Maia' POV

"MAIA!"

Nikshi Venis. A voluptuous woman with silky shoulder length black hair, small face, and light brown skin rushed towards my office. I looked at my secretary and best friend at the same time out of bewilderment.

" I'm sorry! Miss Maia, there's someone downstairs who is looking for you." Nikshi said trying to be polite as much as possible.

" Didn't I tell you that we are not accepting any clients for today?" I said. Voice firm. Poker face.

" Yes,you did but they keep on insisting to see you,"

" Nevermind just let them in!"

Nikshi left my office. Few minutes later, I could hear two distinct, loud noise coming from the outside. Two person. No. Rather two men can be heard talking yet almost bickering on each other. Of course, I ignored it and put all my attention towards the paper I'm holding, but not until I heard my friend raised her voice.

"SHUT UP! ZACHY! HOVEN!"

I got surprised by the sudden behavior of my friend, but I'm more surprised of what she said. No. I must be wrong, this cannot be. I'm dreaming right? Please of all the people, he's the least person I wanted to met right now. I must heard it wrong.

The loud smashed of the door made me jolt on my seat.

" HOLA AMIGOS!" a loud cheerful voice broke into my room.

I raised my eyebrows, forming those thin wrinkles on my forehead. Eyes widely opened, mouth slightly fell. I blinked for a number of times thinking what I saw was only an illusion, but it's not.

At the doorstep there stood Hoven Criot. A white, fine-looking young man, wearing a suit which color was the same of his smooth shiny red hair. At least 6 ft tall and slender looking . Our eyes met and like me, he's also astounded.

He touched his head right away after receiving a deadly smack from Zachary Dean. A man with ash gray hair, wearing a black suit beside him.

"Mine your manners human tomato!" He said with a hint of irritation in his voice.

" Zachy, that hurts!" Hoven wailed like a kindergarten . He's always like that ever since I met him.

" I humbly apologized for our rudeness," Zachary said politely facing at me. Ignoring his cousin beside him.

All I did was nod silently. I eyed at the two men standing in front , thinking of how these two manage to run a huge successful business with that attitude of theirs. One of them is a juvenile while the other one is a ruffian.

The C. Company was the largest and world's top business organization, owned by the Criot family and was currently lead by Hoven Criot. According to the news he's the youngest CEO and was voted as the most talented and excellent man in the business industry. Zachary Dean, his cousin acting as his secretary.

" Oh! by the way there is something I need to do. Maia you entertained our guest and please refrained yourself from being silent," Nikshi said as she edged her way towards the opened door.

"Zach if you don't mind, please come with me," she gripped Zachary's arm and both of them left.

Argh!! Nikshi, I knew you are doing this on purpose. I'm sure you are fully aware of how much I wanted to avoid this person in my office right now. I don't wanted to see him again, because if I do. I know I wouldn't be able to stop myself from loving him again...

"You can seat on the couch," I finally spoke. Hoven did what I said.

It's already been five years since I last saw him.

For some reason, I'd felt quite irritated and uneasy with his presence yet somehow glad and relieved.

"I was wondering why the famous Hoven Criot is here in my office. So... Please state your business in here" I said calmly.

" You'd been in abroad for 5 years and the next thing I knew when you came back was this. Now you owned this famous architectural firm. I'm sorry for my sudden visit without an appointment." He said.

"It's fine, now kindly state your objective."

He paused for a moment and then spoke.

" Maya! I'm getting married,"

Wait what? What did he said? Married to whom? Geez... I think I should go and see a doctor. There's something wrong in my ears. What I heard is not what it is right?

"You what?"

"I'm getting married,"

I stared at him, blankly— I could see the great feeling of happiness on his face. That's kindly unfair. I don't know what to say or what to feel. As if a 15ft tidal wave slammed on my face. Slowly washing away my own felicity. I feel numb, cold and dumbfounded at first. What was it called again? Ah... Shock. I must be shocked of what he had said.

