Liam leaned against his office desk, phone pressed to his ear. He’d tried calling Maya twenty times, and each time, her call went straight to voicemail. Frustration simmered beneath his calm exterior as he hung up and stared at the phone.

What was going on? She hadn’t answered any of his calls, and he couldn’t shake the feeling she was avoiding him. Why else would her phone have been off since last night? He ran a hand through his hair, his thoughts returning to their kiss.

Had it been too much for her? But he hadn’t initiated it, he reminded himself. She had, and he’d been too shocked to react. So why was she making him feel guilty? Was she regretting it? With a sigh, Liam changed tactics. If Maya wouldn't answer, Evelyn would. He scrolled through his contacts, found Evelyn’s number, and called.

Meanwhile, Derek and Evelyn chatted as they drove home from the hospital, where they’d visited Evelyn’s parents and Ethan. Claire was to be discharged the following day, Ethan on Monday. They hadn’t told Evelyn’s parents about Derek’s relationship with Maya yet, deciding to wait until they returned home.

As Derek and Evelyn discussed their upcoming weekend without Samantha (his parents were keeping her), Maya sat silently in the passenger seat, lost in thought. Her silence wasn’t unnoticed, but Evelyn and Derek wisely gave her space.

When Evelyn’s phone rang, she glanced at the screen, her eyebrows rising in surprise. “It’s Liam,” she said.

Maya’s heart skipped a beat. She turned to Evelyn, maintaining a neutral expression, though her fingers curled in her lap. As Evelyn answered, Maya’s pulse raced; his name alone stirred a whirlwind of emotions. She held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t mention her to Evelyn. Evelyn, oblivious to Maya’s anxiety, answered with a warm smile. “Liam! It’s so good to finally hear from you.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t called,” Liam said, his tone apologetic. “I needed time to sort things out.”

Evelyn’s smile softened. “I understand,” she replied gently. “And I’m so glad you called. How are you?”

“I’m good,” Liam said, though hesitantly. “Actually, I’m working in Ludus now.”

“Ludus?” Evelyn repeated, surprised. “You didn’t go back to Husla after we last saw you?”

“No,” Liam admitted. “I didn’t. I wasn’t just there for a conference. I was going to tell you I’d relocated, but after what happened, I… didn’t want to make things awkward.” Evelyn frowned, her gaze flicking to Derek. “I’m sorry, Liam. I didn’t…” she began, but Liam interrupted.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” he said firmly. “I made my own choices. Let’s not dwell on it.”

Evelyn nodded. “Well, how’s it going? Settling in?”

“It’s… fine,” Liam said unconvincingly. “But it’s lonely, and I was hoping to reconnect. How are you? Sam and Maya?”

“We’re all doing well,” Evelyn said warmly. “Samantha’s with her grandparents. And Maya…”

She paused, glancing at Maya, whose expression remained unreadable despite her racing heart. “Actually, Maya’s right here,” Evelyn added, smiling. “Would you like to say hello?”

Maya’s head snapped up, eyes wide. She shook her head, silently pleading with Evelyn, but Evelyn didn’t understand.

“I’d love that,” Liam said, and Evelyn turned to Maya. Confusion crossed Evelyn’s face as she noticed Maya’s blush. She offered the phone. “Here, Maya, Liam wants to say hello.” Maya hesitated, her heart pounding, her hand trembling slightly as she took the phone. “Hello?” she whispered.

“Maya,” Liam said, relief evident. “I’ve been trying to reach you. Are you okay? Why’s your phone off?”

“I’m fine,” she said quickly, her voice tight. “Thank you for checking. I hope you’re okay, too.”

Before Liam could respond, she handed the phone back to Evelyn, her movements stiff and hurried. Evelyn watched, puzzled, as Maya turned away. “Why aren’t you…” Evelyn began, simultaneously with Liam’s voice:

“So, where are you working in Ludus?”

Liam’s voice continued. “I’m at Royalty International. Uhm… I was wondering if I could drop by for dinner, tonight or tomorrow? Make up for the dinner I missed. I haven’t stopped regretting missing that sumptuous meal,” he said, his tone light but hopeful. “Plus, I could use some company. Maybe meet Sam’s dad, too.”

Evelyn smiled, her confusion replaced by warmth. “Of course, Liam. You’re always welcome. Tonight’s fine.”

“Great. Thank you,” Liam said before hanging up.

Ending the call, she turned to Derek, eyes alight. “You won’t believe Liam’s working in Ludus! And he’s coming for dinner tonight!”

Derek nodded. “That’s cool,” he said, relieved Liam had reached out; he knew Evelyn had worried about losing her friend.

