Maya's POV

The next day at work, I told myself that I won't think about it.

I sat at my desk, laptop open, fingers hovering over the keyboard, pretending to review yesterday's notes. The newsroom was ready alive with phones ringing and chairs scraping against the floor.

Except my head wasn't normal.

Ryan Hart.

I shook my head slightly and clicked on another tab. 

"Okay", I whispered to myself, "let's think properly".

I scrolled again.

There was Leo Hartman,a famous actor. Handsome and loved by the public,always smiling. But the more I read it,the more I shook my head. Too many interviews and too many people watching him closely.

"Too exposed",I murmured,drawing a line through his name.

Next was Dr.Philp Raines,philanthropist,always donating money,always giving speeches about ethics and leadership. Clean image,yes but also boring.

"Nothing there",I said to myself,closing his tab.

My phone vibrated softly beside my laptop. A notification.

Someone had replied to my last post on my anonymous account. 

"Power never looks like power until it's too late."

I swallowed.

I created the account as a place to write without filters and without my editor's voice in my head.

I locked my phone and slid it into my bag.

Across the room, Nina walked past my desk, heels clicking sharply against the floor. She stopped and just stood right there.

"Any progress?" she asked.

Her tone wasn't harsh. That made it worse. 

"I'm...still sorting through options," i said carefully.

She nodded once. "Good. Take your time but not too much of it."

Then as if it was an afterthought, she added, 

"Clean stories are boring, Maya. Dig where people don't look."

She walked away before I could respond. 

Dig where people don't look.

I turned back to my laptop and with one click, Ryan Hart's profile filled the screen.

I skimmed through articles I'd already read last night.

Awards, business, expansions, charity dinners and interviews that said everything and nothing at the same time. 

Nothing stuck out. That was the problem.

By the time I left work, my head felt heavy.

I got home tired in a quiet way, the kind that sits in your shoulders and refused to leave. 

Only Lily was around. She sprawled on the floor with her sketch pad, humming to herself.

"Mummy's not back?" I asked.

She shook her head without looking up.

"Restaurant."

I nodded and went straight to my room. I showered quickly, changed into something loose, and tied my hair back the way I always did when I wanted to think clearly.

I opened my laptop and went straight to the document that I created.

What caught my attention was how often Emma Lane appeared beside him.

His secretary.

She was always close, always standing just a step behind him, dressed neatly, smiling lightly.  They liked good together in that polished way, like they belonged in the same picture. 

I thought about Nina words, about headlines and risk.

Maybe I needed to follow him. I needed to see him in real life, outside press photos and articles. 

I pushed my laptop slightly away from me.

I needed air.

I didn't bother closing the screen. Ryan Hart's face stayed there, his name hold beneath it, like he was watching me make up my mind. I grabbed my phone and slipped out of the house, telling Lily I'd be back soon.

I grabbed my jacket and stepped outside. The evening breeze hit my face,cool and calming. I walked without thinking, letting my feet guide me down the street.

I stopped at a small convenience store and went inside,heading straight for the drinks fridge.

As I reached out for an energy drink,another hand reached for the same thing at the same time.

Our fingers brushed.

"Oh sorry",I said quickly,pulling back my hand

The guy laughed softly "My fault. Go ahead".

I looked up

He was tall,causal,wearing a hoodie and jeans,holding a paper bag like he had just come from the same store.

His look was easy and warm

"No harm done", I added.

"I'm Ethan", he said, adjusting the grip on the bag.

"You live around here,right? I've seen you before"

I hesitated then nodded "Yeah. I'm Maya".

"Nice to finally meet you properly", he said,like that meant something.

Something about the way he looked at me made me shift on my feet. Not uncomfortable but maybe noticed.

After paying,we walked together,talking about nothing important like work stress,the neighborhood,bad coffee places nearby. He listened when I spoke,really listened and I found myself relaxing without meaning to. 

"I really enjoyed talking to you", he said suddenly. "Would it be weird if I ask for your number?"

I hesitated for half a second,then shook my head "No. it wouldn't".

