**Chapter 13: Unraveling the Truth**

The hours ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity for Eric. He lay on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as he replayed the events of the morning over and over in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and regret that had settled in his stomach. He had crossed a line with Maya, and he wasn't sure if he could ever make it right. As the silence between them grew thicker, Eric finally got out of bed and began to pace around the room. He couldn't just sit there and do nothing. He needed to take action, to find a way to make things right between them. He stopped pacing and looked out the window, watching as the sun climbed higher in the sky. The door to the bathroom opened, and Maya stepped out, her hair damp from a shower. She looked refreshed, but her eyes still held a hint of sadness. Eric's heart ached as he watched her, feeling like he was responsible for the pain he saw in her eyes. Maya moved to the kitchen, her movements quiet and deliberate. Eric followed her, his eyes fixed on her as she began to make coffee. The aroma filled the air, and Eric's stomach growled in response. He realized he was hungry, but he didn't feel like eating. Not now. As Maya poured herself a cup of coffee, Eric took a deep breath and approached her. "Maya, can we talk?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. Maya turned to him, her eyes searching his face. "What is there to talk about, Eric?" she asked, her voice neutral. Eric took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I want to explain why I did what I did," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I know it was wrong, but I need you to understand." Maya raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "You think you can just explain it away?" she asked, her voice laced with hurt. Eric shook his head, feeling a pang of regret. "No, I don't think I can explain it away," he said, his voice sincere. "But I want you to know that it wasn't just about sex. It was about...I don't know, it was about being close to you, about feeling like I could be myself around you." Maya's expression softened slightly, and Eric saw a glimmer of hope. "Go on," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Eric took a deep breath and continued. "I've been drawn to you from the moment I met you," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "You're different, Maya. You're smart and funny and beautiful, and I feel like I can be myself around you. I know it was wrong to take you while you were asleep, but I was caught up in the moment, and I didn't think about the consequences." Maya listened, her eyes never leaving his face. Eric could see the emotions swirling in her eyes, and he knew he had to be honest with her. He had to tell her the truth, no matter how hard it was. As he finished speaking, Maya turned away, her shoulders shaking slightly. Eric realized she was crying, and his heart ached. He moved to her side, his arms wrapping around her as he pulled her close. "I'm sorry, Maya," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I'm so sorry for what I did. I promise I'll do whatever it takes to make it right between us." Maya didn't respond, but Eric felt her body relax slightly in his arms. He knew he had a long way to go to regain her trust, but he was willing to do whatever it took. He held her close, his heart filled with hope and regret, as he waited for her to forgive him.