Xavier's pov:

Not that he is a tough nut to crack, but it sometimes gets stressful with the detailed discussion with Mr. Harris. But, the ventures with him have always proved really profitable. It was almost the lunch time when the meeting ended. I went towards my cabin, when the wisphering sounds of my employees reached my ears. I stood at an audible distance from them, keeping in mind to stay out of their vision.

"I think there's something going on between them."

"You heard the voices coming out of the cabin. Seems like there's lot of fun inside."

Such voices along their giggling sounds reached my ears, making me fume with anger and jealousy.

I went towards the door and slowly twisted the knob.

"No No. Please Chris. You can't do this. Please."

"Ohh poor child! I can do much more. Just let me get to you."

Maya and Chris were running all around the cabin. Their laughter was what escaping the cabin and reaching out. Chris was chasing her and she was running away from him, all the while sound of her laugh being a melody.

I entered the cabin and stood there watching them playing God knows what. None of them seemed to notice me.

I went forward and cleared my throat. As soon as they saw me, their laughter died and they stood rooted to their place.

Just to let them know that they have created a mess of my cabin, I looked around, scanning the surroundings.

The files were all misplaced, not in their shelves but on the floor. The pen stand and the paper weights, that once were used for my work, now scattered into broken pieces, near the table. The couch lost its shape and the pillows, one in Maya's hand and the other one in Chris'. Overall, my once very well organised office space looked like a destructed place.

What was most shocking, were their faces and the surprise their emotions held when they looked at the mess, they themselves created.

They looked at each other horrified and hurriedly started cleaning the mess.

"Wait!" I said and both of their turned towards me looking all frightened.

"Chris, go and check the arrangements in the VIP lounge. Mr. Harris went for his lunch and he'll be resting there after that till his meeting with Maya starts. He shall come there in some 40 mins. Go and have your lunch after that."

"Yee...ess S.. Sir." He stammered and went from there.

Maya stood there, her face down and finger trembling.

"Maya." I called.

She closed her eyes tightly and fear took over her beauty. I went upto her and said, "You very well know what I'll do if you act stubborn."

And, as expected her eyes shot open.

Maya's pov:

He was looking intently at me and I was trying to decode some emotions on his complete emotionless face.

He put his hand on my cheek and said, "Hungry?"

I, stilled frightened of his reaction, chose to keep quite.

"For instance, you're not answering but, I'm hungry. Let's go." He said and pulled me with him by my wrist.

We were right now, sitting at a restaurant waiting for our food to arrive. I haven't dared to speak a word since then. I am afraid of his reaction to the mess I created in his office. From the corner of my eye, I saw him looking at me intently. I can't keep mum all the time. I need to apologise. Despite fearing his reaction, I opened my mouth.

"I'm sorry." I said, still not lifting my eyes from the table.

Not hearing anything from him, I looked up to see him in the same position as he was before.

"I said I'm sorry." I again apologized.

"I heard that." That's when he spoke.

"Then why aren't you saying anything?" I asked him, my eyes still not ready to lift up.

"What do you think? Why am I quite?" He asked.

I thought for a while before answering, "Because you're angry at me."

"That's not what the reason is. I'm not angry Maya. I'm just upset."

"I'm sorry. Don't be upset. I'll clean the mess."

"You still don't get me, do you?" He asked and looked at me for a minute before saying, "It's not about the mess you created. It's about how much you misunderstand me. I was upset because you still don't trust me enough to know that I cannot get angry at you just for these small things. Infact, I think it's really getting difficult for me to be angry at you even for anything. The fear in your eyes when I entered the cabin, it just made me feel so bad about myself. Tell me, are you still afraid of me? Do you still think that I'll hurt you?" He asked.

Not having words to put forth, I kept.

"You do think that I'll hurt you. You're still afraid of me. Your silence says it all." I looked up in his eyes, displaying guilt and pain.

But, that was the truth. I cannot deny that. All that I've been through, it's very difficult for me to trust someone again. But, I'm trying and he knows that.

"I'm sorry Xavier. But, you should know that it's not easy for me to read you. Even if you're not angry at the moment, I cannot forget the time when your anger almost killed me. I need time to get comfortable with you." I tried to make him understand my point.

"I think you're right. Maybe, I was rushing things. It's okay. You can take your time. I'm fine, as long as you're there with me." He said smiling.

There was a awkward silence amongst us till the food arrived. We had our lunch and proceeded towards the office. Later, I had my meeting with Mr. Harris. Everything went well today, except the glitch in my relationship with Xavier. I was sitting in the couch in Xavier's cabin while he was working on something.

A knock on the door shifted my attention towards it. Chris entered with the fear of the morning still intact on his face.

