I love how you guys ship Maya with Kaden or Damon when everyone hasn't been introduced yet! 👀

"Standing up for herself" is not that easy. Or all the people victim of abusive relationships wouldn't have any problems. Look at the dialogues between her and Kaden.
He is trapping her. That's what I'm trying to show.

¥¥¥¥¥

I woke up the next morning feeling sore all over. I winced when I tried moving to sit up. The spot beside me was empty, which just made me let out a sigh of relief.

I sat and looked around to see that the room was empty. But my relief was short when the door opened and Kaden walked in. He closed the door behind him and turned to look at me.

"You're awake." He noticed moving from the door.

I slowly nodded twirling the end of my curls around my finger.

"I'm sorry." He said taking a step closer to me. "I don't know why I lose my temper so easily." I said sitting on the bed beside me, making me stiffen.

I looked at him not showing him any expression. But I was confused and shocked to hear those words coming out of his mouth.

He is sorry? Seriously?

"You don't deserve this. I just-" He paused taking my hand in his.

My whole body tensed as I tried to fight the urge to pull it away. So, I just let him. I let the hands that did nothing but hurt me grab my own. Just because I didn't want to get hurt again.

"How about we go out for lunch? Italian is your favourite, right?" He asked and I furrowed my eyebrows briefly looking at him. "Please Maya. Let's go out. Just you and me."

What is happening?

He called me by my name.

"Maya?" he called as his grip tightened on my hand.

"Okay." I said quickly finally pulling my hand out of his when his grip loosened.

"Great." He smiled standing up. "Go get ready. I'm waiting for you downstairs." He added before walking to the door and out of the room.

I looked at the door very confused and suspiciously.

What happened with him? Did he forget about last night already? Or all the other nights?

This is actually the first time I'm seeing him smile at me since our marriage or even apologize.

I looked at the door again in confusion. I better not let my guards down. I don't believe one second that he can change overnight. And I think it would be better for me if I keep things that way. I'm not gonna hope for anything. I think I've seen enough for the past four months.

But I'm not going to make him angry either so I slowly got out of the bed wincing lightly. I slowly walked to the bathroom and quietly closed the door before locking it, wincing slightly while moving to the mirror.

I took my nightdress off and looked at myself in the mirror. My skin was covered with the bruises caused by the belt. I placed a shaky hand on my mouth and let out a sob as I continued looking at my body. I could say that I was used to seeing my body like.

He was always making sure not to touch visible parts of my body, like my arms and neck, even if he was failing sometimes. Like he grabbed my neck last night. The bruise was light on my neck so it could be easily covered with makeup.

He does know he's hurting, but he feeds of my pain. He is sucking the life out of my body. I used to be strong. I used to fight back. I used to defend myself and my friend.

But this pathetic woman I was seeing. This isn't me.

Or is it?

I continued undressing myself to take a shower.

Maybe my mother talked to him. Or maybe I am just being delusional. I don't think she would care.

She never did.

*******

I slowly walked down the stairs, my heels clicking against the marble.

I was at the last steps when Kaden walked out of the living-room. He looked up at me and smiled.

"Are you ready?" He asked and I nodded. "Let's go then." He said taking my hand in his and walked to the front door.

I was fighting the urge to pull my hand out of his. His touch made me uncomfortable.

Is that really my life right now? Always scared of making my husband angry?

We went to his car and he opened the passenger door for me. I quietly thanked him before getting in the car.

He closed the door and went to the driver seat. He got in as I put my seatbelt on.

He started the car and drove off.

I didn't say a word during the car ride. I just played with my fingers not knowing what else to do. I felt awkward. This felt weird and wrongin a way.

I was always a fighter. I don't know what happened to me.

"You think you can make a fool out of me. Without me, you are nothing. Your family is nothing. Your father would be lost without me. You're my property, my whore. You are whatever I make you. You better get that in your head."

Worthless?

"We're here." Kaden's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked at the place even more confused.

"Your mom told me it was your favourite restaurant." He said unbuckling his seat.

I did as he was getting out of the car. I took my purse and was about to reach for the door when Kaden opened it offering me his hand.

