Maria kept moving.
She forced herself to smile, serve, and act normal as if her entire world wasn’t unraveling.
But deep down—she knew.
She was losing control.
Because no matter how much she tried to ignore him, outplay him, distance herself…
Hayato-sama wasn’t stopping.
And worse?
She was starting to feel the pressure.
The Unshakable Presence
Every time Maria turned her head, every time she passed by a table—he was there.
Not calling her.
Not saying a word.
Just watching.
With that calm, unreadable expression.
It was like he was waiting for something.
For her to break.
For her to give in.
Maria refused to react.
She wouldn’t let him win.
Not now. Not ever.
But as the minutes turned into hours…
She started to shake.
Mika Notices
— Maria.
Maria nearly jumped as Mika appeared beside her, her voice lower than usual.
— You need to breathe.
Maria blinked.
— What? I’m fine.
Mika frowned.
— No, you’re not. You’re acting like you don’t see him, but I know you do. And he knows it too.
Maria’s throat tightened.
She hated how right Mika was.
She wasn’t fooling anyone.
Not herself.
Not Mika.
Not Hayato-sama.
Mika sighed, rubbing her temples.
— You need to do something. This can’t keep going like this.
Maria gritted her teeth.
— I know.
The Breaking Point
Just as Maria was about to step away, a voice froze her in place.
— Maria.
Him.
Maria turned slowly.
Hayato-sama had finally spoken.
Her stomach tightened.
She felt Mika watching, waiting to see what she’d do.
Maria took a deep breath, putting on her most neutral expression.
— Yes, goshujin-sama?
He studied her.
Slow. Calculated.
Then—
— Do you fear me?
Maria’s breath hitched.
She wasn’t expecting that.
Silence hung between them.
Mika stiffened beside her.
Maria knew what she should say.
She should deny it. Laugh it off. Dismiss it.
But when she opened her mouth—
She couldn’t.
Because the truth was—
She didn’t know anymore.
And the worst part?
He could see it.
A small smile curled on his lips.
— You should.
Maria felt something crack inside her.
Because this wasn’t a game anymore.
This was real.
And she wasn’t sure how much longer she could fight.
To be continued …
