Xavier's pov:

I sat on the bed beside her.

"Yes, I work as a Freelance Engineer. Definitely a software one . I create apps, websites, webpages, etc. for clients.

I have been freelancing from my college days. Doing small freelancing jobs, was how I survived my college and some extra courses that I joined.

After completing my graduation and getting my degree, my parents never allowed me to do a job.

They thought that if I get independent and start making my own money, I will stop listening to them and do as I wish. They didn't want me to be independent. But, I worked as a freelancer taking utmost care that they do not find out what I do.

So, when you asked me or I should say when you blamed me of being a burden on first my parents and then you, it was not true.

I was never a burden on my parents . I agree that they gave me allowance every month. But, if you look at the amount, then that was insufficient even for my cab fare.

Let me just clarify you one thing that even if it's mentioned in the contract that you would pay me every month , I don't need that . I have my own money on which I can very well survive. You don't need to pay me a single penny for being your wife . In fact, I am the one who should pay you for letting me stay at your mansion. Every month, I would pay you a reasonable rent for letting me stay here and eating food." Maya said.

"I'm very very very sorry again for whatever I called you before. You can never be a burden on someone. I don't know what came up on me that I said those things to you. I will never be able to forgive myself for that. I am very sorry." I apologized to her feeling guilty of my words.

"I didn't tell you all this because I wanted an apology from you. I just wanted to clarify your doubt regarding John and show you the mirror of my independence. I wanted to tell you that I do work and earn for my own. I am not a burden or a gold digger who would survive on someone else's hard work.

Besides , we decided yesterday that we will let go of all the bad things. So, let's just them be in the past. I want to start a new fresh life ahead."

"Yeah. You're right. Let go of all the things in the past.

But one thing is for sure that you won't pay me anything. One doesn't pay for staying and eating in his own house. I have clarified you enough that this is your place . You don't have to pay for this and as far as the contract is concerned, I made that contract and I have that power to not give a damn about it. I will cancel that clause in the contract with states that I have to pay you every month. I know that it tampers your self respect. So, I won't pay you anything . "

"Thanks." She said smiling.

I stayed in Maya's room for some more time working on my project. Later Mimi came and that was my cue to leave the room. She is going to give a bath to Maya. I decided to conduct certain meetings till the time Mimi was there with Maya.

I had given Maya's schedule to Mimi. She told me that she would take proper care of Maya while I focus on my work.

I was still tracking every update about Maya from time to time. Mimi was constantly telling me about everything.

It was about the time for lunch. I decided to cross check a document and then move towards the dining table for lunch.

"Done with your work Mr. Workaholic?"

It was Lucas. As usual , he entered without knocking. That's how we both are . We never knock before entering each other's room.

"Yeah I am almost done . Just 5 minutes more."

He waited on the couch till I finished my work.

" I am done. Did you have lunch? I was just going to get that." I asked him.

"I had my lunch at home only . I came to talk to you about Maya."

I then remembered that, he must have come to take Maya home with him. For the first time, I didn't know what to talk to my best friend.

"Hmm."

"What's going on Xavier?

At first you don't talk to her properly, you insult her every moment, you hurt her till the the point that the thing comes up to her life and death situation . Then, you cry with guilt and regret, you apologize several times and then all of a sudden , overnight, she refuses to leave your place.

What's happening ? And, don't beat around the bush. Be clear."

I would be lying if I say, I didn't expect him to be this frank about Maya. He doesn't make relationships just for that moment. Those are for life. If he calls Maya his sister , then he genuinely feels that bond between them and as a brother he has every right to question me regarding her.

"As far as I can see, you already visited Maya. She must have told you everything. I didn't say anything to her. It's her decision." I told him.

"I know that Xavier. I'm not here to confront you. I want to talk to you. Like a genuine talk.

What are you doing Xav? You didn't want her with you at the first place. Then, why are you getting so close to her? Why are you caring so much for her? Why? "

I stayed quiet for a minute trying to digest his questions that I knew were gonna come.

"I don't know Lucas. I kind of like her. There's this attraction towards her that is changing me. And, trust me when I say, this isn't a sexual or a physical attraction.

I want to care for her, look after her, know her and most importantly I want to be near her everytime. I was in this room, working on my project, since morning. But, there hasn't been a single minute, I haven't thought of her. Even though, I didn't want her to bother me before, but now I want her with me every single second.

