Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 13:

Living under the same roof with a man was a brand new experience for her. Naturally, it left her feeling a little uneasy.

“I didn’t realize this was your place, Mr. Cooper. If I had known, I wouldn’t have…”

Her eyes caught sight of the pile of clothes Chris had gathered near the doorway.

He gave her a casual smile, his voice smooth and unrushed. “No need to apologize. Aunt Zoey told me she set everything up. We’re married now, remember? Treat this place like your own. You’re free to settle in however you like.”

That simple reassurance helped Maia breathe a little easier.

The apartment, roughly one hundred square yards, was well laid out, with two bedrooms.

Originally, she had her sights set on the master room. Now, though, the guest room felt like the safer choice. It even had a small balcony that caught the afternoon light.

“I appreciate it. Sorry for the inconvenience,” Maia said, pointing toward the guest room. “Is it alright if I take that one?”

Chris didn’t say much, but the look he gave her was unreadable, his lips curving just slightly. “You don’t have to be formal in your own home. But since we’re married, if you’d rather we shared a room, I wouldn’t turn you down.”

That made Maia’s eyes go wide in an instant. She quickly replied, “Well, I prefer to sleep alone. I’ll go get settled now, if that’s okay.”

She scooped up her clothes without another word and headed to the guest room, shutting the door quietly behind her.

Inside, she placed a hand over her chest, trying to get her heartbeat under control.

This marriage hadn’t been Chris’ idea. She knew that well.

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The only reason she was here was to make good on her promise to Zoey — helping the Coopers’ black sheep, who had no drive and even less credibility, climb to the top of the family business.

An impossible mission, maybe. But it was Zoey’s only chance to finally earn her freedom.

When that day finally came, Maia and Chris would go their separate ways. They were never meant to play the role of husband and wife. Distance was the safest bet.

Her train of thought was interrupted by the fabric draped over her shoulders — Chris’ shirt, still warm from earlier.

She hadn’t changed since walking out of prison, and aside from that worn set of clothes, she had nothing else to wear.

All of Maia’s belongings from her time at the Morgan estate had been discarded without a second thought. Even the most basic things were now out of her hands.

After slipping into one of her old T-shirts, Maia folded Chris’ shirt with care and stepped out of the room.

She found him sprawled out on the living room sofa, legs lazily crossed, phone in hand as he scrolled without urgency.

Without saying a word, Maia walked over and placed the shirt beside him. Looking up from the screen, Chris caught her eye, a faint grin tugging at his lips. “Heading somewhere?”noveldrama

“Yes. I need to stop by the mall and pick up a few clothes,” said Maia, her voice steady.

Sliding his phone into his pocket, Chris got to his feet. “I’ve got time. I’ll go with you.”

“That’s not necessary. I can manage on my own. You probably have work or something else to do,” Maia quickly replied.

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