Together, they walked through the mansion, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors.
They were a picture of perfect harmony, their love and devotion to each other evident.
As they stepped into the grand foyer of the Russo mansion, their fingers intertwined in a gentle but possessive grasp.
The soft glow of the chandelier above cast a warm light on their faces, illuminating the happiness and contentment that radiated from their well-being.
Maya's eyes sparkled as she looked up at Lucas, her smile faltering for a moment as she took in the sight of him.
He looked so handsome and utterly in love with her.
Lucas too, couldn't help but steal glances at her, his eyes taking in the beauty and elegance that stood beside him. He felt a sense of pride and ownership.
Don Carlo's eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight of Lucas and Maya's entwined hands, but he quickly recovered, a charming smile spreading across his face.
"Ah, my dear Maya, Lucas. Welcome back, I hope your vacation was wonderful?"
Lucas, sensing a hint of tension, squeezed Maya's hand reassuringly before releasing it to clasp Don Carlo's outstretched hand.
"It was incredible father, I think we both needed it."
Maya nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
Don Carlo's gaze lingered on maya for a moment before returning back to Lucas.
"I'm happy to hear that, I trust you are both feeling refreshed and ready to dive back into things."
Don Carlo's smile grew wider as he thought to himself, "Lucas has got her right where he wants her. And soon, he'll have her tied down for good with a child on the way."
He imagined Lucas's plan unfolding perfectly, with Maya becoming increasingly dependent on Lucas emotionally.
But, what Don Carlo did not realize was that Lucas's intentions were genuine, and his love from Maya was true.
Lucas was not trying to trying to manipulate or control her; he simply wanted to be with her, to support her, and to build a life together.
Little did Don Carlo know, their relationship was about to take a dramatic turn.
Isabella's eyes narrowed as she gazed down at the scene unfolding below.
She had been watching from the balcony, her arms crossed and a scowl etched on her face.
The way Lucas looked at Maya with such love and adoration, made her stomach twist in anger.
It burned her to see him so smitten, her anger was fueled by her deep-seated hatred for Maya.
She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to contain her emotions.
But, beneath that hatred, there was another layer of complexity - her desire to see Gia, her best friend, with Lucas.
She had always thought that Gia and her brother Lucas would be a perfect couple.
Her mind was consumed by a toxic mix of resentment, jealousy and entitlement.
She couldn't bear the thought of Maya being happy with her brother, and was determined to do whatever it took to break them apart and pair Lucas with her best friend, Gia.
As Maya and Lucas's days blended together in a haze of happiness and discovery, they spent their mornings exploring the mansion's vast gardens, hand in hand, sharing stories about their childhood and their passions.
They went on painting dates, setting up easels in the mansion's gardens, surrounded by nature's beauty.
And as they painted, they talked about their future, making plans for a life filled with love and adventure.
Maya felt like she had found her soulmate in Lucas, and he felt the same way about her.
They went on other dates - beach dates, bowling and horse riding.
Maya was impressed by Lucas's talent and he admired her creativity.
Their evenings were cozy and intimate, spent cuddled up by the fireplace, or watching romantic movies together.
Lucas was a fan of horror movies but he gladly watched whatever Maya wanted.
They cooked dinner together without the help of the maids, trying out different recipes and flavours.
In every moment their connection deepened, lost in their own world, where nothing else mattered but each other.
Maya's mind, once consumed by thoughts of Cole and the pain of her uncle's passing, has begun to heal.
As she spent months with Lucas, she found herself thinking of Cole less and less.
The memories of their time together still lingered, but they no longer held the same power over her.