Beneath the Surface

Maya stood behind the counter, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of a ceramic cup as the café door swung shut behind Aiden, Lily, and Elena. Her mind replayed Elena's parting words.

Take care, Maya.

She hadn't called her Miss Mia. She had said her real name.

A pit formed in Maya's stomach. She knows who I am.

Maya's grip tightened around the cup. Had Elena done a background check on her? Or had she simply pieced things together? It wouldn't be too difficult—Aiden and Lily's growing attachment to her was clear, and Elena seemed perceptive.

Margaret's voice broke her thoughts. "You alright, dear?"

Maya blinked, realizing she had been standing still for too long. "Yes, I'm fine." She forced a smile before quickly changing the subject. "Do you need me to restock anything?"

Margaret gave her a knowing look but didn't press further. "We're good for now. Go take a short break if you need to."

Maya nodded, appreciating the older woman's kindness. Taking off her apron, she slipped into the back room, leaning against the wall. She needed to clear her head.

---

Meanwhile, at Aiden's home, Lily was still full of energy, chatting animatedly as she kicked off her shoes. "Aunty Elena, did you see? Miss Mia let me help at the café!"

Elena smiled as she set her handbag down. "I did, sweetheart. You looked like you were having fun."

Lily nodded eagerly. "Miss Mia is the best! She tells me stories, makes the yummiest drinks, and she always listens when I talk."

Elena's gaze flickered to Aiden, who was loosening his tie with a sigh. "She seems special,"she said casually, watching his reaction.

Aiden's fingers stilled for a fraction of a second before he continued untying the knot. "Lily likes her," he answered simply.

Elena's lips curled slightly. "That's obvious. But what about you?"

Aiden glanced at her. "What about me?"

Elena leaned against the couch, crossing her arms. "Don't play dumb. I saw the way you looked at her."

Aiden exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "It's not like that."

Elena raised a skeptical brow. "Then what is it?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, his gaze drifted to Lily, who was now humming to herself as she arranged her toys. "She's good to Lily," he finally said. "That's all that matters."

Elena watched him for a moment before sighing. "You know, Aiden, you don't have to keep punishing yourself."

His jaw tightened. "I'm not."

Elena gave him a look but didn't push further. "Just… be careful. And don't let something slip through your fingers because you're too afraid to hold on."

Aiden didn't respond, but her words settled in his mind long after their conversation ended.

---

The next morning, Maya arrived at Carter Enterprises early, hoping to get through her tasks quietly. She still hadn't seen Aiden in the office, and she preferred it that way. But as she stepped out of the elevator, a familiar figure stood waiting near the reception desk.

Elena.

Maya hesitated for a moment before walking forward. "Good morning, Miss Carter."

Elena turned, her sharp eyes scanning Maya with that same assessing look. Then, she smiled. "Good morning, Maya. Or should I say Miss Mia?"

Maya tensed slightly, but she kept her expression neutral. "Either is fine."

Elena chuckled. "I must say, you're quite the interesting woman."

Maya tilted her head slightly. "I'm not sure what you mean."

Elena took a step closer, lowering her voice. "You work two jobs, one of which happens to put you in close proximity to my brother and niece. And yet, you've managed to stay under Aiden's radar at the company."

Maya's heart pounded, but she kept her composure. "I'm just an employee."

Elena's gaze didn't waver. "Maybe. Or maybe there's more to this story than meets the eye." She then smiled, stepping back. "Well, I won't keep you. I just wanted to properly introduce myself."

Maya nodded politely. "It was nice meeting you."

As Maya walked past her, she felt Elena's eyes on her back. It was clear—Elena had her suspicions.

And Maya had a feeling this wouldn't be their last conversation.

---

Maya's mind raced as she made her way to her desk, the weight of Elena's words lingering like an unwelcome shadow. What does she know? Could she really piece things together from snippets of conversation and distant observations? It felt like a game of hide and seek, and Maya was unsure how long she could remain hidden before being found.

She sat down, trying to focus on her work, but her thoughts betrayed her. The very idea that her identity—never fully buried, but always tucked out of sight—could be compromised was unnerving. Her pulse quickened as she glanced toward the doorway, half-expecting Elena to appear again. But the rest of the morning passed without incident, filled instead with the monotonous tapping of keyboards and the low hum of office conversations.

Lunchtime arrived, and Maya chose a quiet table at the far side of the cafeteria, relishing the solitude. That was until a familiar presence joined her. Ruby.

"Mind if I sit?" she asked, her usual warmth present.

Maya gestured to the seat. "Of course."

"How's your day been?" Ruby asked, unwrapping her sandwich.

"Busy, but manageable," Maya replied, forcing herself to focus on the conversation.

Ruby nodded. "I just had a sit-down with my team about a new project. It's going to take a lot of effort, but I think it could really push the company forward."

"That sounds promising," Maya offered, though her thoughts lingered on Elena's probing questions.

---

Later, at the café, Aiden stepped inside just as Maya was cleaning up a table. He hesitated for a moment before approaching her. "I saw Lily happy with you yesterday," he said, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "She has a knack for making herself at home, doesn't she?"

Maya chuckled softly. "She's a delightful little girl. She brings a certain energy to the place."

Aiden's expression turned more serious. "She talks about you a lot. More than I expected. I think you mean a lot to her."

Maya's chest tightened. "Kids can be unpredictable," she said lightly, though warmth spread inside her. "I just hope I'm doing right by her."

Aiden regarded her intently. "You're doing great. She sees you as a friend. That's harder than you think."

A quiet moment settled between them. Maya took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "And what do you see me as?"

Before Aiden could reply, a commotion from a nearby table broke the moment. Customers laughed, a drink spilled, and the moment was lost.

As Aiden stood to leave, he hesitated. "Thanks for being a friend to Lily. It truly means a lot."

Maya nodded, watching him go, her heart tangled in uncertainty. One thing was clear—she couldn't stay hidden forever.