We exchanged phones. His name popped up on my screen.

"There", he said. "Now we're officially neighbors".

I laughed softly. "Looks like it"

When we reached my building,I stopped.

"This is me", I said 

"Right", he replied,smiling again. "Maybe I'll see you around?"

"Yeah,Maybe".

"Oh okay", he replied,clearly not ready for the walk to end. "Good night Maya".

"Goodnight,Ethan".

I walked away,feeling his eyes on my back for a while.

When I got home,I locked the door and leaned against it,breathing out slowly.

Ethan was...nice and easy.

But as I dropped my bag and walked back to the table,my eyes went straight to my laptop.

Still open.

Still waiting.

Ryan Hart's name stared back at me from the screen.

If I did this,there would be no room for error and one wrong move, everything would be a disaster.

"Okay", I whispered to myself. "If I'm doing this...I'm doing it properly". 

I opened the chat, my thumb resting on Nina's name.

"Stop overthinking," I told myself. "It's just work."

I typed slowly.

Maya:I've decided to go ahead with the Ryan Hart story.

I stared at the message, then added another one before fear could catch up with me.

Maya: But i want to be careful. I don't want to jump into anything that isn't verified.

I sent it and dropped the phone on the table. "Now we wait," i sighed, rubbing my palms together. 

The screen lit up a few minutes later.

Nina: Good. That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

I sat up straighter.

Nina: You can start by watching him. Where he goes and who keeps around him.

I frowned slightly, "Watching him how?" I whispered, thrb typed it out.

Maya: you mean background research or... following him?

The reply came almost immediately.

Nina:Both. But don't rush. Be smart about it.

I exhaled slowly.

Maya: okay. I'll move carefully. 

Nina: you're doing well, Maya. Just observe. Patterns always reveal something.

I locked my phone and leaned back, my eyes drifting to my laptop screen where his name was still open. 

"So I'm officially doing this," I murmured. "Watching Ryan Hart."

Maya's POV

The next few days passed and I started small.

Public events,Charity functions and Business summits.

The kind of places Ryan Hart appeared in headlines but never stayed long enough for question.

Ryan Hart was mostly seen with his secretary,Emma Lane.

I told myself that I was only observing,only watching from a distance.

Still,somehow, he was always easy to spot.

At the first event, I didn't get close.

At the second,I did.

I stood near two journalists whispering behind their phone.

"That's him", one of them muttered.

"Ryan Hart? Yeah. Cold guy"

"I heard he doesn't grant interviews."

"Not unless it benefits him."

I scribbled in my notebook, pretending not to listen.

Across the room, Ryan spoke briefly to an older man,nodded once, then walked away. No smile. No unnecessary words.

"He barely talks", I whispered to myself.

That night, I posted something on my anonymous account.

"Some men don't chase attention. They let attention chase them".

Days turned into weeks and I followed his schedule quietly. If he attended public forum, I was there.

If he showed up at a foundation launch, I stood somewhere near the back, watching how he interacted with people.

He never look flushed.

Never flustered.

Never careless.

And that bothered me more than if he had been messy.

One evening after another event, I met Nina outside the office elevator.

"Morning,Maya."

My shoulder stiffened a little. "Good morning."

She stood beside me as we waited for the next elevator, heels perfectly aligned, posture straight as always. Nina never looked rushed, even when she was.

"So," she said casually, eyes foward, "how's it going?"

I knew what she meant, but I still played dumb for half a second. "Work has been... normal."

She glanced at me then, one brow lifting. "You know I'm not talking about normal work."

I sighed quietly. "Ryan Hart?"

"Yes."

The elevator dinged. We stepped in, just the two of us. The door closed, trapping the silence between us.

"It's been clean," I said honestly. "Too clean. Office, meetings, home. No strange visitors. No leak. No questionable relationship. If there's something out there, he's careful."

Nina folded her arms. "Careful men are usually hiding the best stories."

"Or they're just boring," I replied before I could stop myself.

She smiled faintly, not amused, not angry either. 

