Chapter 4 Chapter 4

MAE.

“Mae!” she called out to me. I managed to smile.

I remember Victoria. In high school, she was dating Logan, a lot of back and forth before they finally split up. I didn’t realize she was still in the picture.

This feels like a nightmare. Can I get a break? At least today.

“Aunt Vicky!” I smiled.

“Oh please, quit the auntie. Just call me Victoria,” she said, stepping closer to hug me.

“You’re all grown up now!” she squealed.

I nodded.

She pulled away, and her eyes drifted to the meal on the table.

“Wow. I bet Logan made this. You never make meals for me though,” she muttered, picking up the plate and starting to eat.

Mr. Sterling rolled his eyes, stepping closer as he took the plate from her, dropping it back down, then lifting her up into his arms.

“Have some respect, Victoria.”

“Awwn, that’s so sweet,” she teased.

I just looked away. I tried to convince myself it was okay.

That it didn’t hurt, but something in my chest twisted anyway. I was losing it.

It felt like heartbreak….

“Peach, eat and go have your shower. Get some rest,” he said finally.

Then they both headed upstairs while her laughter filled the mansion.

When they disappeared upstairs, I had no appetite.

I was having two heartbreaks in one day, even though there had never really been anything there—just my silly feelings.

I wanted to go upstairs and cry, but I couldn’t leave the food behind. I didn’t want to seem even more ungrateful than I already felt.

Everything that had happened today finally hit me all at once, mixed with the current situation and then the tears came heavy and uninvited while I forced food into my mouth anyway.

They slipped down before I could stop them, and I quickly wiped them away, trying to act like nothing was wrong.

I headed upstairs for a shower. I wasn’t even thinking about anything else. Maybe the water would help me cool down.

There was a music box there.

My music box, the same one I left over five years ago. It was sitting there like it had been waiting for me.

Funny enough, I think the cleaners always kept my room in order whenever it was time to clean. As if Mr. Sterling had always expected I would come back one day.

I turned the music box up loudly and stepped into the shower.

I tried to erase everything that had happened today. The misery, the tension, the emotions everything. So I started moving with the music, letting it take over while I showered.

I stayed in the bathroom for God knows how long.

When I finally came out, I was still slightly lost in the music, moving with it without thinking. Then I stilled.

Because I saw Mr. Sterling standing with a towel in his hands.

I froze instantly, my eyes widening as I quickly reached to turn off the music box.

He didn’t speak immediately and I had no idea what was happening.

I was naked and he was just standing there like it was normal.

Does he not see me as a woman?

“I got you a towel,” he said calmly, like nothing was wrong. “I took the old ones away long ago.”

He stretched his hand out toward me.

I hesitated for a second, confused, then quickly walked forward to take it.

But my foot slipped, and I fell, but before I could reach the ground, he caught me.

My breath hitched instantly.

One second I was slipping and the next I was in his arms, staring directly into those damn hazel eyes that had ruined my life since I was eighteen.

Fuck me.

Heat was pooling in my legs and I hated myself for it.

What the heck was I even thinking?

I couldn't read Mr. Sterling's expression. But his eyes were fixed on me in a way that made my pulse go wild.

Neither of us moved.

His arm was still around my waist, holding me steady, and suddenly I became painfully aware of how close we were. Close enough to feel his breathing. Close enough to smell his cologne.

Close enough for me to remember exactly why I had spent five years avoiding him.

The realization hit me like a truck.

I pushed myself upright immediately and took a step back.

Logan released me and gently bent over to pick the towel. They fell off because of my clumsiness.

My heart wouldn't stop pounding.

I parted my lips to speak, but no words came out.

“Still as clumsy as ever. Peach. You never really change. Do you?” He muttered the moment he picked the towel. He took steps closer to me, draping the towel over my head before gently rubbing it against my damp hair.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to remain still. He must think I'm still that little girl he took in years ago.

“Mmm mmm” I cleared my throat, taking the towel from him.

“I can do it” I said.

He sighed and stepped backwards, letting me continue.

“Did you finish your meal?” he asked and I nodded gently. I was losing composure. I was naked for crying out loud but he looks completely normal. Get a grip, Mae. He doesn't see you that way.

“Good. I don't want you crying over that bastard. Get some rest. If you need anything you can always call me” he muttered and I nodded again.

“Logan! Where are you?” Victoria’s voice came from the hallway.

He strolled towards the door and walked away, shutting the door behind him. I threw myself onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow. How embarrassing.