I silently took it and stepped out.

We silently walked inside the restaurant. It ismy favourite place, but I always loved coming with people that are not him. People that I loved and that loved me.

My father.

Christine.

Sam.

We walked in and he went to a table at the end. Not away from everyone, but not close either. He always did that. Keeping from everything in public places.

I sat down and looked up at him to see him already looking at me.

"Look." He sighed. "Please relax, Okay?" He said. "I'm trying to make it up to you about last night. I shouldn't have lost my temper like that." He continued and I didn't say anything.

When I didn't say anything, I saw him clench and unclench his fist on the table.

"It's fine. Thank you." I quickly said, not wanting to anger him now.

I don't think I will be able to take another blow after last night.

"You're really beautiful." He suddenly said.

"Thank you." I said quietly.

"How is your father doing?" He asked.

Since when does he care about my father's health? He always showed me that he didn't care about it. So why is he asking now?

"He is doing better."

"Doctor Suarez said he is making improvements because he can now feel it when someone touches him." He said.

"Yes."

He didn't say anything else so we took a moment to look at the menus. The waiter came to take our orders. I ordered and he did the same before the waiter took the cards and walked away.

We stayed in a long silence that was making me shift on my seat. I don't really know anything about him so I was anything but comfortable around him. What I know about him is what he showed me.

He would appear as an angel. But it seems like the most angelic faces hide the most devious people. He looked calm outside. Calm and caring. It scares me how double faced he is.

What kind of face does he show my mother for her to love him so much.

Rich man face.

"You see how good it is now?" His voice again pulled me out of my thoughts by placing a hand on my cheek. "I'm trying." He said stroking my cheek.

The wheels kept running in my head as my confusion increased. I just down at my hands and waited for him to continue.

"I am gonna try to control my temper if you behave." He said resting his elbows on the table and looking at me.

"Look at me." He ordered and I slowly looked up to meet his gaze. "I'm trying okay. I just need you to be patient with me." He said seriously.

I've been trying to make us work from the beginning and he didn't want to.

I just nodded not even thinking about arguing. As long as my father's company is fine and he gets his treatment, that's all that matters right now.

I just need my father to be fine and safe.

His phone started ringing on the table and he took it before answering.

"I'll be back in a second." He said to me and I nodded.

I watched him walk away and I let out a sigh of relief as my body relaxed a bit. A weight is always lifted off my shoulder every time he moves away.

The waiter then came to put our orders on the table.

I started looking around the restaurant, really missing this place. It used to be thst one place we always came to for celebration.

I froze again when my eyes met the familiar pair of brown ones.

Damon.

He was sitting with two other business like men. He just sat there nodding at whatever they were saying while his gaze stayed on me. Was he even listening to them?

I smiled a little and waved at him. He waved back lightly.

"Who are you waving at?" Kaden suddenly said startling me.

I quickly looked at him not answering because I didn't really know what to say or howto say it. Kaden's gaze moved to Damon then back to me again.

"Who is it?" He asked taking his seat back.

I gulped. "Sam's father's god son."

He raised his eyebrows as his eyes darkened. "The reason of our fight last night?" He asked coldly.

"I've known him for years, I was just saying hi." I replied shakenly balling my hands into fists when they started shaking.

"Then why do look so nervous?"  He said narrowing his eyes at me. "Like you've got something to hide."

I quickly shook my head. "I... I'm not hiding anything. I swear, Kaden."

He looked at me for a moment before leaning back. "I want to meet him." He suddenly said. "Call him over." He demanded.

I was fighting the urge to shake my head but I quickly went against that idea at the look he gave me.

When I looked at Damon, I was surprised to see him standing up and making his way to us.

He stopped in front of our table and Damon looked at me then moved his gaze to Kaden who just stood up.

"Damon, right?" He asked extending his hand. "I'm Kaden, Maya's husband." He said and Damon took his hand into a firm looking grip.

"I've heard of you." Damon said coldly releasing his hand as I stood up slowly.

"I hope you're treating her right." He said looking at him coldly.

"I'm treating her the way she deserves, don't worry." Kaden replied glancing at me.

