Stay With Me (Our Story)

Amaya

"Shh, this is a one-time thing, there's no need for names" I whisper against the stranger's lips as I take off his jacket with haste.

We were two strangers that met in a club and are currently in a room together taking off each other's clothes.

"Fine by me," he says breathily before capturing my lips with his.

His hands rummage my body as mine does the same with his. Two bodies engulfed in each other and completely enraptured with lust.

Mia was right, sex with a stranger is therapeutic.

I breathe heavily as we both come apart and fall on our backs on the bed, too tired to control our breathing.

"I'm Jason King" the man beside me confesses, not that I asked.

I roll my eyes and sigh irritatedly "I thought we said no names" I sigh and get up to get dressed. Already put off by the latest unwanted discovery

"Well seeing as I just had what I can call the best sex of my life, I thought you'd deserve a name" He replied, sitting up against the headboard

"No thank you," I search around for my shoes "Don't expect me to give you my name, it's not gonna happen."

"Well, I tried" he shrugs and smiles at me

"And failed. Goodbye Mr King" I picked my bag up and walked out of the room. Immediately ridding my mind of the hot stranger that made me experience a good time in weeks.

I walk down the stairs and ignore the

numerous eyes on me, some judging and some... other things that I don't care about.

I make my way to my car and text Mia to see if she's fine before driving off to my house.

While driving, just as I expected, Mia calls me.

"Hey gorgeous" I hear her say after I answer

"How are you love?" You good?" I take a left turn and make sure I'm focused on the road but also aware of what Mia is saying

"I'm good. So how was he? Was it good?" she rambled. completely ignorant of the fact she was bombarding me with questions

"Calm down babes. Yes, he was good." I tell her

"Hm," she hums "Just good? Coming from you that means he wasn't"

I chuckle "He tried Mia. I liked it"

There was a pause. I could almost hear her rolling her eyes at me "That's a lie. You liked it but didn't enjoy it as much as you wanted. I know you, Amaya. He made you cum doesn't mean the sex was mindblowing, you've said so yourself once."

I sigh loudly. She's right.

I liked sex... a lot. But I was tired of this usual boring sex that I had nowadays. I wanted more. I wanted leg-shaking, mindblowing sex that left me thinking about it for the next couple of days.

There's only one stranger that topped that. I smile at the memory and a frown follows as I remember how it ended.

"Hello, Amaya? hiiii?!" The sound of Mia's voice echoing through the car suddenly brought me back to the present

I shake my head to rid it of thoughts "Sorry. I got distracted"

"You're thinking about him again aren't you?" Mia asks knowingly

"Pfft... no." I lied "Why will I think about him?" I drove into the house as the gate opened up. I decide to sit in the car for a couple of minutes.

"I don't know. Why are you?"

I sigh "I'm not" I drawl out another lie again

"Yeah right." She doesn't believe me

"He was rude to me Mia, I'm not thinking about him. I don't even know him" I scoff before deciding I've stayed in the car long enough

"Oh I dunno, probably because he's the first man that satisfied you the way you want in a long time. And because of that your stupid 'keep-your-name-to-yourself' rule. You'll never meet him again" She scoffs angrily

I mean she is right. The sex was amazing.

More than amazing even.

"He was the rude end of the story. And I have no wish to see him again great sex or not" I rummage for my keys in my bag, I unlock the door and enter inside.

Mia is silent for a while before she lets out a loud sigh. Sounds like she's infuriated

"You're stubborn"

I chuckle "But you love me still. Now if you don't mind I have to go to bed, I have a busy day tomorrow"

"I'm very sure you didn't eat today, so why are you in a rush to sleep?"

I contemplate lying to her about eating but I decide otherwise "My appetites been off. I guess my whole schedule change and stress, food is the last thing on my mind" I yawn loudly as I take my shoes off first followed by the skirt I was wearing.

I almost changed my mind about a shower because of how tired I was. I could swear my eyes were closing while standing. But the thought of my clothes and where they were worn changed my mind. Outside clothes do not belong on my bed.

I almost forgot about the call I was on with Mia till she let out another sigh, more like a defeated one. "Just eat. Please?"

"I will. I love you"

"I love you too. Goodnight baby"

I smile as I mutter goodnight and end the call.

I yawn loudly as I peel every bit of clothing off my body and head to the shower.

