The Hastings dining hall looked exactly like something pulled from the pages of an architectural magazine.
Elegant.
Timeless.
Intimidatingly expensive.
Yet somehow still warm.
A magnificent crystal chandelier hung above the center of the room, casting golden light across polished walnut floors and the enormous dining table that stretched almost the entire length of the hall. Tall windows framed the fading evening sky outside, where the last traces of sunlight painted the estate grounds in soft shades of amber and gold.
Fresh floral arrangements decorated the center of the table.
Cream roses.
White lilies.
Soft greenery.
Everything perfectly arranged.
Everything perfectly placed.
Nothing inside the Hastings Estate ever seemed accidental.
Maya's gaze drifted toward the antique grandfather clock standing proudly against one wall.
Its polished mahogany surface gleamed beneath the chandelier light.
The hands rested precisely at six o'clock.
The rhythmic ticking echoed softly through the room.
Steady.
Predictable.
Comforting.
Almost like the house itself.
As everyone settled into their places, Maya quietly observed the seating arrangement.
Roman sat at the head of the table.
Naturally.
Effortlessly.
The position seemed less like a choice and more like an undeniable fact of existence.
Olga occupied the seat at his right side.
Nadia sat beside her.
Before Maya could decide where she should sit, Rege had already reached for one of the chairs.
He pulled it out smoothly.
Waiting.
Maya smiled immediately.
"Thank you."
The words came softly.
Genuine.
Rege simply inclined his head.
As though helping her sit down was the most natural thing in the world.
As though there had never been any possibility he wouldn't.
Maya settled into the chair.
A second later Rege pulled out the seat beside her and sat down himself.
Then instinctively reached for her hand beneath the table.
Like breathing.
Like habit.
Like something his body did before his mind caught up.
Maya glanced sideways.
His expression remained calm.
Composed.
Yet his fingers tightened gently around hers.
And something warm settled inside her chest.
Across from them, Nikolai noticed immediately.
Of course he noticed.
The man seemed incapable of missing anything entertaining.
A slow dangerous smirk appeared on his face.
One that said he was absolutely going to make fun of his brother later.
Rege ignored him completely.
Which only made Nikolai's smirk widen.
Maxim sat at the opposite end of the table facing Roman.
His broad shoulders seemed almost too large for the elegant chair.
Yet somehow he fit perfectly into the room.
Maxim noticed too.
Though unlike Nikolai, he merely observed silently.
Watching.
Assessing.
The same way Ivan watched things.
The same way Rege did.
And the same way Maya was beginning to realize many Hastings men seemed to.
His expression remained unreadable as his attention drifted toward the side of the table occupied by Olga, Nadia, Maya, Rege and Nikolai.
Observing.
Listening.
Across the table sat Ivan.
Beside Ivan sat Eleanor.
And beside Eleanor sat Andrei.
Two empty seats remained beyond Andrei.
Waiting.
Everyone else had already settled into place.
Or almost everyone.
The dining hall had begun to settle into a rhythm of quiet movement and soft anticipation.
Silver cutlery gleamed under the chandelier light, reflecting warm gold tones across the long polished table. The aroma of the food had fully unfolded now—roasted herbs, buttered bread, slow-cooked meat glazed with spices Maya couldn't name, and something faintly sweet lingering beneath it all like vanilla infused into the air itself.
It wasn't just a meal.
It was an experience.
And Maya, despite herself, found her attention drifting between the elegance of the setting and the people occupying it.
Because even in a room this perfect—
nothing felt entirely simple.
The staff moved efficiently, placing final dishes with quiet precision before stepping back into the shadows of the hall. The room was gradually filling, not just with food, but with presence.
Several maids moved efficiently around the table.
And then Maya noticed it.
Among them, one figure stood out immediately.
Eleanor.
But with the same effortless composure she seemed to carry everywhere—as if even standing was an art form she had mastered long ago.
She moved with the same effortless sophistication she seemed to apply to everything.
Her posture remained perfect.
Her smile remained perfect.
Even the way she lifted serving utensils looked rehearsed.
Elegant.
Controlled.
Flawless.
Maya watched quietly as Eleanor approached Ivan first.
Naturally.
