Maya’s POV

Elegant silverware clinks mingled with muted conversations in the high-end dining establishment yet they all became distant echoes as I twirled the liquid in my champagne flute while feigning attention. Across the table my mother Olivia sat facing me while she seemed to emit an unnatural radiance. Her excitement poured out in fast-paced words her hands gesturing animatedly as she recounted the story of her whirlwind romance.

Her cheeks glowed with joyful flush as she declared, "I know it’s sudden.But my man represents an unexpected necessity I never realized existed. ”

A fake grin stretched across my face as I nodded while an unsettling stillness took root in my chest. My desire for her happiness never wavered yet she stood as the most deserving person of joy among everyone I encountered.

This entire situation unfolded at an unnatural speed and with unexpected elements. My mother who had always prided herself on her independence was suddenly in love and ready to walk down the aisle. And what surprises is that I never crossed paths with the man who allegedly disrupted her entire world.

“That’s great Mom” I said while lifting my glass to my lips to conceal the awkward stiffness in my expression. “I am very happy for you mom, and I am glad you found your Prince Charming.”

Her smile expanded while she stretched her arm across the table to grasp my hand. “You will like him Maya. He’s charming thoughtful mature—”

My eyebrow ascended in an unnatural curve. “Mature? ”

Olivia laughed a soft girlish sound that I hadn’t heard in years. “Yes! The age gap between us stands as an appealing trait to me.His presence makes me relieved. Calm. He makes me feel safe. ”

My stomach contorted into an intricate knot. I brushed it off and took another sip of champagne the bubbles tickling my throat though it did little to ease the growing tension I couldn’t explain.

My mouth started to form questions about the enigmatic Prince Charming, just as the restaurant door swung open accompanied by a gentle chime.

Olivia’s eyes lit up. “Oh! He is here!” She shrieked like a teen girl who saw her high school crush.

My eyes traced her line of sight with initial sluggishness.

The man who walked through the door carried himself like he owned the place—shoulders back chin slightly raised each step deliberate and smooth. His suit fit him flawlessly in deep navy which enhanced his skin's rich tone while he projected an effortless powerful presence.

An unsettling sensation seized my abdomen causing it to churn unexpectedly.

No. No no no.

My hold on the champagne flute became more intense while my heart battered against my ribcage.

Him.

The ability to take in air eluded me. The restaurant noise transformed into a persistent roar within my ears.

The memory of that face remained eternally etched in my mind. The sharp lines of his jaw. His dark eyes that scanned the room. The man whose gaze had dismantled my defenses with whom I shared a bed seven days prior.

He began moving in the direction of my table.

Toward me.

Toward my mother.

Our gazes locked for an instant causing him to freeze momentarily. A recognition flicker passed through him which he quickly hid by wearing a mask of an unreadable expression.

Olivia rose from her chair while beaming and remained unaware of the chaotic turmoil that engulfed my mind and threatened to consume my soul.

"Gabriel!” Mother smiled as she went to hug him, warning a little kiss to the forehead.

“I’m glad to see. This way please." She gestured toward me with pride and stated, “My daughter.”

Daughter.

His lips pressed together for a heartbeat before he composed himself. He moved ahead in a forward step.

My legs trembled under me, threatening to give up and have me land on my butt.My gaze refused to meet my mother's eyes. My ability to produce spoken words disappeared.

My words were stuck in my dry throat, which now had a lump forming in it.

The man extended his hand toward me in an awkward gesture.

He delivered the greeting "Nice to meet you Maya" with effortless smoothness as if our previous intimate encounter never happened.

His mouth had touched every part of my skin yet he acted otherwise. Like I was a stranger, someone he does not know.

He looked at me like this was our first meeting.

My momentary hesitation stretched into an awkward pause before I compelled my fingers into action.

I shook his hands, his grip firm while mine was sweaty.

“Maya. Nice to finally meet you.” I mumbled , the words barely making it to my own ears

Internally my thoughts whirled in chaotic spirals. Screaming.

Olivia took her seat while she summoned the waiter without noticing the brewing storm between us, my hand still in his.

She expressed her desire for our mutual harmony with cheerful tones. “I am so glad my two favorite people are meeting. This is like a dream come true.” Olivia ranted, her gaze on Gabriel like he was the most precious gem on earth.

Gabriel finally released my hand his expression unreadable. He settled into the chair next to my mother without a single backward glance in my direction. The tension between us vibrated intensely, creating an unnaturally tight feeling in my stomach, so tight it makes me wanna throw up.

“Sit down dear.” Mother said, her voice bringing me back to the room.

I slowly took my seat and kept a calm expression on my face, but my legs remained feeble while my pulse roared through my ears. My grip caused the champagne glass to tremble slightly yet I maintained my calm look.

“Do not panic, do not show. Your mother is going to get married to the man you slept with. Meaning your mother is going to get married to a cheater but at least he stayed in the family.”

The man who stood as my mother's fiancé .