Chapter 26: Chapter 26

"Who is that woman? No who is her daughter rather and what was she talking about?" Maya asked still sniffing, starring at Mrs. Salvador expectantly for answers.

Mrs. Sophia stared at Maya for a while not at all surprised that Xavier hasn't told her anything about Diana. It was a sore topic for Xavier and she didn't have the guts to bring it up. She never discussed it with him, couldn't, even to date

"I can't. It is Xavier's story to tell."

"Of course! Because he was the one who such hurtful words were being hurled at!" Maya sarcastically commented annoyed.

"I am sorry." She whispered almost immediately, realizing how much of an ingrate she was being to a woman who had stood up for her more than her biological mother would.

Mrs. Salvador smiled sadly, taking her hand into hers.

"I take no offense and I understand. Honestly, I would love to tell you all I know but it is better if Xavier himself discusses this with you. Let the person inflicted with the injury, share his pain with you."

Maya nodded even though, she was confused and made to leave.

"Maya"

She turned.

"It felt so good calling you my daughter. I can't wait to officially become your mother." She whispered.

A tear rolled down Maya's cheek as she walked out.

***

"I am so so sorry about Madam Anne Gracie. I know she will say mean things to you that's why I had to call Mom." Melissa apologized while Maya took a mouthful of the tequila she had demanded grimacing.

"Wow. I knew my family was toxic but never knew they could make you, gulp alcohol you abhor. All hail the Salvadors."

"Tyler." She whispered, shock to see him.

He looked different even though he was pulling off the new look nicely and his tux and tie still gave off the playful air.

His hair which was usually left in wavy playful curls were slicked backward. It looked like he was planning to ditch the event and make a run for it, judging by the bored look on his face.

Seeing Tyler was something she did not see coming. Ever since that night, he had disappeared completely, and though she was initially angry at him when she realized why he had made her come to the club.

What he aimed to gain from his ploy was still what she didn't get but now, she cared less.

She couldn't deny that it was nice to see another familiar face especially since she was in such hostile territory.

"The shock on your face is a shame, I find that insulting. I am a part of this family so of course, I will be in attendance." He shook his head in mock annoyance while Melissa watched the exchange between the two surprised.

"You know him?" She asked Maya.

Maya nodded.

"We go way back." Tyler chipped in smiling.

"Really? Where and how did you guys meet?" Melissa asked curiously.

"Mel, can you be a darling and get me a bottle of beer?" Tyler asked.

She frowned.

"Why can't you drink the alcohol available here. Where will I possibly find a beer among all the expensive wines here?" She asked displeased.

"Please?" he asked giving her the puppy eyes, Making Maya chuckle amused.

She sighed, rolling her eyes.

Immediately she was out of earshot, Tyler grabbed Maya's arm impatiently.

"What is going on here? Seriously? How did you go from being unsure he was attracted to you, to being his fiancée?" He asked, confused while starring at the gigantic rock that felt so heavy on her finger.

Maya bit her lips unsure of how to maneuver herself from the tricky problem she was in. She knew Tyler and Xavier were not exactly best friends, like who greets their brother with glares and exchange of words?

Telling him the truth means Risking the chances of him leaking it and telling him a lie was absurd. Because just a month ago, she had firmly told him, she and Xavier were not in any sort of relationship and that it was just an official connection they shared.

"Should I feel threatened that you are holding my fiancée like that?"

"Fuck." Maya whispered underneath her breath. A confrontation between Tyler and Xavier was the last thing she needed.

Tyler released her arm, grinning at him.

"You know I was just asking Maya here how she suddenly went from PA to fiancee in just a few weeks?"

"She was already mine. I just made it official." Xavier stated, staring back at Tyler indifferently, his features completely calm and unruffled. His gaze cold.

"Did you feel so threatened by the club stunt, that you had to put a ring on it?" He asked tauntingly.

Xavier took a step towards him threateningly and Maya shook her head knowing that nothing she say or do now can avert the scene that was about to unfold in front of her.

"And why do I have a feeling that you are interested than normal, in my relationship with Maya. When did you start caring about my relationships?"

"Because I know, you know. We both know you are not deserving of her. She deserves a decent man and we both know you are not that man." Tyler retorted taking a step daringly towards Xavier too.

Xavier chuckled.

"And you are?" He asked mockingly, all traces of amusement gone from his face which were back to looking hardened and cold.

"Tyler is that you?" Mrs. Salvador asked as she made her way towards the trio, a bright smile on her face as she hugged Tyler oblivious to the malicious tense moment she had interrupted.

Maya sighed in relief, thankful to Mrs. Salvador for coming to her rescue once again.

"I was also curious to see Xavier's fiancée, Sophia." He said smiling at her as she release him from her embrace.

Mrs. Salvador turned towards Maya, staring lovingly at her.

"Such a darling. Isn't she?"

Tyler nodded.

"Yes, She is. Only the best for our dear Xavier?" He asked, his gaze still lingering on Maya.

"I know right?" She replied with Glee.

"You have no idea." He replied, making her frown confused.

She turned towards Maya and Xavier.

"Everyone is waiting for you two at the dining table. It is dinner time." She announced.

"You should be there too." She added referring to Tyler.

He nodded smiling.

As she turned, Tyler turned towards Maya whispering.

"We still have a lot to talk about." He told her.

"Should I be bothered that you are whispering to my fiancée?" Xavier asked eying Tyler.

Maya rolled her eyes exasperated. She was beginning to dislike the possessive pronouns he was prone to use when talking about her.

"Xavier, I got this." She said calmly in a hushed whisper, as Mrs. Salvador was still not out of earshot.

Xavier stared at the both of them momentarily, then sparing a glance at Tyler, with a glare he turned.

"I will be waiting, Maya." He informed her.

Tyler snickered as he followed his mother out.

Then turning towards Maya, he eyed her warily.

"Will you please say what you have to say already? Xavier will be waiting for me." She curtly requested.

He chuckled.

"I thought as an employee, he is supposed to be Mr. Salvador." He frowned his hands in his pocket.

"No matter how hard I try to wrap my head around this new development, that in a month you went from a PA that was so sure her boss had 0 attraction towards her to a fiancée it is almost impossible like you are going to marry him?" He shook his head. "Common Maya, tell me something more believable, I am not 3."

Maya stared at him, faking confusion.

"Haven't you heard that love most times are found at the strangest of places and with the most unexpected of persons?" She asked.

He scoffed.

"We are now using cliche quotes. Okay Maybe. But the guy doesn't pop the question in a month. And even if he does, that man can't be Xavier who has been running away from love all his life, and the woman can't be you, Maya. I know that the last thing you want is an entanglement with Xavier. So What is going on?" He asked frustrated, his brow arched.