Xavier's pov:

I was looking into her eyes that depicted satisfaction, happiness and contentment. No one could have ever imagined THE GREAT XAVIER ADAMS who never ever spared a single glance back to anyone was now ready to die over a single smile of this beautiful lady.

I stood there watching the cars drove off to their respective destinations. Liam and Lucas left no stone unturned to threaten me to take proper care of their sister. Trust me when I say, this was the first time Lucas slapped me and Liam dared to hold my collar and intimidate me. But, after all that I've done, their reaction was justified. No one could oppose them. Even Daisy took her share of warning me with the worst.

"Anna, please have some rest now. It's already past your sleeping time." My chain of thoughts broke when Maya brought Mimi's medicines and gave her. I stood there, hands folded on my chest, watching these two ladies.

"No no! You took these pills day before yesterday. Now, they need to be taken tomorrow. Not now." I stood there in bewilderment when Maya corrected Mimi with her pills.

"How do you know about Mimi's pills?" I asked her.

"I know everything." She said smirking.

"How? You came back just yesterday. And, we were together the entire time. When did you come to know about her medicines and all?"

She stood there silent but, Mimi spoke on her behalf.

"She was always there for me Xavier. Whenever I had some problems with my health, she was there. She knows all my medicines and health issues. She used to call me at least twice a day to enquire about my health and would talk to me to ease me out of worries."

Now, I feel a lot terrible.

"I'm sorry Mimi. I was so immersed in my sorrows that I forgot that you need your son with you."

She took my hands in hers and said, "It would have been a problem when my health wasn't taken care of. But, it was never the thing. I was always everyone's priority. Dan and Lucas were continuously there for me. Liam and Daisy too never made me feel alone. And out of all, Maya, though not physically but virtually, she was always there for me. Everytime everyone was there to take care of me.

And, I understand that there are times when we feel low. I respect your space and your feelings. It was a hard time for you with your first heartbreak. But, I knew that it wasn't going to last long. So, stop feeling guilty and enjoy this phase. You've waited long for this happiness to knock on your doors. And, now that it is there, don't let anything take over the emotion." She lovingly caressed my cheek and I hugged her tight.

After our little emotional session, I took her to her room and tucked her to bed. I kissed her forehead and turned to see that Maya was standing at the door with a smile on her face. Her eyes, shining bright, as if reflecting pride. I guess. I came out and closed the door lightly.

"What makes you smile?" I asked.

"You know, these days people prefer to live away from their parents to get rid of them. They try to enjoy their life and their privacy. But, you. You are different and amazing. The way you hold on to the family together and keep everyone happy, makes me so so proud of you. I'm really happy that I fell for a man who believes in staying and living together." Her eyes shone with pride and happiness, fluttered my heart.

"I have always believed that no matter what, do what makes you happy. And, my family makes me happy. I would never ever leave them for anything. And, now the cherry on top, I have the most precious member of my family with me. You. And trust me when I say, I am way too greedy to let my family and myself lose you. So, now you're stuck with me. Forever." I said, pulling her close by her waist and placed my lips on her forehead.

Maya's pov:

My eyes closed on their own to imprint the feeling of having him back with me again, when he kissed my forehead.

"It's getting late. We should call it a night." He said pulling back.

"Yeah. Even I'm tired."

With that we both walked towards our rooms.

I stopped near my room and a hand stopped my wrist from the turning the knob of the door.

"What happened?" I asked him.

"Don't take me wrong but, I just can't stop myself from saying this." He looked down, as if he was nervous.

"Everything alright?" I asked.

"Uh...canyoustaythenightwithme?"

"I understand English. Please talk slowly and if possible, in English." I said, supressing my laugh.

"Not funny." He rolled his eyes and said, "I'm sorry already, if you feel bad." He was really nervous. "I wanted to say that if you're comfortable, no pressure, stay the night with me."

Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything like this from him. But, I don't think there's any harm in what he is asking.

"Maya!" He shook me and brought me out of my thoughts. "If you say Yes, I promise that I'll be in my limits and on my best behaviour. And, if you say No, there's nothing to worry about. I completely understand that sharing a bed with someone isn't as easy as it is shown in romantic novels. It is completely fine with me."

That's what I love about him. He always puts me and my comfort first.

"I trust you Xavier. I'll stay the night with you." I said.

He took some time to register that I agreed and hugged me tightly as soon as he overcame the shock.

"You just promised that you'd be on your best behaviour." I said, chuckling.

He shrugged and took my hand in his. "Let's get you to your new room."

