Chapter 90
Maya's POV:
Robert nodded, still rubbing his arm where his mother had pinched him, but he didn't press further.
Mrs. Sterling gestured to me. "Maya, come sit with me."
I rose and crossed to her side, settling onto the cushion beside her. She patted my hand, then announced to the room: "You all go do whatever you need to do. I want to chat with Maya."
Robert took Amy's hand. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go see the garden."
Amy nodded obediently, her small fingers curling around his.
Jenna grabbed Justin's arm. "Let's go upstairs. I want to show you that new game."
Gregory followed them out, leaving just Margaret, Mrs. Sterling, and me in the living room.
Mrs. Sterling's smile didn't waver, but her voice took on a firmer edge.
"That means you too, Margaret."
Margaret stood stiffly and walked out.
Once we were alone, Mrs. Sterling's expression softened. She squeezed my hand.
"Maya, dear, I want you to know something." Her eyes were warm but serious. "Here in Boston, you have me in your corner. Anyone gives you trouble, you tell me. I'll handle it."
My throat tightened. "Thank you, Mrs. Sterling."
"None of that 'Mrs. Sterling' business when we're alone." She waved dismissively. "You can call me Grandma, like Adam does."
I smiled. "Grandma."
"Oh, sweetheart." She patted my cheek. "From the moment I first saw you, I liked you. And now you've given me a great-granddaughter? It's meant to be."
Her eyes grew misty, but before I could respond, Margaret's voice drifted back into the room. She'd paused in the doorway.
"Mom, Adam could have anyone. Half the girls from New York to Paris would—"
"Bullshit." Mrs. Sterling's tone went ice-cold. "Why don't you say they line up around the world? I had no idea he was that popular."
I couldn't help it—I laughed.
The sound escaped before I could stop it. Mrs. Sterling's mouth twitched, clearly pleased with herself.
Margaret pressed her lips together and left.
Mrs. Sterling turned back to me, her expression apologetic. "Don't take Margaret to heart, dear. She doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut."
"It's okay." I meant it. I wasn't trying to marry into this family. I didn't need her approval.
---
Dinner was surprisingly pleasant.
After dinner, we moved to the living room for tea.
Amy was the center of attention. Mrs. Sterling insisted on holding her in her lap, and Robert hovered nearby, asking her questions about preschool and her favorite colors. Even Margaret seemed to soften slightly when Amy smiled at her.
I sat on a single armchair, relieved to have a moment to breathe.
Then Adam appeared beside me.
"This seat's taken," I said flatly.
"I know." He squeezed in beside me, the armchair barely wide enough for one person, let alone two.
"Adam—"
He reached for my hand.
I pulled it away.
He reached again.
I glared at him.
He just smiled and laced his fingers through mine.
"Adam."
He shifted, draping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me closer. The armchair forced us into an intimate tangle of limbs, and I could feel the eyes of the entire room on us.
"Stop," I hissed under my breath.
He ignored me, leaning his head against my shoulder.
"Oh my God, oh my God!" Jenna clutched Justin's arm, practically vibrating. "You two! The way you're sitting together! I'm—I can't even—"
Mrs. Sterling shot her a warning look. "Jenna—"
"No, but seriously!" Jenna pressed her hands to her chest. "Adam, you never let anyone in your space. And now you're literally cuddling on a chair meant for one person? I'm living for this!"
I felt heat crawl up my neck. I tried to push Adam away, but he just leaned further into me, a smug smile on his face.
"Jenna, breathe," Justin muttered.
"I need to know everything!" Jenna's eyes were wide, sparkling with excitement. "Who made the first move? Did Adam actually pursue someone? Because I need details. For science."
I opened my mouth, then closed it.
I whipped my head around to glare at Adam.
He met my gaze, unbothered, then reached up and pinched my cheek lightly. "Yeah. I chased her."
Jenna let out a squeal that made Mrs. Sterling wince. "Stop! My heart! This is the cutest thing I've ever witnessed! I ship it so hard!"
Mrs. Sterling rubbed her temples. "Margaret, get your daughter out of here before she ruptures something."
Margaret stood, looking both embarrassed and annoyed. She grabbed Jenna's arm. "Let's go."
"Wait, wait!" Jenna twisted free and rushed over to me, fumbling for her phone. "Maya, we have to follow each other on Instagram!"
Before I could respond, she was shoving her phone at me.
Justin appeared at her side, grinning. "Me too!"
I exchanged Instagram handles with both of them, my face burning the entire time.
Margaret returned, grabbing Jenna by the elbow and dragging her toward the hallway. "Enough. You're embarrassing yourself."
"But—"
"Now."
As they disappeared, I heard Margaret muttering under her breath. "I'm throwing out every romance novel in that house. Her brain's rotting."
The room fell silent.
I exhaled slowly, slumping back in the chair. Jenna was... a lot.
Mrs. Sterling sighed. "Finally. Some peace and quiet."
Robert chuckled, shaking his head.
Mrs. Sterling turned to me, her expression kind. "Maya, dear, why don't you stay the night? We have plenty of guest rooms. All made up and ready."
I straightened. "Thank you, but I can't. Amy has preschool tomorrow, and I have work."
Mrs. Sterling didn't push. "All right. But let Adam drive you home. I insist."
I glanced at Adam.
He was already standing, pulling his car keys from his pocket.
---
When we pulled up to my apartment building, I unbuckled my seatbelt.
"Thanks for the ride, Mr. Sterling."
Adam's expression darkened.
His eyes flicked to the backseat—Amy was asleep.
Before I could move, he grabbed my wrist and yanked me toward him. His mouth crashed onto mine, hard and punishing. I tried to push him away, but his hand fisted in my hair, holding me in place as he kissed me like he was trying to brand me.
My lungs burned.
Finally, he pulled back just enough for me to gasp for air.
I shot a panicked glance at Amy. Still asleep.
I turned back to him, voice a furious whisper. "What the hell is wrong with you? We're not together. Don't do that to me!"
Adam's breathing was uneven. He licked his lower lip slowly, like he was savoring the taste.
"Adam!"
His eyes locked on mine. "Why did you break up with me?"
"What's the point of talking about that now?"
I shoved the door open and moved to unbuckle Amy. She stirred as I lifted her into my arms.
Adam was already at my side.
"It matters," he said quietly. "I need to know."
I shifted Amy's weight, avoiding his gaze. "Well, I don't want to talk about it."