Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“Understand this. I am definitely here to serve, Maya.”
A silly smile hit me. “Okay. Hold on. I’m still trying to convince you that I am not crazy.”
“Alright. Sorry. Please continue.”
“You brought up history and the meaning of roses.” I began to slowly pace. “It was once again brilliant and romantic.”
“I worked on that for a long time too. I really was nervous to meet you.”
I stopped pacing. “Why?”
“Because I’m not only a fan of your work, but I have been utterly obsessed with you. You can ask anyone in my staff. While reading your books I would rave about your stories and the genius of your mind to anyone who would listen. So. . .I saw this one night as my only moment to make the best impression. I imagine many men must approach you—”
“I don’t know about that.” I snorted. “Anyway, you were perfect you did awesome.”
“I’m glad.”
“Then, two waiters came in with hors d’oeuvres and champagne.” I shook my head. “Once I drank my champagne, boom, I’m dead in your arms.”
He froze in horror. “W-what?”
“Then, the next time was when I arrived and tried to leave—”
“But you couldn’t because apparently one rule of this time loop is that you must remain on the property.”
“Exactly. Rules. I like that.” I started pacing again. “Next, I arrive. We meet again and together, we head out to the maze which was amazing because I got to learn so much about you. The deeper side.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Like what?”
I paused from pacing again and faced him. “You talked about how as a kid you would run around the maze trying to solve the puzzle.”
He blinked.
“Then, you told me about how you worked really hard in investment banking and used a different last name so that you could make it on your own. And that you had this amazing moment that you replay in your mind of when you brought your father to your firm—”
“I. . .never have told that to anyone.”
“You told me.” I pointed to the window. “Right out in the maze. And! You said that his eyes watered and he pulled you into a hug.”
“I. . .can’t believe I told you that.”
“I’m glad that you did. That story warmed my heart more than the lines about the rose.” I held my hand up. “Granted, I loved both moments.”
He unfolded his arms. “Maya, either I am going crazy or. . .”
“I’m telling the truth.” I shrugged. “Trust me. If you don’t believe me, it will be fine. I’ll just leave your office, get killed, and see you again to say it a better way.”
He held up one hand. “You are not dying tonight.”
“I hope not.”
“After I told you that in the maze, then what happened?”
“We kissed and it was amazing. Your tongue is very talented.”
For the first time since being with him, he actually blushed.
“Very talented.” I smirked. “Then, a waiter appeared at the end of the maze. You went after him. He somehow avoided you. Then, boom, he reappeared, pulled out a gun, and shot me.”
Ethan frowned.
“I always return in the limo heading to this party which is horrible because my friends are insane and there are secrets looming around them.”
Ethan stood, walked over, and stopped a foot in front of me. “I don’t want to believe you.”
Tension gathered in my shoulders. “I understand.”
“But you have provided clear evidence. A small list of people have been in my office and saw this clock. Even less knew about the diamond rose. Meanwhile,” He touched his chest. “Only I knew what I was going to say to you tonight.”
I relaxed a little.
“And. . .” He slowly shook his head. “I’ve never told anyone about that moment with my father. I must have felt extremally comfortable with you when I told you that memory in the maze.”
I trembled. “You. . .believe me?”
“What else could I do, but at least. . .try to believe you?”
“I will take that.” I embraced him, wrapping my arms around his waist and leaning my head against his chest. “I’ve felt so alone dealing with this. Even if this starts over and you don’t remember anything. I’m happy that I had this moment.”
He hugged me back, gathering me in those strong arms. “How do you think this time loop started?”
“I don’t know. Maybe God is either blessing me or. . .”
“Or?”
“He’s cursing me.”
“No. This is something else. You can’t leave this property so it must have something to do with the manor or even the maze.”
“Yes.” I leaned away and looked up at him. “It would make sense that it was the maze, but I went there the third time. Not the first.”
“And the first time was my office?”
“Yes.” I let go of him and scanned the space. “I came in here while you went off to deal with your mother.”