Maya and Rege had barely stepped back into his room when his phone rang, breaking through the quiet.
Rege glanced at the screen.
Nikolai.
Of course.
Maya smiled faintly. She already knew why he was calling.
Rege answered.
"What?"
A pause.
Then Nikolai's voice erupted loudly enough for Maya to hear from where she stood.
"You disappeared."
"I'm aware."
"You were supposed to come back."
"I came back."
"To the family lounge."
"No."
Another pause.
"Rege."
"No."
"Just come downstairs."
"No."
"Five minutes."
"No."
"Ten."
"No."
"Your brothers miss you."
"No."
Maya pressed her lips together, struggling not to laugh.
Nikolai groaned dramatically. "You've become unbearable."
"You've become worse."
"Re—"
The call ended.
Rege hung up without hesitation and placed his phone face-down on the bedside table. Then he turned to Maya, and his expression softened so naturally that she almost smiled at the change.
The tension disappeared from his face. Even his aquamarine eyes seemed warmer when they settled on her.
She noticed every time.
And every time, it affected her.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nikolai wants me downstairs."
"And?"
"I'm not going."
His answer was so immediate and final that Maya laughed.
"You should go."
"No."
"Rege."
"No."
"You can't stay glued to me twenty-four hours a day."
His expression suggested he saw absolutely nothing wrong with that arrangement.
Maya laughed harder.
"Your brothers want to spend time with you."
"I did."
"When?"
"Occasionally."
She raised an eyebrow. "Occasionally?"
"Yes."
"That's not enough."
"It is."
"No, it isn't."
Rege simply watched her, his gaze lingering on the determination in her eyes and the smile she was struggling to suppress. Unfortunately for him, she was winning.
Eventually, Maya stepped closer and kissed his cheek.
The gesture lasted barely a second, but it completely derailed his thoughts.
A faint blush touched her cheeks as she looked away. Rege's lips curved, and his hand found her waist, drawing her closer until there was barely any space between them.
Maya's heartbeat stumbled.
Every single time he did that.
"You should go," she whispered.
"I don't want to."
The honesty nearly melted her.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her forehead briefly against his.
"You'll survive."
"I'm unconvinced."
Maya giggled.
Rege lowered his head and buried his face against the curve of her neck, breathing in the familiar scent of her shampoo and skin. His eyes closed briefly as he held her, the simple closeness offering a kind of comfort he was already reluctant to surrender.
His lips brushed lightly against her neck, sending a shiver through her.
He felt it.
His hold tightened slightly.
"I promise," Maya whispered. "I'll call you if anything happens."
He remained silent for a moment.
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Finally, Rege nodded, looking like a man reluctantly surrendering territory during a war.
Maya smiled triumphantly.
Eventually, they pulled apart, although neither seemed particularly enthusiastic about it.
Rege made it to the door, then looked back.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Four.
Maya finally burst out laughing.
"Go!"
His expression remained serious.
"You've said goodbye three times."
"I know."
"Then leave."
Another pause.
Finally, he left.
The door closed softly behind him.
Maya stared at it for a moment before laughing under her breath.
"Unbelievable."
Her heart felt suspiciously warm.
She returned to the bed, picked up her phone, and immediately froze.
Missed calls. Messages. Notifications.
Adela.
Tatiana.
Cassie.
More Adela.
Maya winced.
"Oh no."
Guilt settled in almost immediately. She hadn't deliberately ignored anyone, but the last forty-eight hours had swept her into a whirlwind of unexpected events, unfamiliar surroundings, and feelings she had spent far too long trying to deny.
Somehow, she had lost track of everyone outside the Hastings estate.
She quickly opened a group video call.
Adela answered almost instantly, with Tatiana appearing at practically the same moment.
"Maya!"
"Maya, dear!"
They spoke simultaneously, and despite her guilt, Maya laughed.
"Hi."
The relief on their faces was unmistakable.
