A ROYAL OBSESSION

Maya and Eliana arrived at the house, and while standing by her aunt's side, Maya watched as Eliana knocked on the door. The door swung open to reveal a man whose gaze immediately brightened upon seeing his wife. "I didn't know you'd be returning so soon," he said.

Eliana shrugged casually. "What can I say?" she replied, stepping into the house as her husband stepped back to let her pass. "Come inside, Maya," she instructed, and Maya nodded, following her aunt inside.

"Michael, this is my niece. I told you I was going to pick her up," Eliana said as she guided Maya forward. "Maya, this is my husband, Michael Winter"

"It's nice to meet you, sir Micheal. Thank you for letting me in," Maya said earnestly.

Michael's smile widened as he crouched down to meet Maya's gaze. "Aren't you just a sweetheart?" he remarked, cupping her cheeks in a warm gesture. "It's wonderful to see you, Maya. Don't worry; we'll take care of you. Feel free to be yourself with us."

Maya returned the smile, feeling reassured by his words.

Eliana chimed in, placing a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder. "That's right, Maya. We're family now, so don't hold back." She watched with satisfaction as Maya readily grasped the message.

"Now come with me," Eliana said, extending her hand for Maya to take. The little girl grasped her aunt's hand and followed her deeper into the house. Remembering something, Eliana turned to her husband, "Oh, honey, is Mariana already asleep?"

"Yes, I tucked her in not too long ago," he replied.

"Good," Eliana said before continuing with Maya.

"Goodnight, Maya," Michael called out with a wave.

"Goodnight, sir Micheal," Maya replied before she moved out of his sight.

As she took in her new surroundings, she realized her aunt was quite well-off. The spacious house was filled with beautiful furniture, including couches, tables, and a fireplace, and Maya marveled at everything.

Eliana led Maya to her daughter's room and opened the door. "You can sleep next to Mariana until I arrange a room for you, which will be tomorrow," she informed her.

"Thank you, Auntie. Goodnight, and I hope you have a restful night," Maya said, looking up with shining brown eyes.

"Of course. You too," Eliana replied, closing the door as Maya walked inside. The luxurious room captivated Maya; everything was neatly arranged with a plush bed, cupboards, and lamps. She admired her surroundings before approaching the tall bed. Stretching out, she maneuvered herself onto it, noticing a girl about her age sleeping peacefully beside her. With her blonde hair and delicate features, the girl was beautiful, and Maya sighed as she turned, trying to find comfort enough to sleep.

Thoughts of her mother invaded her mind—where could she be? Was she finally living the life she wanted? At least now, she was free to pursue her happiness.

The following morning, as sunlight streamed into the room, Maya slowly opened her eyes, immediately locking gazes with a pair of watchful green eyes. Startled, she sat up.

Mariana's expression was anything but inviting. Now that Maya was awake, she noticed the scar marring Mariana's beauty.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in my bed?" Mariana demanded, her tone icy.

"I'm Maya. Aunt Eliana told me to sleep here. I apologize if that's an inconvenience," Maya replied, preparing to get off the bed.

"Oh, so you're that Maya? I heard your mom left you and ran away. That you're under the landlord's care," Mariana said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She took in Maya's appearance on the ground—her lush brown hair and eyes marked her as a very pretty girl, the prettiest she had ever seen, sparking a flicker of jealousy within Mariana.

Maya felt the sting of Mariana's words but chose to remain calm. "Yes, that's me," she said softly.

Mariana clicked her tongue, "How unfortunate. Now you'll add to my mother's burden. That's rather inconsiderate of you, don't you think?"

Maya opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted when Michael knocked and then stepped in, greeting the girls. "Hello, beautiful ladies," he said cheerfully as he entered the room. "Please get up and wash up before breakfast," he instructed.

Mariana moved her sheets aside and dropped elegantly onto the ground. "Good morning, Papá. I trust you slept well?" she asked sweetly.

"Yes, I did, thank you," Michael replied, his gaze shifting to Maya. "Did you sleep well, Maya?"

"Yes, thank you, sir," she responded respectfully.

Mariana shot a scowl at her father's lack of attention toward her, redirecting his concern to the new girl. Suppressing her annoyance, she headed off to wash up as instructed.

The family gathered around the table, sharing a light breakfast of bread, boiled eggs, and tea. Eliana was the last to take her seat before she began eating. "I've set up your room, Maya. You won't be sharing with Mariana anymore," she stated.

Maya, biting into her bread, looked up and said, "Thank you, Aunt."

Mariana couldn't help but think, "Even my mom doesn't want you to share an expensive room with me."

Her voice was low, but Michael caught the movement of her lips. "What are you muttering about, Mariana?" he inquired.

"Nothing, Father," Mariana replied with a sheepish smile, continuing to eat her meal without skipping a beat.

Breakfast proceeded quietly, with everyone enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Maya felt a sense of gratitude; this was far better than scavenging for money and food alone. This new arrangement was a relief.

****

Days passed smoothly until one evening when Eliana returned from the market. Michael had been in Mariana's room, assisting her with homework because she attended exclusive lessons for girls, while Maya spent the day at home. Michael often returned early from work while Eliana managed the market and came home late at night.

When Eliana knocked, Maya heard it and swiftly opened the door. Eliana stepped in, clearly exhausted. "Welcome, Aunty. I hope your day wasn't too grueling."

"More than you can imagine," Eliana sighed, wiping sweat from her brow.

She made her way into the kitchen as Maya locked the door behind her.

Upon seeing a pile of dirty dishes, Eliana's frustration flared. "Why are there still dirty dishes in here? Were you waiting for me to come home and handle them?" she demanded sharply.

Maya felt a wave of panic; this was her first confrontation. "Aunt—" she began, but Eliana cut her off.

"Get to the kitchen now and clean everything. All you do is sleep and eat! How can you be so irresponsible?" she snapped, dropping her bags from the market.

"I'm sorry, Aunty," Maya quickly apologized, realizing she hadn't known the expectation to wash the dishes. They were ceramics, and she worried about breaking them.

"Stop saying sorry and just do the dishes," Eliana barked. "There's no difference between you and your mother, both useless and lacking responsibility," she spat.