Love Lost in Deceit

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?"