Ariana’s Gift

Maya's POV

I found myself slipping back into memories from a year ago. The sting of that time hadn't fully faded, but the pain had dulled—just a little—after I slapped Adonis.

It felt like a small victory. A rebellion, even. But deep down, I knew that slap had consequences. Adonis Monleon never let things go. And I could already sense he was plotting his next move. Still, I wasn't afraid anymore. He'd hurt me so many times before—what difference would one more wound make?

His cruelty had become familiar, like a storm that always circled back. Maybe that was why I took the summer job at Rich's family's flower farm. There, I wasn't a target. I wasn't invisible either. I was someone who mattered—even if it was just to the roses and sunflowers.

I dropped the last bundle of laundry into the basin with a wet thud, trying to drown out my thoughts of him. I hated that Adonis had shown up this morning, ruining the quiet peace I'd carved out for myself.

I had come to the river to wash clothes, to work, to breathe. And he… he came to disturb that. As always.

If he hadn't shown up, I would've finished earlier. But no—he had to bring his chaos, his infuriating smirk, and those maddening eyes. Why did he have to be so cruel—and so unfairly handsome at the same time?

At least I managed to drive him away.

I hoped that slap made it clear: I'm not the same Maya he used to tease. He had no right to treat people like dirt just because his family owned half of San Antonio.

I heaved the basin onto my head, wincing at the weight. I had washed more clothes than usual, and the load was heavier than I expected—but I didn't want to leave any behind. We couldn't afford to lose even a single blouse. Every dress mattered, especially now that college was around the corner.

I was about to step into a world of concrete buildings and polished students, a world where people like me were often overlooked. I had gotten in on a scholarship to one of the most prestigious universities in the country—but I knew keeping it would be the real challenge.

Grandpa Bert's earnings barely covered Grandma's medication. That's why I worked summers—so I wouldn't be another mouth to feed, but a hand to help. I wanted to ease his burden and save for my own allowance. I couldn't afford to fail.

Lisa, my best friend since elementary, always reminded me of who I was. We'd grown up side by side—classroom rivals and soul sisters. Her family welcomed me like their own, especially her mother… and her older brother, John.

John was quiet. Reserved. But everyone in their household knew—he liked me. Lisa once warned him to keep his distance, knowing full well my heart was already too tangled up in Adonis Monleon.

We found out for sure during our second year of high school, when John secretly left a poem in Lisa's scrapbook. Since then, his family never missed a chance to tease him whenever I came over.

He's tall, kind, and undeniably attractive. If I hadn't been hopelessly obsessed with Adonis, maybe I would've let myself fall for him.

Now, John was a sophomore in college, still popular, still sweet. And even after I turned him down—twice—he hadn't stopped caring.

By the time I got home, my arms ached and my shoulders throbbed from the weight of the laundry. I was hanging clothes behind the house when I heard Grandma's voice calling out.

"Maya! Is that you?" she shouted.

I rushed inside, not wanting her to overexert herself—she had just gotten out of the hospital.

"Yes, Grandma Flora? What's wrong?" I asked, entering the house quickly.

"That paper bag keeps ringing. I think there's a phone inside," she said, pointing to the one Ariana gave me earlier.

I opened it and blinked in shock. Nestled among the tissue paper was an iPhone 6 Plus—Ariana's old one. And yes, it was buzzing.

"Hello?" I answered, uncertain.

"Maya! What took you so long?" Ariana nearly shouted, half-irritated, half-relieved.

"I just got home from the river," I replied, catching my breath.

"I figured. I know you too well—you wouldn't accept a brand-new phone, so I gave you my old one instead. Consider it your graduation gift," she said cheerfully. "And don't worry about the SIM. I already got one and saved our numbers in it—mine, Rich's, Lisa's… and Adonis's."

I didn't even have to say anything. She laughed.

"I know, I know—you probably want to delete his number. But who knows? Maybe one day you two will finally become friends."

I scoffed. "Ariana, let's talk about reality. Your brother hates me, remember?"

"Still, thank you," I added softly. "This means so much to me."

"You're welcome," she replied warmly. "Honestly, it bothered me that I couldn't reach you when I needed to. You bought a phone for your sister, but never one for yourself. You have no social media, and the only one that exists, Lisa probably made—and you haven't opened it in forever."

