Chapter 85: A Table for Two-1
It didn’t take much convincing before Harper was digging through Maya’s suitcase like a stylist on a mission, holding up dresses with practiced flair.
“This,” she declared, lifting a white cami midi dress with a triumphant grin, “this is the one.”
The dress was elegant in its simplicity-lightweight, romantic, and effortlessly flattering. The soft fabric draped beautifully over Maya’s figure, cinching gently at the waist before falling just below her knees in a graceful, airy flare. Delicate tie straps sat lightly on her shoulders, lending a touch of sweetness, while the neckline framed her collarbones with quiet allure.
Maya slipped it on as Harper circled her like a backstage stylist, taming her hair into loose waves and letting a few soft strands fall to frame her face. A sweep of blush, a touch of gloss, dainty earrings-and she was done.
Harper stood back and admired her work.
“Jesus, Maya. If he doesn’t melt when he sees you, I’m checking him for a pulse.”
Maya laughed quietly, though nerves fluttered beneath the sound, tightening her chest.
A soft knock echoed from the door.
Harper padded over and opened it.
It was James.
He offered a polite nod, then turned his attention to Maya with that composed, respectful
smile.
“Ms. Maya. Everything is in place.”
Her heart gave a quiet skip. “Thank you,” she said softly.
James inclined his head. “My pleasure.”
But just as he turned to leave, he paused-his gaze finding her once more. This time, his voice carried something warmer.
“You look… beautiful tonight. Radiant. I hope this evening goes just the way you’re hoping.”
Maya blinked, a little stunned, warmth rushing to her cheeks.
“That’s very kind of you, James.”
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Chap 36 A Fable for Twan- I
He nodded once more. “I’ll be waiting just outside whenever you’re ready.”
As he stepped back into the hallway, Maya called after him, “James?”
He turned halfway. “Yes, Ms. Maya?”
She hesitated, then smiled-shy, but sure.
“Thank you… for everything.”
James held her gaze for a moment longer, and though his expression remained steady, something softened in his eyes. He gave a final, respectful nod.
Then he turned, leaving Maya and Harper behind, the air around them suddenly thick with silent anticipation and the quiet hum of something about to begin.
Once the door closed behind James, Maya exhaled shakily and crossed the room.
She knelt by her suitcase, unzipped the front pocket, and pulled out a small, worn journal-the corners bent, the leather cover soft and weathered from use. She sat on the edge of the bed, flipping through the pages slowly, her fingers grazing over half-written thoughts, pressed flowers, stray receipts. Fragments of her life-things she’d been too scared to say out loud.
Then she found it.
Tucked between two pages was a sketch, faded slightly where the graphite had smudged. A r ing-simple, hand-drawn, imperfect. The band slightly uneven, the stone no more than a soft outline. It wasn’t anything fancy. But it was hers. An idea that had lived in her heart long before she even knew what real love was.”
Maya stared at it for a moment, then carefully tore the page out-slowly, cleanly, as though the act itself meant something.
She folded it once and pressed it to her chest, then slipped it into the little purse beside her.
Behind her, Harper watched, her expression soft with curiosity. “What was that?”
Maya didn’t look up right away. Her voice was quiet. “Just something I drew… a long time ago. I want to carry it with me tonight.”
Harper’s smile was gentle. “Then let’s make tonight count.”
Harper stepped closer, her eyes a little glassy now as she looked at Maya-really looked at her. Then, without a word, she pulled her into a tight hug. Maya melted into it, her chin resting on Harper’s shoulder, the steady beat of her heart a grounding rhythm in the swirl of nerves.
When Harper finally pulled back, she kept her hands on Maya’s shoulders and gave her a little
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Chapter 89: A Table for Two 1
push, just enough to get a better look at her face.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.