Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 606: Before she could get the rest out, Maia pressed a hand over her mouth. "Didn't you promise to stay calm?" Maia knew Elvira inside out. She was sure that Elvira wouldn't be able to swallow this easily. But by now, if she didn't come clean, Elvira wouldn't stop digging. "I'm legally married to Chris. Not many people know about it, and for some unavoidable reasons, we can't make it public just yet. You're my closest friend, so I'm counting on you to keep this under wraps." Seeing Elvira give a slight nod, Maia slowly pulled her hand away from her mouth.

Elvira took a deep breath, still shaken by the shocking news. The truth had hit her so hard that she struggled to come to terms with it for quite some time. No wonder the vibe between Maia and Chris had always seemed off. No wonder Chris had been so shamelessly glued to Maia. He was actually Maia's no-good husband! This explanation wiped away all her doubts, leaving Elvira with no choice but to accept it. Still, she just couldn't understand why Maia would tie the knot with someone like Chris - a man she considered nothing but a rogue.

After a long silence, Elvira grasped Maia's hand and asked in a quiet, serious tone, "Maia, be straight with me. Did Chris threaten you?" Maia froze, her fingers tightening around the edge of her glass as she sifted through a whirlwind of thoughts, searching for the right words to untangle the mess in her heart. Elvira, catching the flicker of hesitation in Maia's eyes, leaned closer, her voice sharp with urgency. "Is Chris scared that if folks find out he's married, his charm routine will crash and burn?" With a slow shake of her head, Maia met Elvira's gaze, her expression earnest.

"Elvira, hear me out. Chris is not the skirt-chaser the gossip mill paints him to be. He has his reasons, you know." She paused, her voice softening. "Some people, some things - they are not what they seem on the surface." Elvira's jaw dropped, her eyes widening as if Maia had tossed a grenade into the conversation. A weight settled in her chest, heavy as a stone, and she gripped Maia's shoulders, her fingers trembling with a mix of exasperation and worry. "Maia, have you forgotten the scars Vince left on you? And Chris...

How long have you even known this guy before you said yes to him?" Her words tumbled out faster now, each one laced with dread as she added, "Do not be so trusting, alright? What if the rumors are spot on? What if his kindness is just a slick act?" Explore more chapters on gⱯlnσνes․cøm Maia stood rooted, her breath catching as Elvira's questions sliced through her. Those same doubts had haunted her sleepless nights, whispering in the dark. Was Chris really who he claimed to be? Even now, certainty eluded her, but the memory of his gentle gestures urged her to take a leap of faith.

She wanted to believe in him, in them. Elvira's concern was palpable, a friend's fierce love wrapped in sharp words. Maia knew that her bias against Chris ran deep, carved by rumors and suspicion. With a tender smile, Maia rested her hand on Elvira's, giving it a gentle pat. "He showed me what it feels like to be cherished, Elvira. When he looks at me, I sense his heart is true. If you see me as a friend, please honor my choice." She held Elvira's hand tightly, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"If you ever meet someone who sets your soul alight, maybe you'll understand how I feel." Elvira stared into Maia's clear, unwavering eyes, seeing her own reflection staring back. Words failed her. She knew that look all too well - Maia's stubborn resolve, unyielding as iron. No argument would sway her now. A heavy sigh escaped Elvira's lips, her shoulders slumping. The thought of Maia secretly tying the knot with Chris still stunned her, a wild twist she never saw coming. Her heart ached for her brother, Roland, who had carried a quiet torch for Maia.

She fidgeted with her bracelet, then blurted, "Do you really not care for Roland? Not even a smidge?" Her fingers pinched the air, leaving a tiny gap between thumb and forefinger. Maia let out a soft, resigned laugh, her head tilting. "Roland is wonderful, but we are like oil and water - not meant to mix." Elvira's sigh deepened, a mournful sound for her brother's unrequited hopes. "Fine, I give up. It is your call, Maia. If this goes south, you are on your own." She shook her head, as if grieving the missed chance of a love story between Roland and Maia.

"Honestly, I do not trust most guys, but Roland - he is solid, and he genuinely cares for you." . . .