"Sir, everything's done. The summary and the analysis is done. These are the files. Mr. Kapoor asked me to inform you that he wants to visit you anytime soon."

"Okay. I'll talk to him. Your work from today is done. You can leave." Xavier said. His eyes still fixed on the screen and his fingers working furiously on the keyboard.

"Uh...Uhh Sir. If you have a minute, I want to say something." That's when Xavier looked up.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Sir, the talk of the office reached my ears. I'm really sorry for all the things that happened. From the morning mess, till the gossips. I'm really guilty of my deeds. I promise there's nothing like that. Maya is a really good friend of mine. We bonded when you were at France and I had to visit your mansion to discuss certain things with Mr. Cameron. I had no idea that this thing will become a topic of gossip to others. I'm really sorry. It won't happen again." Chris apologized with his head down in guilt.

Xavier rubbed his forehead and said, "What do I do with you people?"

I and Chris looked at each other in confusion, upon hearing Xavier's irritated voice.

"Chris, I'm not a husband who wants to control everything and everyone in his wife's life. I have no problem with you being friends with her. Infact, I'm happy to know that she bonded well with you, knowing that you're a good person and won't ever harm her. Plus, I agree that the gossips around the office are baseless. That's the reason, I didn't react over that. I know you and my wife and most importantly I trust you both. So, please stop assuming baseless things."

Chris was shocked as well as happy with Xavier's reaction. His face said it all. He still, stood there trying to digest Xavier's words, when Xavier brought him back to reality.

"I think you don't want to go home Chris."

"No Sir. I'm leaving. Bye Maya." Chris said eyeing me something, that I couldn't understand. But, I guess Xavier did.

"Maya, drop your friend out of the office and come back straight here. You don't know anyone else here. You'll get lost."

I scoffed at him, calling me indirectly a kid. But, right now Chris was important. I went with him till the parking lot.

He told me, how astonished he was to see this side of Xavier. When I told him that he is really sweet these days, he teased me till my cheeks were heated up and turned red. After he went home, I walked around for sometime and decided to go back to Xavier's cabin before he comes out and start searching for me, thinking I'm lost.

As soon as I reached near his cabin, I heard certain voices.

"Don't worry she'll not know."

As I opened the door, I saw the same girl who was with him in the mansion that day, sitting on his lap. Her hands pressing his face more into hers and their lips dancing with each other. It seemed like they both were lost into each other's touch.

I never knew that all he played were games, dirty, filthy games. I don't know why, but my heart broke down listening to his words. Not wanting to see anything more, I left from there hurriedly. I walked around on the road, aimless.

A horn behind me brought me back to reality. I thought, it isn't safe to roam on streets like this. I cannot risk myself because of that asshole.

I quickly called Chris, knowing that he wouldn't have gone too far, to pick me up. Seeing my state, he asked me many questions. But, I guess he understood that I wasn't in a position to answer him. He safely dropped me back to the mansion and went to his home.

I went to my room directly. Thank God, Anna wasn't there in the living room. Otherwise, it would have become very difficult to control my emotions infront of her. I ran to the shower and let the warm water do its work.

I never knew how it felt to be broken so badly. Earlier when Xavier hurted me, he meant nothing to me. But, now when I got the hope to see a happy life with him ahead, he had to show me the mirror of his infedility.

I bursted down in the shower. Suddenly, I felt my breathing getting heavy and difficult. I realised that I'm experiencing anxiety attack after two - three months. I quickly tied a robe and went inside the room to grab my tablets. I was a fool to think that I won't need them anymore. But, no. Mr. Xavier Adams, he won't ever let me leave in peace.

If he so badly wanted to separate from me, he could have just asked. Sure, it would have been painful but, a betrayal like this! My eyes again started watering and I slept with a heavy heart and watery eyes, trying to explain myself that I cannot fall for such a disgusting man. I started to replace my feelings for him to hate. I wanted to hate him but, I Couldn't.

Xavier's pov:

"What the fuck! Are you out of your senses Caroline. I told you I'm married." I pushed Caroline out of my lap and shouted at her.

"What happened to you Xavier? It's not like she'll know if you enjoy a little."

"I don't care about your thoughts Caroline. And,as far as my wife is concerned, it doesn't matter if she knows or not. Loyalty is a responsibility and I never back off from my responsibilities."

"What does that bitch have that I don't. Infact I am much more wealthy, sexy and hot than her. I can satisfy you more than her." She said, trying to seductively walk towards me.

"Stay where you are Caroline. Don't take even a step ahead." I shouted at the top of my voice.

