Love Lost in Deceit

After my family's downfall, Maximiliano Hughes took me in. Though he had a reserved demeanor, he attentively cared for me over six years. Inevitably, I fell for him.

Just as I was about to confess my feelings, I stumbled upon a scene that shattered my courage. Maximiliano, known for keeping his distance from women, was pinning a girl beneath him, whispering sweet nothings:

"Amayah, tell me you want me..."

Her eyes were teary as she trembled and replied, "Maximiliano, I need you."

Heartbroken, I withdrew from the moment, absorbing the bittersweet scene.

I tried to move on, only to overhear his friend’s mocking remark later: "You deliberately slept with Amayah in front of her, and she still won’t move out?"

Maximiliano snorted derisively, "She's stubborn. As long as she doesn't bother me, she can do as she pleases."

I turned away with a smile that hid my sadness, and the very next day, boarded a plane to a new country.

---

The door to the private lounge was slightly ajar, allowing me to quietly listen to the conversation inside. Although the topic had shifted from relationships, the man's voice changed when he noticed my presence, curling his lips into a smile. He cleared his throat and asked, "But say, Maya Shaw has been around you for seven years, and she’s quite the beauty. Max, are you really not moved even a little?"

His intent was to humiliate me. After all, just moments earlier, Maximiliano had mocked my persistence. Yet, I hoped for a miracle, a change in Maximiliano's stance, perhaps an admission that he didn’t hate me.

Maximiliano sat with his legs crossed, fingers gracefully balancing a cigarette. He didn’t reply, his gaze fixed on the glowing ember as seconds stretched into eternity.

The man suddenly cursed under his breath, "Max, seriously, what’s the deal? Don't tell me you actually have feelings for Maya. What about Amayah then?"

With this, the man glanced towards the door, his gaze meeting mine, sharp and cold. I diverted my eyes, focusing intently on Maximiliano, hoping to see any change in his expression. My heart raced with anticipation and fear.

Maximiliano subtly furrowed his brow before letting out a laugh, "What does she have over Amayah? A woman who throws herself at you and wants to be more than a niece — what’s that worth?"

The man, amused, puffed smoke in agreement, "I knew you hadn’t lost your mind. How could you be interested in someone eyeing her uncle?"

The coldness left his gaze, replaced by unhidden mockery directed at me.

"Enough," Maximiliano interrupted, then added, "But I’ll continue to care for her as before, since our families go way back. Once she’s married off, my duty will be complete."

I bowed my head, a bitter smile tugging at my lips as tears began to fall. I wiped them away, but they only flowed more persistently.

It was in that moment of clarity that I realized: to Maximiliano, I was nothing but trouble, an outrageous girl wanting her uncle, despite the lack of any blood relation between us. He was merely my grandfather’s friend’s son.

Yet for seven years, Maximiliano had been my guardian, offering unwavering care and endless patience. When I first arrived, homesick and shy, my days were filled with tears. Maximiliano didn’t dismiss me as a nuisance. Instead, he gently wiped away my tears, promising that I was home now, and he would always be there for me.

He even remodeled the house to resemble my childhood home and slept on the floor of my room to reassure me. Under his watchful care, I adapted to my new surroundings in just two days.

As I grew older and suggested staying at school to reduce his burden, he feigned anger, chiding me for overthinking. He insisted I was the rose he nurtured, the best girl in the world, never a burden. Concerned about my school commute, he arranged for his car and driver to take me.

Later on, worried about my lack of sleep, he bought the land next to my school and built a house for me. Eventually, to shield me from any school troubles, he invested and became a board member.

His kindness did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I held it all dear, mistaking it for love, until reality struck, leaving me breathless and suffocating with disappointment.

Swiftly, I turned, intent on leaving this place of sorrow, only to collide with the elegantly dressed Amayah Evans, who stumbled back, bracing herself against the wall.

Amayah’s face paled, her hand clutching her heart as she scolded, "Oh dear, sweetheart, trying to knock over your aunt-in-law, are you?"

Amayah had entered Maximiliano's life on the day I meant to confess. I knew little about her background, but I had to admit she matched Maximiliano well, at least in appearance.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean—" I began to apologize, but Maximiliano was already by her side.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, concern etched in his voice as he ensured she was okay. After confirming she was fine, his demeanor shifted, his face stern as he turned to me.

"Maya Shaw! Who taught you to bully others? Is that your upbringing? Apologize immediately!"