"I've warned you so many times, Maja. Why are you so stubborn? You never listen!" Claire said bitterly, shaking her head.
"I'm sorry, Mom. You couldn't let me follow you to work to see Adrian, so he decided to come here," Maja explained, tears welling in her eyes.
"I promise I won't disobey you again! I guess it's better if I just stay away from Adrian… even though it hurts," she whispered, struggling to hold back her tears.
Claire sighed, conflicted. She knew the two kids were incredibly close, they were the best of friends, but she could sense danger. She didn't want Maja to get hurt.
"Come here, dear," she said softly, pulling Maja into a warm embrace.
Maja buried her face in her mother's shoulder, the comfort of the hug easing the tension in her chest, even if just for a moment.
"I'm not trying to separate you from Adrian," Claire said. "I'm just… scared of what might happen. I've lost someone before, and I don't want to lose you too. I love you so much, Maja." She sniffed and pulled her daughter into a tighter embrace.
"You've lost someone before?" Maja asked, gently pulling away from the hug. "Who was it, Mom?"
"It's nothing," Claire replied quickly, wiping away her tears and avoiding her gaze.
"But Mom… What about Dad?" Maja pressed on. "You've never told me anything about my father. Who is he?"
Claire stood abruptly. "Today has been really tiring. I need to rest, Maja," she said, walking away toward her room without another word.
Maja stood there for a moment before turning to Joe. "Grandpa… Mom never likes to talk about Dad?" she asked quietly, stepping closer to him.
"Yes," Joe replied gently. "That's because he's no longer part of our lives."
"But who is he? Where is he? Please, Grandpa, tell me, "She pleaded.
Joe sighed and looked at her carefully. "Aren't you happy with us?"
"I am, Grandpa… I really am," Maja said, her voice softening. "I'm just curious."
"Don't worry, Maja," he said with a reassuring smile. "You'll know everything when the time is right."
Maja nodded slowly, though disappointment lingered in her eyes. It seemed none of them were ready to tell her the truth.
She picked up her box of chocolates and walked quietly to her room. This is my favourite chocolate, she thought. Maybe it'll make me feel better.
As she sat on her bed, she couldn't help but smile as memories of the day flooded her mind.
Her time with Adrian. It was perfect.
Maybe Mom was right… maybe she really was attached to him. But how could she not be? He had been her friend since she was six years old, her best friend, the one she shared everything with. They understood each other in a way no one else did.
The only problem… was his family.
His sister. His father.
Maja sighed softly, frowning for a moment, then smiled again.
At least Adrian always had her back.
She took a bite of her chocolate, her eyes lighting up.
"So sweet…" she murmured, letting the taste melt away her worries, if only for a while.
*
After days filled with arguments and tension, Sebastian finally made a decision, he let Liza go.
He had come to realize she was never the right woman for him. Not only did she fail to understand him, but she clearly didn't care for Janelle.
During the one week she stayed in his house, nothing but chaos followed. She constantly clashed with both Janelle and Nanny Loren, creating an unbearable atmosphere.
Sebastian had no choice but to ask her to leave.
They weren't even married yet, and already she had brought nothing but trouble.
Janelle sighed as she sat in the living room, her thoughts drifting. The past week had felt like pure torture because of her father's so-called fiancée.
"So, Dad… what are you going to do now?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"What about what?" Sebastian replied, adjusting his suit as he prepared for work.
"About Liza," Janelle said. "I mean… you said you needed a wife. A mother for me."
Sebastian let out a small sigh. "I'm not desperate, Janelle. If I were, I would've gone ahead with the wedding, even knowing she's nothing but trouble."
"I'm sorry," Janelle said softly. "I just… didn't like her. And I guess she wasn't right for you."
"Whatever, Jane," he muttered.
"I don't like it when you call me Jane," she frowned. "Janelle is the name I love."
"Jane, Janelle, it's all the same to me," he said quietly. "Your mother gave you that name."