Unaware of the huge change my life was about to experience, I hummed during my shower as I washed off the sweat from the day under the current of warm water running all over my melanin skin.

1 year later

Amaya

My family and I haven't always been close as much as a regular, loving family should be. To be honest i don't even know what a regular family looks like. My dad is more focused on showing off to his fake friends at the golf club, his latest achievement at work or the newest car he just acquired.

While my mum on the other hand just acts like the pretty, prefect trophy wife for the media and friends that come to visit.

So when I got a call from my father himself. Yes him directly, not his secretary or even my mum, asking if i can come over a family dinner tonight?

My mind scatters trying to find reasons as to why my father, who hasn't for once called me since i moved away from the family house months ago, inviting me to a family dinner himself.

Either the world is coming to an end or he's dying. One of the two.

And with how stubborn my father is, i refuse to believe he'd call me himself, even on his death bed.

The drive to the house is longer than expected. Probably because I'm nervous as hell too or because part of me is mad at myself for going to see them after how they treated Bailey and I.

I smile as the thought of her enters my head. My gorgeous beautiful baby, My world.

The security at the gate recognize and i make the long agonizing drive to where I'm gonna park my car. Reluctant to get out, i contemplate just driving back home and staying in while Bailey and I watch alot of movies.

I exhale loudly "Okay Maya, you can do this. It's just one simple family dinner" I chant lowly to myself

After I determined that I've gotten enough motivation i step out and make my way inside. The doors are opened up for me before i can even do it. A smile graces my face as i notice Anna and her arms open up, inviting me into her loving embrace. Maria is like a mother to me, she's been with us since i was a child. When my mum was pregnant with my brother and also working. If we're being honest this woman raised me.

I release a loud sigh of relief when i feel her arms around me "Hello Mija, I've missed you so much my darling Maya" The sad tone her voice carries makes me regret my decision of shortening my visit to the manor.

i pull away after the hug and look at her "I'm so sorry i don't come to visit any more Maria. You know how they are. And with everything they did i just don't know if a time will come where I'll be fully accepted in this house."

Maria sighs tiredly "I know Mi cielito. And I understand, but i miss you and Bailey so much, you know"

Her words tug at my heart strings and I almost cry "I know Maria and I'm sorry. I don't wanna see them doesn't mean i can't come see you. It's your house too. Por favor perdoname?" I sniff trying to hold back tears as i try to bribe her by speaking Spanish.

She laughs at my trial and I can't help but laugh along with her "You always know how to get me, mija."

I smile "I try my best"

"You've improved. Your Spanish is alot more better than i remember" She holds my hand and leads me to the kitchen silently. And if i know Maria well enough it's probably a treat she made for I and Bailey for later.

"Well it's all thanks to you" I give her a small smile before she heads over to the oven with her back to me "You're the only reason i know how to speak or why i even learnt further.... You're also the reason I'm teaching Bailey too." I can't help the tear that rolls down my cheek as i watch her pause and turn to face me slowly.

She gasps "Mi Amor. Oh Maya" she sniffs as she walks slowly towards me wrapping her hands around me tightly.

Our hug is broken when we hear footsteps entering the kitchen and i turn to face my mum.

"Oh Maya... darling i thought i heard you enter" she walks and there's small awkward pause before she kisses my cheek

"Hello Mother" i reply with the fakest voice i could mutter. "Now that I'm here I'd like to know why I was summoned?" I asked carelessly

"Maya!" Maria scolds and sigh

"Im Sorry"

My mum lets out a chuckle "It's okay Maria. And for your question Maria, come to the dinner table first. Can we go?" she asks as she steps aside making way to the door

"Go ahead I'll join you. Gotta finish talking with Maria" I utter before walking to where Maria is stood packing my snacks. She starts to protest but i give no room for it

I turn to see my mum still standing there she gives me a half smile and walks out "Mija! you should have gone with your Mother" Maria scolded

"I will. And By the way, we both know you did more of a job at being my mother than my actual mother did" I replied not having a care in the world if i was being harsh.

Her hand meets the back of my head gently. Enough to remind me that whatever age I am she can still bring me down to earth "Don't be rude to your mother. Even in her absence, she did wrong but she's still your mother. Now go have dinner with your family, I'll soon be done packing up this snacks for You and that sweet angel of yours" Maria smiles at me before turning back to finish her packing.

