Whispers

Ripple of Doubt

Eirini and Cillian settled into a cozy restaurant, the aroma of grilled meats and fresh herbs filling the air. They shared a plate of moussaka, and Cillian animatedly described the colors of the sky, painting a vivid picture of the sunset.

"It's like the heavens are set ablaze with oranges and pinks," he said, gesturing expansively. "You can almost feel the warmth in the air, can't you?"

Eirini smiled, entranced by his passion. She glanced out the window, admiring the fading light, but an unexpected pang of jealousy tugged at her heart. Cillian had this magnetic charm, and she couldn't help but wonder if anyone else noticed it too.

After finishing their meal, Cillian excused himself to step outside for a smoke, leaving his phone on the table. As Eirini looked down, she noticed a notification pop up on his screen. She felt an impulse to pick up his phone, and before she could second-guess herself, she reached for it.

Though she didn't have the password to unlock it, she could still see the message preview: "I miss you."

Eirini's breath hitched. Anger and insecurity washed over her. Who was this woman? Did Cillian have feelings for her?

Just then, she heard Cillian's footsteps approaching. Panic surged through her, and she quickly set the phone back down, forcing a smile as he rejoined her.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for any hint of discomfort.

"Yeah, just admiring the view," she replied, trying to sound casual, but her heart raced with the weight of the unspoken words lingering between them.

Cillian didn't seem to notice, and as they continued their conversation, Eirini found it increasingly difficult to focus. The jealousy simmered beneath the surface, turning into a feeling of betrayal. She couldn't shake the thought that a part of Cillian's past was still haunting him, and now, she felt like she was standing on shaky ground, uncertain if she could trust him fully.

---

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the beach, Cillian suggested they take a walk by the shore. Eirini nodded, hoping the soothing sound of the waves would ease her troubled thoughts.

They strolled hand in hand, but Eirini felt a growing distance between them, an invisible wall rising as Cillian's laughter began to fade. After a few moments of silence, she took a deep breath, summoning the courage to confront him. "Cillian," she began, her voice steady yet soft, "can we talk about what happened at the restaurant?"

He turned to her, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

"I saw the message from Alyssa," she admitted, her heart pounding. "Who is she?"

Cillian paused, concern etching his features. "Alyssa is just a brief chapter from my past. I don't care about her. My focus is entirely on you."

Eirini searched his gaze, seeking the truth in his words. "But why did she text you like that? It's hard for me to shake off this feeling of betrayal."

Without hesitation, Cillian stepped closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "I'm serious, Eirini. She means nothing to me. You're the one I want. I have only eyes for you."

To prove his sincerity, he suddenly kicked off his shoes and pulled his shirt over his head. "Watch this," he said with a playful grin, before dashing toward the sea. He dove into the waves, emerging with water glistening on his skin, laughter echoing in the salty air.

Eirini couldn't help but smile, feeling a spark of joy as he splashed around. "See? No distractions here!" he called out, beckoning her to join him.

She hesitated for a moment but then, feeling the warmth of his words and his playful spirit, she waded into the water.

As they stayed in the water, the waves gently lapping at their bodies, Eirini felt the tension between them dissolve. Cillian moved closer, the moonlight casting a silvery glow on his face, highlighting the sincerity in his eyes.

He leaned in, brushing a damp strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her cheek. Their gazes locked, and she could see the warmth and intent in his eyes.

With a soft smile, Cillian closed the distance, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. The sensation was electric, the salt of the ocean mingling with the sweetness of their connection. They melted into each other, the moonlight illuminating their embrace, a perfect moment suspended in time.