After my family's downfall, Maximiliano Hughes took me in. Though he had a reserved demeanor, he attentively cared for me over six years. Inevitably, I fell for him.

Just as I was about to confess my feelings, I stumbled upon a scene that shattered my courage. Maximiliano, known for keeping his distance from women, was pinning a girl beneath him, whispering sweet nothings:

"Amayah, tell me you want me..."

Her eyes were teary as she trembled and replied, "Maximiliano, I need you."

Heartbroken, I withdrew from the moment, absorbing the bittersweet scene.

I tried to move on, only to overhear his friend’s mocking remark later: "You deliberately slept with Amayah in front of her, and she still won’t move out?"

Maximiliano snorted derisively, "She's stubborn. As long as she doesn't bother me, she can do as she pleases."

I turned away with a smile that hid my sadness, and the very next day, boarded a plane to a new country.

---

The door to the private lounge was slightly ajar, allowing me to quietly listen to the conversation inside. Although the topic had shifted from relationships, the man's voice changed when he noticed my presence, curling his lips into a smile. He cleared his throat and asked, "But say, Maya Shaw has been around you for seven years, and she’s quite the beauty. Max, are you really not moved even a little?"

His intent was to humiliate me. After all, just moments earlier, Maximiliano had mocked my persistence. Yet, I hoped for a miracle, a change in Maximiliano's stance, perhaps an admission that he didn’t hate me.

Maximiliano sat with his legs crossed, fingers gracefully balancing a cigarette. He didn’t reply, his gaze fixed on the glowing ember as seconds stretched into eternity.

The man suddenly cursed under his breath, "Max, seriously, what’s the deal? Don't tell me you actually have feelings for Maya. What about Amayah then?"

With this, the man glanced towards the door, his gaze meeting mine, sharp and cold. I diverted my eyes, focusing intently on Maximiliano, hoping to see any change in his expression. My heart raced with anticipation and fear.

Maximiliano subtly furrowed his brow before letting out a laugh, "What does she have over Amayah? A woman who throws herself at you and wants to be more than a niece — what’s that worth?"

The man, amused, puffed smoke in agreement, "I knew you hadn’t lost your mind. How could you be interested in someone eyeing her uncle?"

The coldness left his gaze, replaced by unhidden mockery directed at me.

"Enough," Maximiliano interrupted, then added, "But I’ll continue to care for her as before, since our families go way back. Once she’s married off, my duty will be complete."

I bowed my head, a bitter smile tugging at my lips as tears began to fall. I wiped them away, but they only flowed more persistently.

It was in that moment of clarity that I realized: to Maximiliano, I was nothing but trouble, an outrageous girl wanting her uncle, despite the lack of any blood relation between us. He was merely my grandfather’s friend’s son.

Yet for seven years, Maximiliano had been my guardian, offering unwavering care and endless patience. When I first arrived, homesick and shy, my days were filled with tears. Maximiliano didn’t dismiss me as a nuisance. Instead, he gently wiped away my tears, promising that I was home now, and he would always be there for me.

He even remodeled the house to resemble my childhood home and slept on the floor of my room to reassure me. Under his watchful care, I adapted to my new surroundings in just two days.

As I grew older and suggested staying at school to reduce his burden, he feigned anger, chiding me for overthinking. He insisted I was the rose he nurtured, the best girl in the world, never a burden. Concerned about my school commute, he arranged for his car and driver to take me.

Later on, worried about my lack of sleep, he bought the land next to my school and built a house for me. Eventually, to shield me from any school troubles, he invested and became a board member.

His kindness did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I held it all dear, mistaking it for love, until reality struck, leaving me breathless and suffocating with disappointment.

Swiftly, I turned, intent on leaving this place of sorrow, only to collide with the elegantly dressed Amayah Evans, who stumbled back, bracing herself against the wall.

Amayah’s face paled, her hand clutching her heart as she scolded, "Oh dear, sweetheart, trying to knock over your aunt-in-law, are you?"

Amayah had entered Maximiliano's life on the day I meant to confess. I knew little about her background, but I had to admit she matched Maximiliano well, at least in appearance.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean—" I began to apologize, but Maximiliano was already by her side.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, concern etched in his voice as he ensured she was okay. After confirming she was fine, his demeanor shifted, his face stern as he turned to me.

"Maya Shaw! Who taught you to bully others? Is that your upbringing? Apologize immediately!"

Instinctively, I glanced up at him, but as soon as I met the cold, emotionless gaze of Maximiliano Hughes, I quickly looked down again. The Maximiliano I once knew wouldn't have reprimanded me in front of others, even if I was at fault. He always had my back, earning him a reputation for being overly protective.

Whenever he heard those remarks, he'd snap back even more fiercely, "The young lady I've raised is the most delicate rose—don't you dare call her anything else!" His gaze was so intense that everyone would nod along, not daring to oppose him, even if they secretly disagreed. The Hughes family was like royalty in Edinburgh, and as its head, Maximiliano was not to be trifled with.

"Didn't you hear me, Maya Shaw? I told you to apologize," Maximiliano said, his voice demanding respect and compliance.

"But Max, it’s alright, really. She’s a sensitive girl, don’t be too harsh on her," Amayah Evans intervened gently.

Maximiliano chuckled coldly, "Sensitive? Amayah, you’re too nice. If I don't teach her properly now, she’ll cause trouble when she steps into the world!"

Trouble? Did he really say that about me? His words cut deep.

Holding back tears, I stepped forward, lowered my head, and softly said, "Aunt Amayah, I apologize—it’s all my fault. I hope you can forgive me."

