Unseen Bonds

Maya rubbed her temples as she stared at the screen, trying to focus on the spreadsheet in front of her. The numbers blurred slightly, her exhaustion catching up with her. It had only been a few days since she started at Carter Enterprises, but juggling two jobs was already taking a toll on her.

She straightened her back, inhaling deeply. You can do this.

A small victory arrived in the form of a successfully completed report. Linda, her supervisor, stopped by her desk, glancing over her work. "Good job, Maya," she said, nodding in approval. "You're catching on quickly."

The compliment brought a sense of relief. "Thank you, I'm trying my best."

Linda smiled. "It shows. Keep it up."

Maya watched her walk away, a flicker of pride settling in her chest. She wasn't just surviving—she was proving herself.

Lily's Interaction with Maya

Evening ,In the cafe

That evening, at the cafe, Maya wiped down the café counter, her fingers moving on autopilot as her mind drifted. It had been a long day at Carter Enterprises, but she was getting used to the routine. Balancing two jobs wasn't easy, but it was necessary. She needed the stability—both financially and emotionally.

The bell above the door chimed, pulling her back to the present. When she looked up, she saw Lily bouncing into the café, her dark curls bouncing with each step. Aiden followed behind at a more measured pace, his usual composed expression in place.

She turned around and found a familiar little girl staring up at her with big, curious eyes."Miss Mia!"

Lily's voice was full of excitement as she ran to the counter. "I missed you!"

Maya felt a soft warmth spread through her chest. Lily had been visiting often, her presence like a little burst of sunshine in Maya's otherwise complicated life.

"That was yesterday!" Lily huffed, as if that was a lifetime ago. "Daddy was working late, so I didn't get to come earlier. But today, I told him we had to stop by!"

Maya smiled. "Did you have a good day?"

"Yes! But Daddy says I can't have too much ice cream," Lily pouted.

Maya chuckled. "That sounds like a very smart rule."

Lily leaned in and whispered, "But I think he's too serious sometimes."

Maya laughed softly. "Maybe a little."

Lily grinned. "Do you like working here?"

"I do," Maya replied. "It's a nice place."

Lily tilted her head. "Do you work anywhere else?"

Maya hesitated but nodded. "Yes, I do."

"Is it fun?"

Maya thought for a moment. "It's different. But I'm learning a lot."

Lily seemed satisfied with that answer and happily climbed onto a chair, swinging her legs. Maya felt a strange warmth in her chest. Talking to Lily felt natural, easy—even comforting.

Just then, the bell above the café door chimed. Aiden walked in, his gaze instantly finding them.

Maya straightened. "Mr. Carter."

Aiden's eyes flickered between her and Lily. "I see you've talking to your friend."

Aiden exhaled softly, setting his keys on the counter.

Lily grinned. "Maya is nice!"

Aiden's lips twitched slightly, almost like he wanted to smile but didn't. "Yes, she is."

Maya looked away, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "She didn't notice the way Aiden continued to observe her, or the thoughtful look that passed over his face.

Maya bit back a chuckle, glancing at him. "It seems like she has you wrapped around her little finger."

"She does." Aiden's voice was even, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes as he looked down at his daughter.

Lily turned back to Maya. "Miss Mia, can I help today? Please?"

Maya hesitated. Margaret had allowed Lily to help before, giving her small, safe tasks like arranging napkins or handing out straws to customers. But Aiden had never been present for it.

Lily clapped her hands excitedly and ran around the counter. Maya helped her put on a tiny apron—a gift from Margaret—before handing her a small plate of cookies to place in the display.

As Lily got to work, Maya found herself stealing a glance at Aiden. He was watching his daughter closely, his expression unreadable.

"She adores you," he murmured.

Maya blinked. "She's just a sweet child."

"No," Aiden said, eyes still on Lily. "She doesn't get attached easily." He paused, then looked at Maya directly. "Yet, with you, it's different."

Maya opened her mouth, but before she could respond, the bell above the door rang again.

A tall, elegant woman stepped inside. Dressed in a tailored blazer and heels, she carried herself with an air of confidence. Her gaze immediately landed on Aiden and Lily.

"Aiden." The woman's lips curved into a smile. "I knew I'd find you here."

Aiden turned to her, his features softening slightly. "Elena."

Maya stiffened. His sister.

Elena Carter.

Maya had never met her before, but she had heard enough from customers at the café who whispered about the Carter family. Unlike Aiden, who kept to himself, Elena was known in social circles—an independent, successful businesswoman.

"Aunty!" Lily beamed, running over to hug her aunt.

Elena bent down, embracing Lily tightly. "There's my favorite girl!"

Then, she straightened, her sharp gaze landing on Maya. For a moment, Maya felt as if she were being sized up, analyzed in a way that made her stomach twist.

"And you must be the famous 'Miss Mia' I keep hearing about." Elena's tone was warm, but there was a knowing gleam in her eyes.

Maya forced a polite smile. "It's nice to meet you."

Elena tilted her head slightly, as if studying her. "You're more than just a barista to Lily, aren't you?"

Maya's heart skipped a beat, but before she could respond, Lily grabbed her aunt's hand. "Auntie Elena, Miss Mia is the best! She makes the yummiest drinks and always tells me stories!"

Elena raised a brow, her gaze flickering between Maya and Aiden. Then, she smiled. "Well, I suppose I should thank you for looking after my niece."

"It's no trouble at all," Maya replied carefully.

Elena hummed but didn't say more. Instead, she turned back to Aiden. "I came to talk to you about something important. Do you have time?"

Aiden glanced at Lily, who was happily organizing straws. "Go ahead. I'll keep an eye on her."

Elena nodded, then gestured toward a table. As she and Aiden sat down, Maya returned to work, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Elena had noticed something.

Elena had seen Lily's attachment.

And she had definitely noticed Aiden's softened looks

After a while, Aiden and Elena's conversation ended, and Aiden stood up. "Lily, let's go."

Lily pouted. "Already?"

"Yes."

The little girl sighed dramatically but obeyed. As she turned to Maya, she threw her arms around her waist. "Bye, Miss Mia!"

Maya hugged her back. "See you soon, sweetheart."

As Aiden and Lily headed toward the door, Elena lingered for a moment.

Then, she turned to Maya. "Take care, Maya."

Maya's breath hitched.

She knows my name.

Elena didn't wait for a reaction. She simply gave a small smile and walked out, leaving Maya staring after her.

Unseen bonds had been forming between them all.

And now, someone else had noticed.