Cedric nodded. “I promise. Now, could you please let me go? Let’s just sit down and talk.” Why was he still holding her hands when they were just having a chat? “You’re learning fast.” Cedric teased. She was getting better at identifying his loopholes. He eventually relented and let go of her. “Maia, you should try their fruitcake cookies.” Aiken quickly took the seat that was next to Maia. Maia nodded. As she was about to reach for the cookies, Cedric grabbed one and tossed it into his mouth. Then he turned to her and instructed in a surly tone, “You can’t eat them.”“They are my gifts. Why can’t I eat them?”“There’s mango in them, and you’re allergic to mangoes.” Aiken immediately apologized. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had a mango allergy.”“Who told you that?” Maia refuted and grabbed a cookie. Cedric stopped her by grabbing onto her wrist. “I know you’re just doing this to spite me, but you shouldn’t joke around with your health.” His frown deepened as he snatched the c

“Say that again." Cedric grabbed her wrist and gave her a deadpan look.“I’ve said it over and over again. I don’t love you anymore, and I won’t love you again. The Maia you knew is dead!” He pulled her in and kissed her lips to silence her. Maia’s eyes were wide with shock as she struggled against his embrace. She bit his lips hard and shoved him away from her. Cedric cried out in pain as her shove caused him to pull his back injury. He smirked as he wiped the blood off his lips. “It’s enough as long as I love you.” Just then, the car pulled to a stop. Baz tried to remain invisible as he got out of the car quietly. Maia studied her surroundings. Prismara Hill was brightly lit, and when she saw his villa, the memory of that winter day came rushing back into her head. She did not want to continue sharing the same room with him, so she exited the car. The chilly night wind calmed her down as her mind cleared up. She took a deep breath and called Buck. Sadly, her cell phone was sna

“You’re not to blame.” Maia's mother once told her that even though Homer had cheated on her with Yvette, the child they had was innocent. Hope could not choose her parents, so she should not be held responsible for their actions. Maia would never forget it. “Thank you, Maia. I thought you hated me, so I avoided you and my brother. Thank you for accepting me as part of your family!” Hope smiled sincerely. She was so happy that she was about to start dancing. “So, what brings you here?” “I know my mother has wronged you and Errol. I’m not going to ask you to forgive her. But I’d like to ask you to see Dad. Ever since the news, he has been sick. He told me he wanted to tell you something, but you wouldn’t answer his calls.” Hope pleaded. “I don’t wish to see him.” “I know that he has hurt you deeply. Still, he’s your father. Just see him one last time, please! I was given some winery shares. I will return them to Errol as long as you see Dad. I can give you anything!” “What did y

“I’m sorry, Maia. I can only apologize for everything that has happened. Please, let Yvette go. I promise that we’ll never do anything to hurt you or Errol again!” Homer pleaded pathetically.A sad smile crept onto Maia’s beautiful face. This man was her father, but all he ever did was hurt them. Now, he was even begging for forgiveness on behalf of the woman who had hurt her and her brother.“It pains me to know that mother had chosen to spend most of her life with you. You're just a piece of shit that would use her memory in exchange for another woman’s freedom!” Maia found this situation so ridiculous that it made her laugh. Maia’s outburst caused Homer to lift his head. His eyes were red and moist with tears. However, Maia did not know who they were for, and it did not matter anymore.She took a deep breath and studied the wooden chest before walking towards it. She questioned solemnly, “Did you have anything to do with my mother’s death?”“W-what do you mean? She died by s

Cedric was taking a while as he refused to leave Maia’s side. ‘How could she be so cute even as she sleeps?’ …Back in the living room, Baz and Dr. Moore kept looking at the stairway. The moment they saw Oswald, Baz rushed forward and asked, “How did it go? Did Mr. Cedric agree?”Oswald nodded and both of them sigh with relief. “You had me worried a second there. Mr. Cedric’s back suffered second-degree burns a year ago. He was lucky that it was in winter or else his wounds would’ve been worse. This time, he happened to have injured his back in summer. I’m worried that his new wound would cause inflammation!”Dr. Moore has been the Larkin family’s doctor for many years and knew Cedric well. He could be as stubborn as a mule.“How did Mr. Cedric hurt himself?” Oswald asked.“It was to save Ms. Maia,” Baz answered truthfully.“It was because of Ms. Maia again? Those burns were because of her too!”Baz nodded. When he was about to continue, the sound of footsteps echoed in the