He was her husband.
There was no hesitation in the way she approached him. No performance. No politeness for the sake of others watching.
Only familiarity.
She placed a dish carefully before him, her fingers briefly adjusting the placement as though even the smallest detail mattered. Ivan didn't look up at first—only acknowledged her presence with the faintest shift of his gaze before continuing his quiet composure.
She served him personally before moving away.
Then she approached Rege.
Not Nadia.
Not Nikolai.
Not Maxim.
Not Maya.
Rege.
Only Rege.
Maya's fingers paused around her glass.
That caught her attention more than she expected.
Not because it was strange that Eleanor served him—
but because of how deliberately she did it.
Not rushed.
Not casual.
Precise.
Like acknowledging something important without saying it aloud.
Rege barely reacted. Controlled. Neutral.
But Maya noticed something else.
The air between them wasn't warm.
It wasn't cold either.
It was… structured.
Defined.
Like boundaries that had already been drawn long ago and never crossed.
Maya noticed the detail immediately.
Not because it bothered her.
Because it stood out.
Eleanor exchanged no unnecessary words while serving him.
Just a soft smile.
A graceful nod.
Nothing more.
Yet her eyes lingered slightly longer than necessary.
Then she moved away again.
Toward the far side of the table.
For now, Maya simply observed.
Stored it away.
The way she always did.
Because Maya was warm.
But she was not oblivious.
She never had been.
Before she could follow the thought further, Olga's cheerful voice cut through the room.
"Maya dearest."
Maya immediately looked up.
"Yes, Mum?"
The word now came naturally to her, without hesitation. Without awkwardness. As though it had always belonged there.
And Olga visibly loved hearing it.
Her smile widened instantly.
"I know this might seem unexpected."
Roman's lips twitched faintly from the head of the table.
He already looked like a man who knew exactly where this conversation was headed.
"The family hasn't gathered like this in a very long while."
Olga glanced around the room as she spoke.
For a brief moment genuine emotion softened her features.
Because it was true.
Everyone was here.
Almost everyone.
Under one roof.
Around one table.
Something that apparently happened far less often than Maya had realized.
A faint shift passed through the room at those words.
Something unspoken.
Something true.
Even Roman, seated at the head of the table, didn't interrupt. He simply leaned back slightly, his presence calm and unreadable as always—observing more than participating.
Olga's gaze returned to Maya.
Hopeful.
Warm.
Affectionate.
"I would like to keep this house full for a few days."
A small pause.
Then gently—
"And I would love it if you stayed with us."
Maya blinked.
For a second, Maya didn't respond.
The invitation genuinely surprised her.
Not because she didn't understand.
Not because she didn't want to stay.
Quite the opposite.
But because she hadn't expected it.
Several heads immediately turned toward Maya.
Including Rege's.
That alone made her heartbeat shift slightly—not out of pressure, but awareness. Awareness that whatever she chose next mattered more than just logistics.
Olga continued quickly before Maya could answer, as if not wanting Maya to overthink it.
"Besides, Ivan and Eleanor's anniversary is in a few days."
At the mention of their anniversary, Eleanor smiled softly from where she stood.
The smile was beautiful.
Appropriate.
Perfectly measured.
Exactly what anyone would expect.
But Maya noticed something subtle beneath it.
Not emotion.
Not pride.
Something more restrained.
Like a role being acknowledged.
"We'd love for you to be here," Olga added gently.
Maya hesitated.
Her first instinct wasn't refusal.
It was consideration.
Because the truth was—
she didn't want to leave yet.
Not the estate.
Not the atmosphere.
And if she was being honest with herself—
not Rege either.
But there was one practical problem.
"I didn't bring any clothes," she admitted with a small, slightly embarrassed laugh.
The admission earned a soft chuckle from Andrei somewhere across the table.
The tension broke just slightly.
Before Maya could continue—
"Don't worry about that."
Nadia spoke immediately.
Firm. Certain.
Every head turned toward her.
Nadia didn't even look uncertain.
Nadia smiled genuinely.
"I can handle the clothes."
The sincerity behind her words was impossible to miss.
Because Nadia truly wanted Maya to stay.
Not because of Rege.