I want her to talk to me, ask me about my day, care for me the same way Dan cares for you. I want her to throw tantrums at me, ask me to get her everything she wants. I want her to show her right over me as a wife."

I just poured out whatever I had inside me.

Talking to Lucas was never an issue. We had this strange comfort with each other. There has never been something called hesitation amongst us.

He smiled at me and said, "I know you won't admit this. But, you're falling for her.

I'm not saying this because you have this regret inside you regarding the whole accident thing. You know, few things are destined. They are ought to happen. If it was not for the accident, then by some other way , you would have come closer to her. You would have felt this same thing for her anyhow. This accident was just a source to encourage and build those feelings inside you."

"I don't know what to reply over this."

"I will just ask you one thing and answer me that . You yourself will get to know all what's inside you and you will get your confusion cleared.

Do you want to give a chance to your marriage?" He asked me.

Do I want to? I thought to myself .

Yes, I want to be with her every time. I want to know her more. I want to talk to her. I want to do every crazy thing a normal couple does.

"I guess yes. I want to give a chance to this relationship. But, I don't know Lucas. This is the first ever relationship I'll have .

Even though, I don't want to admit this but I am kind of afraid. What if I made mistakes? What if I did something? Maybe even worse than what I did before. And she is really fragile right now. She can't take anymore."

I told him the fear inside me.

"Maybe, you are right Xav. But, I am not asking you to involve her into all this. I just want you to give a chance to yourself in this marriage.

Just grow up man. Get ahead of all the mess, the gold digger, the slut and whatever else the shit is inside your mind. Just get over it.

I agree that's the reality of most of the girls right now. But, you yourself know that Maya is none of them.

She is really an amazing human and I am sure you will enjoy yourself with her . Just give a chance to yourself.

And maybe , after she gets well and after you think she is ready for a change in her life or for letting someone else in her circle , you can talk to her then. Right now, I just want you to explore yourself and your feelings about her. Just let the things be as they are right now. Don't pressurise yourself or her in all these things. Okay?"

I smiled and hugged him. "Thank you so much Lucas. You know, you are always a lifesaver for me .

From yesterday, I was so confused about all these damn things and I might would have taken wrong decision in hurry. Thank you for having my back and clearing my mind."

"I sensed this change of your feelings towards her from the last few days. I just wanted to give a push to you , so that you would admit them. That was the reason, I said that I was going to take Maya with me. Because, I knew for sure that neither would you let me take her , nor would she come willingly and now I am seeing certainly happy for you both."

"Thank you so much Lucas . This really meant alot for me."

" Rather than thanking me so many times, you can pay me off by something else." He said smirking.

"Why do I sense some trouble here?" I asked him.

"Oh my dearest friend, you are aren't in any trouble.

Actually, I wanted to take Dan out for date tonight. I wanted it to be a bike ride and she likes your baby a lot. I just wanted to borrow it for a night." He asked me with those innocent but not so innocent eyes.

My baby. Baby means my BMV bike. It's a limited edition of the company. They only made 8 bikes. And, I being a good investor in the company, already got one for myself even before it was launched in the market.

"You are really a cunning person Lucas. You knew that I wouldn't give it to you so easily. But, it's okay. You helped me alot . You can take the bike. But I hope you know that, a scratch on it and you would be dead for sure."

I warned him. It was something that I'm very possesive about.

After chatting for a while, Lucas went .

I had my lunch in the study itself. I completed my work at around 4.30 pm.

For the first time ever, I was excited to see someone after work. I went to Maya's room.

Maya's pov:

I was in my room chatting with Anna or I should say gossiping about Mr. Adams with Anna. She was telling me all the things that Mr. Adams and Dan did in their childhood. It was almost evening when Mr. Adams came inside the room.

"Mimi, just give me some more minutes. I'll freshen up. Then, you can go . I'll stay with her." He said to Anna.

"It's okay Xav. Take your time." Anna replied politely.

After sometime, he came from the washroom and Anna left. This was the first time , I guess, I didn't feel scared of being alone with him .

He was infront of the mirror in the room, dressed in his t-shirt and trousers, drying his hair by rubbing the towel over them.