"Oh is that so? Congratulations."

"Yes! You see... I'm planning to leave the mansion and start a new life with my future wife. Father had already agreed on this. I'm even surprised that he did so, you know it's unnatural for him to do such thing... That's why—"

"That's why you're here in my office to personally asked me for the plan of your future house?" Maia added.

"Yes!" He yelped in delight.

Thanks to my natural, impassive looked. Hoven have no idea what I felt as of now. I found it out hard to breath, despite the fresh air that circulates around the room. My chest feels heavy. My heart is in pain. Is this what they called heartache? So this is how it feels huh?

"Fine! As an old friend of mine. If you're not busy, just come to my office anytime so we could discuss the project, are you okay with that?"

"Thank you Maya! That's plenty!"

"Whatsoever. By the way, may I know who's this lucky woman you're betrothed with?"

"You've gone too long Maya. Or rather you have isolated yourself too much in here. You should visit the main city sometime."

Yeah I was absent for 5 years, and just came back 6 weeks ago. And the next thing I knew, the man of my life is getting married to someone else. Someone who isn't me...

"What do you mean?"

"Trixie Necron. It's your sister."

__________________

Hello guys this is OrenzyTangerine and this is my first work. I hope you are doing great and I hope you will read it till the end. Please like if you do and leave some comments.(◍•ᴗ•◍)

10 YEARS AGO

It's been 2 weeks since I transferred here in Delacore Academy, a private school which intends for rich people. I used to lived in my grandparents at the countryside, but because of my mom, I moved at the household of the Necron. The fourth richest family in our country.

"Isn't that the first year girl they are talking about?"

"You mean the one with dark brown hair? Seems like the rumor is true. She's so beautiful,"

" Woah, look at those alluring emerald eyes of her. She's like a goddess isn't she?"

"She doesn't show that much emotion on her face right?"

"She's the exact description of a living doll"

I could feel everyone's stares as I walked. There's no any single day, that people would stop looking at me. I thought someday I would get used to it but I don't. I don't know if I'm being lucky with this face of mine, but for me it's somehow inconvenient. Anywhere I go, I could always catched people's attention, which doesn't worked for me because I don't liked being stared at.

I placed my bag on my desk the moment I had arrived my room, then sat on my sit. A few moments later class had begun.

-----------------------------------

The school bell suddenly rung, indicating class had already ended. I remained sitted on my sit, as I observed people packing there things. A swarm of students filled the desolated hallway.

I waited for at least 5 minutes until no one is left before leaving the room.

The corridor is so peaceful and empty. Most of the rooms were already locked, and there's barely people in the school.

The warm glow of the setting sun was the first thing that greeted me when I had finally reached the outside. I sat on the empty bench under a tree and watched the sky. It's really beautiful.

I'm actually waiting for Mr. Sebastian, the butler of Mr. Necron to pick me up.

I wished my childhood friend Nikshi would arrived earlier, beyond what am I expecting. My mom offered her a scholarship, maybe few days from now, she would be able to start studying in here. It's not like I'm lonely or something. All I wanted is to have someone with me but it's hard to make any friends in here. Besides Nikshi is the only person who could comprehend what I felt regardless of my inability to show any expression on my face.

The sound of the rustling leaves soothed my ears. I lifted my gaze and got startled when I saw a boy at my age on the tree. His eyes met mine.I don't know but for some reason he looks familiar. It seems like I had already seen him somewhere but can't exactly remember where.

He placed his index finger near on his lips. I saw another boy through my peripheral vision who just came out from one of the room— Panting. I set my eyes on the man having ash gray hair. Both of his hands were on his knees. He glanced sideways and started running again. I know his looking for someone and I got the idea of who it is.

