A Legacy in Bloom: Casa Montenegro Series 2

Chapter 2

"But with you, I don't feel that pressure. I don't feel like I have to be anything more than... just Sy."

---

Sy Montenegro stood at the edge of his family's estate, overlooking the sprawling gardens that had been a part of his life since he was a child. Today, however, his thoughts weren't on the familiar surroundings but on the unexpected encounter he'd had the night before.

Aya Seguerra. Her name lingered in his mind like an unsolved puzzle, a mystery he found himself eager to understand.

---

The night before, Sy had walked into the annual Montenegro gala out of duty more than desire. Though he valued family, social gatherings were not his scene. But as he maneuvered through the evening, a brief moment caught him off-guard.

Aya was there, standing confidently with a spark in her eye that told of both strength and defiance. Dressed in a stunning black gown, she exuded elegance mixed with a hint of rebellion that intrigued him. She wasn't like the women he'd often met at these events. There was an edge to her that felt... refreshing.

At one point, they crossed paths by the bar. Their gazes met briefly before he introduced himself.

"Sy Montenegro," he said, extending his hand.

She took his hand in a firm shake, an amused smile playing on her lips. "Shayne Aya Seguerra. But everyone calls me Aya."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Aya," he replied, noting her ease and confidence.

"It's mutual," she said, holding his gaze longer than most would dare. "But let's not pretend either of us wants to be here tonight."

Sy laughed, appreciating her honesty. "You're not wrong. But I have to admit, you seem to handle these things better than I do."

Aya shrugged, her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "You learn to fake it. In my world, appearances matter... but not everything is as perfect as it seems."

Their conversation continued, flowing effortlessly as they exchanged stories about family, expectations, and the lives they led under constant public scrutiny. Sy felt himself unwinding in her presence, her authenticity pulling him in like a magnet.

---

Back in the present, Sy shook off the memory, surprised at the effect she'd had on him. As a Montenegro, he had met his share of intriguing women, but Aya's candid nature had made her unforgettable.

His phone buzzed, breaking his reverie. It was his cousin, alerting him that a meeting with the family board had been moved up. Duty called.

---

After a long day, Sy found himself drawn back to thoughts of Aya. Curiosity got the best of him, and he texted her, his fingers hovering over the screen longer than he'd expected.

Sy: Hi, Aya. I know it's random, but I was wondering if you'd like to grab coffee sometime. No gala dress required.

He almost regretted sending the message, feeling an unfamiliar nervousness. But her reply came quicker than he'd anticipated.

Aya: I thought you'd never ask. How's tomorrow?

---

The next day, Sy arrived early, pacing slightly as he waited for Aya. When she finally arrived, dressed casually in jeans and a simple white blouse, she looked both approachable and effortlessly stunning. She noticed his pacing and smirked as she walked over.