"Boring men build empires like Hart Group."

The elevator moved slowly, each floor ticking by. My plans were starting to sweat.

"So nothing at all?" she pressed.

"Nothing solid," i said. "And I don't want to force a narrative where there isn't one."

She studied me for a moment. I couldn't read her face. With Nina, you never could.

Then she said, "Good."

I blinked. "Good?"

"Yes. It means you're not reckless." She paused.

 "Which is why I'm trusting you with the next step."

My stomach tightened. "What step?"

The elevator slowed, then stopped between floors for a brief second.

"The Hart Group Annual Gala is coming up," Nina said. Big events, celebrities, investors, press and the Hart Family.

I swallowed. "Okay..."

"You'll attend," she continued. "As press."

I turned fully towards her. "Me?"

"Yes, you." she met my eyes. "It's controlled, public and full of masks. If Ryan Hart slips anywhere, it will be there."

The elevator started moving again.

"And if he doesn't?" I asked quietly.

Nina smiled, slow and sharp. "Then you'll see how far he goes to make sure no one looks too closely."

The doors opened on our floor.

"Get ready, it's this Friday." she said as she stepped out. "This is where watching turns into access."

I stayed inside for a second longer, my mind already racing.

The next day, I stared at my wardrobe,feeling more overwhelmed than I expected. The Hart Group Annual Gala wasn't my usual scene, and now I had to figure out what to wear. My fingers hovered over the hangers and I sighed.

 "Ughh, I have nothing", I muttered, to myself.

My phone buzzed. It was Sophia.

"Hey, girl" I said when I answered. "I need your help. Big time".

"Of course! What's going on?" Her voice was bright and excited.

"I... I got invited to the Hart Group Annual Gala", I said lowering my voice. 

"It's this huge private event. I don't even know why I was invited".

There was a pause. "Wait... the Hart Group? Like Ryan Hart?" she asked, sharp and impressed."I thought you were going to decline Nina's offer?"

"Yeah, i was going to do so but It's my job."I admitted, feeling my cheeks warm.

"And I have no idea what to wear or how to act, or..." I ran a hand through my hair. "Honestly, I just don't even know how I ended up on the guest list".

"Relax,girl! That's why I'm coming over. We'll sort you out".

Fifteen minutes later, Sophia arrived, all energy and mischief. She immediately started pulling dresses from my wardrobe.

"Oh no, no, no" I groaned. "Soph, it's just a gala. 

I'm going there to take pictures, report and maybe do a short piece. Nothing fancy, okay?"

"Nothing fancy?" Sophia raised an eyebrow, holding up a sparkling navy dress.

 "Maya, this is the Hart Gala. The CEO himself is going to be there. 

Trust me,if you blend in, you're dead to fashion forever".

I laughed despite myself. "Okay okay. But I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard.  Just...nice,professional,subtle. Not too much attention".

"Subtle is boring", Sophia said with a grin. "Here, three options. You decide which vibe you want on that day." She held up a sleek black dress, a deep emerald gown, and a silver, knee length dress with delicate sequins

I stared at them, unsure. "Soph, I don't know... maybe the black one? Simple is better for me. I don't want anyone to...". I hesitated. 

"I mean, I'm not going there to meet anyone. Just do my job."

Soph shook her head, waving my protest away. "Maya, girl. You'll be noticed whether you like it or not. But that's not the point. Pick a dress that makes you confident. That's all that matters."

I chewed my lips. "Okay... you know what?"

Soph's eye sparkled with curiosity. "What? Do tell. Spill it girl. Don't leave me hanging."

"I... It's Ryan Hart," I whispered. I know it's strange, but I want to see him. Really see him. For my story. And... maybe for curiosity too."

Soph blinked, then laughed softly. "Maya, you're ridiculous! But fine, I get it. Let's make sure you look amazing that day."

I sighed and shook my head, smiling despite the nerves. "Thanks, Soph. I really needed this... and I guess, you too.

"Always", she said, tossing a hanger. "Now go on diva, I'll see you on Friday."

