"Of all things to wear, you chose that?" Daniel said, his eyes scanning the dress Maria wore with open judgment.
"I just bought this," she sighed. "Its really not that bad."
Daniel scoffed and ruffled his hair, looking away from her. "You're lucky I even bothered to invite you. Dressing like a slut for a welcome pickup."
Maria swallowed, containing her temper. She really couldn't afford an argument—especially not at the airport, with his parents seated just two rows behind them.
She was aware of her curves. She always had been. They made most dresses look louder than intended, and Daniel—since they started dating him—had grown to resent her for it.
The green dress was modest, loose even, but his irritation remained.
"We should head to the curbside," Daniel said, glancing at his watch. "He'll be here any minute now."
He stood. Maria followed.
Now uncomfortable in a dress she'd chosen for him, she subtly tugged at the fabric as they moved forward, ensuring it clung as little as possible. His parents trailed behind them.
Daniel stood tall at the curb—sunglasses on, corporate suit pristine.
Maria noticed how he didn't look at her even once.
She studied him instead—the man she used to love. Brown hair, handsome features that once softened whenever he smiled at her.
Daniel was the managing C.E.O. where she worked, his very successful family business that was passed down from two generations. GOATASTE.
A powerhouse company known nationwide for producing one of the most successful pudding brands in the country.
"Darling," his mother, Mrs Genova said, resting ring-adorned hand on Daniel's shoulder. "I can tell how anxious you are to see him. It's been so long. I'm sure he misses you too."
Daniel smiled at his mother.
Maria wished that he would smile at her like that again.
Mrs Genova's gaze slid toward Maria, cool and assessing before turning away. His parents had never approved of her. To them, she was just an employee—capable, yes, but from an unimpressive background.
"There he is!" Mr Genova said suddenly.
They all turned.
Maria blinked as her eyes landed on the demi-god approaching them.
Even in simple jeans and a white polo—he was breathtaking. Effortlessly. Magnetic.
Like Daniel, but refined—polished by authority rather than ego.
Jet black hair. Broad shoulders. A presence that bent attention toward him without asking.
Miles Genova.
The main C.E.O of GOATASTE nationwide.
Maria dropped her gaze instantly. She couldn't afford to stare. Not at her boyfriend's brother.
"Mom, Dad."
His voice was velvet-deep, warm as he pulled his parents into an embrace. Then, with careless affection, he ruffled Daniel's hair. "Little bro."
Daniel grinned like a child handed his favorite prize and hugged him tightly. They were close—undeniably so.
**
"Who's the beauty, little bro?" Miles asked later, seated across the limo. His gaze barely left the curvy goddess in the green dress. She avoided his eyes.
She was dressed a little too formally for a welcome pick up—maybe Daniel's PA.
Daniel glanced at her. "She's my girlfriend, Maria."
She looked up then.
Miles stared into mesmerizing brown eyes. For a moment the world narrowed to that single exchange.
Then he smiled—slow, knowing.
Her expression mirrored most women that he came close to as she tried to hide it.
He noticed and liked it.
"Hello Maria."
She exhaled, glancing instinctively toward Daniel before returning the greeting. "Hello, Mr Miles."
"She's not important," Daniel said. "So how's life in Jellas?"
Miles saw the pain invade Maria's eyes as her gaze fell. Elegant, nude manicured fingertips clutched the expensive bag she held close, pressed against the generous swell of her chest.
His gaze lifted to her face just in time to catch her staring looking at him—surprised
Their eyes met for a fleeting second before she turned away, retreating behind quiet composure.
"Jellas has been good," Miles replied evenly, turning to Daniel. "Your girlfriend's beautiful."
"That's by the way brother," Daniel said. "I'm so glad I was able to get your attention organically. I'm genuinely excited it got you to come."
"Hate to admit it, Danny," Miles chuckled. "You won the bet this time. And I needed a change of scenery anyway."
**
Maria's heels ached after the airport and she kicked them off the moment she entered her apartment.
Thank God! She'd declined Mile's offer to hang out with them.
Daniel was already glaring at her making sure she wouldn't accept.
In front of the mirror, she stripped off her dress. Her mind flashed to Miles' eyes.
The way they had lingered on her briefly, the subtle flicker of lust in his gaze.
Daniel had never looked at her like that, and yet she shook her head, telling herself she shouldn't be thinking of Daniel's elder brother like this.
Her phone rang. She sighed and answered.
"Hi, Mom."
"Hello, sweetheart," her mom's bright voice came through, infectious as ever.
"How was today with Daniel, huh?"
Maria smiled, despite the exhausting day of Daniel's reluctance and judgment toward her.
"Oh, it was great. Daniel says 'Hi'."
Another lie. But a gentle one. Her mom was happier knowing she was.
She knew her mother was only watching out for her after the intense heartbreak that had left her emotionally wounded a year before she became involved with Daniel.
"Oh that's wonderful, send my regards back too." she said, "Just called to check in. Get some rest, okay?"
"I will. Talk later."
She ended the call and showered, letting the water wash the day away.
As she lay in her bed that night, wrapped in soft cotton sheets and warmth, the ache remained.
She wanted to leave Daniel desperately but doing so was risking everything.
Her job.
Her stability.
Maria had never wanted to mix work and love, but Daniel had given her a job as the company's assistant idea developer, favoring her from their first meeting where they spoke in his office during her interview.
Daniel was nicer, tolerated her curves and personality, even called her brilliant.
But five months into the relationship, his tolerance had thinned.
Maria believed she had a good brain for the job she got in the company but many times Daniel downplayed her achievements in front of colleagues.
Including the ones who knew about their relationship. Subjecting her to ridicule and office gossip.
Her fingers clenched the sheet, warmth pooling in her eyes as she blinked back tears.
Romance had never felt this unfair.
She needed sleep. Tomorrow was work and Miles Genova—the company's C.E.O—would be present.
She had to be at her best.
Another flash of Miles' gaze came to mind, but she shook it away, telling herself she was overthinking it.
Then she turned off the bedroom lamp.