A knock came at the door. "Maya?" Mom's voice was laced with concern. "Are you asleep? Your dad wants to talk to you."
"Not yet," I called back. "Wait a moment, Mom. I'll be right out."
A few minutes later, in the living room.
Mom and Dad had prepared a table full of my favorite dishes. They sat there, smiling warmly as they waited for me. I sat between them, savoring the taste of home I hadn't experienced in so long, my eyes narrowing in pure contentment.
They watched me with indulgent smiles until I had nearly finished eating.
"Maya," Dad started, his tone serious but gentle. "There's something I want to discuss with you."
I looked up, wiping my mouth. "What is it?"
They exchanged a glance before Dad spoke. "It's like this... Your mother and I agree that Jackson Sharp is trash. The divorce is set in stone. But you're going to be managing a massive company in the future. Without someone by your side to support you, you'll be exhausted."
He paused, gauging my reaction. "It just so happens that your Uncle Blake's son is returning to the country tomorrow. We plan to let you two meet. If it's suitable, you can try getting along. Of course, if you don't agree..."
My father, a man who made business titans tremble in fear, looked at me cautiously, terrified of upsetting me.
I didn't hesitate. "Sure. I'll meet him."
Jackson Sharp had drained me physically and mentally.
But one rotten man wasn't enough to destroy my desire for love or a true partnership.
As I said at the beginning, I have the capital to start over.
However, thinking about Uncle Blake's son gave me pause. When we were little, our families were neighbors and very close. I saw him often. But back then, I was a little tyrant—the neighborhood bully.
And the Delgado boy was my favorite target.
Thinking back, it had been over ten years since we last saw each other. I wondered if tomorrow would be awkward.
Dad laughed heartily at my agreement. "Alright, then it's settled! Rest early tonight. Tomorrow, we go to the banquet together. I want to see who dares to bully you now!"
