Chapter 14
James looked at Camden coldly. “Sir, I suggest you back off.”
Camden stared at this stranger, seeing something unsettling in the man’s calm, steady gaze–a kind of quiet authority that made him instinctively release Maya’s wrist.
Taking advantage of the moment, Maya and James quickly left.
On the drive home, painful memories flooded back. Maya bit her lip hard to keep the tears from falling.
James waited quietly until her breathing steadied before asking, “Home, or somewhere else?”
“Home,” Maya said, then changed her mind. “Actually, maybe the museum. I have work to do.”
James shook his head. “You should rest today. Let me take you home.”
Maya didn’t argue. He was right–in her current state, she wouldn’t be able to focus on work anyway.
When they reached her building, James insisted on walking her up.
In the elevator, Maya stared at the changing floor numbers and suddenly asked, “Why me?”
James thought for a moment before answering.
“Remember that art restoration competition in college? You worked three days straight on that shattered vase, barely sleeping. I thought to myself–anyone who treats broken things with such gentleness must have incredible strength.”
Maya’s eyes widened. She had no idea James had noticed her back then.
At her door, Maya expected James to leave, but he stood there without moving. “I’ll be right out here if you need anything.”
“You don’t have to-”
“I do.” His voice was firm. “Not to watch you, just… in case.”
Maya understood he meant in case Camden showed up. She wanted to say she wasn’t some fragile thing that needed protecting, but exhaustion suddenly hit her, and she found herself wanting James to stay.
That night, Maya couldn’t sleep. Camden’s sudden appearance had torn open wounds she thought had healed.
And James’s confession brought new fears. Did she have the courage to love again?
What if it all went wrong? What if she ended up back in that same dark place?
04:33
1 Ghosted Him and He Lost Everything Looking for M
Chapter 14
The next morning, Maya opened her door.
James jerked awake, nearly stumbling as his leg gave out from sleeping in the hallway all night. But he ignored his own discomfort, eyes focused entirely on her. “How are you? Did you sleep okay?”
Seeing how exhausted he looked, Maya’s heart softened. She spoke gently, “Come in. Let me make you breakfast.”
Surprise flickered in James’s eyes, but he didn’t move forward immediately. “Are you sure?”
Maya nodded, gathering her courage to hug him for the first time. “Thank you for giving me time.”
They didn’t notice the car parked below, where Camden sat watching them embrace through the car window.
Just six months. Camden couldn’t accept that in such a short time, Maya had started a new life.
There was another man in her life now?
But Maya loved him so much. She used to never get angry no matter how he ignored her. This had to be because he’d gone too far, hurt her too badly. She was just trying to get back at him.
Deep down, she still loved him.
If he just made it up to her somehow, she’d definitely come back to him.
Camden started the car and drove away, already planning his next move. He needed to figure out the fastest way to win Maya back
Chapter 15
