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.

Maya's POV

Outside, the night felt cooler than I expected.

The streetlights cast soft yellow circles on the road and I could hear the distant hum of cars and faint voices from nearby apartments.

Along the street, I could see the warm glow from cafe that Sophia was about to start her shift, and steam curled from a manhole near the curb.

Sophia stood beside me, scrolling through her phone while I checked mine for the fifth time.

"Has the ride moved?" She asked without looking up.

"Still says five minutes," I replied. "It's been five minutes for the past ten minutes."

She laughed. "Welcome to ride apps."

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, the hem of my gown brushing against my ankles. Standing outside suddenly made everything feel more real. Inside the house, it was just a dress and nerves. Out here, it felt like a decision I couldn't undo.

Sophia finally looked at me. "You're overthinking."

"I know," i said quickly. "I just... don't know what to expect."

"You're not meant to," she replied. "You're just going to observe, remember?"

I nodded, although my fingers tightened around my clutch. "I keep thinking I should have worn something else."

Sophia scoffed. "Maya, if you change that dress now, I'll personally disown you."

That made me smile, briefly. "Okay, fine."

She leaned against the low fence beside us. "You're doing this for work. Not to impress anyone. Not to be noticed."

"That's the problem," i said quietly. "What if I am noticed?"

Sophia studied me for a second. "Then you smile, take mental notes, and leave."

I exhaled slowly. "You make it sound easy."

"It's not easy," she admitted. "But you can handle it."

I checked my phone again. The car icon had finally started moving.

"It's on the way." I said.

"Good," she replied. "Because if it keeps you waiting longer, you'll talk yourself out of this."

I didn't deny it.

A car passed us slowly, headlights sweeping over the street. For a second, my heart jumped, then settled again.

Sophia straightened. "Listen," she said, lowering her voice. "Just remember why you're there. You're not sneaking around. You're just doing your job."

I nodded. "I know."

"And no matter what you see," she added, "don't jump to conclusions."

That landed heavier than she probably meant it to.

"I won't," i said.

The car finally turned into our street. I recognized the plate number immediately and felt my chest tighten.

"That's me," I said.

Sophia smiled. "Text me when you arrive."

"I will."

"And Maya?"

I looked at her.

"You look good," she said simply. "Not the dress. You."

My throat tightened slightly. "Thank you."

The car pulled up in front of us and slowed to a stop. I opened the door, then hesitated.

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "You good?"

"Yeah," i said. "Just... wish me luck."

She waved her hand. "You don't need luck. Just be yourself."

I slid into the back seat and closed the door. The car smelled faintly of air freshener and leather. As it pulled away, I looked out the window and saw Sophia still standing there, watching until the car turned the corner, and I felt a mix of gratitude and nervousness.

Only then did I allow myself to breathe properly.

The city lights blurred past as we moved. The car moved smoothly, tyres humming against the road. 

My reflection stared back at me from the window; calm on the outside, questions stacked quietly behind my eyes.

I sat back properly this time, placing my clutch on my lap like it could somehow steady me. The driver didn't say anything, just focused on the road, and I was grateful for the silence.

My phone buzzed.

I picked it up too quickly, heart jumping, then relaxed Wjat I saw Sophia's name.

Sophia: Text me when you get there. And stop frowning. I know you are

I smiled faintly and typed back.

Me: I'm not frowning. I'm just... thinking."

Three dots appeared almost immediately.

Sophia: That's the same thing.

I let out a small breathe and looked out the window. Buildings passed by, some familiar, some not. At night, it was felt different; quieter, but sharper somehow. 

I typed again.

Me: I wish you were coming with me.

There was a pause this time. Longer.

Sophia: You know I can't. Strict invitation. Plus my shift.

I knew that. She had already explained it earlier. Hart family events weren't the kind of places you just tagged along to. Names were checked. Faces were memorized. Extra people stood out.

Still, knowing didn't make it easier.

Me: I know. Just saying.

Sophia: You'll be fine. You always are."

I locked my phone and rested it on my thigh. The car slowed briefly at a traffic light, and I caught my reflection in the window again. The black gown looked darker in the night, almost blending into the shadows, but my face didn't. My eyes looked too alert. Too aware.

I adjusted my posture, crossing my legs carefully. I suddenly became conscious of everything; how I was sitting, how I would walk when I get there, whether my smile would look forced or natural.

This wasn't just dressing up and showing up. It felt... calculated. Like every move would matter, even the ones I didn't realize I was making.

My phone buzzed again.

This time, it was Nina.

I hesitated before opening it.

Nina: How's it going? On your way?

I swallowed and typed back.

Me: Yes. In the car now.

Another pause.

Nina: Good. Remember to observe. Don't rush. Don't assume.

I stared at the screen for a few seconds before replying.

Me: I will.

I didn't add anything else. I didn't ask questions. Nina wasn't the type to reassure you. She gave instructions and expected results.

The car picked up speed again, merging into a wider road. Streetlights lined the way now, evenly spaced, leading somewhere that already felt far from my normal routine.

I wondered what Sophia was doing at the moment, probably already changing into her work clothes, tying her apron, slipping into her easy confidence. She fits into place effortlessly. I always needed a moment. 

I rubbed my palm lightly against my gown, grounding myself.

Why was I even nervous?

It wasn't like I liked him. It wasn't like I wanted anything to happen tonight. This wasn't a date. This wasn't personal.

I was just going somewhere unfamiliar. That was all.

Maybe it was the crowd i was scared of. The kind of gatherings were everyone looked confident and put together. Where people spoke easily and laughed like they belonged there. People who didn't second- guess their steps or rehearse their smiles.

I wasn't afraid of Ryan Hart. I didn't even know him well enough for that.

I shifted slightly, adjusting my grip on the clutch. The fabric of the gown felt cool under my fingers, real enough to keep me present.

This was just work. Observation. One night. I wasn't there to be seen. I was there to watch.

I took a slow breath and held onto that thought, hoping it would be enough.

I straightened my shoulders anyway. I had walked into rooms before, unsure and unnoticed, and I had survived them. 

This would be no different.

I hoped.