"Not that I owe you any explanation but, she is not better than you." A smile started forming on her face. "There's no comparison between you two. She is real woman and a doting wife to me. She earned her respect before she earned my love. I respect her for who she is. She is hard-working, confident, beautiful, loyal and most importantly she is not you. She is everything a guy can wish for. So, get this thing straight in your mind that I'm not gonna cheat my wife for anyone. I love her so much to take the risk of letting her go." I walked closer to her, shooting her by my eyes. "If you don't leave this place within a minute now, I'll make sure you won't be able to model anymore. JUST FUCKING GET OUT." I screamed at her face and she ran away as fast as she could.

I sat on my chair rubbing my forehead, thinking how to deal with Caroline because she can prove to be a threat to my married life.

All of a sudden, my mind replayed my own words. I love her so much to take the risk of letting her go. Did I just say that I love my wife?

"Holy Fucking Shit! I Love Maya. I LOVE MY WIFE. I'M IN LOVE." I shouted loudly. Oh God! Why didn't I realise it earlier? I should tell her immediately.

I moved towards the door but stopped midway.

No! I should make it special. She has already gone through a lot. First because of he parents, then because of me. She deserves the best. She is a princess who should be treated royally. I should plan something and make it special for her. Yes. I'll make my proposal memorable for her.

YESSSSS! I'M IN LOVE. I LOVE YOU MAYA. I LOVE YOU. I started shouting, dancing and jumping. Probably doing everything that made me seem like someone who has some serious mental health issues. I was hoping like a monkey in my office. After nearly laughing and dancing for about 20 minutes, I realised that it's been long Maya is gone. She should have returned back.

I called her but, it went to voicemail. I then, called Chris.

"Yes sir." He answered the call.

"Sorry to disturb you after working hours Chris but, I need to talk to Maya."

"Sir, she isn't with me."

I panicked at his reply. "What do you mean by she isn't with you?"

"Sir, I dropped her at your mansion. She told me that you know."

"No, I know nothing about it. Can you tell me what exactly happened and why she asked you to drop her back?" I was getting worried as well as confused.

"Sir, I bid her goodbye and drove towards my home. But, she called me after sometime and asked me to pick her up. When I arrived at the parking lot of our office, she was standing there and it seemed like she was really shocked about something. She told me that you're busy with work and you asked me to drop her back at the mansion. I also tried to ask her the matter but, she just kept quiet the whole time."

"Uhh... Thank you Chris for dropping Maya safely to the mansion." Without even waiting for his reply, I hung up the call.

Author's pov:

Already worried about Maya, Xavier didn't waste a second to drive to the mansion. He ran towards Maya's room only to find her fast asleep. He went towards her and sat near her.

"What happened babygirl? I was so happy in the office upon the realisation. But, it seems like you're stressed. What happened princess? Don't worry. Whatever may be the issue, we'll solve it. Together."

Xavier wisphered to sleeping Maya, while caressing her face with his fingers. He lightly kissed her forehead, his lips lingering there for more than a minute.

As soon as he stood up to leave, he saw some pills on the side table. Taking a look at them closely, he was shocked to see antidepressants. There were few more pills that Maya takes when she suffers panick attack. But, as far as he knew, it's been months since she consumed those. Lots of questions arised in his mind. But, Maya was sleeping peacefully. He didn't want to lose that peace.

Worrying about the matter, Xavier left Maya's room and slept that night with huge tension on his head.

.........

It's morning. The same sun rose today. From the same direction, in the same manner and on same time. Just the difference was neither Maya nor Xavier wanted to absorb the serenity and light of the morning.

Maya woke up from the sleep and as soon as she came to her senses, her eyes started to water again. Deciding to be strong, she got ready for the day. It wa still time for the breakfast and so, she decided to go through the mails to keep her busy and not allow her mind to replay yesterday's moments.

On the other hand, Xavier, who hardly slept for an hour or two, was pacing around in his room, thinking how should he start the conversation with her. He couldn't stop thinking of the reason, Maya consumed the pills again. Battling with his thoughts, he came to the decision to talk to her over her breakfast. He went downstairs, took both of theirs coffee and breakfast with him to Maya's room.

Xavier's pov:

I knocked her door and without waiting for her reply, I went inside. She didn't notice me and was still busy on her laptop.

"Maya." I called out.

She turned around, got up from her study table and came towards me.

"What for you're here?" She asked.

"Oh. No hello, no good morning. Also, no hugs and no kisses." I knew she was just messing around with me.

"What for you're here?" She asked again and this time trying to sound more loud.

"Oh. Still playing the game, huh? No worries. You play the game while I take what's mine." I said with a smirk on my face and leaned towards her lips to kiss her.

Before I could register anything, she pushed me down with so much force, that I stumbled down and fell on the bed.