Tease Me, Sir [Completed]

The air hung heavy with the scent of lilies and the hushed whispers of the congregation. Maxine stood frozen, her heart a leaden weight in her chest. The towering church, its stained glass windows casting kaleidoscopic hues onto the white marble floor, seemed to mock her with its grandeur. It was a scene of orchestrated beauty, a stark contrast to the raw, unbridled emotions that churned within her. "N-no..." she whispered weakly, her body feeling like it would collapse. Strong arms caught her, holding her upright. She turned and saw Ivy, her friend, looking at her with sad, understanding eyes. "I knew about the two of you, but I stayed quiet," Ivy murmured, her voice full of regret. Tears streamed down Maxine's cheeks, her body trembling with sobs. She shook her head, gazing helplessly back at the church interior, where a wedding ceremony was underway. The priest, his voice booming through the hallowed space, spoke of love, commitment, and the sanctity of marriage. But to Maxine, his words were hollow, a cruel mockery of the love she and Noah had shared. She wanted to scream, to protest, to demand that the ceremony stop, but her voice wouldn't come. Instead, she wept silently, frozen in place as the wedding reached its inevitable conclusion. As the ceremony ended, the newlyweds walked out of the church. Angel, radiant in her white gown, her face beaming with a happiness that felt both genuine and unsettling, leaned into Noah's arm. He, however, seemed distant, his gaze fixed on the ground, his expression a mask of stoicism. Maxine held onto a bracelet she'd once given Noah, which Ivy had just returned to her at his request. She clutched it tightly, as if the gesture could somehow ease the hollow ache inside her. She waited for Noah's gaze to meet hers, but he looked away as if she were invisible, as if she meant nothing at all. The pain of his indifference was a sharp, piercing blade that cut through her heart. "Max!" Ivy's soft voice called to her, gently guiding her down the church steps. But Maxine's gaze remained fixed on Noah, even as he walked farther away, now with his new bride by his side. "Ivy," she choked, her eyes brimming with desperation as she turned to her friend. "When did you know?" she asked bitterly. Unable to answer, Ivy averted her gaze, her silence cutting deeper than words. "B-but why didn't you tell me?" Maxine's voice trembled as she asked again. Ivy's response was averted eyes, avoiding the storm of emotions in Maxine's expression. Maxine turned once more to watch Noah's car as it drove away with his new bride. She hadn't expected the pain to hit her like this, the reality of his betrayal sharp and unrelenting. She had heard the news from Ivy's own lips, but now, seeing it with her own eyes, the grief was unbearable. Her world, her dreams—everything shattered in that moment. Later, she found herself at the waterfall near the Castellanos estate, staring blankly into the rushing water, unable to comprehend why Noah had done this to her. "You tricked me... and I was foolish enough to fall for someone like you," she whispered bitterly, tears slipping down her cheeks as she recalled his broken promises. Taking the ring Noah had given her, she held it one last time, her tears falling freely, before throwing it into the turbulent waters. "You broke my heart and shattered your promises," she said softly, her voice breaking. Years passed, five long years, but Maxine couldn't rid herself of the memories. She had tried to forget, yet Noah remained a painful part of her past. He had given no explanation, no closure—he had just vanished from her life. And now, Maxine knew she needed to find a new purpose. But as she sat by the waterfall, a flood of memories washed over her, each one a vivid reminder of the love they had shared. Each memory, a precious shard of a love lost, a testament to the depth of their connection. She remembered the day they met. She was new to the Castellanos mansion, a young maid trying to make a life for herself and her family. He was the young master, aloof and arrogant, a stark contrast to the vibrant, cheerful spirit that she possessed. Yet, despite their differences, a spark ignited between them. She remembered their first conversation. He was brooding in the kitchen, his eyes filled with a sadness that she couldn't ignore. She offered him a glass of water, a simple gesture that somehow broke through his defenses. He pushed her hand away, spilling the water, his gesture a sharp rejection. But she persisted, her spirit unbroken. She remembered their first laughter. He was frustrated, his anger simmering beneath the surface. She teased him, her playful nature shining through. He tried to ignore her, but he couldn't help but smile at her antics. She remembered their first kiss. It was a stolen moment, a tender exchange under the moonlight. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, a promise of a love that defied all odds. She remembered their secret rendezvous. They would meet in the garden, hidden from the prying eyes of the world. They would talk for hours, sharing their dreams, their fears, their hopes. They were two souls bound by a love that transcended their differences. She remembered the day he proposed. He had given her a simple wire ring, a symbol of his promise to her. He had asked for her hand, his voice trembling with emotion. She had said yes, her heart overflowing with love. She remembered the day he left. He had vanished from her life without a word, leaving her heartbroken and alone. She had never understood why he had chosen to marry another, why he had chosen to betray her trust. But as she sat by the waterfall, her memories were not filled with bitterness or resentment. Instead, they were filled with love, a love that had burned brightly, a love that had left an indelible mark on her soul. She knew that she would never forget Noah, the man who had stolen her heart and taught her the true meaning of love. She knew that their love had been real, even if it had been fleeting. And she knew that she would carry those memories with her forever. Maxine closed her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek. And then, she broke. A sob tore from her lips, raw and aching, her body trembling as years of grief and longing came crashing down on her all at once. She was heartbroken, lost, shattered into pieces that she was no longer sure could ever be put back together.