CHAPTER 9

STILL FELT

The brown wooden hairpin, adorned with a lily flower design at the tip, was gently pulled from Maya's hair by Arden. Her long, wavy hair cascaded down as she sat on a round, backless chair. Maya tilted her head upward, a faint smile playing on her lips. Arden leaned down, cupping her cheek, while Maya reached up to hold his hand. Slowly, the man knelt behind her.

Maya faced forward, her back against Arden's chest. His hands rested on her shoulders before sliding around her waist, pulling her into a tender embrace. He pressed soft kisses against her hair, sending shivers down her spine. Maya squeezed her hands together between her thighs, suppressing the ticklish sensation at her sides. She both resisted and secretly relished the warmth of his touch.

The quiet ambiance of the dimly lit room, illuminated only by candlelight on the breakfast table, heightened the intimacy between them. Arden broke the silence, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered,

"Maya, I want to touch you."

"Ugh, and what exactly are you doing right now?" Maya murmured, her voice tinged with amusement and a soft moan as Arden's embrace tightened.

Resting his head on her shoulder, he gently brushed her hair forward, revealing the delicate curve of her neck. His gaze lingered on her bare skin—smooth, fair, and intoxicatingly fragrant. His breath fanned over her skin as he murmured, "But I want more, darling."

Maya toyed with his hair, her fingers weaving through the strands as she teasingly replied, "Then do whatever you want."

Arden lifted his head, meeting her gaze. Their eyes locked, the tension between them thick and unspoken. Maya, suddenly shy, lowered her gaze, cheeks tinged with warmth. Arden smiled, unbuttoning the top of his shirt as he gently pulled her to stand before him. They stood face to face, Arden's hands tenderly stroking her head.

At this moment, their eyes spoke of a long-buried yearning. Slowly, Arden turned her around so her back was pressed against him. His hands traced the length of her arms, fingers grazing over the delicate fabric of her dress. With deliberate slowness, he slid the ruffled strap from her shoulder, letting it slip down her arm. The lace ties at the back of her floral dress loosened under his fingers.

Just as the dress was about to slide lower, Maya hesitated, gripping the fabric tightly to keep it from falling. She was unsure. Arden, sensing her hesitation, embraced her again, his voice soothing.

"It's okay, Maya. We'll take it slow."

The fallen sleeve revealed a hint of her delicate collarbone, the smooth skin of her chest barely visible. Arden felt himself losing composure. Maya still clutched the dress to her body, uncertain yet unable to resist the warmth between them.

His lips found her shoulder, pressing lingering kisses before trailing up the curve of her neck. The soft nibbles against her skin sent a quiet gasp from her lips, her breath shaky as she fought the rising heat between them. A faint red mark bloomed on her neck where his lips had lingered.

Arden turned her to face him, lifting her chin gently. Their faces were mere inches apart, noses brushing. He could feel her breath, warm and unsteady. Maya's lips remained tightly sealed, and Arden smirked, running his thumb along her lower lip, coaxing it open ever so slightly. Their lips hovered, a whisper apart, both of them trembling with anticipation.

Suddenly, sunlight flooded the room.

The curtains had been drawn open.

Madam Rosie, who had never stepped into this room in a long time, quietly gathered Maya's discarded nightgown.

Maya jolted awake, blinking rapidly as she took in her surroundings. Her hands rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

It was just a dream.

A soft smile graced her lips.

The memories of Arden remained her strength. Even though her chest still ached, she knew she couldn't stay trapped in this grief forever. The sadness might never fully fade, but with time, she would heal.

Taking a deep breath, she turned to Madam Rosie.

Dressed in nothing but Arden's oversized white shirt, Maya ran toward the older woman and wrapped her arms around her in an affectionate embrace.

Madam Rosie, momentarily surprised, soon softened. She understood—this was Maya's choice. She had decided to embrace happiness again. Just last night, she had seemed lifeless, as though her soul had withered away. But today, she was taking a step forward.

To Madam Rosie, Maya was still the same child she had once comforted when she lost her mother. And now, after years of struggling, she was finally rising again.