Before either could continue, Cassie joined the call. The moment she saw Maya sitting there, smiling, her shoulders relaxed.
"Maya!"
"Hi, Cassie."
Maya waved awkwardly before covering part of her face.
"Oh, thank God," Cassie breathed.
Adela placed a hand over her chest. "You nearly killed us."
"I apologise for not answering your calls and messages." Maya's smile turned sheepish. "I've been okay. I've just been... occupied."
Occupied was the understatement of the century.
Tatiana, however, wasn't interested in excuses.
"How are they treating you?"
Her voice was warm but serious.
The question softened Maya's expression. Tatiana wasn't asking about the mansion, the family, or the anniversary. She was asking about Maya herself.
"You can always come home, dear."
The words wrapped around Maya like a blanket.
Home.
She swallowed against the sudden tightness in her throat before another thought occurred to her.
"Wait. How did you know where I was?"
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Was it Adela?"
Adela immediately pointed at herself in offence.
"Why am I always the suspect?"
Tatiana laughed. "No. Cassie told me."
Cassie lifted both hands. "Guilty."
Tatiana's smile faded slightly as she looked at Maya again.
"If she hadn't told me, I would have taken the first flight to New York when I couldn't reach you."
She said it calmly, without exaggeration, which somehow made the statement even more emotional.
Maya knew she meant every word.
"Yes," Adela added quietly. "You really scared us. We had no idea where you were."
Cassie nodded. "None."
The guilt returned.
"I'm sorry," Maya said, lowering her gaze. "I really am. I got here yesterday, and everything since then has been a blur."
A disbelieving, almost exhausted laugh escaped her.
"I'll never do that again."
"It better not," Adela warned, pointing dramatically at the screen.
Maya nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
That finally earned a small smile from everyone.
Tatiana wasn't finished, though.
"You still haven't answered my question."
Maya looked up.
"How are they treating you, dear?"
This time, Maya understood exactly what she meant.
"They've treated me very well," she answered honestly. "They're all incredibly kind. It's a lovely family."
Tatiana studied her for another moment before nodding, satisfied. She seemed less interested in Maya's words than in the happiness she could see on her face.
Adela leaned closer to her camera.
"Okay. I thought you were supposed to come back yesterday. What's going on?"
Maya groaned.
Here we go.
"Rege's mum asked me to stay a few more days."
"Asked?"
Adela raised an eyebrow.
Maya laughed. "Fine. She insisted."
"That sounds more accurate."
"You haven't met this woman. I genuinely don't think she understands the word no."
The memory made her smile.
"She's impossible."
Then her expression softened.
"In the best way."
Adela noticed immediately.
"Oh."
Maya narrowed her eyes. "What?"
"So you like her."
"I do. A lot."
"And you stayed because she asked?"
"No!"
The answer came too quickly.
Adela burst out laughing.
Maya covered her face. "Okay, maybe partly."
"Partly?"
"Fine!" Maya threw her hands up. "It's a beautiful place, the company is lovely, and honestly..." Her smile turned softer. "I wanted to stay."
Adela pointed triumphantly at the screen.
"Exactly."
Maya shook her head, laughing. "You have a lot of explaining to do."
"I know."
"You have no idea."
Tatiana smiled knowingly before slowly standing.
"I'll leave you girls to it."
Maya frowned. "Already?"
Tatiana's expression softened.
"Maya, dear, take care of yourself."
"I will."
"And remember..." She paused, her voice full of affection. "You always have a home."
Maya's eyes stung unexpectedly.
"I know."
Tatiana waved goodbye before disconnecting.
A few moments later, Cassie smiled at her.
"I'm just glad you're okay."
"Thanks, Cassie."
"Call me if you need anything."
"I will."
Cassie pointed at the screen. "I'm serious."
"I know."
"Good. Bye!"
"Bye."
And suddenly, only Adela remained.
The moment the others disappeared, she leaned toward her camera, her curiosity becoming impossible to contain.
