Chapter 138 MY MAN IS RIGHT THERE

Chapter 138 MY MAN IS RIGHT THERE
MAYA’S POV

The upscale restaurant we had chosen buzzed with quiet conversation and the soft clink of wine glasses. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the tables covered in crisp white linen. I sat across from Mr. Thompson, a potential major client for my new consultancy. This business dinner was important. It could bring in significant revenue for Lawson Strategy Partners in its early months.

I wore a sleek black dress that felt professional yet feminine. My hair was pinned up neatly. I had spent the afternoon preparing talking points and reviewing the client’s company challenges. Now I was here, ready to impress.

Mr. Thompson was in his mid-forties, successful, and charming in that polished business way. He smiled as he poured me another glass of wine.

“You’ve built an impressive reputation quickly, Maya,” he said. “Turning around the Hale merger situation the way you did caught everyone’s attention. Tell me more about how you see Lawson Strategy Partners helping my company.”

I leaned forward slightly, confident and focused. I laid out my vision clearly. I talked about targeted strategies for ethical growth, early risk detection, and long-term stability. He listened attentively, nodding at key points and asking intelligent questions. The conversation flowed well. I felt in control and proud of the work I had done to get here.

As the main course arrived, Mr. Thompson’s tone became a little more personal.

“You know, Maya, it’s rare to find someone as sharp and beautiful as you in this industry,” he said with a smile that lingered a second too long. “A woman like you must have a lot of admirers. Anyone special in your life?”

I kept my expression polite but firm. Before I could answer, I glanced across the restaurant. Several tables away, Luca sat with a small group of his own business associates. He looked handsome in his tailored suit, engaged in conversation but occasionally glancing my way. Our eyes met for a brief moment. He gave me a small, supportive smile that made my heart warm.

I turned back to Mr. Thompson. “Yes, actually,” I said calmly. “My man is right there.”

I pointed discreetly toward Luca’s table. Mr. Thompson followed my gesture and raised his eyebrows slightly.

“Ah,” he said, recovering quickly. “Lucky man.”

The rest of the dinner stayed professional. We talked more about business strategies and potential collaboration. By the end, Mr. Thompson seemed genuinely impressed with my ideas and agreed to move forward with a formal proposal.

After he left, I walked over to Luca’s table. He excused himself from his group and met me in the quiet hallway near the restrooms.

“You handled that perfectly,” he said with pride in his voice. He pulled me into a gentle hug. “I saw the way he was looking at you. But you made it clear where your heart is.”

I smiled up at him. “I did. Because it’s true. You’re my man.”

We shared a soft kiss before he had to return to his meeting. I left the restaurant feeling accomplished. The night had been a success both professionally and personally.

Back at my apartment later, I reflected on how far I had come. From the woman who once felt defined by a painful night to the one who now had her own consultancy, respect in the industry, and a loving relationship. It felt good. Really good.

….FLASHBACK SCENE….

The hospital room felt too bright and too cold at the same time. Maya gripped the sheets tightly as another contraction hit. Pain radiated through her body. She was twenty-two years old and completely alone. Her mom was on the way, but the baby was coming faster than expected.

“I’m scared,” she whispered to the nurse holding her hand. Tears ran down her cheeks. “What if I can’t do this? What if I’m not enough for him?”

The nurse squeezed her hand gently. “You’re doing great, Maya. Breathe. You’re stronger than you think.”

The pain built higher. Maya pushed with everything she had. Hours felt like days. Fear gripped her heart, the fear of the future, fear of raising a child alone, fear that the circumstances of this baby’s conception would always haunt them.

Then, suddenly, a cry filled the room. The doctor lifted a small, wrinkled baby and placed him on her chest.

“It’s a boy,” the doctor said warmly.

Maya looked down at her son. Time seemed to stop. His tiny face, his dark curls, his little hands waving. In that moment, all the fear melted into overwhelming love. She touched his cheek gently with trembling fingers.

“Damon,” she whispered. “Your name is Damon.”

Tears flowed freely now, but they were different. Happy tears. Protective tears.

“I swear I will love you,” she said softly to the newborn. “I will protect you with everything I have. No matter what happened before you came, you are wanted. You are loved. You will never feel like a mistake. I will be strong for both of us. I will give you the best life I can. You are my everything now, Damon. My reason to keep going.”

The baby quieted against her chest, as if he understood her promise. Maya held him close, breathing in his new-baby scent. In that hospital room, with machines beeping and nurses moving around them, she made a silent vow.

No one would ever make her son feel worthless. She would work hard, build a better life, and shield him from the pain of the past. He would know love first, always.

When her mom finally arrived, rushing into the room with worry and joy on her face, Maya looked up with tired but determined eyes.

“Meet your grandson,” she said. “Damon.”

Her mom cried and hugged them both. At that moment, their small family felt complete.

Maya kissed the top of Damon’s head. “We’ve got this, little one. Just you and me against the world for now. I love you more than anything.”