Substitute love

As they reached the room where the doctor was waiting for them, Lucien immediately ordered the doctor.

"Examine her cheek first," he said, his voice dropping all its usual coldness as he turned to Maya.

He gently cupped her face, taking extreme care not to press near her bruised cheek. "We can talk about the past anytime. Right now, taking care of you is my only priority."

The doctor bowed respectfully toward Lucien, then he immediately stepped up to examine Maya.

"Apply the cooling ointment directly to the swelling," Lucien instructed sternly, standing right beside Maya’s chair. His intense gaze never left her face. "Make sure it doesn't hurt her, or you won't like the consequences."

"Y-Yes, Young Master Blackwood!" the doctor stammered, his hands trembling slightly under Lucien's intimidating pressure.

As the cold cream touched Maya’s swollen cheek, she flinched slightly. Before she could even gasp, Lucien’s broad hand slid into hers, squeezing softly.

"Does it hurt?" he asked softly, bending down until his face was just inches from hers.

Maya looked into his deep, worried eyes and shook her head. "No... it actually feels much better."

"Good." Lucien pulled out a sleek black credit card from his wallet and slipped it directly into Maya's hand, closing her fingers around it. "Take this."

Maya blinked, startled by the heavy metal card in her palm. "What is this? I can't take this, Lucien."

"It has no limit," Lucien declared casually, as if handing over a piece of candy. "You came here wearing clothes that look old. My woman will never wear old, worn-out clothes. My assistant has already prepared the top boutique in the city. Go buy whatever you want."

Maya’s heart pounded against her chest. In the Ewell house, she only ever received Stephanie’s hand-me-downs. But Lucien was treating her like a queen, showering her with a lot of luxury without asking for anything in return.

"I can buy my own clothes..." Maya muttered shyly, her face flushing red.

"I know that you can," Lucien whispered, leaning close to press a warm, gentle kiss against her forehead, right above her injury. "But I want to pamper you. Let me."

Before Maya could protest further, Lucien’s phone rang. It was an urgent call from his corporate headquarters regarding an international board meeting. Lucien frowned, clearly annoyed at the interruption.

"I have to take care of a quick matter at the office," Lucien said reluctantly, smoothing down a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I’ve arranged for my personal driver to take you to the mall. Afterward, he will drive you back safely. Remember—if anyone tries to bully you, tell me immediately."

"Okay," Maya whispered, feeling a warmth spread through her entire chest.

Watching Lucien leave with his sharp, commanding presence, Maya held the black card tightly against her chest. For the first time in years, someone actually took the responsibility to make her feel loved.

An hour later, Maya stepped out of the luxury car in front of the city's highest-end shopping mall. She was dressed in a simple blouse provided by Lucien's staff. She walked into the most exclusive designer store in the mall.

The sales associates immediately recognized the Blackwood family's VIP status and bowed politely, guiding her to the private collection room.

Just as Maya was looking at a breathtaking, elegant evening dress, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the quiet room.

"Look who we have here! Isn't this my pathetic stepsister?"

Maya turned around and saw Stephanie walking in, holding Marcus’s arm tightly.

Stephanie was sneering, while Marcus stood beside her, his eyes immediately locking onto Maya’s neck where the faint marks were still a bit evident. He still couldn't get over the fact that someone touched what was his. This irritated him, causing him to clench his fist.

"Maya? What are you doing in a place like this?" Marcus demanded, his tone laced with possessiveness and jealousy. "This store is for high-society clients. You can't afford a single thread in here!"

Stephanie smirked, clutching Marcus harder. "Marcus is right. Maya, did you come here to beg for a job as a cleaner? Or did the man who slept with you throw a few pennies at you?"

Marcus’s face darkened at the mention of another man. He stepped forward, grabbing Maya's wrist tightly. "Tell me who he is." When he saw Maya wasn't planning on speaking, he changed the topic. "Maya! Come home right now and apologize to your parents, and I might still consider forgiving you!"

Upon hearing his words, Maya smirked coldly. "Let go of me, Marcus," Maya said, yanking her wrist out of his grip. Her eyes were devoid of any affection. "You belong to Stephanie now. You have no right to touch me." Her words immediately unsettled Marcus. Then she turned to Stephanie. "You can keep my trash. I don't need it anymore."

"How dare you refer to Marcus as trash?" Stephanie snapped. "Seems like you have forgotten who has more power here. You suddenly have a loose tongue now, huh? After opening your legs for some old sugar daddy, you suddenly feel like you own the world. I'll put you in your place today, you slut." With that, Stephanie charged up to Maya, her hand raised, ready to slap her just like their father did. "You need to learn your place!"

SLAP!

A crisp sound echoed through the high-end boutique.

Stephanie gasped, clutching her face in utter shock. But it wasn't Stephanie who had delivered the slap—Maya had intercepted her arm and struck Stephanie’s cheek hard!

"You..." Stephanie shrieked, tears immediately pooling in her eyes as she looked at Marcus pitifully. "Marcus! Look at her! She hit me!"

"Maya, have you gone crazy?!" Marcus yelled angrily, stepping between them. "Apologize to Stephanie right now!"

Maya watched the man she had loved all her life with cold eyes. So has it really gotten to this?

Upon hearing her silent reaction, Marcus paused, a hint of guilt flashing through his eyes.

"Maya, it's not that..." he suddenly spoke up, feeling at a loss for words.

Maya scoffed. "First you cheat on me, then you don't mind showing your face in front of me, flaunting your new love."

Just thinking about how foolishly in love she had been with him in the past made Maya feel disgusted. A part of her was still hurt about his betrayal.

"I should apologize? She tried to hit me, yet you want me to apologize for defending myself?" she questioned, her body trembling.

This was how it had always been.