Chapter 134 SWEET ESCAPE

Chapter 134 SWEET ESCAPE
MAYA’S POV

The week had been full of small moments that made my heart feel both full and heavy. Luca had been sending sweet texts every day. Flowers arrived at the new apartment twice. He asked about my mother. Every kind word made me love him more and feel guiltier at the same time.

When he called on Thursday afternoon and asked me on a proper date for Friday night, I said yes without thinking. Mom agreed to watch Damon. She gave me a knowing look but didn’t push.

“You need this night,” she said. “Enjoy yourself, sweetheart.”

I spent extra time getting ready. I chose a soft red dress that hugged my body but still felt elegant. I curled my hair and put on light makeup. When Luca knocked on the door, my heart skipped.

He looked incredibly handsome in a dark shirt and jacket. His eyes lit up when he saw me.

“Wow, Maya,” he said softly. “You look beautiful.”

He took my hand and led me to his car. The drive through the city was peaceful. We talked about simple things. My consultancy work, his day at the office and the upcoming trip he has to Europe.

Luca took me to a beautiful rooftop restaurant with views of the skyline. The table was private, with candles and soft music playing. He pulled out my chair for me.

“I wanted tonight to be special,” he said once we were seated. “You’ve been working so hard with the move and the new business. You deserve to relax.”

The food was amazing. We shared appetizers and talked for hours. Luca told me more about his visit to Hawthorne and how it brought back memories of Sebastian. I listened carefully and held his hand across the table.

“You’re so strong,” I told him. “The way you’re handling everything. I admire that.”

He smiled and squeezed my hand. “I have you. That makes me stronger.”

The conversation flowed easily. We laughed about old arguments from when I first started at Hale Empire. He teased me about how I used to call him Sebastian just to annoy him. I teased him back about his serious CEO face.

As dessert came, it was a chocolate cake with fresh berries, Luca looked at me with deep affection.

“I’m really happy with you, Maya,” he said quietly. “You make everything better. The company, my days, my future. I see a real life with you.”

His words touched me deeply. For a moment, the secret felt too big to hold. But I pushed it down and smiled.

“I feel the same,” I whispered. “You make me feel safe and loved.”

After dinner, we walked along the rooftop garden. The city lights sparkled below us. Luca pulled me close and kissed me under the stars. The kiss started soft and became deeper. His hands held my waist gently.

When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine.

“Come home with me tonight?” he asked softly. “I don’t want the night to end yet.”

I nodded. “Yes.”

We drove to his penthouse. The moment the door closed behind us, the attraction we had been holding back all night took over. Luca kissed me again, this time with more hunger. I kissed him back, my hands running through his hair.

He lifted me easily and carried me to the bedroom. The lights of the city glowed through the large windows. He set me down gently on the bed and looked at me with so much love.

“Are you good?” he asked.

“I’m good,” I whispered.

We took our time undressing each other. His hands were warm and gentle on my skin. He kissed my neck, my shoulders, every part of me like he was memorizing me. I touched his strong chest and arms, feeling the tension in his muscles.

When we came together, it was slow and sweet at first. We moved in rhythm, eyes locked. The pleasure built gradually, beautifully. Luca whispered my name like a prayer. I held onto him tightly, feeling safe and wanted.

The waves of pleasure came stronger. I gasped his name as I reached my peak. He followed soon after, holding me close through every moment.

Afterward, we lay tangled in the sheets. Luca pulled me against his chest and stroked my hair.

“I love you, Maya,” he said quietly. “Truly.”

“I love you too,” I replied, my voice thick with emotion.

We talked softly in the dark. He told me more about his dreams for the future. I shared some of mine. The closeness felt perfect. But in the quiet moments, the secret about Damon weighed on me again.

For tonight, though, I let myself enjoy the sweetness. I let myself be loved completely.

The next morning, sunlight filled the penthouse. Luca made breakfast for us. We ate on the balcony, laughing and talking like a normal couple. He dropped me back at my apartment later with another kiss and a promise to see me soon.

Mom didn’t ask too many questions when I got home. She just hugged me.

“Looks like it was a good night,” she said with a smile.

“It was,” I replied.

But as I watched Damon play later that day, I knew the sweet escape couldn’t last forever. The truth needed to come out. Our love was real and strong, but secrets still stood between us.

Still, for now, I held onto the memory of Luca’s touch, his words, and the hope that when I finally told him everything, he would still choose us.

Then my phone rang, jerking me out of my thoughts.

It was Clara. 

“Hello, Clara.” I said, as I picked up.

“Maya..” she answered, her voice shaky.

“Is everything okay?”