Adrian dropped the game controller onto the couch with a satisfied grin.
"I told you, I always win, Jordan. You just can't beat me," he said, leaning back with quiet confidence.
Jordan rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Please. I'm just not in the mood today. That's the only reason you won."
A low laugh escaped him. "That's what you say every single time."
"Well, it's true!" she snapped, irritation flashing across her face.
Adrian smirked, clearly amused. "You're too easy to annoy. I barely have to try."
"I am not!" she shot back, her voice rising.
He chuckled softly as he got to his feet, stretching slightly. "Relax, Jordan. You know I'm just messing with you."
She huffed, still glaring at him, but he had already lost interest in the argument.
"Anyway," he continued, his tone shifting, "tomorrow's Maja's birthday. I'm planning something special for her."
Jordan's expression darkened instantly. "I'm telling Dad."
Adrian turned to her, unfazed. "Go ahead. And I'll make sure to tell him about you… and that Jake guy you've been sneaking around with."
Jordan scoffed, though a flicker of unease crossed her face. "So what? Is she your girlfriend now?" she asked, her voice edged with frustration.
Adrian didn't hesitate. "I'm seventeen, Jordan. There's nothing wrong with having a girlfriend."
"There is when it's her," she fired back. "Why are you so obsessed with that girl?"
He met her gaze, his expression firm now. "Because I like her. And there's nothing you, or anyone else can do to change that."
A slow, knowing smile curved on Jordan's lips. "We'll see about that."
Without another word, she turned and walked out, leaving a tense silence behind her.
Adrian exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair.
Maja arrived home moments later, her steps slowing as her eyes landed on the car parked outside.
It wasn't just any car, it was sleek, polished, and far too expensive to belong in their quiet neighbourhood.
Her heart skipped slightly.
Could it be Adrian?
A soft smile touched her lips at the thought as she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
But the moment she entered, her smile faded.
In the living room sat her mother… and Mr. Lewis.
They looked unusually comfortable, laughing, talking, as though they had known each other for years.
Maja paused, confusion settling in.
Why is he suddenly acting so familiar with us?
Something about it didn't feel right and for reasons she couldn't explain, a quiet unease crept into her chest.
"Anyway… thank you for the ride," Claire said with a polite smile.
"Maja, you're back," she added, noticing her daughter standing nearby.
Maja smiled faintly and walked toward them.
"Hello, Maja," Mr. Lewis greeted, his tone unexpectedly warm.
The familiarity in his voice caught her off guard.
"Good day, sir," she replied respectfully, though her surprise lingered. Without waiting any longer, she excused herself and headed straight to her room.
Back in the living room, Mr. Lewis turned his attention to Claire.
"Will you be busy tomorrow?" he asked.
Claire nodded. "Yes. It's Maja's birthday. I was planning to take her out, just something simple."
"Oh," he said thoughtfully, as if something had just come to mind. "Thank you for reminding me. If you don't mind… I'd like to throw her a proper birthday party. Something grand."
Claire blinked, clearly taken aback.
"What? No, that won't be necessary," she said quickly. "You've already done more than enough. I wasn't planning anything elaborate, just a quiet outing with my father."
He nodded slowly, though the idea didn't seem to leave him.
"Then… when will you be free?" he asked after a pause. "There's something important I need to discuss with you."
Claire's expression shifted slightly, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
"You can tell me now," she said, trying to sound composed despite the sudden tension building inside her.
But he shook his head. "Not here. When you're free, give me a call. I'll come and pick you up myself."
Claire let out a small breath, attempting to lighten the mood. "That almost sounds like a date."
A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Call it whatever you want."
The air between them grew strangely quiet.
"I should get going," he said at last, turning toward the door.
"Thank you," Claire murmured softly.
She stood there, watching until his car disappeared completely from sight.
Only then did she sit down, her thoughts swirling uncontrollably.
What could he possibly want to tell me?
The question lingered, heavy and unsettling.
"Are you… friends with him now?"
Maja's voice broke through her thoughts as she walked over and gently tapped her shoulder.
Claire blinked, pulled back to reality. "Hmm?"
"Mom," Maja continued, settling beside her, "why is he suddenly being so nice to us? I thought he didn't even like me… or you. Especially because I'm close to his son… and you work for him."
Claire let out a quiet sigh. "He's my boss, Maja. And today was my first day at the new position. He insisted on driving me home."
She paused briefly before adding, "Maybe he's just trying to make up for how he treated us before."
Just then, Joe walked in, his presence calm yet observant.
"Do you trust him?" he asked directly.
Claire shook her head without hesitation. "No, I don't. He's still my boss, and I intend to keep things that way. I'm only being polite; it wouldn't be right to act otherwise."
Joe nodded, though his expression remained serious. "Politeness is fine. But don't let it blur your judgment. You need to be careful around him."
"I know, Dad," Claire replied quietly. "I'm being cautious. I just… hope his intentions are genuine."
Maja folded her arms, her unease evident. "I hope so too. He's Adrian's father, and I don't want to speak badly about him, but… I've never liked him."
Claire glanced at both of them, then exhaled softly.
"It's okay," she said. "I understand how you both feel."
Still, deep down, something about the situation didn't sit right with her.
And she couldn't shake the feeling that whatever Mr. Lewis wanted to say… might change everything.
The next morning:
"Happy birthday, my little princess," Claire whispered with a gentle smile, playfully pinching Maja's nose.
"Mom…" Maja groaned softly, though a smile was already forming as she slowly opened her eyes and looked up at her. "You just woke me up."
Claire let out a soft laugh. "Of course I did. It's your birthday, I couldn't let you sleep through it."
Maja stretched slightly, her eyes lighting up as the realization fully settled in. "I'm so happy… I feel like today is going to be the best day ever."
Claire brushed a strand of hair away from her face, her gaze filled with affection. "Not just the best… the sweetest day of your life."
Maja smiled brightly at that.
"Now come on," Claire added, standing up. "Breakfast is ready. Your grandfather is already waiting in the living room."
"Okay, Mom. I'll be there in a minute," Maja said as she hurried off to freshen up, her excitement impossible to hide.
A few minutes later, Maja rushed to the dining table, her eyes instantly lighting up at the sight before her.
"Noodles and egg sauce… my favourite!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands together in delight.
Claire and Joe exchanged a quiet smile as they watched her.
"Thank you, Mom," Maja added warmly as she took her seat. "You're truly the best."
Joe chuckled softly. "You deserve it, princess. Today is all about you."
Maja beamed, her happiness filling the room like sunshine.
Later in the day:
The gentle breeze danced through the trees as Claire and Joe walked alongside Maja into her favourite park. The atmosphere was peaceful, alive with laughter, distant chatter, and the soft rustle of leaves.
Maja looked around, taking it all in with quiet joy.
"I have one more surprise for you," Claire said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement as she gently held Maja's hand and guided her further in.
"Another one?" Maja laughed lightly. "Mom, you've already done so much."
"Just trust me," Claire interrupted, a playful glint in her eyes.