"Now that we're alone, I want to know everything."
Maya giggled, settling more comfortably against the pillows on Rege's bed. Afternoon light streamed through the windows, illuminating the luxurious room and the smile that had barely left her face since he walked out.
A lot had happened.
Too much, really.
Where was she supposed to start?
"Adela, I honestly don't even know where to begin."
"Anywhere. Start anywhere." Adela waved impatiently. "You have an entire story to tell, and I intend to hear every bit of it."
Maya considered the possibilities. There was the estate, the extraordinary family she had met, and the unexpected turn her relationship with Rege had taken.
But one thing stood above everything else.
Her smile widened.
"Okay, so..." She pressed her lips together, attempting to contain her excitement. "Rege and I are together now."
Adela nodded automatically.
"Good. Now we're getting somewhere."
Then she stopped.
Blinking once, she sat upright.
"Wait a minute."
Maya immediately burst into laughter.
"Did you just say—" Adela pointed at the screen. "Did you just say you and Rege are together now?"
Maya nodded, unable to suppress her enormous grin.
Adela's mouth fell open.
"Oh, my God!"
She leaned back as though Maya had just announced that she'd secretly gotten married.
"Congratulations! Oh, Maya, congratulations!"
Her shock gave way to genuine happiness.
"I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you," Maya replied warmly.
Adela knew how much this meant to her. That was precisely why her happiness quickly became mixed with disbelief.
"But hold on. How did this happen so quickly?" she demanded. "You literally went to see his family yesterday as a single woman! Yesterday, Maya! And now you're telling me you're in a relationship?"
Maya laughed so hard she had to cover her mouth.
"I know!"
"No, I don't think you understand how ridiculous this sounds. You went there as his friend, and less than twenty-four hours later, you're announcing that you're officially together."
"When you put it like that, it does sound rather ridiculous."
"Rather ridiculous?" Adela repeated. "It's an entire romantic development! I need a timeline. When did this happen?"
Maya's cheeks warmed.
She glanced toward the bedroom door, remembering the way Rege had looked at her before leaving.
"It happened last night," she admitted, then hesitated. "Or this morning, technically. It was so late that I don't even know what to call it."
Adela stared at her before letting out a disbelieving laugh.
"Oh, Maya."
"What?"
"Nothing." Her smile turned tender. "I'm just happy for you. Truly. You deserve this happiness. You deserve someone who makes you smile like that without having to pretend you're fine when you're not."
Maya's smile softened.
"And honestly," Adela continued, "it's about time you two stopped dancing around each other."
"I know," Maya murmured.
"Do you? Because from where I'm sitting, you've been taking the scenic route for far too long."
That earned another burst of laughter.
"Anyway," Adela continued, settling back into her seat, "tell me about his family. How are they treating you? Are they nice? How has everything been since you arrived?"
Maya's expression brightened.
"They're lovely, actually. I've had a really good time with them. His mother is wonderful. She's warm and welcoming, and she makes you feel as though you've known her for years."
"That's lovely."
"She also happens to be incredibly persuasive."
"Persuasive?"
"Maddeningly persuasive. She asked me to stay a few more days, and somehow, before I knew it, I'd agreed."
Adela nodded knowingly. "So that's why you're still there."
"Exactly."
"Interesting."
Maya narrowed her eyes. "Why did you say that like you're investigating me?"
"Because I am investigating you. You disappeared, missed our calls, and returned with the announcement that you're dating a man you've been in love with for ages. I have questions."
Maya laughed. "Fair enough."
Then another thought occurred to her.
"Oh! Adela, do you remember the Hastings family you told me not to worry about?"
Adela frowned. "The Hastings family?"
"Yes. You said Rege's family wasn't the same Hastings family everyone was talking about."
Understanding dawned on Adela's face.
"Yes, I remember. What about them?"
Maya held her gaze through the screen, allowing the suspense to build.
Then she smiled.
"Rege's family is the Hastings family."
