New Feeling Enveloped My Heart

Adonis's POV

I walked toward Ariana's room and paused by her door. She was on the phone, her tone light and affectionate—too familiar. I didn't need to guess who she was talking to. I could feel it. It was Maya.

A part of me wanted to eavesdrop, just to hear her voice again. But I stayed back. I wasn't ready for Ariana to know—not yet. Eventually, I'd need my sister's help convincing Maya that I was sincere this time, that I wasn't playing with her heart again. But for now, I knew it would take more than words. It would take time, patience… and effort.

A year ago, I broke her trust. Now, if I wanted even a sliver of it back, I'd have to earn it.

I gently knocked on Ariana's door. "Lunch is ready. Grandpa's back—I heard the chopper."

We headed down together to the dining room, where Don Miguel was already seated, fresh from another meeting, and Jake, of course, was there too—because when isn't he here? His father picks him up occasionally, but it's like Jake lives in our mansion half the time.

Despite everything, I felt oddly grounded here. This place—our grandfather's home—was where I'd spent most of my childhood. Even now, it still gave me a strange sense of peace.

After lunch, Ariana and I stayed in the living room while the others went off to nap or play pool. She looked unusually busy, scribbling something in her notebook with her signature concentration.

"What are you up to?" I asked, curiosity finally getting the best of me.

She looked up with a mischievous grin. "Planning a dinner party."

I raised a brow. "Another one of your secret socials?"

"Yes, but this one's special," she said, eyes dancing with excitement. "It's a low-key get-together, and no—I'm not inviting your Circle friends. Except for you and Rich. And Jake, well… I don't have a choice. He's family."

She pouted, and I chuckled. "So who's on the guest list then?"

Ariana smiled wider, her voice softening. "The usual crowd. Bea and her brother. A few of the other farmhands' kids. But really, it's for Maya. She graduated recently, and I want her to have a celebration—even if I can't tell her that. She'd never come if she knew the party was for her."

I leaned back, watching her face. I could tell how much Maya meant to her.

"She doesn't like being the center of attention," Ariana added with a sigh. "She doesn't want expensive gifts. She works too hard, carries too much. That's why I asked Mary for her grandma's prescription today—Maya wouldn't have let me help otherwise."

She beamed, proud of her small victory, and I found myself silently admiring her heart. Ariana was just like our grandfather—generous, grounded, and quietly kind. Sometimes, I forget how good she is.

Usually, I'd have cut her off the moment she mentioned Maya's name, but now… I found myself wanting her to say more. I was hungry to hear anything about the girl I couldn't stop thinking about.

My eyes flicked to my watch.

"Why do you keep checking the time?" Ariana asked, narrowing her eyes at me suspiciously.

"I'm heading to Hernandez Hacienda. Rich just got back, and we need to catch up."

That wasn't a lie—but it wasn't the whole truth either. Yes, I needed to see Rich. But more than anything, I wanted to see her. My heart was racing just thinking about it.

"I'd go too," she said wistfully, "but I'm heading to the capital to buy some medicine for Maya's grandma. Don't tell her, okay?"

I nodded. "Of course not."

She smiled, unaware of the way her words sent my heart spinning. It had always been Ariana's wish—for Maya and me to get along. Maybe now… it wasn't such an impossible dream.

"I'm heading out," I said, getting up from the sofa.

"Have fun, Adonis," she called after me.

"Thanks," I muttered, already halfway out the door. I made my way toward the parking lot, heart thudding against my ribs. I was excited, nervous… and haunted.

That kiss from last year—it still burned in my memory.

And the look on her face when she saw me kissing Cassandra… it broke something in me. I wanted to rewind time, to undo the mistakes, but life doesn't come with a rewind button. Words once spoken, wounds once inflicted… they linger.

We only live once.

And maybe this time, I needed to live differently.

I arrived at the Hernandez Mansion feeling strangely hopeful. A grin tugged at my lips the moment I spotted Rich's car parked near the porch, but my eyes kept scanning for the one person I hadn't seen yet—the girl I didn't want to admit I came here for.

Rich came out as soon as I parked. We exchanged a quick fist bump, the easy kind that came with years of friendship.

"So, you're not busy today?" he asked, smirking as he leaned against the railing.

