"M-Maxwell… did you know all this?" I asked, my voice trembling."Yes, I did, baby," he said softly, his fingers gently stroking my hair. His calmness only made the storm in my chest rage harder."This… this is my first time here. I—"
"I know, Aurora," Maxwell interrupted gently. "You're shocked. Just… let it out. Cry your heart out. "No… no, WHY?!" My voice cracked, breaking into a sob. "What have I done to deserve this punishment? What wrong did I ever do? I just… I just want my Jake back. I can't keep living like this—this is too much!"
Hot tears streamed down my cheeks as the weight of the past weeks crushed my spirit.
Maxwell guided me to the couch like I was something fragile that might shatter at any moment."Here… drink this," he murmured, pouring me a glass of orange juice. "It'll help you feel better."
"Thank you, Maxwell," I whispered, my voice raw.I took a small sip, but the taste felt distant, almost bitter against the salt of my tears. "Maxwell, thank you… but whatever reason it is you called me here… it can wait. I don't feel well."
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, leaning forward. "Yeah… I… it's just that…" I trailed off, my chest rising and falling too fast."Aurora," he said, his tone firm yet tender, "breathe. Just breathe in slowly, like this."
I followed his instructions, inhaling deeply, trying to pull myself back from the edge of collapsing.
"Now," I said finally, "you can tell me why I'm here. I promise… I'm ready to listen this time."
Maxwell hesitated for a moment, then looked me straight in the eye."The thing is… Jake left you all his properties."
"What?!" My eyes widened in disbelief. "Me? But… why?" Tears rushed to my eyes again, uninvited, burning hot as they rolled down my cheeks.The truth is… you hold the biggest share," Maxwell said quietly."I… I don't understand. Explain."The board of directors holds 20%. Melissa you know her, right?"
"Yes, I do. That girl… she was Jake's responsibility," I replied, my voice tightening.
"I'm glad you know her. She holds 10%. I hold 30%… and you hold the remaining 40% making you the CEO and Chairwoman of this company." I froze. My heartbeat roared in my ears."Your godmother, Sadash, used to be Chairwoman, but she's no longer… so you—"
Maxwell paused, letting out a slow sigh. "I know this is a lot to take in, but you have to accept it."
"I know, Maxwell… but I don't know anything about business! How am I supposed to manage a whole company?"
"Don't worry. I'll manage it for you," he assured me. "I just wanted you to know. But… maybe you'd like to hire someone else—"
"Max, why would I do that?" I cut in sharply. "Yes, I know you have your own business to run, but how can I hand Jake's company over to a stranger? No. You will be the one managing it. Please, don't say no. It's better if the world thinks I'm the CEO, but we both know you'll be the one holding it together."
Maxwell's lips curved into a small smile. "I agree, Aurora. I agree."
I gave him a faint smile back, but the tears came again faster this time."Why are you crying?" he asked, concern etched into his face."You won't understand, Max," I choked out. "Jake did everything for me… and me? All I did was doubt him… fight with him… I failed to understand him when he needed me most. I…" My voice broke. "I couldn't even give my body to him."
The confession slipped from my lips like a wound reopening.Maxwell's eyes widened. "Wait… Aurora… you're a… a virgin?"
I nodded slowly, ashamed. "Yes… I am."
"Oh my God…" he breathed, genuine shock flooding his features. "Wow… I don't even know what to say. You are… you're the kind of woman every man would desire. My respect for you has just reached a whole new level."
He shook his head in awe. "Now I understand why Jake always woke up before dawn, going outside for 'fresh air'… That's what he said, but now I see he was trying to cool his little buddy down. Oh, my dear friend… he must have gone through so much."
"Yes," I whispered, guilt tightening around my heart. "And I'm regretting it now. I caused Jake so much pain. I didn't deserve his love… or his kindness."
Maxwell reached over and took my hand. "Aurora… you were just holding onto your principles. That's probably why Jake adored you so much because you are special… and different. No man could fail to desire a woman who knows her worth. I'm proud of you, Aurora."
His words should have comforted me… but all I felt was the sharp ache of loss, and the haunting question that refused to leave my mind—
If I had loved him differently… would he still be here?