BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

CHAPTER 33: LOVE STRUCK.

MAYA.

As predicted, I didn't get much sleep last night. I ended up calling Sasha after she left the party to tell her what happened and she proceeded to call Eric too because it was too much of a big deal to listen by herself. So I ended up telling both of them everything from the very beginning, safe to say that conversation almost took the whole night.

I sighed, the sound escaping my lips like a soft whisper, as I rubbed my sleepy eyes, the gentle motion a futile attempt to massage away the fatigue that had taken up residence in my body. The soft, golden light of morning crept through the windows of the west wing, casting a warm glow over the opulent decor, but I felt none of its warmth, my body still trapped in the cold, dark haze of sleep deprivation.

Everything seems to be clean and spotless as I made my way down the hallway, the plush carpet beneath my feet seemed to muffle my footsteps, enveloping me in a sense of quiet solitude. The staff did an amazing job in cleaning up the Villa after the party.

I on the other hand wanted to sleep in more, to let the softness of my bed envelop me and carry me away to a place where dreams were sweet and reality was far away still basking in my kiss with Andrew. But I remembered I had to give Mrs.D the list she had asked me to write down for some last-minute Christmas shopping.

I yawned again, the sound echoing through the hallway like a lonely cry, as I rubbed my eyes, the motion a habitual attempt to shake off the remnants of sleep. As I entered the kitchen, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me, providing a much-needed jolt to my senses. The kitchen was a hive of activity, the staff moving about with quiet efficiency as they prepared for the day ahead. Mrs.D stood by the counter, her eyes fixed on the three boys, who were now smiling sheepishly as they leaned against the kitchen island.

"You boys are in charge of the Christmas tree, I want everything to be perfect. No repeat of last year, please!" Mrs.D said, her voice firm but laced with a hint of amusement. The boys exchanged a glance, their faces flushing with embarrassment and I recalled how their wiring incident had literally set the tree on fire.

As I settled into one of the chairs, the soft cushion enveloping me in comfort, I exchanged greetings with the them, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside me when their gaze turned to me. I handed Mrs.D the list I had written for her, our fingers touching briefly as she took it from me with a grateful smile.

My eyes met Andrew's, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, his gaze burning with a knowing intensity that made me squirm. He smirked, his lips curling up into a devilish grin, I couldn't help but remember the scorching hot make-out session we had shared the night before. The memory sent a shiver down my spine, and I hastily looked away, trying to compose myself.

I avoided his gaze only to end up locking eyes with Hossein's knowing look, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he watched me blush harder. I felt like I was trapped in a web of my own embarrassment, with no escape in sight. Min didn't seem to mind our whole exchange, thankfully. I pretended to be engrossed in my breakfast as a plate was placed in front of me, focusing on the taste and texture of the food as I ate, trying to distract myself from their teasing gaze.

The boys knew Andrew and I liked each other already, and they had probably guessed how our talk had gone the night before. There was no point pretending I hated him, not when there's almost a visible sparks flying between us. They were having fun watching me squirm. Hossein is doing mainly because he knew how much I'd been pining for Andrew and Andrew...well, I don't know. I've never seen him like this before. I needed to eat fast and get out of there, before I became the main course in their game of teasing and playful torment.