This Time He Pursues Me With All Chapter 158

Maya's POV:

I placed the lobster into the steamer. I wiped my hands on a towel. The phone in my pocket buzzed.

I pulled it out. It was a stranger's number.

"Hello?"

"Maya, it’s me."

The voice was Marcus Hayes.

He had tried calling several times. I always blocked him. He must have changed his number again. My face turned cold. I moved my thumb to hang up.

"Don't hang up yet," Marcus shouted quickly. "I just have two sentences."

I held my temper. "Speak."

Marcus softened his voice. "I just wanted to tell you... Merry Christmas."

"Are you done?"

"Yes."

I hung up immediately. I didn't want to hear his voice.

I was about to put the phone away. It lit up again. The screen showed "Ryan."

I stared at it for a second. Then I declined the call.

"Maya, dear?"

Grandmother Sterling walked into the kitchen. She smiled warmly. "Leave the food for now. Come with me."

"Grandmother? Is something wrong?"

"No, everything is perfect." She took my arm. She led me out of the kitchen. "I have something for you."

In the hallway, Grandmother Sterling handed me two boxes. "Go upstairs. See if these fit."

I opened the first box. Inside was a deep blue pencil skirt and a white silk shirt. The collar had delicate lace. It looked expensive. I opened the second box. It was a camel cashmere coat.

"Change into these," Grandmother instructed. "I hired a photographer. We are taking a family portrait in twenty minutes."

Adam appeared beside us. He took the boxes from my hands. "I’ll take her to change."

He guided me up the stairs. He pushed open a heavy wooden door. "Come in."

I stepped inside. "Is this your old room?"

"Yes." Adam closed the door and locked it. "I haven't stayed here in years."

I looked around. The room was spotless. The bed had fresh white sheets. On the nightstand, there was a bouquet of white roses and scented candles. The air smelled of lavender.

I looked at the details. New sheets, flowers, candles.

"This looks like a honeymoon suite," I said. "Grandmother really went all out. We aren't even married yet."

Adam wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. He pulled me against his chest. "Grandmother wants us to stay here tonight. If you aren't comfortable, we can go home."

I leaned back into him. "Let's stay. Your family is lively. I like it here."

Adam lowered his head. His lips brushed my ear. "You should say *our* family. You are part of this family now."

His breath tickled my neck. I laughed softly. "That tickles. Stop it."

Suddenly, Adam swept me off my feet. He carried me to the bed and placed me on the mattress. His gaze burned with intensity.

"Maya," he said. His voice dropped. "I slept in this bed for over ten years."

I pressed my lips together. "It’s... a comfortable bed."

Adam chuckled darkly. "It is very comfortable. The load-bearing capacity is excellent. It handles vigorous exercise well."

My face flushed red. I regretted mentioning the bed. "Adam, stop. There are people downstairs."

Adam smirked. "This is the guest wing. No one will hear."

I tried to sit up. "I shouldn't have come in here with you—"

Adam caught my lips. He kissed me. He interlaced his fingers with mine and pinned my hands to the sheets. The afternoon sun shone on the white roses.

My eyes closed. I melted into the kiss. We forgot about the time.

After a long while, Adam pulled back. He looked down at me. My eyes were watery. My lips were swollen. He traced my cheek with his thumb.

"Get out," I breathed. "I need to change."

Adam’s voice was hoarse. "I can help."

"No. If you help, we’ll never make it downstairs."

Adam laughed. "Fine. I’ll wait outside."

He walked out and closed the door.

Five minutes later, I opened the door. Adam turned around. He saw me and stopped.

The blue skirt fit perfectly. The white silk shirt made my skin glow.

I adjusted the skirt. "Does it look bad?"

Adam stared at me. His throat bobbed. "You look beautiful."

I saw the heat in his eyes. I smiled.

We walked into the living room. The chatter stopped. Everyone looked at me.

"My granddaughter-in-law looks amazing!" Grandmother Sterling exclaimed.

Jenna clasped her hands. "Maya, you are gorgeous! I’m going to faint."

I laughed. "Don't exaggerate."

"I'm serious! Look at Adam. His eyes are glued to you."

I glanced at Adam. He coughed awkwardly and looked away. But his hand found the small of my back.

Margaret Sterling waved me over. She made me sit down. She touched my hair gently.

"You have a beautiful neck," Margaret said. "We should show it off."

She gathered my hair into an elegant bun. She secured it with a pearl hairpin.

"Mommy!" Amy ran over. She wore a velvet dress. "You look so pretty!"

I smiled and touched Amy’s cheek. "Thank you, baby."

A maid entered. "Madam, the photographer is ready."

I felt nervous. I had never taken a formal family portrait.

Adam squeezed my hand. I looked up. He looked calm and handsome.

"Look at the camera," he whispered.

I took a deep breath. I turned to the lens.

Grandmother Sterling held Amy for the first shot. The camera flashed.

We took many photos in front of the Christmas tree. Grandmother with Amy. Robert Sterling holding Amy. Then, Adam, Amy, and I took photos together.

After the group shots, Adam pulled me close. He wanted couple photos. One shot. Two shots. Ten shots.

"Adam," I whispered. "That’s enough. Why do you love taking photos so much?"

Adam didn't look embarrassed. "I want to capture everything."

He looked like he wanted to shoot a wedding album right there.

After the photos, dinner was served. The table was full of food. We had roast turkey, ham, and Boston Cream Pie.

The family sat together. We talked and laughed. It was warm and lively.

After dinner, we opened gifts.

Amy sat on the rug. She was surrounded by boxes. Her face was red with excitement. She tore open the paper.

"Mommy, look! A dollhouse!"

"Mommy, paints!"

I watched my daughter. In the past, it was just the two of us. I couldn't give her this big family.

"This is for you."

I turned. Adam handed me a box. Grandmother handed me one too. Even Robert and Margaret gave me gifts.

I held the boxes. This was the first time I truly received Christmas gifts.

A memory flashed in my mind. I was a child. I stood in the corner of the living room. I watched my mother, Patricia, give expensive gifts to Ryan.

Ryan tore them open. He screamed with joy.

Little Maya didn't want expensive toys. I just wanted a gift. Even an empty box would have been enough. I just wanted my mother to see me.

But Patricia never looked at me. Her eyes were always on Ryan.

I blinked. I pushed the memory away. It didn't hurt anymore.

I looked at the diamond bracelet from Adam. I looked at Amy laughing with Jenna. I looked at the Sterling family.

I wasn't that invisible little girl anymore. I was full. I was loved.