I stared on my phone,the screen lighting up with texts from Sophia.

It was Thursday, and the Gala was tomorrow, friday night. 

My stomach twisted every time I thought about it.

"Your ready for tomorrow? Dress picked yet?" Sophia's message read.

I typed back quickly, "Yeah, black one. Simple. I don't want to overdo it."

A few seconds later, her reply came almost immediately. "Black is perfect. Classic and you'll look amazing without trying too hard. Don't worry, I'll come over early to help your prep. Hair, makeup and all that jazz."

I smiled, even though nerves were still crawling up my spine. I had no idea what to expect at the Gala. 

Yes, it was an event for journalist sometimes, but it was also the Hart Family's annual showcase. People like Ryan Hart, His parent and other big names will be there. 

And me, just a regular entertainment journalist trying not to stick out too much while keeping an eye on him.

I tossed my phone onto the bed and ran a hand through my hair. "Okay, Maya. You got this," I muttered to myself.

Friday came faster than I expected . Sophia arrived at my apartment early in the afternoon, armed with her bag full of hair tools, makeup and her usual endless energy.

"Ready for your debut?" She teased as soon as she walked in.

I groaned, sinking onto the edge of my bed. "As ready as I'll ever be. I'm still nervous."

"Nervous?" She raised an eyebrow. "You? Maya Reed?

Please. You'll be fine. Now let's get you looking like the star you're meant to be."

I let her fuss over me, careful with my words, reminding her, "Remeber, it's just an event to take photos and cover the story. Nothing more."

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Maya, girl, Relax. You're  going to be seen. That's it. You're not marrying anyone tonight, okay?"

I laughed softly, "Fine, fine. But let's keep it professional."

After she was done, Sophia stepped back and folded her arms, eyes dragging slowly over me like she was checking her work.

"Yeah," she said quietly. "If anything happens tonight, don't say you didn't walk into it yourself."

Maya's POV

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the black gown Sophia had just helped me into. 

It was simple, sleek and hugged my waist, falling gracefully just below my knees. The neckline was modest, but it made my collarbones look delicate.

"Maya... wow. I can't just stop talking and looking at you... You look like you know what you're doing."

I twisted my fingers nervously in the folds of the dress. "You really think so? It feels... so different."

"Different is good. Trust me," Sophia said, kneeling to adjust the hem. "It's a showcase, not prom night. People will notice you without you screaming for attention."

I wrinkled my nose. "I hope nobody stares too much."

"Oh, they'll stare," she said with a grin. But in a good way. In a "who's that girl? way, not "she shouldn't be here" way.

I looked down on my heels. They were black, thin, and

about two inches higher than what I usually wore. "I haven't worn heels this high in forever," I admitted.

Sophia crunched again, helping me balance. "You'll be fine. Just imagine you're walking in slow motion. Like... model style. Fake it till you make it."

I laughed nervously. "Model style? I'll probably trip."

"You won't," she said firmly, brushing my hair back from my face. "Your hair's perfect like this; loose waves, one side pinned back. It's simple but elegant. People notice the little things."

I touch my hair, smooth and soft, peeked at my reflection. "It really does look... different." I admitted softly.

"Different in a good way," Sophia corrected, handing me a small black clutch. Phone, wallet, ID, lipgloss. You don't need anything else. Keep it light."

I held it in my hands and nodded. "Okay. Small bag. Got it."

Sophia leaned in closer, a teasing glint in her eyes. "And the makeup, girl... Look at you. Light blush, soft eyeshadow, rose- tinted lips. You can actually smile without looking like a deer in headlights."

"I feel like I'm pretending to be someone else."

"You're not pretending," Sophia said firmly. "You're just...showing people the grown- up version of you. That's all."

I nodded slowly. "I guess. I just... don't know if I can be that person all night."

"Then just be Maya," Sophia said, squeezing my shoulder. 

"The confident one who wears a black gown really well."

I took a slow breath and looked at myself one last time. The dress, the heels, the hair, the makeup, the clutch, it felt like I was carrying someone else's confidence.

