The room went quiet for a brief moment, and Owen stood there silently for a few seconds.
Previously, he would have responded with a ‘no‘ instantly.
She was merely a substitute. There were countless people in the world with similar appearances, so why accept any- thing inferior?
However, today he found himself pausing.
Recalling the fear in Maya’s eyes earlier made his throat feel constricted, like it had been stuffed with soggy cotton- painful and swollen to the brink of choking.
He had never encountered her in such a way.
She was like a rain–soaked kitten–delicate and vulnerable.
Yet, her look at him conveyed no need or request for assistance, only a sense of apathy.
With that thought, he opened his mouth, unable to say anything.
But the idea of developing feelings for Maya… it had never crossed his mind!
He and Jessica had been at each other’s throats for years, and now that they had finally broken down their walls, his heart should belong to her.
After all, Maya had merely been a means to an end from the very beginning.
Seeing Owen stay quiet, Jessica’s sobs grew louder. “Why won’t you answer? Do you actually have feelings for her? Owen, remember how you pleaded with me not to marry someone else! You even said I could do anything to her!”
She had cried in front of him before, and he used to feel her pain.
But now, all he could think about was Maya.
After a long silence, he finally spoke in a raspy voice, “No, I’ve never had feelings for her.”
In the hospital bed, Maya’s fingers quivered slightly as a tear silently escaped the corner of her eye.
It soaked into the pillow, leaving her heart untouched.
Content with his response, Jessica finally grinned and playfully wrapped her arms around his neck, exuding allure.
“Owen, I know I’ve been the only one in your heart all this time. I just lost control today. How about I make it up to you?
“I’m wearing that lingerie set you love.”
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Chapter 6
As she said this, her hand moved downward, her fingertips drawing circles on Owen’s lower abdomen.
A glint shook in Owen’s eyes. He didn’t hesitate and firmly pressed his lips against hers.
Moonlight illuminated Maya as she watched two shadows merge, their bodies gently swaying together.
The soft sounds of gasps and the rustling of fabric followed.
By the time the noises faded, Maya’s tightly clenched fists had already relaxed.
Eventually, she opened her eyes and saw Owen still sitting beside her bed.
Guilt lingered in his eyes. When he noticed she was awake, he cleared his throat and spoke first.
“Jessica used my phone to send those messages today. I’m sorry. I already spoke with her.”
“Spoke with her? More likely, they ended up in bed during that conversation.”
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Maya, having heard it all, found it somewhat amusing but still questioned with the answer already in her mind, “What did you say to her?”
Owen’s expression became uncomfortable. He avoided looking at Maya, his eyes darting around.
“I told her not to pull jokes like that again and punished her by not allowing her to eat tonight.”
Maya let out a sarcastic laugh, her next words almost gritted out.
“You call that a joke? Owen, you know exactly what those men would have done to me if you hadn’t shown up in
time!”
His expression suddenly shifted to one of seriousness, his voice turning icy and firm. “I saved you. That should make us even.”
“Even? This will never be even.”
Owen knit his brow in frustration. “So, what is it that you want?”
Maya met his gaze, her eyes resolute.
“Our agreement is nearing its end. I want to end it sooner.”
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Chapter 7
Chapter 7