The boy from the tree jumped off and landed smoothly on the ground. He got amazing athletic skills. He walked towards the bench I'm on and sat beside me. He leaned forward and grabbed both of my hands which gave me a jolt. He leaned his face closer to mine. My heart is beating so fast. I could feel the rushing heat to my cheeks. Well thanks to this poker face of mine, he have no idea of how embarrassed I am.

His smooth shiny red hair was carefully caressed by the soft whisper of the wind. Featuring his pair of deep blue, almond shape eyes, on which it's focus is on me. His smile is so radiant like the sun, and it seems like I'm melting from it. I don't want to admit this but he's handsome.

An image of him wearing a black tuxedo sprouted in my mind. Now I know, I had definitely saw this man before. Last night when I was browsing the internet. If I'm correct his name was Hoven Criot from the famous Criot family. The other guy before who was looking for him was probably his cousin, Zachary Dean.

"Thank You Maia," he said.

I wanted to speak but I don't know what to say, but before that I'm absolutely sure, that I haven't met this guy in personal before nor given a chance to talk to him. I wondered how did he know me?

"I'm waiting for you for so long. And now I can't believe I got the chance to meet you,"

Wait! What? This guy is being creepy. I heard before that Mr. Necron and Mr. Criot are very close. If that's how this guy knew my name then it makes some sense at this whole subject. But what's up with those waiting thing he had said?

"Oh I'm sorry, it appears to you that I'm such a weird guy" He let go of my hands. " My name is Hoven— Hoven Criot. I got your name from your mom, and I'm sorry once again"

So it's my mom again this time huh? She's so talkative. A man in black uniform caught my attention standing near the gates. Sebastian is already here.

" It's okay, and goodbye. I'm leaving. " I said towards the guy beside me. I was about to leave but he grabbed my wrist.

" Wait. I'm sorry but can we be friends?"

I had already spent two week in here and he is the first one who said those words to me ever since I got transferred in here which makes me happy.

" Um, sure..."

" Really? Thank you." He said with great enthusiasm.

" Yes. "

" Okay! See you tomorrow! Here's my personal contact info. Just in case you wanted to call or text me."

I'm not fond of phone calls or texting, since I don't have many friends or so. But anyways I took the card he gave to me and shoved it into my pocket.

" See you." I said and rushed off.

PRESENT TIME

I took a deep breath before getting off in the car. There I could see the white mansion from the windshield.

"We are here." Sebastian said as he opened the door.

My heart is pounding so hard. It's been a while since I had felt something like this.

5 hours earlier

I took my phone and answered it. Just who the heck on earth would call me early in this morning, knowing today is Sunday.

"Hello? " I said trying not to fall asleep. Still on my pajamas and lying lazily on my bed.

"Greetings my lady, this is the head butler of the Necron residence," said by a familiar voice whom I haven't heard off for years.

"Sebastian, is this you? What brings your call?" I said trying not to sound cold.

"Yes its me Lady Maia. You're father is requesting your audience for today,"

"Why? Is there anything that happened in there "

"Yes milady, and your father is insisting you to come. It's been 5 years since your last visit in here. You're dad missed you."

" Okay, is there anything else?"

" Yes milady, your father will hold a banquet tonight to celebrate your sister's engagement. Master ordered me to picked you up in there, so please come in here."

End of flashback

"Is there anything wrong milady?"

I could felt the Butler's solicitude in his words. Sebastian was like a father to me. Ever since I was admitted to the household of the Necron. He is always there for me.

I could still remembered well, those small secrets that I'd shared with him and those small talks about the things that we shared interest with when I was still a young. Sebastian always knew my own preferences and not. And aside from my friend Nikshi, he could even tell what I think.

"I'm perfectly fine," I calmly stated.

For once again I took a depth breath on which I always do whenever I'm anxious, before setting a foot outside. Every steps I took feels heavy. As if they are chains being attached from my ankles. If it's not for my stepdad, I wouldn't wanted to be in here at the first place. I don't want to see my sister and Hoven on each others arms. Exchanging honeyed coated words and other stuffs. But it would be coward of me to do such thing. I know I need to face this, and there's nothing I could do about it. And besides few weeks from now, Hoven would become a part of the family so I need to accept and get used to it.