Adela went completely still.
Maya pressed her lips together, struggling not to laugh.
"No."
Maya nodded.
"Absolutely not."
"Adela—"
"Wait. Wait, wait, wait." Adela raised a hand. "Are you telling me that the Rege I've been hearing about all this time is actually that Hastings?"
"The same one."
Adela leaned back slowly.
For several seconds, she said nothing. Then she looked directly into the camera.
"Maya."
"Yes?"
"The Hastings family?"
"Yes."
"The Hastings family with more money than some countries?"
Maya burst out laughing.
"Adela!"
"Don't Adela me! Answer the question!"
"Yes, that Hastings family."
Adela covered her mouth, her eyes widening all over again.
"Oh, my God. Oh, my actual God."
Maya was laughing too hard to respond.
Adela had every reason to be shocked. The Hastings name carried extraordinary weight, associated with immense wealth and influence, yet Rege had somehow made all of it seem like an insignificant detail.
Adela suddenly leaned forward again.
"Hold on. If he's a Hastings, why didn't he tell you?"
Maya's laughter softened.
"That is exactly what I'd like to know."
"I'm serious, Maya. We're not talking about someone forgetting to mention that his family owns a holiday home. We're talking about one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in North and South America, possibly beyond. How does a person casually forget to mention that?"
"He said he didn't think it was important."
Maya lifted both hands, making exaggerated quotation marks with her fingers.
"Apparently, his family's identity, fortune, and influence weren't important enough to mention."
Adela stared at her before shaking her head in profound disbelief.
"Spoken like a truly filthy rich man."
Maya exploded into laughter, and Adela soon joined her.
"Oh, my goodness," Maya managed eventually, wiping the corner of her eye. "You should have seen my face when I found out."
"I wish I'd been there! I would have paid good money to witness your reaction."
"Trust me, I've never been that shocked in my entire life."
"And he just expected you to carry on as though nothing had happened?"
"Pretty much."
"Unbelievable."
Maya shook her head fondly.
"That's Rege for you."
The affection in her voice made Adela's teasing smile soften.
There was no bitterness in Maya's expression, no uncertainty about whether she'd made the right choice. Only the bewildered happiness of someone discovering that the man she loved was even more complicated than she'd imagined.
Adela studied her.
"And you're okay with all of this?"
"With what?"
"His family. The wealth, the attention, the expectations. That's a very different world from the one most people are used to."
Maya glanced toward the window. Beyond the glass, the afternoon sun illuminated the expansive grounds of the estate. Everything around her spoke of a level of privilege she'd never experienced so intimately before.
Yet when she thought of Rege, it wasn't the mansion or the family fortune that came to mind.
It was the man who had held her close that morning, who watched her as though even the simplest things she did fascinated him, and who had looked at her with such tenderness that she'd finally allowed herself to believe she wasn't alone in what she felt.
"I won't pretend it isn't overwhelming," she admitted. "Finding out was a shock, and I still have a lot to understand. But I don't want to be with him because of his family, and I don't want their wealth to define our relationship."
She paused, smiling faintly.
"I want to know him. The person he is when none of that matters. And I think that's what I'm doing."
Adela's expression softened with approval.
"Good."
Maya looked back at the screen.
"Besides, his sister has warmed up to me, and she's genuinely delightful. We had a lovely time together."
"I'm glad."
"And his family as a whole has been wonderful. They're welcoming, and everyone is ridiculously beautiful."
Adela blinked.
"Beautiful?"
"Maddeningly beautiful."
Maya sat up straighter, growing more animated.
"Adela, I'm not exaggerating. They look like a family of Greek gods and goddesses. Every single one of them!"
Adela began laughing.
"Oh, please."
"No, I'm serious! I always thought the Lannister family was the most beautiful family in the world, but meeting the Hastings has completely changed my perspective. It's almost offensive how gorgeous they all are."
She shook her head in exaggerated dismay.