Amayah smiled at my use of "Aunt" and, letting go of Maximiliano, came over and linked arms with me warmly. "Oh, it's nothing. Apologizing is too formal for such a small matter."

I wanted to pull away but feared displeasing Maximiliano, so I stiffly looked up at him. "Uncle Max, Aunt Amayah has forgiven me. Can I go now?"

Ever since I joined the Hughes family, I called him "Brother" instead of "Uncle." Maximiliano had tried many times to correct me, saying it was disrespectful given the generational difference. But I kept calling him "Brother," and eventually, he stopped correcting me. Initially, he seemed too young for "Uncle," but over time, I secretly hoped calling him "Brother" meant we were equals—that there might be more between us.

I was wrong.

Seeing he didn't respond, I quietly addressed him again, "Uncle Max?"

Since I called Amayah "Aunt," Maximiliano had been silent. Now, he looked at me with an unreadable expression. When I called him "Uncle" again, his frown deepened—a clear sign of displeasure. In the past, whenever he frowned, I'd quickly smooth his brow, teasing, "Frown too much, and you'll look like a grandpa!"

He'd pretend to be annoyed and tickle me until I begged for mercy. We'd laugh together—a memory that suddenly seemed unnecessary now.

"Max, your niece is talking to you. Why the silent treatment? Still mad?" Amayah asked, looking at him playfully. "I know you care about me, but dial it down in public, okay? It's not a good look."

She playfully pinched Maximiliano's sharp nose. He caught her hand, kissed it, and smilingly agreed, "Alright, whatever you say, no more anger."

Turning back to me, his face grew stern again, "Remember to think before you act—don’t embarrass yourself out there."

Ignoring him, I stared at Amayah's wristwatch. Shocked, I found myself unable to respond.

Maximiliano noticed my focus and paused, about to criticize me, then said, "Amayah, that watch looks perfect with your outfit."

"Oh, really? I thought the same," Amayah replied, her cheeks pinking slightly.

My gaze stayed fixed on the watch, almost in a daze. It was unmistakably the Hughes family heirloom.

I remembered as a child playing with it out of curiosity. Maximiliano, who’d never raised his voice to me, was particularly upset that day. He snatched it away, locked it in a safe, and scolded me for being careless.

His reprimand saddened me, and as tears threatened, he crouched down to console me, explaining, "This is the family heirloom meant for the future Mrs. Hughes. It’s very important and not a toy. If you like, I can find a similar one for you."

I refused, having set my heart on that particular watch, unable to accept any less. From that day, I wished for him to give it to me someday. But as time passed, that hope faded.

Now, Amayah wore the family heirloom.

I wanted to escape, but Emmanuel Vargas, Maximiliano's friend, blocked my path.

"Where are you going, kiddo? Since you're here, why not join us?"

He sneered at me, his gaze mischievous. Lowering my head further, I tried to step aside, "No, really."

Just as I was about to slip away, Maximiliano caught the back of my collar.

"Did I say you could leave?"

Maximiliano dragged me firmly into a private room. Today was his birthday.

He usually preferred peace and quiet, and in the past, I'd always celebrated his birthday with him at home. But today was different; we weren't alone anymore, and the celebration was held at an exclusive club.

After sitting down, Maximiliano pulled Amayah Evans into his arms. She nestled against him calmly, like a gentle kitten. He lightly tapped her back while keeping his eyes fixed on me. I kept my head lowered, hands tightly gripping the hem of my vintage-style dress.

"Maximiliano, you're planning to get engaged next month, right?" Emmanuel Vargas asked, raising his wine glass deliberately.

The atmosphere suddenly became heavy. The silence was so deep that I could hear my own heartbeat. Maximiliano nodded quietly before reaching out towards me. Confused, I met his eyes.

His brows furrowed in displeasure. "Maya, do you know what today is?"

I lowered my gaze, clutching the box in my hands. "I... I forgot."

I was lying, though. I remembered his birthday and had even bought a gift. I'd gone to great lengths to find it, excited to give it to him—until I heard him speak of me. Fear gripped me, and I no longer dared to expect anything.

Maximiliano's expression darkened. "Maya, you're so ungrateful. After everything I've done for you all these years, you show no gratitude."

"Maybe I should let you go; if I can't teach you, life will."

His words made me lower my eyes with a bitter smile. Amayah's gaze was filled with pity. My heart ached fiercely, and I abruptly stood to leave.

Only after fleeing the club and tossing the box into a nearby trash bin did I finally exhale. My sudden departure was surely a misstep in Maximiliano's eyes. I expected him to call and criticize me for my lack of manners.

Yet, he sent a text apologizing for his earlier behavior and mentioned he'd come home early to enjoy the Thanksgiving turkey I promised to make. Apparently, it was time for me to prepare it.

I was a bit taken aback, confused by his sudden humility. When things were better between us, I often talked about making him a perfect Thanksgiving turkey for his special day. Born with no culinary talent, I'd burned countless pots trying. For this particular dish, I even paid to learn from a chef for three months.

Now, I could actually make a delicious turkey, yet I had no desire to do it for him.

I pocketed my phone with a self-mocking smile. I had no intention of cooking for him or returning home. Instead, I went to a small bar that Maximiliano had once forbidden me to visit and ordered every drink on the menu.

Ahmir Carr, the bartender, was stunned, confirming repeatedly, "Ma'am, are you sure? Mixing drinks can easily get you drunk."

I nodded, generously tipping him. After a few drinks, my mind grew hazy. Then I felt myself being lifted, but I was too exhausted to investigate before falling asleep.