"Do you by any chance have any idea why they wanna meet me?"

Maria still has her back to me making it obvious to me that she has an idea. What am i even saying? Of course she has an idea she lives here "No mija, i don't" Maria utters weakly

She's lying "Mari-" Is start but she cuts me off

"If i could i would tell you, sweet child. But you have to trust me on this. And also promise me you'd make the right decision"

"What do you mean?How can i promise you when I don't have any idea what-"

"Just promise me, Mija. I know whatever you do you'll make the right decision." Her eyes hold my gaze, unwavering

I push the pressure and nerve wracking anxiety I'm feeling aside "yeah sure, i promise" i tell her, with no idea what I'm promising her.

"I'll see you after dinner" Mara utters before giving me a kiss and leaving the kitchen

I'm left alone to my thoughts and for a minute i start thinking about leaving and coming back. "Snap out of it Maya, it's just one dinner"

I breathe out slowly as i muster the courage to walk into the dining.

Where I'm met with the sight of my father, mother my brother and three other unfamiliar faces.

WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!

Maya

Only a fool wouldn't sense the obvious tension at this table. The eerie silence amongst us would have been extremely painful and long if not for the occasional boring questions they throw at each other and sometimes at me, from mother anyway, to be precise.

My mum clears her throat before she sets her cutlery aside. She picks up her napkin to dab the corners of her lips gently with it "Maya how do you like the food?"

"It's amazing. I'm sure Maria has already packed some up for Bailey and I, for later" I give a short smile trying to merge it with my horrible example of making conversation.

"Who is Bailey?" One of the two men speaks up. I'm guessing this is a Father and Son duo because he looks younger. I catch Dad's movement from my side eye as he gives them a slow awkward glance "Bailey is my daughter" I answer and take another bite from my chicken

"You have a daughter?" the older one of them asks. But his eyes are on my Father.

What the fuck is going on here?

"Yes i have a daughter." I stare at everyone at the table one after the other trying to see if my parents will acknowledge or explain why these people seem surprised or bothered about me having a kid "Who are you people?" I ask abruptly

"Maya!" My father calls out sternly

"It's okay Kevin. We're in her house, we owe her an introduction" The older man speaks gently with a smile.

My eyes drift to the other one who has a fork in one hand and his phone in the other. He lifts his eyes slowly and looks at me,as if he knew he was being watched. I look away swiftly and focus on the other man.

"I'm James Carter and this Is my son Aiden." at the mention of his name he doesn't even lift his eyes from his phone "We're old friends of the family"

"Hmm" I mutter and take a sip from my drink

"So are we gonna tell her or not?" My brother speaks up for the first time after so much silence

This draws my attention "Tell me what?" i turn to him waiting for him to talk, but nothing. I turn to my mother she just avoids my gaze "Mum?" She meets my eyes for seconds before looking back down.

I turn to look at my father, "So are you gonna tell me, or just stay mute like the rest of em?" i face him completely.

"Mind your words, Maya" he replies grumpily as usual

I roll my eyes "Get on with it, please" I say irritatedly

My father turns to look at James and I notice James nod at him then he turns to face me. "Maya, the Carters are here because of a business deal we made long time ago and uh-

"Get straight to the point! what does any of this have to do with me?" I ask, my tone coming off a bit harsh

My father sighs loudly "I'm getting there! We and the Carters want to merge our companies"

"Why? What's wrong? I thought your company was going well." My father is to quiet for my liking so I look at my mum and my brother for answers but nothing. "Can someone please answer me!" i turn to the Carters. if my own family won't answer me atleast they can since they're involved as well.

I see Aiden massaging his fore head slowly, He looks agitated before speaking up "Our companies are to merge after we get married" he said abruptly

I scrunch my eye brows in confusion "Who? You and my brother?" I turn to look at Austin "I never knew you like guys!"

I hear a small chuckle from someone "No Maya, it's you and I"

I laugh loudly at the joke "He's joking right? He has to be joking. Tell me he's joking!" I turn to look at my family one after the other, but they all ignore me.

"Darling, he's telling the truth" My mother speaks up and finally decides to look at me

I ignore her and stare at my father "Why?"

