The cool night breeze swept gently across Ethan's face as he stepped out onto the wide stone terrace. The glow of the mansion's chandeliers spilled faintly through the tall windows, but out here the air was cleaner, sharper just what he needed.
He glanced down at his phone. Ronan, his assistant, was calling. Strange. Ethan had been clear: unless it was urgent, tonight was to remain undisturbed. If Ronan was trying again, then it must be important.
The device buzzed in his hand, but before he could answer, a soft voice interrupted.
"Ethan."
He stiffened. Ann had followed him out, her delicate frame framed by the doorway, her eyes clinging to him with almost desperate affection. She closed the distance far too quickly, sliding close to his side as though she belonged there.
Ethan's eyes narrowed in displeasure. His tone was sharp, low, and commanding.
"Keep your distance. I won't say that again."
Ann froze, but quickly forced a meek smile. "Sorry, Ethan. I just… I just wanted to know you better. Since we're about to get married anyway."
The word married rolled off her tongue with eagerness. But Ethan's expression hardened, his jaw tightening as he turned slightly toward her.
"Me marrying you does not mean we need to have any relationship. Do you understand me?" His voice was clipped, almost cutting.
Her lips trembled. "But we—"
"Get out of here." The words snapped like a whip, his voice suddenly booming with authority.
Ann flinched, fear flickering in her eyes. For a heartbeat, she searched his face, hoping for a crack in his coldness but there was none. Heart hammering, she turned and hurried back inside, nearly tripping over the hem of her gown as she fled.
---
Ethan let out a slow breath, shoving the phone back into his pocket without answering Ronan's second call. He needed silence.
And that was when he noticed her.
Far at the edge of the garden, near an old wooden swing, sat a young woman. She was completely unaware of his presence, humming softly to herself with a book in her hand. The faint golden light from the garden lamps painted her in a glow that almost didn't feel real.
Her dress a simple, flowing white gown moved gently in the breeze, and her smooth, fair skin seemed to capture the moonlight itself. She turned a page, lips curving faintly in amusement at whatever she was reading, and the sight struck him harder than he expected.
Ethan's gaze locked on her. His eyes traced the scene like a predator marking prey, but it wasn't hunger it was something he didn't recognize. Something unfamiliar, unwelcome, yet undeniable.
His chest tightened, and for the first time in a long while, Ethan frowned in uncertainty.
What is this…? he thought. This sensation… I've never felt it before.
The girl's voice drifted toward him then, soft and clear as she responded to someone unseen.
"Maya!"
The call came from an older woman Nanny Emily her tone both warm and firm.
"Yes, Nanny Emily. I'm coming!" Maya answered cheerfully, her voice light, almost musical.
The sound slipped through Ethan like a chord played in perfect harmony. His fingers curled slightly at his side as he tried to shake the feeling off. But the harder he tried, the stronger it lingered.
Her laughter, faint but genuine, reached his ears a second later. And before he knew it, a rare smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Maya ," he murmured softly under his breath, repeating the name without even realizing it. He was smiling because of her.
Because of Maya.