Maya watched as Sebastian moved through the youth center with ease, greeting kids by name, ruffling hair, and listening intently as a few of them excitedly updated him on their lives. The harsh, calculating man she knew was nowhere to be found. Instead, he was patient, kind—even warm.
It threw her off balance.
She folded her arms as she observed from a distance, still trying to reconcile this version of him with the man who had schemed against her just days ago.
“This must be surprising for you,” a voice said beside her.
Maya turned to find an older woman with kind eyes and short silver hair. “Excuse me?”
“I imagine this isn’t what you expected.” The woman smiled knowingly and extended her hand. “I’m Evelyn Carter, director of the center.”
Maya shook her hand. “Maya Taylor.”
“Ah.” E
