds memories."

His eyes briefly softened, caught off guard by the vulnerability behind my words.

"I'm not ready to let it go yet."

I didn't soften, didn't beg for understanding—I simply stated what was true, laying down a fragile truth I barely had the strength to hold.

He looked at me one last time, his eyes holding something lost, then turned and wearily climbed the stairs.

"I love her," I said, my voice steady and full of everything I felt. He paused, clearly affected by my words. "And she loves me."

He didn't turn around. The click of his bedroom door was the last sound I heard from him.

I stood there in the silence that followed. All I could hear was my own breath, still heavy and uneven. His words twisted in my chest, but I refused to let them control me.

My throat felt tight from the tension. I drank two glasses of cold water quickly.

Then, I collected my thoughts together.

My father didn't see it—didn't see us, he only saw another wrong decision. But beneath that... I could see something else. Fear.

Fear that his perfect world could fall apart again, just like it did when Mom died. That I might be the one to ruin it.

I felt like the weight of all his fears was pressing down on me. And yet, it had always been my way.

I've always taken responsibility. For everything. Even for things that weren't mine to carry.

But this time it wasn't just about me anymore. It was about the girl I love.

Grace—it's all about her.

At least I didn't let her deal with him. I wasn't going to let it happen—not by any chance. I'd rather take it all on myself.

I looked up at her closed door, hoping she had it easier.

I just want the world to give us a break—for once.

I sat on my bed, arms resting on my knees.

My mom stayed standing, hands loosely clasped.

"Why were you scared to tell me, Grace?" she asked softly as I looked down.

"It never felt like the right time..." I replied hesitantly.

She sighed—the kind of sigh that carried more disappointment than anger.

"Grace, you could've told me in so many ways..." she murmured with a note of disapproval.

"I was about to, but then—" I froze, my voice faltering.

"What stopped you?" she encouraged me to go on.

"Mom, I was..." I dug my nails into my palms, heart pounding. "Shutting myself off—like I did in Ohio."

Saying it aloud felt like opening a wound I never wanted to touch again.

"Why?" she asked, voice laced with concern.

"Because I didn't want to disappoint you. You're finally happy with Victor, and I didn't want to ruin that for you." I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I didn't want to ruin everything."

It was quiet for a few moments before I finally met her gaze.

"Grace," she said softly, her voice carrying an unspoken weight, "you don't have to hide from me. Nothing's going to happen."

I nodded wordlessly as she sat beside me, her hand wrapping gently around mine. I squeezed back.

"I'm sorry..." I whispered.

"It's okay now," she said, hugging me. Her embrace was comforting, understanding.

"So..." I murmured. "What do you think about... me and Maya?" My cheeks flushed, I wasn't used to bringing this up out loud.

She tilted her head. "Are you happy?"

I nodded. "Very happy."

"Do you feel like you're being understood?"

"More than I ever thought possible," I said without hesitation. "She sees me, Mom. She makes me feels seen."

Her neutral expression finally softened into a relieved smile. "That's what matters."

My heart felt lighter, like a heavy weight was gone, and I could finally breathe again.

"I should go now," she said, her expression turning worried again. "Victor might need me."

"Mom, please," I said, holding her hand tighter. "Talk to him... this isn't just a phase or a mistake. It's real, and it matters to me."

She took a deep breath. "I'll talk to him, I promise."

My eyes searched hers, desperate for understanding. "She loves me," I breathed. My mom blinked, clearly caught off guard by my confession. "And I love her."

In the silence that followed, I saw her finally grasp how deep it ran—how much it meant to me.

She squeezed my hand, giving me one last encouraging smile before leaving my room.

I took the deepest breath of my life, burying my face in my hands in a moment of surrender.

If today had been tough for me, I couldn't even imagine how Maya must be feeling.

I could still find reassurance in my mom, but I knew she didn't get the same support from her father—not after everything I'd seen so far.

And I still didn't know the rest of it.

While I was spiraling into overthinking, the door suddenly opened.

Maya walked in.

I rushed over, not even giving her the time to close the door. I wrapped my arms around her so tightly that we nearly lost our balance and stumbled.

"How are you, my sweet girl?" she asked, her fingers stroking my hair.

I looked up at her, her expression still and unreadable. "I'm... okay. I'm okay now."

Her eyes lingered on mine. "How did it go with your mother?"

"She understood..." I whispered. Her face showed the most conflicted expression I'd ever seen—as if she was both relieved and miserable at the same time.

"Maya..." I said. "How—"

"I'm glad your mother understands, sweetheart," she interrupted, her thumb gently stroking my cheek.

I wrapped my hands around her neck, pulling her closer and kissing her tense jaw again and again.

"Please, tell me how it went with your father..." I said, guiding her to sit beside me on the bed.

Maya averted her eyes. "Empty threats and lots of words, Grace. Nothing new."

My finger lifted her chin, aligning it with mine so I could look into her eyes.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"He'll give me the silent treatment for a few weeks, and then everything will go back to normal," she answered nonchalantly, lips curling into a forced smile.

This feels so fucking wrong—worse than I expected.

"We'll make him understand, Maya," I said, gripping her hand tighter. "He can't ignore you. He can't ignore us."

She nodded once, clearly unconvinced, then dismissed the topic. "I don't want to talk about him anymore."

Her hands cupped my face with a tender urgency as she leaned in for a kiss. It was slow, deep, unhurried, sacred. Everything we felt, we poured into that kiss.

"I want you to be mine tonight, Grace," she said, her gaze completely focused on me.

"Always, baby," I whispered.

She kissed me back as if she was trying to memorize this exact moment deep inside her.

My dress didn't come off all at once. Maya took it off slowly, sensually, coaxing me as she savored every single moment.

"Lay down," she said.