Not because Olga wanted it.
Because she genuinely liked Maya.
Wanted to know her better.
Wanted more time around someone who somehow made everyone feel lighter.
Alive.
Maya blinked.
Then smiled.
Not the polite kind.
The real kind.
Warm. Open. Grateful. A little surprised.
"Thank you," she said sincerely.
And Nadia felt it immediately—
that Maya meant it.
Not just gratitude for clothes.
But for inclusion.
For being wanted.
For being kept.
"I would love to stay."
The reaction was immediate.
Olga practically lit up.
"Great."
Pure happiness radiated from her.
Beside Maya, Rege's fingers instinctively tightened around her hand beneath the table.
His thumb brushed gently across her knuckles.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
Tiny.
Almost invisible.
But Eleanor saw it.
Because while serving Rege, her attention had remained fixed on him longer than anyone realized.
The slight smile.
The unconscious touch.
The quiet satisfaction.
She noticed every detail.
Something tightened briefly behind her eyes.
Only briefly.
Then disappeared beneath perfect composure.
Fortunately Maya missed it entirely.
Her attention shifted elsewhere as the dining hall doors opened again.
Everyone turned.
Two figures entered.
One familiar.
One unfamiliar.
Olga immediately rose from her chair.
"Julia!"
A beautiful woman entered the room smiling.
The resemblance between her and Olga was unmistakable.
The same elegance.
The same grace.
The same warmth.
Only her eyes differed.
Where Olga possessed warm aquamarine eyes, this woman's were a striking deep emerald green.
The woman smiled brightly as Olga embraced her.
"Olga, it's so nice to see you."
The embrace was returned instantly.
"Julia."
Olga laughed softly.
"It's so nice to see you."
They finally withdrew.
Julia smiled warmly.
"As radiant as always."
Olga laughed.
"You're exaggerating."
Standing beside Julia was Dr. Jenkins.
Though tonight he looked less like Maya's physician and more like family.
Relaxed.
Comfortable.
At home.
Almost younger.
Olga immediately greeted him as well.
"Gregory, it's nice to see you take a break from work."
The older man smiled warmly.
"Olga, as lovely as ever."
They exchanged familiar air kisses before everyone settled again.
Julia occupied one of the empty seats beside Andrei.
Gregory sat beside her.
The final two empty seats were now filled.
Immediately Eleanor approached them.
"Aunt Julia."
Her voice softened into something sweet as she served her.
"It's so nice to see you."
Julia smiled warmly.
"Likewise, my sweet girl. You are as graceful as always."
Eleanor's smile never faltered.
Then she turned toward Gregory.
"Uncle Gregory."
She served him as well.
Gregory responded with a simple—
"Mmm."
A smile appeared.
But it looked forced.
Tiny.
Almost reluctant.
Nadia rolled her eyes.
Then smiled faintly to herself.
The expression was subtle enough that most people missed it.
Maya didn't.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Eleanor eventually returned to her seat.
And only then did Maya fully realize something.
Eleanor had personally served only four people.
Ivan.
Rege.
Julia.
Gregory.
No one else.
The pattern remained oddly specific.
Strange.
But not something Maya intended to question.
At least not yet.
Gregory's attention shifted toward her moments later.
His expression softened immediately.
"How are you doing, Maya?"
The question felt genuine.
Which made Maya smile instantly.
"I am doing well, Dr. Jenkins."
Gregory shook his head gently.
"Gregory."
His smile widened.
"Just Gregory. Or Uncle."
Then more softly—
"You're family now."
Maya blinked.
Then smiled widely.
A genuine smile.
Across the table Eleanor's nostrils flared ever so slightly.
Maya missed it.
Nadia didn't.
Neither did Gregory.
Neither commented.
"Alright then," Olga said warmly.
"Maya dearest, it seems you've met Gregory."
She gestured toward Julia.
"That is his wife. Julia. My sister."
Maya turned politely.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Maya."
Julia smiled.
Though unlike Gregory's warmth, something about the smile felt tighter.
More measured.
Maya returned it politely.
"It's nice to meet you too."
"Alright."
Olga clasped her hands together.
"Now that we're all here, let's pray."