"You know why," I said. "I can't afford to keep buying load credits. And I don't have time to scroll through people's filtered lives when I'm busy surviving mine."

She sighed. "I know. But I hope this summer, you let yourself breathe a little. Anyway, I'm calling to invite you to a barbecue party this weekend. You better come!"

"Must I?" I asked, hesitating. "I'd rather spend time with you somewhere that isn't your mansion."

Before she could reply, I heard a familiar voice in the background—Adonis, calling her to lunch, his voice gentler than I'd ever heard it.

Ariana chuckled. "No buts, Maya. Just come. I'll call you later, okay?"

Before I could say goodbye, the line went dead.

I stared at the phone in my hand, still surprised by the weight of her gift.

"Where's Mary?" I asked Grandma, looking around the house.

"She went to the Monleon stables," Grandma replied from her bamboo chair. "Said she wanted to meet some of Adonis's friends. And she asked your grandfather if she could work extra on the farm."

I smiled despite myself. Mary loved animals, and I loved plants. It was always that way. I tended the garden, and she cared for the chickens, our dog, and the cat. I liked animals, but I loved the quiet joy of watching vegetables bloom in rows.

Harvesting eggplants and tomatoes from a borrowed patch of land gave me peace—something no boy, no heartbreak, and certainly no Adonis Monleon could take away.

"Are you still going to the Hernandez farm, Maya?" Grandma called from her bamboo chair, her voice soft but steady.

I nodded as I poured water into the kettle. "Yes, Grandma."

"You better eat lunch first," she added, glancing at the clock. "It's almost time for my medicine, too."

"I know, Grandma. Don't worry. I'll cook now so you can take your meds right after we eat." I paused, then added gently, "I'm sorry I can't stay long after lunch. Donya Esmeralda invited me to visit her garden today. I'll start working tomorrow, but she asked me to come by and see the layout. She wants my help reorganizing some parts."

Grandma smiled, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "That woman really likes you and Mary. You're both hardworking and respectful. She may be rich, but she has a kind heart. Not all people in her world do."

"I know," I replied, slicing vegetables for the soup. "She's always been kind to us. And her sons, Rich and Benedict—they're good men, too."

Grandma's smile faded slightly with a wistful sigh. "It's still hard to believe she lost Don Enrique and her parents in one night. Such tragedy. At least Rich survived. It's a blessing."

I nodded solemnly. "It must've been unbearable. Rich never talks about it much, but you can see it in his eyes sometimes. Still, he carries the weight so gracefully. Benedict's managing their crops now, while Donya Esmeralda and Rich focus on their companies in the city. But Rich… he's the one running most of it for now."

"He's still so young," Grandma murmured, shaking her head slightly. "Barely out of school and already shouldering that much responsibility."

"I know," I said softly. "And yet he never complains. His uncles and aunties help, but Rich handles so much. I don't know how he manages school, the company, and everything else. He always shows up when someone needs him."

"Just like his father," Grandma added, her voice drifting. "Don Enrique was like that, too. A good man, gone too soon."

I looked out the window for a moment, wondering what that kind of loss must've felt like for Rich. I could never forget how broken he looked at the funeral, standing still as stone beside the three coffins. Yet somehow, he stayed here in San Antonio when he could've escaped to the comfort of their mansion in the city or their beach property. He chose to remain.

I finished cooking, and we ate together quietly, the only sounds being the occasional clink of dishes and the gentle rustle of leaves outside. Afterward, I washed the dishes and made sure Grandma took her medicine. She insisted she didn't need help to get to her room, so I went to change into a clean dress and tied my hair in a braid.

Just as I stepped out of the room, I heard the familiar sound of a car horn outside.

I hurried to the door, and when I stepped out into the sun-drenched yard, a wide smile spread across my face.

Leaning casually against a sleek silver car, dressed in a simple white polo and jeans, was Rich—his smile even brighter than the sunlight behind him. His arms were crossed, and his eyes softened when he saw me.

"There's the girl of the hour," he teased.

My heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and comfort. Rich was really back—and suddenly, the day felt lighter.