Chapter 144 THE BIRTHDAY DINNER

Chapter 144 THE BIRTHDAY DINNER
MAYA’S POV

The Hale family estate sat on the edge of the city like something out of a different world. Tall iron gates opened as Luca’s car approached. Wide lawns stretched toward a large stone house lit with soft golden lights. Cars were already parked along the circular driveway. I sat in the passenger seat with my hands folded tightly in my lap. I was nervous. I'm finally meeting Luca's family.

Luca glanced over at me. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” I said. The words felt thin. “Just a little nervous. Meeting your grandfather is a big step.”

He gave a small smile that did not fully reach his eyes. The distance that had grown between us since the resort still lingered. He was polite, attentive, even gentle, but the easy warmth was gone. I felt it in the quiet stretches of the drive and in the careful way he spoke.

We walked up the front steps together. A butler opened the door and led us into a grand foyer with high ceilings and polished floors. The air smelled of flowers and something rich cooking in the kitchen. Soft classical music played in the background.

Luca’s grandfather stood near the center of the room, tall and distinguished even at his age. Silver hair, sharp eyes, and a presence that commanded quiet respect. When he saw us, he smiled.

“Luca,” he said, stepping forward. “And this must be Maya.”

I extended my hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir.”

He took my hand in both of his. “The honor is mine. I’ve heard good things. Come, both of you. Let me introduce you to the rest of the family.”

The evening moved in a careful rhythm. Relatives and old family friends filled the large dining room. Conversations floated around business, travel, and memories of past birthdays. I stayed close to Luca, smiling when spoken to, answering questions about my consultancy with practiced ease. On the surface everything looked perfect. Inside, my stomach stayed tight.

Every time someone asked about my family or my life outside of work, I felt the secret shift inside me. Damon was at home with Mom. He had been excited about a new puzzle when I left. The thought of him made the polished room feel even more distant.

Dinner was served at a long table set with fine china and crystal. Luca’s grandfather sat at the head. Toasts were made. Stories were told about Luca as a boy and about Sebastian. The mention of Sebastian brought a quiet hush for a moment before the conversation moved on. I watched Luca’s face carefully. He handled it with quiet strength, but I saw the shadow that still lingered.

Halfway through the meal, Luca’s grandfather turned his attention fully to me.

“Maya,” he said, voice warm but direct. “My grandson looks happier these days. I understand you have a great deal to do with that. Tell me more about this consultancy of yours.”

I spoke clearly about the work, the clients, the vision. He listened with genuine interest and asked thoughtful questions. For a few minutes the weight of the secret eased. I felt proud of what I had built. Then the conversation shifted again, and the heaviness returned.

After dinner the guests moved into a large sitting room. Coffee and dessert were served. Luca stayed near me, his hand occasionally brushing the small of my back. The touch was familiar, but it no longer carried the same easy confidence.

At one point he leaned close and spoke quietly. “You’re doing well. He likes you.”

“I’m glad,” I answered. “He’s kind.”

There was a pause. Then Luca added, “We should talk soon. Really talk.”

My throat tightened. “I know.”

We did not say more. The moment passed as someone called Luca over to look at old family photographs. I stood near the fireplace, holding a cup of coffee I was not drinking, and watched him across the room. The man I loved was introducing me to his world while I still kept the most important part of mine locked away.

Later, as the evening began to wind down, Luca’s grandfather found me alone for a moment.

“You make him steady,” he said simply. “That is no small thing. Whatever is weighing on you  and I can see there is something,  I hope you will trust him with it. He is more capable of handling hard truths than he sometimes appears.”

I met the old man’s eyes. “I’m trying.”

He patted my hand once and moved on.

The drive back to the city was quiet. Luca kept one hand on the wheel and the other resting near mine, not quite touching. The estate lights faded behind us. The secret sat between us like a third passenger.

When we reached my building, he walked me to the door. He kissed me gently, lingering longer than he had in recent days.

“Thank you for coming tonight,” he said. “It meant a lot to him. And to me.”

“Thank you for asking me.”

He searched my face for a moment. “We’ll talk soon, Maya.”

“Yes,” I whispered. “Soon.”

Inside the apartment, Mom was waiting with a cup of tea. Damon was already asleep. I checked on him first, brushing a curl from his forehead, then sat with Mom in the living room.

“How was it?” she asked.

“Beautiful and overwhelming. His grandfather is a good man. The family was polite. Luca… he’s still distant. He knows something is wrong.”

Mom nodded slowly. “The birthday was the easy part. The hard part is still ahead.”

I looked toward Damon’s room. “I can’t keep doing this much longer.”

“No,” she agreed. “You can’t.”

That night I lay awake, replaying the evening ,  the introductions, the toasts, the quiet warning from Luca’s grandfather, the careful way Luca had watched me. The distance between us had followed us all the way to the estate and back. It would keep growing until I finally spoke the truth.

I closed my eyes and made the same quiet promise I had made too many times already.

Soon.

This time, I almost believed it.