The room gradually quieted.
Conversations faded.
Everyone reached for the nearest hand.
Maya immediately felt Rege's hand find hers.
Warm.
Strong.
Comforting.
She smiled softly before closing her eyes.
Olga began praying.
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of life. Thank You for amazing company and a feast. Thank You for bringing this family together this day. I pray that You make this meal successful and gather us together each and every time to enjoy the beauty of family. Thank You for everything. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
"Amen."
The response echoed around the table.
Everyone released hands.
Maya opened her eyes slowly.
Something inside her had softened unexpectedly.
Because despite the wealth.
Despite the influence.
Despite the power surrounding this family.
They still prayed together.
Still thanked God together.
Still valued family enough to gather like this.
And somehow—
it rekindled something inside her.
A small piece of faith she hadn't realized had grown quiet.
"Let's eat."
Olga's cheerful announcement immediately brought life back into the room.
Everyone began serving themselves.
Maya took her first bite.
Then froze.
Her eyes widened.
Dear God.
She almost moaned.
Almost.
Somehow she stopped herself.
Barely.
Then immediately took another bite.
The reaction around the table was instant.
Because everyone noticed.
"Mum."
Olga straightened proudly.
"Yes?"
Maya pointed her fork toward the food.
"This is divine."
The sincerity in her voice made several people smile immediately.
"Mum, Rege told me he learned everything he knows from you."
Rege sighed softly.
Already knowing where this was going.
"And I thought there couldn't possibly be anything better than what he makes."
Another bite.
Then complete conviction.
"But this is the best."
Olga looked like she'd just won the lottery.
Actually won it.
Nadia smiled widely.
Andrei laughed.
Nikolai chuckled.
Maxim's lips twitched faintly.
Gregory smiled warmly.
Ivan glanced toward Maya.
For the briefest second something resembling amusement flickered in his eyes.
Even Roman smiled faintly before returning his attention to Olga.
Meanwhile Rege simply watched Maya.
Completely captivated.
As though every expression she made deserved memorization.
Rege looked at Maya like she had just rewritten the definition of joy.
Unbeknownst to Maya.
Who remained entirely focused on the food.
"I'm glad you like it."
Olga looked genuinely emotional now.
"My children never compliment my cooking."
Andrei groaned.
The room laughed.
"I almost forgot anyone loved my cooking."
Maya opened her mouth to respond.
But Eleanor spoke first.
Calmly.
Smoothly.
Perfectly.
"Mother, we all enjoy your food."
The room quieted slightly.
Eleanor smiled pleasantly.
"We simply don't show it at the table."
A pause.
Then she turned toward Maya.
The smile remained.
Beautiful.
Polite.
Perfect.
Yet Maya immediately caught the subtext beneath it.
Not because Eleanor was obvious.
Because Maya was observant.
The words sounded kind.
But beneath them sat a correction.
A reminder.
A placement.
You didn't know the rules.
"Maya, it's an honest mistake since you had no idea."
There it was.
Wrapped beautifully.
Packaged perfectly.
But still there.
Maya understood immediately.
Not insulted.
Not offended.
Just aware.
Nadia rolled her eyes dramatically.
Maya nearly choked trying not to laugh.
She swallowed quickly.
Prepared to answer.
Nadia looked equally ready.
But Olga beat them both.
Firmly.
Enthusiastically.
"That rule is cancelled from today."
Silence.
Even Eleanor paused.
Olga smiled brightly.
"As long as Maya has dinner with us, we are always going to talk."
The room erupted instantly.
Andrei laughed.
Nikolai nearly choked.
Maxim looked away to hide a smile.
Nadia grinned victoriously.
Even Rege's shoulders shook faintly.
Maya stared.
Then laughed.
The sound warm and genuine.
Because she understood something in that moment without anyone telling her.
She was being placed at the center of something.
Not just welcomed.
Positioned.
"Thank you, Mum."
Olga beamed.
Across the table Julia rolled her eyes before returning to her food.
And Eleanor smiled.
Perfectly.
Beautifully.
Flawlessly.
While fixing her gaze on Maya.
The murderous intent hidden behind her eyes remained completely unseen.
At least by Maya.
For now.