"What exactly does she deserve?" Damon pressured.

And now I started being nervous. I don't like the way this was going.

"And you should worry about your own life, young man. I heard you just finished your studies. Build a career for yourself and then think about getting into other's business."

I almost flinched at the look on Kaden's face. It was murderous and I know who will get it when we get home.

I tried to plead Damon with my eyes to stop talking and he briefly looked at me before taking a step back from Kaden.

"I think it's time for us to go." Kaden suddenly said taking his phone. He said grabbing my waist as I took my purse.

He didn't even wait for an answer and walked away.

*****

We walked inside the house and I flinched when he slammed the door shut.

"You little bitch." He snapped. "I was tryingto make things work and you go around acting like a whore againhaving boyfriends everywhere." He said taking slow steps toward to me with a calculating look on his face.

He stood in front of me and grabbed my throat slamming me against the wall, making me wince when my head hit it.

"It's your fault he had the audacity to say those things to me. What the fuck did you tell him?" He said loudly while putting pressure around my throat as I caught and grabbed his arm, trying to push him away.

Weak.

"I was trying to be nice to you." He hissed. "But you don't deserve it. I was trying to fix things but you destroyed everything!" He yelled slamming his other hand against the wall.

Damon is like a little brother.  Don't think he would get it through his head if I told him.

I started coughing louder trying to push his hand away but he just tightened his hold.

"Please." I said pitifully.

"You'll be nothing without me." He hissed tightened his hold as dots started clouding my vision. "You're weak.You need me."

You need him, Maya. My mother's voice just wouldn't leave my mind.

He lets go and slide down as my hand flew to my neck went down to face my shaking body before pushing my hair from my face.

"I'm sorry." He whispered but his voices seemed so far. "I don't mean to hurt you, okay? I don't know why I do this."

I just kept my eyes down not saying a word.

"Come. I'll make you a bubble bath." He said picking me up in a bridal style and walking upstairs without another word.

******

I walked inside my family's house using my keys and immediately heard Christine's quiet humming causing a smile to stretch on my face. and immediately made my way to the living-room where he usually was.

A smile immediately appeared on my face when I saw her softly talking to my father, her thick mane pulled into a low ponytail making her look years younger.

And he listened to her as she talked.

He doesn't move.

He doesn't talk.

But he listens. And having Christine by his side is my biggest joy.

Christine turned around when she heard the clicking of my heels and her expression softened when she saw that it was me.

"Hi Christi." I smiled as she stood up to pull me into a warm hug.

"How are doing, sweetie?" She smiled kissing my cheek.

"I'm fine." I smiled back pulling away. "How are things here?" I asked looking down at my dad who now had his eyes on me.

"Everything is great." She replied. "He missed you, you know." She said softly. "I'll give you guys some time alone." She said taking a tray with eaten food and walking out.

I looked at my dad with a bigger smile on my face.

"Hi dad". I smiled seating on the chair in front of him.

"I missed you." I said taking his hand in mine. "I am so happy to see." I continued talking knowing I won't get any response from him.

But I know I will get an answer from him one day. He is at least listening to me. He can hear everything. And by the way he is looking at me, I know he is encouraging me to keep talking to him. Sometimes, his lips also twist into a small smile which makes me more than happy.

"You should have seen Rick and Carol." I smiled. "They were so happy to renew their vows. They looked like teenagers." I laughed lightly before continuing.

"They were so happy. Especially when Damon came." I said and his face shifted a little.

"Yep. I couldn't believe it either when I saw him." I laughed lightly. "He's always all over the place."

It feels so good to see him and being able to talk to him and knowing that he is listening and seeing expressions on his face. They are not all clear. But it is there.

"What are you doing here?" I heard my mother's voice making me jump slightly.

This woman.

"I came to see my father." I replied looking up at her.

"Did you at least ask Kaden before getting out of your house?" She asked raising her eyebrows. "Did you inform him?"

I sighed. "Yes, I did".

"You better have." She said. "Come with me. I need to talk to you." She said turning to make her way out of the living-room.

"I was talking to my dad. Can it wait?"  I asked looking at my father.