While they talked, Maya’s heart raced. Dinner. Tonight. With Liam. What was she going to do?

Later, the aroma of roast chicken, bread, and mashed potatoes filled the dining room. Evelyn glanced at the clock. “I forgot to text Liam our new address! What if he goes to the old house? I should call him,” she said, frowning, looking for her phone.

“I think you left it upstairs,” Derek said, but she rose to get it.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get it,” Derek offered, wanting to spare her stress.

As he headed for the stairs, the doorbell rang. He raised an eyebrow. “Expecting someone else? I’ll get it.”

Maya froze, knowing it was Liam. He’d arrived at the new house without the address. How would he explain that? She glanced at Evelyn, relieved she hadn’t noticed her panic. Why had she agreed to this? She could have avoided it all. But now, there was no escape. The man she’d impulsively kissed less than twenty-four hours ago was about to walk through the door.

At the door, Derek stared at Liam, surprised. “How did you get here?” he asked.

Liam’s brows furrowed. “Evelyn invited me for dinner,” he said, wondering if Derek had a problem with his presence.

“I know. But she didn’t send you this address. Last time you visited, she was at the old house,” Derek pointed out, suspicious.

Liam realized his mistake. He’d rushed to see Maya and forgotten the address. His heart raced as he searched for an explanation, knowing only the truth would suffice unless he wanted to admit to stalking Evelyn.

“Babe, who’s at the door?” Evelyn called from inside.

“It’s not what you think,” Liam assured Derek.

“You don’t even know what I’m thinking,” Derek retorted.

“Come in. I hope you have a good explanation for Evelyn,” Derek said, stepping aside.

Approaching the dining room, Maya gasped at Liam’s effortlessly handsome appearance. When their eyes met, her cheeks flushed, and she looked away.

Derek noticed her reaction, looking from her to Liam and back again.

“Hello, Maya,” Liam said softly. Her stomach flipped.

She forced herself to meet his gaze, managing a nervous smile. “Hi, Liam,” she whispered.

“Liam?” Evelyn called from the stairs, surprised. “How did you know this place?”

Seeing Liam’s predicament, Maya intervened. She cleared her throat. “Actually, he’s the friend I mentioned. He was my gynecologist at the hospital, and he helped me contact the orphanage.” She gave Evelyn an apologetic look.

“So, he’s who you went out to talk to last night?” Evelyn asked. Maya nodded.

“I’m sorry I kept it a secret,” she said quietly.

“Don’t be mad. I asked her not to tell you until I was ready,” Liam said. Evelyn exchanged a look with a surprised Derek.

“I told you it wasn’t what you thought,” Liam said. Derek raised an eyebrow.

“And I told you, you didn’t know what I was thinking,” Derek retorted.

“What were you thinking, then?” Liam asked. Derek shrugged.

“Not your business,” Derek said with a smirk. Liam chuckled.

“I didn’t realize you two were so close,” Evelyn said.

“We’re not…” “We are…” Liam and Maya said simultaneously. Evelyn’s lips twitched, exchanging a look with Derek.

Evelyn clapped her hands. “Let’s not keep the food waiting. Everyone, take your seats!”

Seated opposite Liam, Maya avoided his gaze. Conversation flowed easily at first. Liam talked about his surprise at Maya finding her brother and his annoyance at Derek beating him to the news. Derek added his dry humor, Liam laughed, the sound warming Maya.

“So,” Derek said, “how’s work? Do you like Ludus?”

Liam paused, glancing at Maya. “Work’s good. And so far, Ludus has been full of interesting discoveries.”

Maya’s pulse quickened. Was that directed at her?

Evelyn leaned forward. “Do you know many people here? Made any friends?”

Liam shook his head. “Just Maya. That’s part of why I was so excited to come tonight. It’s nice to have familiar faces.”

Maya’s heart skipped. They had planned to hang out. He was lonely. Guilt gnawed at her. “So, Liam,” Derek said, changing the subject, “are you into sports?”

Liam laughed. “Sure. If you’re up for it, I wouldn’t mind a good game night,” Liam said, realizing he felt less uncomfortable around Derek than expected. He felt no jealousy seeing Derek and Evelyn together. His focus remained on Maya, who was avoiding his gaze. "Challenge accepted," Derek said, grinning. "You'll regret it, though."

As the conversation turned playful, Maya relaxed. She laughed, the tension easing. But she often felt Liam’s steady gaze, sending shivers down her spine. Derek and Evelyn pretended not to notice.

By dinner’s end, the men were chatting like longtime friends. As Liam rose to leave, he turned to Maya. “Maya? Do you mind seeing me to my car?” he asked gently.

Her heart leaped. “Sure,” she said, her voice small.