"Nope. Grandpa told me to enjoy my vacation while it lasts. But tomorrow, I'll join the others in the plantation. You know I miss working under the sun—it's freeing." I replied, stretching my arms as if to prove my point.

He chuckled. "Yeah, same. Good thing San Antonio has a different kind of heat. In the capital, two hours outside and you're already begging for shade."

I nodded. "We're lucky to be here, that's for sure."

He gestured for me to follow him to the porch, but before we could continue chatting, his older brother Benedict called him. Rich left me there, promising to be back in a few minutes.

I sat alone on one of the patio chairs, letting the warm breeze drift across my face. Then I heard the sound of an engine approaching, and instinctively turned my head.

It was Donya Esmeralda's pickup truck.

My heart thudded the moment I saw Maya step down from the passenger side. Her movements were cautious, unsure. She hadn't spotted me yet—or maybe she had and just didn't know how to react. Donya Esmeralda entered the house quickly, leaving Maya momentarily alone in the driveway.

I remained seated, dark shades hiding my eyes. From this distance, she couldn't tell whether I was watching her or not. But I was. Every detail. The way she nervously adjusted her blouse. The way her gaze flicked toward the house, then away from me, as if calculating how fast she could escape.

She didn't know I'd been waiting for her.

Then, suddenly, she darted toward the mansion, clearly hoping to slip past me unnoticed. But she caught her foot on something and went down hard.

I bolted from my chair.

She was already trying to stand by the time I reached her, but I could tell she was in pain—struggling, stubborn, trying not to let it show. Without asking, I slid an arm around her waist and lifted her gently. Her body tensed against mine, and I closed my eyes for half a second.

She still smelled like the lavender soap I remembered—the one that kept me awake for nights after that kiss. I wanted to kiss her again right there, with her so close, but I held myself back. I wasn't ready for another slap. Not yet.

Still, I didn't let go of her immediately. My hand lingered on her waist, and I could feel her heartbeat echoing against mine.

I pushed my shades up onto my head. I wanted to see her face clearly—her real expression, her unfiltered eyes. And when she looked at me, I saw it. The tension. The guarded pain.

"Are you okay, Maya?" I asked as casually as I could manage.

She didn't answer. Instead, she shoved me—hard—and ran toward the mansion, her limp barely concealed. She must've been hurting badly, but the need to get away from me was stronger than the pain.

I sighed and sat back down, jaw clenched. I wanted to go after her, to apologize, to say something—anything—but I was terrified she'd hate me more if I did. So I waited. Waited for Rich, for an opening, for something.

But when he didn't return, I got up and walked into the house.

The moment I stepped into the living room, I froze.

There she was—Maya—in Rich's arms as he carried her to the sofa. My stomach twisted. I wanted it to be me. I wanted to be the one she leaned on, the one she looked at with softness instead of contempt.

For the first time, I realized what jealousy truly felt like. I remained at the doorway, invisible and unwelcome, while Rich knelt beside her, tending to her ankle.

"You're welcome," he said with a small smile. "Next time, maybe try not to let your face give it away. You're bright red, and I'm pretty sure it's because of Adonis."

"What about me?" I said, stepping forward. My voice was calm, but my pulse was anything but.

Maya ducked her head, avoiding my gaze entirely.

"Nothing," Rich said with a shrug. "Just thought you were the reason she tripped."

I scowled. "I was just sitting on the porch, Rich. She ran off on her own and tripped over something. Don't pin this on me. I even helped her up—but instead of a thank you, she shoved me and took off."

I knew I sounded defensive, but the image of her flushed cheeks while Rich held her burned in my mind. She didn't even look angry anymore—she looked hurt.

We moved to the dining hall for snacks. I wanted to help her walk, to offer my hand, but I didn't. I wasn't ready for another rejection.

So I watched Rich do it instead.

I trailed behind them, unable to keep my eyes off her. And when she looked back—caught me staring—I braced myself for her usual glare.

But she didn't look away.

For a few seconds, she just… looked back.

Our eyes locked. Neither of us blinked. Neither of us flinched.

And in that moment, something shifted.

My heart pounded wildly in my chest. Not from panic. Not from guilt.

But from a feeling I hadn't dared name until now.

I didn't just want to be near her. I didn't just feel regret.

I wanted Maya Alva to look at me the way she once did—before I ruined it all.

And for the first time, I wondered if it wasn't too late.