"How does one family get all that money and all those faces? At least leave something for the rest of humanity!"
Adela laughed so hard she had to move her phone farther away.
"And then there's Rege himself," Maya continued. "Honestly, don't even get me started."
"Oh, we're definitely getting started," Adela replied immediately.
Maya covered her face.
"Adela!"
"No, no. You cannot announce that you're dating a ridiculously wealthy man who belongs to a family of Greek gods and expect me to ignore the obvious questions."
Maya peeked through her fingers.
"You're impossible."
"And you love me."
"Unfortunately."
They dissolved into laughter again.
When they finally calmed down, Adela sighed dramatically.
"Well, my family certainly didn't get that particular genetic advantage."
Maya lowered her hands.
"What?"
"My family. We're average people. We don't have the Greek-god situation going on."
Maya gasped theatrically.
"Adela, please. Spoken like a truly beautiful woman who has no idea how beautiful she is."
For a brief moment, Adela looked genuinely touched. Then she rolled her eyes.
"Here you go."
"I'm serious!"
"I know you are, which is why I'm choosing to ignore you."
Maya laughed. "You cannot accept a compliment to save your life."
"Neither can you."
"That's different."
"Of course it is."
They exchanged knowing looks before laughing again.
For Maya, the conversation was becoming something she hadn't realised she needed so badly. She was surrounded by new faces, new experiences, and the overwhelming realisation that her relationship with Rege had finally changed.
She was happier than she could easily explain, but with Adela, she didn't have to explain every little thing. She could laugh without restraint, complain about Rege's ridiculous omissions, and marvel at his family without worrying about sounding naïve.
She could simply be Maya.
Eventually, their laughter subsided.
"Adela?"
"Hmm?"
"I have so much to tell you."
"I know."
"No, seriously. There's so much that happened, and I keep thinking about how much easier it would be to explain everything if you were here."
"I can imagine."
Maya picked at a loose thread on the bedcover, suddenly missing her friend more acutely.
"I miss you so much."
The admission came without a joke to soften it.
Adela's smile faded into something tender.
"I miss you too, Maya."
For a moment, neither spoke.
Maya missed the familiarity of having Adela nearby, the ease of their conversations, and the simple comfort of knowing she could turn to her best friend whenever she needed to talk.
She was surrounded by people who had welcomed her warmly, and she was genuinely enjoying her time with Rege's family.
But none of that made her friends any less important.
"I wish you were here," she confessed.
Adela smiled gently.
"I might be back in New York within a week or two."
Maya's head lifted.
"Really?"
"Really. I still have a few things to sort out, but that's the plan."
A bright smile spread across Maya's face.
"Adela, you have no idea how happy that makes me."
"I think I have a pretty good idea."
"You'd better come back soon. I have far too much to tell you to leave me waiting for weeks."
Adela laughed.
"I'll do my best."
The thought of seeing her best friend in person again made the distance feel a little less significant.
Then Maya straightened.
"Oh! Wait a minute. What about Liam?"
Adela raised an eyebrow.
"Liam?"
"Yes, Liam! And how are things in California? Look at me, talking about myself this entire time without even asking how you've been."
Adela smiled.
"Maya, you don't have to worry about that."
"But I should. You're my best friend, and I want to know what's happening in your life too."
"And you will. But you know I always want to hear about you."
Maya gave her a mildly unconvinced look.
"That's not an answer."
Adela chuckled.
"Liam is well, and California is fine. Everything is going smoothly."
Maya narrowed her eyes.
"Adela."
"What now?"
"Give me more than that."
"Are you interrogating me now?"
"Yes, because apparently you're giving me the most unhelpful summary in human history."
Adela laughed.
"Liam is fine, California is fine, and I'm fine. There. A much more comprehensive report."
Maya groaned.
"That is not comprehensive!"
"I'll tell you everything when I get back, I promise."
Maya studied her for a moment before relenting.
"Fine. But I'm holding you to that promise."
"You should."