"Okay," i said softly. "I think... maybe I'm ready."

Sophia smiled. "Good. Now go show them you're more than just a quiet girl behind a notebook."

I stood, straightened my shoulders and gave the mirror one last look. "Okay," I whispered, clutching the small bag. "Let's do this."

I took a deep breath and smoothed the black gown one last time before heading downstairs. My heels made soft, careful sounds on the steps, the kind that made the house feel more quieter than it already was.

The living room lights were dimmed. The TV was on, volume low and Lily was curled up on the couch in one of mom's old oversized T-shirt and a pair of short, her legs tucked under her. A half empty bowl of popcorn sat on the coffee table.

Then Sophia's voice floated up

"Lily, if you finish the popcorn before I leave, I'll personally report you to your mother."

"I won't!" Lily replied. "I'm saving some."

I smiled to myself and continued down. The black gown brushed softly against my legs with every step. When I reached the last step, both of them looked up.

Sophia turned first.

"Okay," she said slowly, eyes moving over me. "Yeah, I did that."

I laughed nervously. "You're staring."

"As I should," she replied. "Because look at you. You look like someone that belongs at an important family event."

I laughed under my breath. "Please don't look at me like that."

"I'll look at you however I want," she replied. "I'm the one that helped you get into that dress."

Lily twisted around the couch to look at me properly. "You look like someone that doesn't belong in this house anymore."

I frowned. "That's rude."

"It's not rude," she said quickly. "It's just... you look important."

I glanced down at myself again. The black gown suddenly felt more heavy. "It's just an outfit."

"That's what everyone says before they step into something they can't undo," Sophia said casually.

I shot her a look. "Why would you say that now?"

She smiled, "Relax. I'm just talking."

The movie continued playing behind them. Two characters were arguing softly now, the kind of argument where both people were hurt but pretending they weren't. Lily muted it slightly when she noticed me watching.

"You nervous?" She asked.

"A bit," I admitted. "Okay, more than a bit."

Sophia walked closer and adjusted the strap of my gown again, even though it didn't need fixing.

"That's normal. You're going somewhere unfamiliar. Anyone would be nervous."

I nodded. "What if I say something wrong?"

"Then you smile and excuse yourself," she said. "You don't owe anyone an explanation."

Lily hugged a pillow to her chest. "Are they going to be a lot of people?"

"I think so," I replied. "It's some kind of family showcase. Not a party, but still... people."

Sophia adjusted her bag on her shoulder. "You don't need to impress anyone. You're just observing."

"Observing," I repeated quietly, like saying it out loud would make it easier.

Lily looked at Sophia. "You're walking her out, right?

"Yes," Sophia said. "I'll walk her out, then I'm heading to my night shift."

Lily sighed dramatically. "So it's just me here."

"For a while," I said gently. "Mom's still at the restaurant, but she'll be back later."

"I already ordered food," Sophia added. "So don't touch the stove."

"I wasn't planning to," Lily muttered.

"Lily, just... don't break the TV or burn anything while I'm gone." I said, looking worried.

She giggled. "You worry too much. I'm a pro."

"Someone has to," i said, smiling.

Lily looked at me properly this time. "You look really nice, Maya."

That sat quietly in my chest.

"Thank you." I said.

I picked up my clutch from the table and slipped my phone inside, checking it one last time. No new messages. My heart was beating faster than I wanted to admit.

"Just be careful." Lily said.

I softened. "I will."

Sophia clapped her hands lightly. "Alright. Enough stalling."

She walked to the door and opened it. Cool evening air slipped into the living room. I hesitated for a second, taking one last look around the house; the couch, the TV, Lily standing there barefoot, the quiet kitchen beyond.

"I won't be long." I said

Lily nodded. "I'll be here."

Sophia stepped outside first, then turned back to me. "You're coming, or should I drag you?"

I exhaled and followed her out, the door closing softly behind us.

As we stepped into the night, the sounds from inside the house fades away. My heels clicked against the pavement, steady and real.

And just like that, I was no longer in my comfort zone.