Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 62:

Crossing into the living room, Maia caught sight of Chris getting up and casually making his way toward his bedroom, almost as if he had been waiting for her all along.

Trailing after him without thinking, Maia called out, “Mr. Cooper.”

Pausing in his tracks, Chris turned around and glanced down at the petite woman. “What’s up?”

Standing before him, Maia felt the weight of his height, a full head taller than her. Though his presence could seem imposing, his voice came soft, like a breeze slipping through the clouds.

Lifting her chin slightly, Maia met his gaze, her clear eyes shimmering under the warm lights. “You really don’t need to wait for me every time, Mr. Cooper.”

Since returning, her life had become even busier. Knowing that he stayed up just for her weighed heavily on her heart.

Chris narrowed his sharp eyes and tilted his head, his expression half-teasing. “Since you know I’m waiting, why do you keep coming home this late? Do you like seeing me worry?”

Unsure whether he was scolding her or teasing, Maia quickly shook her head. “That’s not what I meant…”

Before she could speak further, a warm hand ruffled her hair. “I’m messing with you.” Despite being husband and wife, Chris had never once tried to put chains on her. Whatever she chose to do was her decision. For him, waiting was never an obligation. It was something he simply wanted to do. Back then, he hadn’t even had the right to wait for her.

“I get it,” he said, his tone as soothing as someone coaxing a sulky child, a small smile tugging at his lips. “But if anyone gives you trouble, promise me you’ll come to me first?”

Pressing her lips together in thought, Maia figured it was more likely she would be the one giving others trouble nowadays. Still, she nodded and answered softly, “Okay.”

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“It’s late. Go get some rest.” Chris leaned closer, his breath brushing against her ear as he whispered, “And remember, the world out there isn’t always kind… don’t go wandering off.”

Maia was taken aback. Did he seriously think she was three years old?

Watching Maia struggle for a response, Chris let out a satisfied chuckle. “Goodnight.”noveldrama

As soon as the door opened and clicked shut behind him, Maia finally exhaled a long breath, like someone waking up from a dream.

Meanwhile, back at the entrance of the Morgan Villa, just as Vince was about to get into his car, Rosanna appeared, catching up to him.

Before he could step inside, she reached out and grabbed his arm, her voice soft and hesitant. “Vince, are you leaving already?”

Facing her with a gentle look, Vince said, “I’ll come visit you another time.”

Lowering her head in grievance, Rosanna murmured, “I’m sorry about what happened tonight.” Her voice trembled as though tears threatened to spill. “I only wanted to bring the family together… If I hadn’t invited Maia, none of this would’ve happened.”

“You shouldn’t blame yourself,” Vince said, pulling her into a light embrace. “After spending four years behind bars, it’s only natural that Maia would hold a grudge.”

That familiar woody scent clinging to Vince made Rosanna feel dizzy with emotion. Without thinking, she slipped her arms around his waist, pulling him closer.

For a moment, Vince stiffened, caught off guard. Rosanna had always been shy, never one to take the first step.

With her face tilted up toward his, her eyes shimmered with a fragile kind of beauty under the night sky. In a soft, trembling voice, she whispered, “Vince, earlier tonight…”

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