As we hastened towards the door, my breathing became quick with each second. The uneasiness flew into me like air. I guess, it's okay to feel like this.

As we halted at his door, he faced me and asked, "There's no pressure Maya. You can still decline. I can see that you're hesitant."

I took in a huge breathe and said, "I'm nervous but, not reluctant. I trust you Xavier. And, I know that you won't let any harm to me."

His cheeks lifted up as his lips parted their ways for an uncontrollable smile.

Xavier's pov:

I couldn't be any happier when I heard her saying Yes for sleeping with me. Long gone was the time when I wanted to keep distance from her. Now, I want her to be with me . I want to make her comfortable to me in every sense. It seems like I can't bear her distance now.

Right now, I was sitting on the couch of my room, which was soon going to be our room, waiting for her to come back. She went to her room to change. I had already freshened up and now I couldn't hold my excitement. For the first time, I'd be sleeping with Maya. I glanced at the bed, which in no time I was going to share with her.

With a knock on the door, she slowly entered the room. She fidgeted with her fingers, like always she does when she is nervous. I looked at her to find that she was looking extremely cute in her Blue Micky Mouse printed ankle length pajama and her t-shirt.

"Umm....you can take any side you want. I don't have any preferences." I said breaking the awkward silence.

"I'll take the left one." She said and slowly walked towards the bed. I always knew that she prefers left side and was happy that she didn't compromise her comfort in the awkwardness around us. I just wanted to hear her when asked about her choice.

I laid on the utmost corner of the king sized bed and gave her space. I turned towards her to find that she was already looking at me. She smiled at me and closed her eyes. Half an hour of turning and twisting in bed but, got no sleep. I looked her to find her eyes closed. My hands ached to hold her in my arms, tight and never let go. The frown on her forehead made me a bit worried.

I hesitantly called her . " Maya."

Her eyes, that didn't appear to be sleeping, snapped open.

"What happened? Why aren't you asleep?" I asked.

She just shrugged off saying, "Nothing."

"Maya, are you uncomfortable here? Do you want to go back to your room?" I feared getting an Yes for an answer.

"No." She said. Although I was happy but, I knew that something was bothering her.

Slowly getting up in a sitting position, I asked her. "What's the matter Maya?"

"Uhh...would you...uhh.." She stammered.

"Maya, you can talk anything to me."

"Uhh...would you mind if...if I snuggle closer to you?" She asked.

"Why would I mind? Come here." I moved towards her a bit and she shifted towards me a little. I stretched my arms for her and she willingly came into my embrace. She kept her head on my chest and I was pretty sure that she could hear the loud thumping of my heart. I had engulfed her in my arms and was smiling secretly not able to hold my excitement.

"Once again Happy Birthday Xavier." She said and closed her eyes without even waiting for my response.

I knew that we still had a lot of distances and obstacles to cross but, we will overcome them slowly.

I took a moment to remember all the things that happened today.

I got a beautiful birthday surprise from my loved ones in the morning, then the most important and unexpected proposal from Maya, her way of expressing her love for me just made my day. Then, the celebration at home, not to forget the scene I created and then, the marriage proposal. She said Yes. Very soon, we will be married to each other. This time it will be purely out of love. No contract, no deal and no conditions. Only unconditional love.

This was indeed the happiest and the best birthday ever.

I smiled in contentment and kissed her forehead. I held her closer to me, more tight and got lost into the most drunken sleep ever.

Maya's pov:

I woke up with a dull pain underlying the numbness in my left arm. I groaned inwardly and tried to open my eyes. Even before I open my eyes, I knew that I was at somewhere different. A tight body pressing against my skin like an adhesive. I fluttered my eyes to blink away the sleepiness.

Home. Xavier's hands in my hairs, his arm around my side and me at peace. Craning my face upto his level, I glanced at his sharp, chiseled face. Complete visuals of last night flashed infront of my eyes. The best night of my life. I proposed the love of my life, he proposed me back for marriage and I spent a beautiful night, snuggling to him. Yesterday night, I found something that I lacked from the start. Happiness.

Slowly, I leaned towards him and pressed my lips to his forehead. I gasped and a sudden sequel escaped my mouth, when I was suddenly flipped over. I was on my back and Xavier hovered over me.

His deep ocean eyes didn't appear to be sleeping.

"You were awake?" I asked him confused.

"Hmm." He nodded his head and gave me a full blown smile. This is the best thing that one can see in the morning.

Caging me completely under his body, his gentle breathe caressed my cheeks, exhaled from the lips of the man above me. Strong, brown arms gently tucked themselves under my body as calloused fingers brushed back the tangled locks strewn across my pillow.