"We need the help Amaya and this deal was the perfect one, we didn't have a choice" My dad said before pouring himself another glass of wine

"Bullshit! We? what do you mean we! i wasn't consulted on this. None of you asked for my opinion! You just decided to make an agreement and only involve me right before you signed it" I yell at them angrily

"Maya, it's already been signed" My brother Samuel speaks up

"What?" My voice breaks along with my heart "You signed it? Did you even stop to think about what I would want? Dad?" I call out to him but he says nothing "Mum, say something please" i beg

"I'm sorry baby but this was the only way we could think of" My mother speaks up again

"Selling me off was the only way?" I ask completely irritated by all of them. I didn't care if there was a third party witnessing our argument

"We're not selling you off! We're saving our legacy!" My Father replies

"Our? Don't you dare say that! it's your legacy! it's your company I have nothing to do with the company, remember? You said so yourself!" I glare at him angrily

Dad sighs as he places his cutlerys on his plate with a little noise "Amaya for heavens sake not now! We have guests!" he yells as his eyes finally meet with mine longer than usual for the first time since this dinner started.

"Why? Are you embarrassed? I mean you just sold your CHILD! to them like ram for a slaughterhouse might as well let them know the kind of family they're marrying into" I'm fuming and can't hold back the words I'm saying

"Maya calm down. We can talk about this later" Samuel grabs my arm

"No!" I pull my arm away. And turn to face our guests "Mr Carter, Mr Carter's son. I don't know what they may have promised you, but I have no interest in getting married to your son or anyone else."

"Maya, I had no idea that your parents did not inform you about the agreement-"

I cut him off "Now you do. And now you know my take on it"

Aiden who has been quiet and just watching for the past minutes speaks up "But that's the thing Amaya," He pushes his chair back and stands up as he fixes his suit "You and your family don't really have a choice, seeing as, if they don't keep up their part of the contract they are obligated to pay me an amount of money. And seeing the state of your company" He turns to face dad then continues "I'm sure i don't need to tell you that you cant afford it. Thank you for dinner Mrs Jones, my regards to the chef." His eyes land on mine for a brief second before looking away "Father, I'll be in the car" he speaks then walks out leaving me shocked and rooted to my spot

"I'm really sorry Maya. But what my son said is true" He turns to face my father "I really didn't expect this from you Kevin. You don't tell us your daughter is a mother and you also go ahead and make an agreement on her behalf without her consent? That's messed up, even for you. Once again I'm sorry for the inconvenience, I hope we can all come together again under better terms and discuss what may be suitable for us all. Dinner was lovely as usual Tiffany." He walks to where she's seated and gives her a kiss on the cheek before nodding at me and then walking out to leave.

Couple of minutes later after the guests have departed Maria walks into the dining room and the sound of her shoes clicking against the tiles serve as the only sounds that have passed our midst since they left. I raise my eyes to look at her and the tears I've been holding back come rushing at once

"Oh sweet child!" She coos softly as she embraces me

"They sold me of Maria, like i was nothing!" i sniff loudly as the tears keep coming uncontrollably "I don't want to do it, I-I don't want to"

"It's okay mi amore, it's okay" She speaks calmly while rubbing my back in a rythmic motion, gently. "It's going to be okay Amaya"

I pull away from her hold and look at her "It's not. You don't know what's going on! I don't have a choice" I utter loudly not caring if they could hear me "They didn't even give me a choice in the matter!" I sob uncontrollably

"Amaya, I know" she says gently as if she was owning up to a crime

"W-what?" I clean my face as i try to control the sniffs "You knew about the contract with the Carters?" I can already feel my heart breaking from the incoming answer

"No. That i wasn't aware of, i assumed it but I wasn't sure. I only knew about the company going bankrupt" at the sound of that word, I could almost hear my fathers jaw clench and see the frown on his face even though his back was to me.

My father sighs loudly "Amaya stop being a brat and come sit so we can talk about all this! it's for all our sakes after all"

"Our sakes?! you're so selfish and wicked that you don't even see what is wrong with this entire situation!" I yell angrily

"Mija!" Maria warns sternly "Don't be rude to your father!. Talk to them, please. We'll talk about this when you're done" She pleads with me silently

"No" I have no interest in speaking with them "Goodluck finding Mr Carter's money, because I'm not marrying him." I've received enough bullshit from them.

I pick my things and head to my car to leave.