Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 910: But as they hovered at the edge of giving in completely, Maia's thoughts spun back to Chris's medical history-memories of doctors' warnings and his close call in Sceibar flashing like a warning sign. Without thinking, she pressed her hands against his chest, her voice breathless but firm. "Chris... just a second." Chris stopped, desire still lingering in his gaze. "Is something wrong?" Worry and love mingled in Maia's eyes. "It's your health. You're not supposed to overdo it. You remember what happened in Sceibar, don't you?

The doctors told you to take it easy, to avoid anything strenuous..." Chris hesitated, at a rare loss for words. He managed a half-hearted protest, sounding almost sulky. "I've managed this long... it's not a big deal." A grave expression settled over Maia's face. "This isn't like before. Last time, you passed out and scared me half to death. I'm not about to gamble with your health for just one night." Disappointment flickered over Chris's features as he leaned in, nuzzling her shoulder with a quiet, playful complaint. "Are you sure?

We really can't...?" A soft firmness settled into Maia's eyes as she shook her head. "Not tonight. You need to behave." Her hands moved with gentle finality, easing Chris away as she whispered, "We'll wait until you're truly well... There's no rush, is there?" Reluctance tugged at Chris's features, but seeing the resolve in Maia's gaze, he gave in with a sigh. "Alright... you win." Shoulders slumping, he ran a frustrated hand through his hair before trudging off toward the bathroom.

"Guess I'll go cool off with a shower." As she watched him retreat, so forlorn and disappointed, Maia's chest tightened with a bittersweet ache-yet her resolve to see him healthy only grew. The sound of water echoed from behind the closed door as Maia sank onto the sofa, one hand pressed to her wildly beating heart. A rueful, tender smile touched her lips. "Once you're fully healed, Chris, you'll see... I'll make sure it's worth the wait," she muttered to herself. @ gⳑν﹒ Night settled in, the air thick with memories of warmth and quiet longing.

At the same time, over at Hurst's villa, Melanie's bedroom was tense with a different kind of energy-restless and sharp. Perched on the edge of her bed, Melanie gripped her phone tightly. The screen displayed a fresh message from Cade: "Target's confirmed address: Elysium Apartments, Unit 902, Building 5." "Finally... Maia's address is in my hands," she whispered. Restlessness took over-she leaped from the mattress, bare feet silent on the floor, making two anxious laps around the room before pressing a hand to her pounding heart.

The thrill of discovery surged through her, electrifying every nerve. "Maia, just what are you hiding? Are you married? Who's your mysterious husband? The truth's about to come out-your secret won't last much longer!" Melanie muttered to herself. With that thought fueling her, she punched in Ethan's number without a moment's hesitation. The call connected immediately. On the other end, Ethan's mellow, slightly husky voice answered, "Hello?" Dropping her tone and brimming with anticipation, Melanie could hardly contain herself. "Ethan, I finally tracked down where your sister lives." . . .