"Maia! You're here!" A young looking maid exclaimed the moment I had reached the front hall. Sebastian cleared his throat. The maid suddenly realized that she was being impolite.

"Greetings Lady Maia, please forgive me for my discourtesy," the maid bow to me. It's so good to see my favorite female servant in this house that it made me comfortable and feel welcomed once again.

"It's okay Nancy," I beamed at her. The maid was delighted because it's rare for me to do such thing.

"If you wouldn't mind may I take my leave? I need to inform the master about your arrival lady Maia," Sebastian said. I nodded in response "Nancy please escort milady," he added before leaving.

I stared at his back for a few seconds before moving.

The aromatic smell of roses filled the air as we passed on the massive garden outside. I paused at the nearest huge arched window and watched the maze like, vibrant hedge roses in white, pink and red displayed in the lawn surrounding the immense ivory gazebo stood at the center.

"So pretty... They reminds me of Lady Rosalind." Nancy blurted out.

I can't help myself and took a glanced on her. Nancy was staring at the garden with a great wonder, yet at the same a hint of longing and sadness. Suddenly the maid realized of what she had said, her face was horrified. I looked away at her and then continued to move. It's been a while since I heard of that name. The name of my mother who had passed away on a plane crash 6 years ago.

"I'm sorry milady, I shouldn't have said that," the maid squeak from behind.

"Come here... Please walk beside me." I said. She hesitated at first but anyways did what I said.

Nancy is already 46 and one of the oldest maid who serve the Necron Family. She started working in here when she was 24 and became my mom's personal maid for exactly 16 years. Aside from Sebastian, she's also the only maid whom I trusted the most and the closest to me.

"Don't hold yourself, it's okay if you talked about her,"

" But..."

" It's okay, it's been already six years since the plane crash. It won't bothered me anymore."

"Okay..."

"Good,"

"Miss Maia! Do you know what are these garden for?— It was your master gift for your mom. The master loves her so deeply that she gave her a majestic garden like this."

"I know, he built this garden as a reminder of my her."

"Your mom is lucky isn't she? You see milady... during your stay in your grandparents. She would always stared at your picture in her room."

"Really?"

"Yes and she wouldn't stop talking about you. That's why she was so happy on that day. The day of your arrival in this house. Your mom really loves you,"

" I can imagine that."

My father died before I was even born. My mom was a famous actress before and after giving birth to me, she left for the sake of her career. As you have known, I used to stayed in my grandparents house for 15 years, but unfortunately they died because of age.

I could still remembered that day, she came into the funeral. At first I didn't recognized her. I didn't knew she was my mom, because I grew up believing I'm an orphan. Of course I was shocked, when I had learned the truth. And all I could asked is why...Why did she left me behind?

She brought me in this house and I'm so scared, when I came here for the first time. What if they won't accept me? What if they'll treat me poorly? And what if, I'll just bring dishonor to this family? Those questions consumed me before but I was proven wrong.

" Um...if you don't mind milady asking me such a question...but... Do you resented her?"

"Resented her? No, not even once."

" Why? After all of those?"

" Most children in my situation would be mad at their parents. Well, I got dismayed at first, but I understand why she did that. That's the only thing I could do as her daughter. And besides, I'm happy. If it's not for her, I wouldn't be able to meet a kind and caring person like you."

"You're so kind Miss Maia, just like your mom and I'm happy meeting you too,"

The maid continued to talk to me about the things that happened inside the mansion during my absence. Though some may think that Nancy was being impolite , I didn't tell her to stopped. In fact I'm enjoying her accompany.

A few turns from left and right, we had reached the gallery. And what I saw made me sad once again. I saw a red hair guy inside and I know it is Hoven.