"No. Now Maya."

"Well I was here for my dad in the first place. You're gonna have to wait." I replied.

She glared at me. "I don't know what I did to God to deserve such an ungrateful brat." She huffed walking out of the living-room.

I shook my head at her attitude. "Always in a good mood."

I looked at my dad running my hand through his hair.

"I can't wait for you to talk to me again. I need your advices." I said taking his hand in mine. "So much."

I felt like I was two seconds away from letting my tears fall. I won't let them.

Not in front of him.

I don't want him to worry about anything. Especially not me.

"I love you so much, daddy." I said softly kissing the top of his hand.

*****

"There she is." I heard Kaden's voice as he suddenly appeared by the entrance.

"There is my boss inside. You better be on your best behavior or you'll regret it. This man doesn't take shit, understand?" He whispered threateningly in my ear before wrapping an arm around.

His boss?

I don't even know what he does for a living. I just know he gains a lot of money. I never found the courage to ask and my mother doesn't seem to care either.

How did she even meet him?

I quickly nodded before we walked in the living-room.

There was a man standing in the middle. He turned to face us when he walked. And compared to him, Kaden suddenly looked less threatening, almost small. He was tall. And I took a moment to notice his dark hair and wide shoulder before moving my gaze away.

His posture was straight, only confidence radiating off him. The type of man that would just make you nod your head yes at whatever he says and also make you cower in fear.

Kaden's posture was the perfect example of it. He looked tensed, as if afraid that me saying me wrong thing would end him.

I wish it could.

"Boss, this is my beautiful wife Maya. Baby, this is my boss, Mr. Orsini." He said digging his fingers into my waist in warning.

I couldn't help but jump slightly as he did. "I... It's really a pleasure to meet you Mr. Orsini." I said smiling the best I could as Kaden glanced at me briefly in warning.

I noticed his eyes shifting slightly from Kaden's fingers to my face. "The pleasure is all mine, Maya."

He didn't say anything after that and just continued staring at me and I didn't move my gaze. As much as I wanted to, I didn't look away.

That was until I remembered who was beside me.

"I'm a lucky man, aren't I?" Kaden suddenly said.

"Go get that briefcase, Kaden." The man practically ordered not moving his gaze from me causing Kaden to loosen his old around me.

"Yes. Of course, boss."

I furrowed my eyebrows when he just turned obediently and walked out of the living-room. I just watched until he disappeared wondering what happened to the beast that terrorizes me.

I shook my head and turned back to Mr. Orsini to find him already looking at me. I shifted nervously intertwining my fingers.

"Would you like something to drink, sir?"

"It's fine. Thank you, Maya." He said sitting on one of the chairs. "Have a seat, please."

I sat on the couch looking back at where Kaden just left from before facing the man in front of him again.

"So how long have you been married?" Mr. Orsini's voice made me look up at him briefly.

"A... Almost five months."

I nodded. "How did you meet?"

"My mother introduced us last year." I said quietly and his eyes narrowed slightly at my response before nodding again leaning back. "Hum. Mr. Orsini, are you sure you don't want anything?"

"Nickolas." He said making me just stare at him. "Call me Nickolas. And No, I'm fine."

I was about to open my mouth when the front door opened and closed, a man in a suit walked in.

"The shipment has arrived at the harbor, boss."

Nickolas just nodded and the man back out. Kaden just chose that moment to walk in with a briefcase in his hand.

"Is everything inside?"

E... Everything you asked for this month, sir." He said almost nervously making me look at him even more confused.

Nickolas didn't say anything and just stared at Kaden as he placed the briefcase on the table.

"I'm expecting you to complete the rest of it soon." He said grabbing the briefcase before standing up.

"Of course." Kaden said moving back.

"Goodbye Maya." I moved my gaze from Kaden to Nickolas before standing up too.

"Goodbye N... Mr. Orsini." I quickly corrected myself glancing at Kaden's tensed body.

Nickolas didn't say anything and walked out of the living-room. As soon as the front door closed, Kaden let a discreet sigh and his body relaxed a bit, but I noticed it.

Who is this Orsini?