*Maya (to herself):* "Great, the office grapevine's already in overdrive."
She texted Stellan: "The rumor mill's working overtime. Should I be worried?"
Stellan replied instantly: "Only if you're scared of a little extra attention. Ready for our adventure?"
Maya laughed, slipping her phone back into her bag. "Bring it on."
Stellan led Maya out of the office building, a mischievous glint in his eye. He guided her to his sleek black sports car parked in the underground lot. Maya raised an eyebrow, impressed as always by his taste.
"Buckle up, Maya. We're going on a little escape," he said.
Maya slid into the passenger seat, the leather cool against her skin. "Where are we going? You can't just whisk me away like this, you know."
Stellan grinned. "Oh, but I can. Trust me, you'll love it."
He drove them out of the city, the skyline shrinking in the rearview mirror. The tension from the office gossip melted away as they hit the open road. After about an hour, Stellan turned onto a winding road that led up to a secluded hill overlooking the city.
They arrived at a small, charming café perched on the edge of the hill, with breathtaking views of the sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The place was tucked away from the hustle and bustle, giving it an intimate vibe.
"Wow, Stellan. This is beautiful," Maya gasped.
"I found this place a while back. Thought it'd be perfect for a little getaway," he said, smiling.
They settled into a cozy corner table, ordering coffee and pastries. The conversation flowed easily, a welcome break from the drama back at the office.
"You know, with all that gossip going around, people are going to think we're dating for real," Maya said.
Stellan smirked playfully. "And what if we are?"
Maya blushed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
The sunset deepened, casting a warm glow over them. It felt like a brief, stolen moment of peace amidst the chaos.
As the stars began to twinkle, Stellan reached across the table, taking Maya's hand. "Maya, I…"
Just then, his phone buzzed loudly on the table. He glanced at it, his expression shifting. It was a message from his father: _"We need to talk. Tonight. It's urgent."_
Stellan's smile faded. He sighed, looking conflicted.
"Everything okay?" Maya asked, concerned.
Stellan hesitated. "It's my dad. He wants to talk. It's about… everything."
Maya squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."
Stellan looked at her, gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, Maya."
The evening ended with a promise of more adventures, but the looming conversation with his father cast a subtle shadow over their time together.
Stellan and Maya left the café and drove back toward the city, the night air cool against their faces. The message from Stellan's father still hung over them, but Maya's presence kept him calm.
"I promise," Stellan said, leaning in to kiss her forehead gently. "I'll call you as soon as it's over."
He dropped Maya off at her apartment, making sure she got inside safely before driving away toward the family house.
When Stellan arrived at his family's home, he found his father waiting in the living room, surrounded by wedding planners and designers. The atmosphere was tense, and it was clear that Stellan's father was not pleased.
"Stellan, we need to finalize the wedding details," his father said sternly. "You've been avoiding this for too long."
Stellan took a deep breath. "Father, I… I don't want to marry her. I love Maya."
Stellan's expression hardened. "Love has nothing to do with it. This marriage is about our family's future and alliances. You will do as you're told."
Just then, Maya arrived, having been invited by Stellan's sister to discuss the wedding arrangements. She could sense the tension in the room immediately.
"Is everything okay?" Maya asked cautiously.
Stellan looked at her, his eyes filled with conflict. "Maya, I… I'm sorry. My father wants me to go through with this marriage, no matter what."
Maya's heart sank, but she stood firm. "Stellan, you can't let your father control your life. You have to stand up for what you want."
Stellan's father scoffed. "And what about your family? What about your responsibilities?"
Stellan hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Father, I respect you and our family, but I won't sacrifice my happiness. I'm choosing Maya."
The room fell silent as everyone processed Stellan's words. Maya reached out and took his hand, a sign of solidarity.
"Let's leave," she whispered.
Stellan nodded, and together, they walked out of the house, leaving behind the wedding preparations and the pressure from his father.
As they got into Stellan's car, he turned to Maya. "I'm sorry you had to see all that."
Maya smiled softly. "I'm just glad you chose us."
They drove off, ready to face whatever came next, together.
Ziva lay in her hospital bed, the antiseptic smell filling her nostrils as she stared blankly at the ceiling. The news about Stellan choosing Maya over the arranged marriage hit her like a cold wave, not with relief or happiness, but with a hollow ache she couldn't shake. She clenched the phone tighter, the screen still glowing from the call that had just ended. Her friend's voice echoed in her mind: "They're together now. Stellan's finally standing up to his dad."
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. _Happy?_ She wasn't happy. She felt… empty. No triumph, no vindication—just a lingering bitterness that settled deep in her chest. The plans she'd woven around Pixel Tech, the schemes she'd set in motion, suddenly seemed pointless.