Chapter 9 - The Ghost of Christmas Past
She looked awful.
Her designer clothes were wrinkled. Her makeup was smeared.
The fraud investigation had completely ruined her family’s reputation.
She pointed a shaking finger at us.
“I knew it!” she screamed.
Security guards were already running toward the terrace, but she was fast.
“You ruined my life for this... this maid!”
Marcus stepped in front of me, shielding me completely.
“Vanessa, you are trespassing. Security will escort you out.”
“You set me up!” she cried, ignoring him and glaring at me.
“You purposely left that phone there! You knew I would take it!”
It was insane. She had lost her mind.
“Nobody made you steal, Vanessa,” Marcus said coldly. “Nobody made you commit treason against my company.”
“You think she loves you?” Vanessa laughed wildly.
“She just wants your money! She’s trash!”
The security guards finally grabbed her arms.
She fought them, kicking and screaming as they dragged her away.
“She’s nothing! You hear me? Nothing!”
Her voice faded into the distance.
The terrace was silent again.
My hands were shaking.
The beautiful illusion of the night was shattered.
Vanessa was right. I didn't belong here.
I turned to leave.
“Maya, wait.”
Marcus caught my wrist.
His grip was firm but gentle.
“Don't listen to a word she said.”
“She’s right, Marcus. Look at me. Look at you. This... this doesn't make sense.”
“What doesn't make sense?”
He pulled me closer.
“The fact that I can't stop thinking about you? The fact that I look for you in every meeting?”
I stared up at him, my heart hammering against my ribs.
“Marcus...”
“You’re not a maid, Maya. You’re the most brilliant, resilient woman I’ve ever met.”
He didn't kiss me.
He just held my gaze, offering me a choice.
May you like
I took a deep breath.
And I didn't run away.
