Maya's heart raced as she froze, her eyes fixed on the guard's hand. Her plan had just become a whole lot more complicated.
Suddenly, a loud siren pierced the night air. The guard spun around, his eyes locked onto her.
Maya's eyes widened as she realized she had triggered a security camera.
She hadn't known they were installed, this was obviously not a plan well thought out, and now she was caught.
"Stop right there!" The guard growled.
Maya knew she was trapped, she couldn't outrun him, she surrendered. The guard takes her back into the house.
Don Carlo's face was thunderous as he glared at her. His voice low and menacing.
"You think you can escape from me? You think you are smart huh? You are a Russo now."
Maya stood tall, despite her trembling heart. "I do not like it here."
Don Carlo sneered. "You are not a prisoner, you are a member! I have eyes all over San Diego, you can't run."
Maria's voice cuts in, sharp. "Where were you Lucas? Why didn't you stop her?"
Lucas's eyes darted to Gia, who watched with a calculating gaze. He cleared his throat, his voice strained. "I…I was…uh, checking on something."
"You were with Gia, weren't you?" Maria asked. Lucas's face reddened, but he remained silent.
"Enough! This is not the time for your petty squabbles, Maya, you will stay in your room under guard, until you learn to behave!" Don Carlo said, with anger.
"And Lucas, you must make sure this never happens again." The room fell silent. Maya felt trapped with no escape in sight.
Maya's heart had turned to ice, her emotions numb from the prolonged cold war with Lucas. It's been 4 weeks since their marriage, and he hadn't spoken to her.
They never slept on the bed together, as he always slept on the couch.
She had grown accustomed to sleeping alone, the bed feeling like a vast, empty desert.
*******
As the car glides through the streets of San Diego city, Don Carlo's eyes fix on Maya with a hint of expectation.
"I have high hopes for this meeting, and I expect you to bag this deal like you have before."
With Maya still looking out the window, she responded.
"I won't disappoint you."
V, sitting in the driver's seat, shoots her a nod of approval.
Don Carlo's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, he had so much confidence in her negotiation skills and bravery.
The car pulled up to the meeting location, V stepped out to open the door for his boss.
Maya alighted, her stride confident. Don Carlo watched her with a proud gaze, knowing he made the right choice by grooming her as his protégée.
The meeting started with Maya taking charge, her negotiation skills and charm,winning over the clients.
Don Carlo and V observed with a pleased smile, nodding in approval as she sealed the deal.
Her smile grew wider, she was aware she had found her place in the Russo family and she was going to make the most of it.