Chapter 108: Above the Horizon-1
Maya stepped out of the shower, her skin warm and dewy, carrying the faint scent of her body wash-lavender with a soft hint of vanilla, calming yet quietly intoxicating. Harper, efficient as always, had already packed her things and laid out a dress on the bed-a pale yellow midi dress, its silky fabric catching the light like morning sunshine.
“Oh,” Harper grinned, tilting her head as she looked Maya over. “That scent-you always smell like calm and sugar at the same time. No wonder he can’t keep his hands off you.”
Maya flushed, “It’s just body wash,” she muttered, though her heart skipped at the thought of Damien noticing the same thing.
“Mmhm, sure,” Harper teased, lifting the dress and holding it out. “Put this on. It’ll make you look like summer and innocence had a baby.”
Maya chuckled, shaking her head as she took the dress from Harper. “You’ve got a wild imagination,” she murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Maya went through her usual routine before slipping into the dress Harper had set out for her. She gathered her hair into a simple ponytail, the style plain yet striking, drawing attention to the graceful line of her neck. The pale yellow dress hugged her with quiet elegance: satin ribbons tied at her shoulders, a straight neckline that skimmed her collarbones, the smocked bodice molding to her shape before flowing into a breezy midi skirt with a teasing side slit. It was effortless, fresh, and disarmingly pretty.
“Perfect,” Harper said with a satisfied grin as Maya turned toward her. “You look like summer
itself.”
Maya smoothed the skirt nervously, cheeks warming at the compliment. The dress was beautiful, but more than that, it made her feel… vulnerable. Young. Bare to Damien’s gaze in a way that thrilled and unsettled her all at once.
Just then, a firm knock echoed at the door.
“Okay, quick-put some lip gloss on. I’ll get it,” Harper said, rushing toward the door.
She pulled it open with a bright smile. “Oh, hey! Lee. She’s ready-come in.”
“Ms. Lin.” Lee gave her a polite nod as Harper stepped aside, allowing him in.
Maya was slipping her phone into her purse when she noticed him. She looked up with a small smile. “Hi, Lee.”
For a second, Lee froze. She looked stunning-simple yet elegant, fresh as sunlight, carrying
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Chapter 108 Above the Horizon 1
Claim
an innocence that caught him off guard. His jaw nearly dropped before he quickly composed
himself.
Beside him, Harper nudged his arm with a knowing grin. “She looks amazing, huh?”
Lee gave a brief nod before finding his voice. “Miss Maya… you look beautiful.” His calm tone carried steady across the room, though he cleared his throat a beat later. “Everything’s ready whenever you are.”
Maya’s lips curved softly. “Thank you, Lee. Okay… I’m ready. Let’s go?”
Without another word, Lee stepped forward and reached for the duffle bag resting on the bed.
The three of them stepped out of the room together, the soft click of Maya’s sandals echoing against the hallway floor. Down in the lobby, a golf cart was already waiting. Lee slid into the driver’s seat while Harper and Maya settled in the back. With practiced ease, he steered them through the winding paths toward the helipad, the warm air carrying faint hints of lavender and vanilla from Maya’s freshly showered skin.
At the edge of the helipad, James was waiting, posture sharp and composed as always. He gave them a small nod in greeting as they approached.
Maya’s gaze lifted, and there-just outside the sleek helicopter-stood Damien and Ashcroft. They were mid-conversation, Ashcroft casually leaning one arm against the side of the aircraft, his head tilted toward Damien.
But both men paused the instant they noticed movement. Their eyes found Maya.
Ashcroft’s lips parted, and a low murmur slipped out before he could catch himself. “Damn… she’s beautiful.”
Damien’s head turned sharply, a cutting side-eye that spoke volumes without a word.
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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.