Adela glanced at the time before returning her attention to the screen.
"Now, speaking of promises, I want you to do something for me."
Maya immediately became attentive.
"What?"
"Get some rest. Keep your phone close, and please answer our calls and messages when you can."
The humour in Adela's voice gave way to genuine concern.
"You really worried us, Maya. We didn't know where you were, and when you didn't answer, we started imagining all sorts of things. I'm not asking you to spend every second on your phone, but at least let us know you're okay."
Maya's smile faded slightly.
"I know. I'm really sorry, Adela. I honestly didn't mean to worry anyone. Everything happened so quickly after I arrived, and I got caught up in everything going on here. I should have made time to call you."
"Yes, you should have."
Maya nodded.
"I promise I'll do better. I'll keep my phone close and answer whenever I can. I don't want you worrying about me like that again."
Adela's expression softened.
"That's all I'm asking. Now that I know you're safe and happy, I can relax a little."
Maya smiled.
"Thank you for worrying about me."
"Always, you silly girl."
The affection in those words settled warmly between them. Adela could tease her mercilessly one moment and remind her the next that she would never have to face the world entirely alone.
"Now," Adela continued, her mischievous smile returning, "take care of yourself, enjoy your time there, and stop apologising every five minutes."
Maya laughed.
"I wasn't going to apologise again!"
"You were thinking about it."
"Maybe."
"Exactly."
They smiled at each other before Adela's expression turned playful once more.
"And extend my greetings to Rege."
Maya's smile immediately became suspicious.
"Why?"
Adela grinned.
"Why not? He's your boyfriend now, isn't he?"
Maya's cheeks warmed.
"Adela!"
"What? I'm only stating facts."
"You're being annoying."
"And you're blushing."
Maya covered her cheeks with both hands.
"I'm not!"
Adela burst out laughing.
"Oh, you absolutely are."
Maya shook her head, unable to stop smiling.
Adela leaned closer to the camera, lowering her voice as though she were sharing a particularly important secret.
"Anyway, you two should enjoy your love."
Maya's face grew even warmer.
"Please stop!"
"Why? It's good advice!"
"Adela!"
"Fine, fine. I'll leave you alone."
Her grin suggested she had no intention of letting Maya forget the conversation anytime soon.
Maya eventually lowered her hands.
"Take care of yourself and Liam, okay?"
Adela's teasing softened.
"I will. You take care of yourself too."
"I will."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Adela nodded, satisfied.
"Goodbye, Maya."
"Bye, Adela."
For another moment, they simply looked at each other through their screens, reluctant to end the conversation.
Then Adela smiled affectionately, and Maya returned it.
Finally, the call disconnected.
Maya lowered her phone onto the bed beside her and stared at the screen for a few seconds.
The room was quiet again, but the silence no longer felt empty. She could still hear Adela's laughter in her mind, along with her teasing questions and the sincerity beneath every expression of concern.
She missed her best friend and wished Adela were there to share the excitement, the confusion, and all the little details that would be so much easier to explain in person.
But for now, the call had been enough to make the distance feel manageable.
Maya leaned back against the pillows, drawing the soft bedcover over her legs.
Her thoughts inevitably drifted back to Rege: the way he had looked at her before leaving, the tenderness in his eyes, and the quiet certainty that whatever had existed between them before had finally become something they could both acknowledge.
A smile crept across her face.
She was still adjusting to everything that had changed, still trying to comprehend that she could finally call Rege hers in the way she had secretly wanted for so long.
Yet, for once, she didn't feel the need to question every possibility or anticipate every disappointment.
She simply allowed herself to be happy.
Outside, the afternoon sun continued its slow journey across the sky, casting warm light through the windows and over the peaceful room.
Maya closed her eyes, her phone resting within easy reach beside her.
With thoughts of Rege, the sound of Adela's laughter, and the promise of seeing her again soon settling gently in her heart, she allowed herself to drift into a quiet, contented rest.