After the conversation, Stellan felt a surprising protectiveness rise within him, a desire to shield her from hurt.
As the morning sun climbed higher, they decided to take a walk around the garden. The gateman, who had been silently observing the shift in dynamics, opened the gate with a respectful nod. "Good morning, sir, ma'am," he said, a hint of approval in his voice.
Stellan paused, clapping the gateman on the shoulder. "Morning, James. Beautiful day, isn't it?"
James smiled, eyes crinkling. "It is, sir. Very beautiful."
They strolled along the winding paths, hand in hand, talking about everything and nothing — favorite books, music, future plans. Maya mentioned her upcoming story deadline, and Stellan offered to help brainstorm ideas, surprising her with his insightful suggestions.
Back inside, as the afternoon light bathed the living room, Maya settled on the couch with her laptop, intent on writing. Stellan sat beside her, a notebook in hand, ready to play the role of her unofficial editor.
The maids, having finished their chores, gathered near the doorway, watching the scene unfold with soft smiles. One whispered to the other, "Didn't I tell you? He's changed."
The other nodded, eyes shining. "Love does that, I guess."
Maya glanced up, catching their expressions. She smiled, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn't expected. Stellan caught her eye, reached out, and squeezed her hand gently.
"Let's make this a good day," he said, his voice low and sincere.
Maya's heart fluttered. "I'd like that," she replied.
And as they turned back to their work, the house seemed to hum with a new, quiet joy, a feeling that perhaps, just perhaps, love could indeed bridge even the most guarded of hearts.
The air in the living room thickened the moment the front door swung open. Stellan's father,
stepped in, his presence imposing. His eyes landed on Maya, and for a heartbeat, they widened with shock.
"Who is this ?" he barked, voice echoing off the polished tiles. "What are you doing here?"
Maya's smile faltered. She'd felt the warmth of the house, the easiness of the day, but now a cold front rolled in. "I… I'm visiting Stellan," she managed, voice steady despite the tremor she felt.
Stellan rose, his posture defensive. "Father, this is Maya. We've been… spending time together."
Stellan's father gaze snapped to his son, then back to Maya. "Spending time? You bring a stranger into your house ? Do you know who she is? Do you know what this means for our family?"
The maids, who had been tidying nearby, froze. James the gateman lingered by the doorway, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. The house seemed to hold its breath.
Stellan stepped forward, voice firm but respectful. "Father, Maya is more than a stranger. She's"
"a distraction," Stellan's father interrupted, his tone sharp. "You have responsibilities, Stellan. Marriage with Ziva. You cannot afford to be swayed by… feelings."
Maya felt a sting, but she held her ground. "Sir, I respect you, but I'm not here to cause trouble. I care for Stellan, and—"
"Care?" Stellan's father scoffed. "You think you can just walk in and change everything? This is not a romance novel, girl. This is real life. Pack your things and leave."
The words cut through the room like a blade. Stellan's jaw tightened, anger flaring. "Father, you cannot—"
"You will not defy me," Stellan's father snapped, his voice rising. "You will honor our agreements. If you cannot, then you are no son of mine."
Maya's eyes filled with tears she refused to let fall. She turned to Stellan, pleading silently. He met her gaze, his own conflicted, torn between filial duty and burgeoning love.
"Please," Maya whispered, voice barely audible. "Don't let this ruin us."
Stellan's hand found hers, squeezing tightly. "I won't," he murmured, though his eyes flickered with uncertainty.
Stellan's father glare lingered on them both before he turned sharply, heading toward the kitchen. "You have until sundown," he called over his shoulder.
The maids exchanged nervous glances. James bowed his head slightly, sympathy in his eyes. The garden outside seemed suddenly distant, the morning's peace shattered. The next morning
Stellan called Maya into his office, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
*Stellan:* "Maya, you're not working today. I'm taking you somewhere special."
Maya raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at her mouth.
*Maya:* "And where might that be, Mr. Wilder?"
*Stellan:* "It's a surprise. Just… trust me."
Maya laughed, shaking her head as she gathered her things. "Alright, boss. Lead the way."
Across the floor, a cluster of coworkers huddled near the coffee machine, eyes flicking toward Stellan's office.
*Jenna (HR):* "Did you see them just now? They were practically holding hands."
*Liam (Marketing):* "I swear, they've been inseparable since the hospital thing. It's like they're glued together."
*Priya (Design):* "I heard they left together last night. Someone saw them driving off in his car. It's getting serious."
*Jenna:* "Do you think it's just a fling? Or could it actually turn into something real?"
*Liam:* "Honestly, I don't care as long as the work gets done. But it's juicy gossip for the lunch break."
*Priya (grinning):* "Imagine the headlines: 'CEO's love life shakes up Pixeltech!'"
Their laughter was low, but the buzz spread like wildfire through the cubicles. By lunchtime, almost everyone was talking about the "new romance" between Stellan Wilder and Maya.
Maya, now back at her desk, caught a glimpse of the chatter on her phone's group chat. She rolled her eyes, smiling.