Janelle paused, her expression shifting slightly. "She did… but I don't think she ever really cared about me. If she did, she wouldn't have left me with you."
She quickly softened, smiling as she stepped forward to hug him.
"But like they say, every disappointment is a blessing. I don't regret being with you, Dad. You've always been the best."
Sebastian smiled, his heart warming at her words. "Thank you. And I love you too. I have to go now."
"Take care," she said, waving as he left.
"Janelle!" Loren called from across the house.
"Nanny, I don't want to be late for school, please get my things ready!" Janelle said quickly before hurrying off to her room.
A Few Years Later…
Maja smiled as she studied her reflection in the mirror. She had grown even more beautiful, at least, that's what Adrian always told her.
Tomorrow was her birthday. She would be turning fourteen.
Her mother had promised her a surprise… and so had Adrian.
Claire sat in the living room, absorbed in her phone, when a knock echoed through the house. She rose and opened the door, only to freeze in mild disbelief.
Gerald stood there, holding a bouquet of flowers, his face stretched into a wide, eager smile.
"These are for you," he said brightly.
Claire exhaled in irritation. "I'm not interested, Gerald. You're becoming rather persistent, and it's exhausting."
Without waiting for a response, she shut the door firmly.
"Let me guess… Gerald?" Maja said as she walked in, noticing the tension on her mother's face.
"I don't like him at all," Claire replied, clearly displeased. "I'm not ready to let anyone in, not after what your father put me through."
Maja settled beside her. "But you deserve someone who truly cares about you. You can't keep your heart closed forever."
Claire softened slightly, brushing the thought aside. "I'm content with you and your grandfather, Maja. That's more than enough for me."
She paused, then added, "Now go get ready. You don't want to be late for school."
"Oh, and thank Adrian for me when you see him," Claire continued, a hint of gratitude in her tone. "I was quite surprised when his father offered me a better position in his winery company. The work is more comfortable, and the pay is decent."
"That's really kind of him," Maja said with a smile. "You've worked for him for years, you deserve it. And I'm glad he's no longer trying to keep Adrian away from me."
Claire gave a small nod. "He seems… different now."
"I hope so," Maja replied lightly. "I should get going."
With that, she grabbed her things and headed out, a cheerful energy in her step.
Claire watched her leave, a faint smile lingering, until her thoughts drifted back to Gerald.
Her expression dimmed.
She had turned him down more than once, yet he refused to back off.
Her gaze fell to her phone again, scrolling absent mindedly, until familiar faces filled the screen.
Janelle and Sebastian.
A new post.
"Tomorrow is going to be unforgettable. My princess turns a year older."
Claire's fingers stilled.
Janelle had grown into a stunning young girl, so much like Maja. Too much like her.
A quiet ache settled in her chest.
What would Maja say… if she ever found out the truth?
That she had a twin sister.
A secret Claire had buried for years.
Even Sebastian didn't know, her chest tightened as regret crept in.
Maybe giving Janelle to him was a mistake… The thought lingered, heavy and unshakable.
The worst mistake I've ever made.
Her grip on the phone tightened as her breathing grew uneven. Images flooded her mind, Janelle as a baby, crying… reaching… needing her. And Claire… turning her back. Walking away.
How had she done it?
How had she convinced herself it was the right thing?
Her vision blurred slightly as something sharp twisted in her chest.
She wanted her back.
God, she wanted her back.
But how? Where would she even begin?
Sebastian had raised her. Loved her. Claimed her as his own.To the world, Janelle was his daughter.
And Claire? She was nothing but a stranger.
A ghost in her own child's life.
Her lips trembled as a terrifying thought crept inWhat if it was too late?
What if Janelle hated her?
What if… she refused to even listen?
Claire shut her eyes tightly, but it only made it worse.
Because now, she could see her clearly, Janelle, older now… beautiful, poised… standing right in front of her…
And looking at her with nothing but cold rejection.
Her heart pounded.
Would she ever forgive her?
Or had Claire already lost her forever…
Without even realizing it?