"Don't rub your hair so harshly. They get damaged." I told him.

He smiled at me through the mirror and resumed his dressing. Once he was done, he came on the other side of the bed and laid on his back. He looked tired.

"So, how was your day?" I asked him.

He flipped over suddenly and smiled at me differently showing his full white teeth.

"Why are you smiling?" I asked him.

"You know, whenever I used see Dan and Lucas asking this question to each other, I used to wonder why do they ask the same thing when you can already look at the person and tell that he is tired from the work. But, now I understood that these small little things give you a sense of having someone there for you waiting at home."

"You didn't answer my question?" I asked him smiling back.

"It was normal. I checked all the things that were pending. Summarised some documents. Talked with the clients and investors regarding some projects. Overall, it was nothing new.

What did you do all day?"

"I read a book. Had a talk with Mr. Harris. Then, Dan and Lucas came. I told them that I wanted to stay here. I thought that they'll ask a lot of questions. But, they just smiled and left. Then, even Liam and Daisy came. So, overall I had an amazing day.

You know what...."

We were interupted by Mr. Adams' mobile's ringtone.

" It's the security." He said, picked up the phone and put it on speaker.

"Sir, there's a guy who's claiming to be your wife's friend. Should we let him in?" The guy on the other side said.

"What's his name?" Mr. Adams asked.

"Sir, I've checked his ID proof. His name is John."

"It's okay. Let him in." He said and cut the call.

"I can't believe I'm going to meet John after so long. Thanks Mr. Adams." My happiness grew .

"It's okay Maya." He said.

I don't know why but I saw his change of expressions at the mention of John. His smile no longer had that spark .

But, I chose to ignore it for now.

Meeting John was the most important thing on my mind right now. He is this great guy whom I met only twice in a span of three years but, he has been an amazing friend to me.

Knowing my condition at my home, he was there to help with everything possible. He had increased deadlines for me whenever I couldn't complete my work within time due to certain issue at home. He was always there for the moral support whenever I would be down.

"How's it going Mystery Maya?" My thoughts were interrupted by a cheerful voice at the door.

John stood there smiling at me. He came to me immediately and hugged me taking proper care to not hurt me.

"As much as I want to say that I'm really happy to meet you but, I'm not. Look what you've done to yourself. What happened Maya? How did this happen? " He threw his questions all at once.

"Relax John. It's all fine. I'm okay." I told him.

"But, how did this happen?"

"It's long story. For now, let this slide. Tell me how's everything going?"

Before he could reply anything, Mr. Adams interrupted.

"Excuse me guys. I'll take your leave now." With that Mr. Adams went out of the room without even looking at me once.

After Mr. Adams left the room, John looked at me and said, "Kindly explain everything about this changed address, living with Mr. Xavier Adams, the greatest business tycoon of New York right now."

I knew that these questions were gonna come. I decided to tell hm everything about Mr. Adams being my husband skipping the forced marriage track.

I told him about our marriage and our fake love story that I made up in my mind while talking to him.

After sometime, Anna came with Renee. Renee kept the snacks and cold drinks and went.

I introduced John to Anna. We chatted for nearly an hour. Even Anna liked John and his bubbly nature a lot.

It was around 7 when John left, promising that he would keep on visiting me more now.

Xavier's pov:

Today, I was really excited to spend some time with Maya. I only talked to her a little, when that guy came.

As soon as he came, Maya ignored me like I didn't even exist in the room. She didn't even bother to introduce me to her friend. Not that I was dying to get introduced to him, but it felt like she didn't care about me infront of him. I went from her immediately after that, not wanting to intrude her privacy with her friend.

I went in the kitchen to see that Mimi was instructing the staff regarding tonight's dinner.

"Mimi, actually Maya's friend is there to visit her. Can you get some snacks sent to them?" I asked her.

Even though I didn't like that guy, but he was Maya's friend. It was my responsibility to entertain my guest.

"Oh! I didn't know she had another friend." She said.

"Yeah, he is here. You can go meet him if you want. " I told her.

" Sure. You want something to eat?"

"No, I'm not hungry. I'll have my dinner after sometime. You please take care of Maya. I'm in my room." I told her and left from there.

I reached my room and before I could do anything, I received a call from Chris.

"Sir, there's a problem." He said.