The sun peeked through the curtains of the hotel room as Maya's phone buzzed. She reached for it with a calm expression, answering the call with her usual grace.
"Ms. Maya Sinclair," the voice on the other end said cheerfully, "we are pleased to inform you that you've been nominated for Best CEO of the Year. Congratulations!"
There was a pause. Maya blinked slowly, then replied in a neutral tone, "Alright. Thank you."
No excitement. No thrill. She ended the call, staring at the screen for a moment before placing the phone back on the table.
"Mom!" Noah's voice came from behind her as he hopped onto the bed. "Who was that?"
Maya turned toward him, a small smile curling on her lips. "Just someone," she said lightly, brushing his hair. "Looks like Mom won another award, dear."
"Another award?!" Noah's eyes sparkled with excitement as he clapped his hands. "You're amazing, Mom!"
Maya laughed softly. "But do you know which award is most precious for Mom?"
Noah tilted his head, lips pursed in thought. "Hmm… Best Woman of the Year?"
She chuckled, pulling him into a warm hug. "No, silly. It's you, Noah. You're the trophy that's too precious. My pride, my everything."
Noah wrapped his little arms tightly around her. "Love you, Mom."
She kissed the top of his head. "Love you more."
Later that afternoon, they headed out to pick a dress for the award ceremony. It had become routine—balancing her powerful career and her son's growing curiosity—but somehow, every little moment with Noah still felt special.
As they walked through the shopping district, a familiar voice called out from behind them.
"Well, if it isn't Mr. Prince Charming himself!"
Noah turned instantly, eyes lighting up. "Dane!"
Maya smiled as she turned to see DaneHolloway, her longtime friend and confidant. He was the one who had stood by her side during those early, chaotic days after Noah's birth. Where others doubted her, Dane supported her. He believed in her when she barely believed in herself.
"Dane, you're here?" she asked warmly.
"Shouldn't I be?" he grinned. "Capital's fashion week, remember? But more importantly, what are you two doing here?"
Before Maya could answer, Noah—already in Dane's arms—burst out, "We're going to buy a dress for Mom! She just won an award!"
"Oh ho, another one?" Dane teased. "Let me guess—Most Badass CEO in Heels? "
Maya rolled her eyes with a smirk. "It's Best CEO of the Year."
Dane turned to Noah. "Well, Mr. Noah, may I join your royal party on this noble quest?"
Noah giggled, nodding with authority. "Permission granted!"
And so, the three of them strolled through boutique stores, laughing, chatting, and trying on dresses. Maya rarely allowed herself moments like these—lighthearted and unguarded. With Dane beside her and Noah bouncing between dress racks, she almost forgot the heavy memories this city carried.
But across the street, unseen by them, another figure stood still.
Margaret Cole.
She had just finished a visit to her jeweler when she caught sight of a woman that stopped her in her tracks.
Maya?
She narrowed her eyes. The woman's posture, the confident yet gentle presence—there was no mistaking it. And right beside her, holding hands with a child… a boy.
Margaret's heart skipped. Who is that child?
Just then, a man joined them. He lifted the boy easily into his arms, laughing like family.
Margaret's breath caught.
Why is she here? After all these years…? And whose child is that?
Her mind spun with possibilities. Her instincts screamed the truth, but her pride refused to accept it.
Before she could gather the courage to move closer, Maya turned in her direction—just for a second.
Margaret gasped and instinctively ducked behind a pillar. Her hands trembled slightly, her heart racing.
She peeked again. Maya had turned away, unaware of the silent spectator across the street.
Margaret didn't linger. She quickly walked the opposite way, her thoughts a whirlwind.
Back inside the boutique, Maya was admiring a dark green silk gown that Noah had picked out. Dane gave a thumbs-up. "That one's got power written all over it."
She smiled and held it against herself. "You think so?"
"Absolutely," Dane said. "Queen energy."
But outside their little bubble, destiny stirred. The past had caught a glimpse of the present.