I sank onto the bed with a soft sigh. Maya approached slowly, her lips brushing against my cheek and neck. Her kisses deepened, and the softest moan escaped my lips.

"Look at me," she said.

I met her eyes.

"This is all about you—I want it to be."

I nodded, a soft, shy smile spreading across my face.

"You don't have to worry. I'll take care of everything," her voice low, full of promise.

Maya lay down on top of me, her warmth seeping into my skin. She let me take my time to settle as she traced soft, lingering kisses down my chest, each one sending sparks through me.

Then, slowly, her lips slid down to my belly as I trembled beneath the warmth of her mouth.

"How do you feel, Grace?" Maya asked softly caressing my thighs.

"Good," I whispered.

"Are you sure?" she asked once again, her gaze intense and searching.

"I'm sure," I replied, my voice soft but certain.

Her eyes returned to mine instantly. "You don't know how badly I want you."

My smile grew, heat rushing to my face as she pulled me closer.

"So much than I can show you."

I swallowed hard, feeling every nerve pulsing on me as I gave her a nod.

Maya pressed a kiss to my inner thigh, her warmth sinking into me as she settled between my legs.

"Can I take them off?" she asked, lightly tracing the edge of my panties.

I nodded again, words falling short, unable to contain the heat rising inside me.

Maya smiled, amused, but beneath that playful curve, her focus never wavered, tracking my every move.

She slid my panties down with a careful, almost reverent slowness.

My heart skipped a beat when she tilted her head slightly. "Can I continue?"

I nodded, but the heat in her gaze said she wanted more than just a silent response.

"Words," she said. And it wasn't a command—it was invitation, a need to hear me say it.

"Yes—please, continue," I said, blushing at how desperate I sounded.

She finally seemed satisfied with that, her smile softening as she leaned down.

She began trailing soft, teasing kisses along my inner thigh, slowly building anticipation as she moved higher.

Her lips traced swirling patterns, as if memorizing the shape of me without words. The hum of her breath and the soft press of her lips made my chest flutter.

She paused occasionally, letting the anticipation stretch exquisitely. I could almost hear the rhythm of my own heartbeat in response.

In this lingering rhythm... her mouth came closer to my core.

Her warm breath sent a shiver through my whole body, making every nerve come alive and electric.

Then, I felt her slowly lean deeper into me, and—

"My God," I moaned as soon as she started moving her tongue up and down against me.

I whimpered as the sensation grew deeper, my nails clutching the sheets.

"Maya," I moaned again as her tongue flicked faster. "Yes—oh, yes," I murmured, my whole body arching eagerly against her.

"You're already so wet for me," she murmured against my core. Her muffled voice sent shivers down my spine, making my legs trembled uncontrollably.

She didn't stop. My breathing hitched beneath her, gasps catching in my throat with every flick of her tongue.

My hands softly tangled in her hair as I trembled. "It's—it's so good... you're incredible."

Maya paused, just for a second, letting her warm lips brush against my clit. My hips immediately bucked, needy and open, like my body was begging her not to stop.

Her dark eyes fixed on me, reading my tense expression as more breathy sounds slipped from my lips. She smirked subtly—still fully focused.

Before I knew it, her hands were holding me steady on my hips, and her tongue was between my folds again, moving with a careful precision that left me breathless and dizzy.

I was moaning louder now, unapologetically, my grip on her hair tightening, pulling her closer, needing more, needing everything she could give me.

"Oh... my God," I moaned, lost in the pleasure, my voice breaking.

Her tongue curled right over my most sensitive spot as I gasped, almost painfully overwhelmed. My head fell back against the pillow, breathless, pleading her name like a prayer.

"I—" I groaned as her tongue circled even more deeply. "Maya, I can't—"

My words cut off as everything blurred around me. A deep surge of pleasure shot through my body like lightning. My breath came in uneven bursts as I lost myself completely in this all-consuming sensation.

"You're so beautiful," Maya murmured, pressing a gentle kiss there, then trailing down to my trembling thigh before sliding my panties back on.

When she finally came up to me, her smirk softened, her breath catching just a little. There was a raw honesty in her eyes. She leaned in, brushing a stray hair from my face. "How are you?"

It took me a moment to answer—not because I was still gasping for air, but because seeing her so unguarded, so present, made my chest ache.

"You made me feel amazing, Maya," I said finally, my fingers tracing gentle patterns along her back.

I inched closer, letting my hand linger longer along her arms and hips. I noticed the slight tilt of her head, the way her lips parted just a fraction, and the tiny shiver that ran through her shoulder as I kept moving closer.

I gently guided her backward, watching for any sign of hesitation. Finding none, I unzipped her dress.

"Maya..."

She avoided my eyes, pressing her body against mine as if needing to feel my skin—like the only thing grounding her in that moment.

"You're in control, okay? This is all about you," I said, fingers caressing her skin.

Then, without warning, her body melted into mine completely—trembling, vulnerable, raw. She grabbed hold like she was holding onto life itself, her hands clutching my hips with desperate need, nails digging softly in as if to stop herself from falling apart.

Her head dropped to my chest, breath gentle but uneven, and I felt the weight of all she was holding inside. She wasn't just leaning on me—she was surrendering every part of herself, fragile and exposed.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer, cradling her, rocking her gently, my hands soothing every tremble, every silent plea.

"I'm yours," I said. "I'm not going anywhere."

Maya nodded, her face still buried in the crook of my chest.

"Just..." I felt her eyelids press urgently against my skin. "Love me, please."

My chest ached.

She just want to be loved.

"I love you," I said.

Her eyes reopened slowly, like she was testing the world, but once again, not a single tear fell from her beautiful face.

I held her even tighter, doing my best to stay strong for her so she wouldn't have to break.

But I couldn't help aching inside, wondering when she'd finally let it all out.