Chapter 8

Maya: POV

I smiled and nodded as I walked through my design studio, catching snippets of hushed conversations that fell silent as I approached.

"Our boss is amazing, starting from nothing and building such a successful studio..."

"I heard she has adorable twins..."

"Wonder who their father is? Must be some jerk who abandoned her..."

"She deserves better. That film producer, Andrei Wilson, has been pursuing her for years. They'd make such a handsome couple..."

Their gossip didn't bother me. I had built a new life here, one that was entirely my own.

Six years ago, after giving up my seat on that Miami flight to an elderly couple desperate to see their newborn great-granddaughter, I found myself stranded in Guadalajara. It was a stroke of fate that saved my life when that plane went down.

I sold my wedding ring—the only thing of value I had—and used the money to start over.

I changed my name from Vera Quinn to Maya Pierce. I rented a tiny apartment, enrolled in design courses, and worked every odd job I could find.

Eight months after leaving Mexico City, I gave birth to twins.

Alone in a hospital room, holding Lina and Maxim for the first time, I made them a promise: they would never know the coldness I had experienced. They would be loved unconditionally.

Now, six years later, I owned this successful jewelry design studio.

My traditional Mexican-meets-modern minimalist style had attracted wealthy clients from across North and South America. I had created a stable, happy life for my children.

Maxim was the spitting image of his father—those piercing blue eyes, the stubborn set of his jaw. Every time I looked at him, I saw Viktor. But unlike his father, Maxim's eyes held warmth and sincerity .

The twins didn't ask about their father much anymore. When they were younger, I told them the truth—or part of it. "Your father don't want us," I said.

It wasn't entirely a lie. Viktor had made it clear he didn't want children.

They accepted this, though I occasionally caught them watching fathers with their children in the park, curiosity and longing in their eyes.

"Busy day?" Elena asked, poking her head into my office. As my assistant and closest friend, she knew my schedule better than I did.

"Just finishing the sketches for the Wilson commission," I replied, setting down my pencil and stretching my stiff fingers.

"Don't forget you have that meeting with Alexei Montero the day after tomorrow. He specifically requested you."

I sighed. "I remember. It's odd that he insists on seeing me personally for such a simple design."

Elena shrugged. "It's indeed a bit odd."

Just then, my office door burst open and a chorus of excited squeals erupted from the reception area. I smiled, knowing exactly what was happening.

Andrei had arrived.

He walked in moments later, impossibly handsome in his casual designer clothes, sunglasses pushed up on his head. My employees practically swooned as he passed.

"Ready to call it a day?" he asked, leaning against my doorframe. "I thought we could pick up the little monsters together."

I smiled despite myself. Andrei Wilson, famous film producer and eligible bachelor, had been pursuing me relentlessly for two years.

We met when he commissioned a necklace for his mother's birthday. He was different from my usual clients—unpretentious, genuine, interested in the creative process rather than just the prestige of the final piece.

He had been a fixture in our lives ever since, as persistent in his courtship as he was gentle with my boundaries. The twins adored him as they once said he treated them with exceptional kindness and was quite fond of me.

"Give me five minutes to finish up," I told him.

Lina and Maxim exploded from their kindergarten the moment they spotted us, racing toward Andrei who crouched down to catch them in a bear hug.

"Did you bring us anything?" Maxim asked, bouncing on his toes.

"Did you miss us?" Lina demanded, tugging at his jacket.

Andrei laughed, ruffling their dark hair. "Of course I missed you, troublemakers. And no presents today—but I thought we could get dinner at that place with the tacos you like."

They cheered in unison, then finally noticed me standing there. "Mama!" they chorused, wrapping their arms around my legs.

At the restaurant, I watched as Andrei helped Lina with her quesadilla while simultaneously listening to Maxim's elaborate story about a lizard they found at school. He was so natural with them, so patient and engaged.

"Mom," Lina said suddenly, "Andrei's taking us to the amusement park tomorrow. Will you come too?"

I shook my head. "I have meetings all day, sweetie. But you'll have fun with Andrei."

"We always do," Maxim declared confidently.

I caught Andrei's eye across the table. "Thank you for spending so much time with them."

He smiled, and there was something in his expression that made my heart flutter. "It's not just for them, Maya. You know that."

I looked away, uncomfortable with the intensity in his gaze. I wasn't ready for what he was offering. I wasn't sure I ever would be.

Mexico City

"The investment projections for the Guadalajara expansion look promising," Mikhail said, sliding a folder across Viktor's desk.

Viktor nodded, barely looking up from his computer. "I'll be going there tomorrow to finalize the deal."

"You're going personally? That's unusual."

Viktor shrugged. "I need a change of scenery."

The door to his office flew open without warning, and Natalia sauntered in, ignoring his secretary's protests behind her.

"Viktor, darling," she purred, "I heard you're going to Guadalajara tomorrow."

Viktor looked up, annoyed at the interruption. "What of it?"

She smiled, twirling a strand of dark hair around her finger. "Take me with you! I've heard there's a brilliant jewelry designer there—Maya Pierce. I want to commission a piece from her."

Viktor stared at her, ready to refuse, but then he thought it was nothing then reluctantly said, "Fine. We leave at eight P.M."