Chapter 163 - One Hundred And Sixty-three: Apologize, Isabelle. (1/2)

The third point of view

Maya was mad at him, that was for sure - and expected. He would be too if he was in her shoe: they slept two days ago and now, he's announcing his engagement -Tina broke the engagement news to her technically.

Well, she would have heard it sooner or later anyway.

F*ck, this was a mess up. Things were getting complicated, the more he tried to make things clear, the more he kept getting tangled in the web of misunderstanding.

”You're here” Tina smiled up at him.

She left her seat and walked over to him, looping her arms around his and led him to Maya's bedside.

There wasn't another seat closer to the bed, the couches were at the far end of the room so Tina sat on the only available seat while he stood beside her.

Their eyes met and he gulped, memories of the passionate night they shared swarmed his head.

He wished there was a way they could talk about what happened between them nights ago.

Sex to him had always been to satisfy his bodily urges. But that night with her? It wasn't just sex they had, he made love to her and he had bared his soul.

He was sure she felt it too - that connection that night - he could see it in her eyes - her eyes never tell lies.

It would be paradise if he could relive that night or better, spend more nights with her, and show her just how much he loved her.

But it was impossible, she even said it herself ”it was a mistake” they were vulnerable at that moment and had given in to their desires without thinking it through.

Also, he couldn't put her life in danger anymore - at least until he has become the new family head and held unquestionable power.

Sakuzi might have saved her life but next time, he might be the one putting a bullet through her head.

Tina felt uneasy with the air in the room, Niklaus and Maya were gazing at each other but she knew there was more to that stare like they were communicating secretly or something.

”Is something the matter?” She purposely asked, breaking their cryptic communication.

”How are you doing?” He asked Maya, ignoring the disruptor by his side.

”I'm fine” Maya replied in a polite yet distant tone. She added briskly, ” congratulations on your engagement”

Niklaus frowned, he could sense the ice in her tone and she had put up her walls.

”By the way, I invited Maya to our engagement and she's very happy to join us on such a glorious day. Isn't that right, Maya?” Tina threw at her.

Niklaus' jaw ticked, he turned towards her awaiting her answer.

”Of course” Maya smiled,” I can't wait for such a day to come, you both are a wonderful couple - a match made in heaven ”

More like 'hell', Maya contradicted her statement mentally.

Niklaus had a passive expression on the surface but inwardly, he was boiling with anger. He knew he had no claim to Maya but why was she sounding like she'd given up on him?

The thought of her getting over him aggravated him to the core, he just needed a bit of time. Why couldn't she give him that?

”Thank you” Niklaus managed to say.

With Tina scrutinizing his every move like a mother hen, he couldn't say a word carelessly. Who knew what that witch would rouse with it?

”Do you know the best part?” Tina started again, ”Maya's considering being one of my bridesmaids at our wedding, isn't that amazing?”

His hardened gaze met Tina who was grinning from ear to ear, she was intentionally doing this.

It was obvious Maya wouldn't agree to such a ridiculous request.

Both of them dislike each other, Tina was the major factor resulting in their break-up.

Why then would she agree to be her bridesmaids in a wedding to her ex? Only a crazy person would do that.

”Is that true?” He asked.

”Yes,” she answered with no care.

His jaw clenched together,” Why would you do such a thing?”

Maya cocked a brow, ”Excuse me? I'm afraid I don't understand your question”

”Maya!” He called her name through gritted teeth.

She chuckled, ”I'm afraid that there has been some sort of misunderstanding here, Niklaus.”

He stared at her with blazing intensity, why was she behaving like this?

Maya went on, ”I believe that we were a couple, but that was in the past, we are not together anymore..” There was momentary haste, her voice was clogged from emotions.

Under the sheet, she dug and clasped the bedspread tight as if drawing strength from it while fighting against the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes but she didn't let her emotions show as she continued.

”Now, you have a lovely lady by your side and I'm not a petty person to keep on hanging onto an owned man” she emphasized that word, ”owned”

Niklaus didn't say anything nor take her eyes off her; his glance was so nerve-racking that she was close to buckling under the pressure.