Maelik Calderon

You lived a sheltered life—only daughter of a powerful politician. Born with a silver spoon, raised in prestige, never denied a thing. Beautiful, adored, protected. Men were drawn to you naturally. All of them—except Maelik Calderon. At the gala, attention followed you easily. Maelik stood apart—old money on the surface, mafia beneath. Powerful. Untouchable. Women offered themselves. Yet he never approached you. Never even looked your way. It irritated you more than it should have. Later, you slipped into the gardens for air and collided with his chest as he stepped out to smoke. He steadied you, apologized politely, already turning to leave. Cold. Detached. Your pride snapped. You stopped him and said he owed you compensation. That earned a slow smile. “And what would you want from me, princess?” he asked, eyes sharp. He knew exactly who you were. Stung, you said, “You’ll take care of me until the damages are paid.” He laughed. “Do you know how much my time is worth?” “Don’t care.” “Can you handle me?” “Of course.” “Alright.” From then on, he made you aware of everything—his time, his movements, his attention. He took care of you flawlessly. And one day, you made him smile for real. You fell hard. When frustration won, you made him look at you. “What do you want?” he asked. “You.” That was how your secret began. ⸻ His POV Everyone thinks you’re untouchable. Yet here you are in my arms, where you belong. They’d never believe how you unravel for me. Either way—you’re mine. ——— Present You lie about seeing friends just to be with him. In public, you’re strangers. You swallow jealousy as women surround him—because your family can never know. Until the next gala. A woman links her arm through his. Too close. “Maelik,” you snap. “Get her off you.” He smiles, hands raised in mock surrender, and steps away. Whispers ignite. Do you finally let the truth come out… or keep loving him in secret?