A ROYAL OBSESSION

The scent of food wafted through the landlord's office, a reminder to Maya that she hadn't eaten that morning. Her stomach grumbled audibly.

Earlier, she had watched one of the bodyguards approach the landlord with a meal, setting aside a cup of water before lifting the cover. Instinctively, she swallowed hard, her wide brown eyes fixed on him.

It was around nine in the morning, and she realized she hadn't eaten anything substantial since last night—a mere bowl of soup and a small slice of bread with beef before sleep claimed her.

She never complained; she understood how hard her mother worked to improve their circumstances, so she settled for less. Now, hunger gnawed at her, and food was nowhere in sight.

The landlord caught sight of Maya watching him. He could have ignored her, but the moment he met her innocent gaze, he turned to his bodyguard. "Get something for her to eat and drink. Make it quick," he commanded.

"Yes, sir," the bodyguard replied before swiftly leaving the office. Moments later, he returned with a tray of food.

He placed the plate on the cushion and set the tray beside her on the couch, along with the cup of water. Handing her the spoon, Maya's eyes widened at the sight of the rice, soup, vegetables, and boiled eggs before her.

"Thank you, sir," she said softly.

"You should thank my boss instead," the bodyguard replied, handing her the spoon before departing.

Maya's attention shifted to the man at the table, slurping hot noodles. Initially, she had misjudged him as one of those cruel, vicious types, especially given his remarks about her mother. Yet now, as he had provided her food in her time of need, she felt conflicted about her judgment.

However, she couldn't forgive his harsh words about her mother's worth as a parent. "Thank you for the meal, sir," she responded.

The man briefly met her gaze before retorting, "Just eat."

Maya nodded, dipping the spoon into the rice. This was the most extravagant meal she'd had, far beyond what she was accustomed to. As the delicious food filled her mouth, a bittersweet smile crossed her lips. If her mother were here sharing this feast, perhaps she would not be so angry at her.

"Don't worry, I've contacted your aunt, and she will come to pick you up," the man informed her.

Maya paused, a spoonful of rice midair. Aunt? She had never met her aunt, and her mother had never mentioned one.

The realization that it wouldn't be her mother coming for her but rather an unfamiliar relative was disheartening. However, she acknowledged it was for the best; the thought of living alone, without food or support, was daunting.

The room fell into a rhythm of spoons clinking against plates and the quiet sounds of consumption as both the landlord and Maya enjoyed their meals.

Later in the evening, there was a knock at the door. When it opened, a woman in her late twenties stepped in, directing her gaze straight at the landlord. "You said you have my niece?"

"Yes, I do," the landlord confirmed, shifting his attention to Maya, curled up on the couch under a blanket.

"What about my sister, Romina?" the woman pressed.

"When I went to collect the money she owed me for five months, she was gone, leaving her daughter behind after packing everything else in the house. I didn't want to sell her to recover my losses, so I contacted you. You could help your sister's daughter and clear my debt," the landlord explained matter-of-factly.

The woman's expression tightened at the thought of payment. "Why should I help? If Romina can't care for her daughter or manage her responsibilities, why should I be burdened with it?" she questioned.

The landlord sighed, looking serious. "You don't have to repeat her mistakes. I know what kind of person Romina is, and I reached out to you because I thought you might be different. Just think about where this little girl might end up without someone responsible to look after her."

The woman's frown remained as she glanced at Maya, still sleeping on the couch. "What's in it for me?" she thought, contemplating whether she would simply be paying a bill and adopting the girl without any benefit for herself.

She walked over to Maya, peering down at the sleeping child, assessing her next move.

The girl stirred in her sleep, her lashes fluttering open to reveal bright, round brown eyes. "Are you my aunt?" she asked, studying the woman before her, who bore a striking resemblance to her mother—same brown hair, same brown eyes.

"Yes, I'm Eliana. What's your name?" the woman replied, her tone firm.

"Maya," the girl answered softly. "Are you going to take me with you?"

Eliana drew a deep breath, her expression serious. "I have no other choice. Someone needs to be responsible for you. I have a child of my own, and I don't think I can risk anything happening to her," she stated resolutely.

"Thank you, Aunt Eliana. I promise I'll be a good girl. I'll listen to you, won't cause trouble, and I'll help you however I can," Maya vowed earnestly.

"That's a good girl right there, Eliana," the landlord interjected, nodding approvingly.

After a heavy sigh, Eliana made her decision to take the girl in. She settled the outrageous debt, knowing she was financially stable enough to manage it. Taking Maya's small hand in hers, she said, "Let's go, Maya."

The little girl nodded as they walked toward the door. Turning back to the landlord, she said, "Thank you, sir, for everything," expressing her gratitude for the food and blanket that had made her comfortable.

"You're welcome, kid," the landlord replied with a wave. "Just be good." She nodded in agreement, stepping outside. Internally, he added, "And don't end up like your irresponsible mother."

A.N.: How are you guys liking this book so far? Are you curious about how Maya's life would unfold? Comment on what you think about the book and what you're expecting. Thank you.

Also, I'd like to inform you beforehand that this book is primarily fixated on romance. There'll be action and other elements too, but just a few of them. So brace yourselves.