The next day, I decided to pay my best friend a visit. I parked outside Maya’s building and took a moment to breathe. The week had been a whirlwind of unpacking, settling in, and coordinating the staff at the mansion. Everything had gone smoother than expected, but I needed a pause, a moment that was just for me. And that meant Maya.
I stepped out of the car, carrying a small bag of gifts I had picked up for her. She had been patient through my honeymoon updates and mansion stories, and I wanted to show a little appreciation. The elevator ride up felt long, but I was too excited to mind.
The moment the door to her apartment opened, Maya’s face lit up like she had been waiting for this exact moment. “Shina!” she exclaimed, widening her arms. “Finally! Come in, come in!”
I grinned and ste
