Chapter 8

Jason delivered his final warning and turned to leave the basement. Maya listened to his footsteps fade away before slowly pushing herself up against the wall. For the next three days, she locked herself in her room, barely leaving. She only picked at the meals the maid brought her. No matter how good the weather was, she never set foot beyond her door. She couldn't give Sophia any more opportunities to frame her. Fortunately, Jason kept his word. He spent those three days with Sophia and didn't even come home. Maya constantly saw them together through tabloid photos. Sophia clung to Jason's arm, her smile radiant and charming. When Jason looked at her, his gaze was so tender it could melt ice. On the day before the wedding, Maya sat at her desk, carefully writing down all of Jason's preferences and dislikes. "Hates parsley; doesn't eat spicy food; only drinks black coffee with no sugar; shirts must be perfectly pressed; needs complete darkness to sleep…" When she finished, she folded the note and called for Lily Parker, one of the maids. "This is for you," she said softly. "Give it back to me after the wedding is over." Lily looked confused. "Ma'am, what is this?" "Just in case I forget." Maya smiled slightly. "You know how poor my memory's been lately." Though Lily found it strange, she obediently took the note. "Don't worry, ma'am. I'll keep it safe." After she left, Maya pulled out a suitcase she'd packed long ago from the depths of her closet. She took one last look around the room she'd lived in for three years, her gaze lingering on the wedding portrait on the wall. Jason stood in an impeccable suit, looking devastatingly handsome. Meanwhile, she wore a priceless wedding gown, her smile gentle and captivating. She gently removed the frame, placed it face down on the desk, and left without looking back. … Margaret had been waiting in the airport terminal. She handed Maya a bank card and a plane ticket. "30 million dollars, not a penny less. From now on, you have nothing to do with the Colemans." Maya took the card, her fingers trembling slightly. She looked up at her mother, only to find that Margaret wouldn't even spare her a glance. "Thank you," she said quietly. Margaret's voice was ice-cold. "You did well these past three years. You didn't cause any problems for our partnership." She paused, then added, "Go. Live the life you want." Maya nodded and turned toward security. At the corner, she glanced back one final time. Margaret had already disappeared, her retreating figure as final as if Maya had never existed. Even so, Maya felt no sadness. She gripped the plane ticket, warmth spreading through her chest. For the first time in her life, she could live for herself. She walked toward the gate, each step filled with quiet resolve. Back at the Reid residence, another woman slipped into the wedding dress. She was nearly identical to Maya, waiting silently for tomorrow's ceremony. Victoria Coleman had returned.