"Good morning beautiful", his gravely voice whispered in my ear. His husky morning voice sent shivers of pleasure down my spine and across my scalp.

The closeness and his touch made me lose my voice.

My ivory skin contrasted beautifully with his chocolate tone as he rested his body on top of mine. I opened my eyes slightly to see him smile as he pulled back the white silk sheet over us. This is the best way to wake up.

Butterflies erupted in my stomach as he made his way up to my face and laid a kiss on my forehead, then on my chin, then on my cheeks.

His eyes ; they no longer felt the soothing ocean. Instead they turned into a darker shade staring at my lips. I knew his intentions right there. He looked at me, I guess finding certain hesitation. When he found none, he leaned more.

Suddenly, in one swift motion, I rescued my hand from his grip and covered his mouth. He groaned at the disturbance and asked, "Why?"

"Morning breathe." I chuckled at his irritation.

"I don't care." He said.

"But, I do." I replied with the equal persistence and started wiggling under him.

"Stay still." He ordered.

"Xavier. Let go. I need to use the restroom."

"Ughhh." He groaned and loosened his hold. I took that opportunity to escape him and pushed him lightly. I quickly got up and ran into the washroom.

"Run as much as you want to Maya. You are ultimately going to come back to me." He shouted from the room as I closed the door.

I did my morning business and wrapped myself in a bathrobe as I didn't bring any clothes in his room. I peeked through the door to find that the room is empty. I ran into my room as fast as I could with the fear of Xavier catching me midway.

I got ready and went downstairs. Xavier was sitting there at the table, scrolling through his phone. I went towards the kitchen and saw that Anna was making pancakes.

"Anna, why are you doing this? You should rest. Give it to me. I'll make the breakfast."

"Good Morning Maya and don't worry. Chef already prepared the breakfast. I'm just making some pancakes for you and Xavier."

"Ohh. But, still you could have called me." I complained and she just shrugged off the matter smiling.

The maids arranged the breakfast and we had it, all laughing and giggling. Just like a family.

"So, when's the wedding?" Anna asked.

"Uh...if she wants it now, I'm ready." Xavier said. Anna bursted into fits of laughter and I couldn't say anything due to the heat in my cheeks.

"On a serious note Maya, when do you want the wedding? Do you guys still need some time for yourself?" Anna asked.

I thought for a while and answered, "I don't think that I need anymore time. I've got enough in the last 7 months. But, yeah I do need to meet my parents before. However they might be, they deserve to know my decision."

Both of them nodded and then, Xavier asked. "When are you going to meet them?"

"I had texted them that I'll come today. I had no courage to talk."

"I'm coming with you." Xavier said.

"No Xavier. I have to talk to them. They are my parents. I'm pretty sure I can handle them well. You don't have to worry." I objected.

"Maya, I'm not taking a no for an answer. I know how your dad is. Sorry to say but, I don't want them to hurt you anymore. Thay already did enough damages and I'm pretty sure you remember them well. I don't want anything else. And, I promise that I'll just stand by a side. I won't say anything. I just want to be there for your safety. Nothing else."

"He is right dear. I agree they are your parents. But, we are also your family. We care for you. So, please take Xavier with you. Even I'll be tension free , if he goes with you." Anna insisted.

"Okay." I surrendered to them. At some point, even they were right. I don't know how my parents will react after seeing me. But, I'm pretty sure that it won't be a pleasant reaction. I was already sacred to meet them and then, having Xavier with me will give me courage.

I was in my room trying to study the requirements of a new client when a knock interrupted me.

"What are you doing?" Xavier said walking towards me.

"There's a new project. I'm studying the requirements of the client." I answered.

"Ohhh."

"Why? You needed something?" I asked.

"Uh... actually I decided to skip the office today. But, an urgent meeting came up. It'll hardly take an hour. So, I was thinking if you could come with me to the office and then we can go to your parents' house. You can continue your work there."

"Okay. I have no problem. And, anyways I have to give the confirmation tomorrow evening. So, there's no hurry to finish this. I'll do it after coming back."

"Okay then."

"Let me just change and then we can go."

"Why do you have to change? You look good." He said.

"Come on Xavier. I can't come to your office in a tshirt and jeans." I said, signalling at my outfit.

"Of course you can. There's no one to question you there." He said. He picked up my mobile from the table and dragged me with him.

Today, I understood one thing that no matter how I look, he'll love the same. My outfits don't matter to him. For him, what matters is me. Nothing else.,