𝐄𝐙𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

7

I woke up to an empty bed, the sheets cool beside me, as though Ezekiel had left hours ago. A lazy, satisfied smile tugged at my lips as last night’s memories floated through my mind—the warmth of his touch, the way his eyes held mine, the intensity of each moment we’d shared. For a moment, everything felt almost surreal, like waking from a beautiful dream. But now… now I was alone.

I stretched, glancing around, and spotted my clothes scattered across the floor near the sofa outside the bedroom. Feeling a mix of contentment and curiosity, I slipped into my underwear and dress from last night, the quiet sounds of water lapping against the yacht punctuating the stillness.

But… where were we?

I headed to the bathroom, catching sight of my reflection. I couldn’t help but wince—my hair was an unruly mess, lipstick smudged around my mouth. God, what would he think if he saw me like this? I chuckled softly, the absurdity of the moment making me shake my head.

I washed my face, hoping it would help me look somewhat human again, and checked the drawer, finding a stash of new toothbrushes. Thank God. After brushing my teeth, I ran my fingers through my hair, smoothing it down as best as I could. Whoever claimed people looked amazing the morning after clearly hadn’t met me.

Feeling a bit more presentable, I found my small handbag and sandals. I took out my phone, intending to check the time, only to see that the battery was dead. Typical. With a resigned sigh, I started toward the deck, hoping to get my bearings—and maybe even find Ezekiel.

But the sight that greeted me froze me mid-step.

There, at the edge of the yacht, was Ezekiel, casually relaxed, his usual confidence on display. But he wasn’t alone. Suzette stood by his side, her arms wrapped around him in a way that looked intimate, too familiar. She leaned in close, whispering something in his ear before pressing a kiss to his neck, her hand resting possessively on his arm.

My heart dropped, a painful thud echoing in my chest as I clutched the side rail. Last night’s warmth and tenderness felt like it was being stripped away, replaced by an ache that spread through me. Was I just another fleeting moment, a convenience, something easily forgotten?

I took a step back, biting down the urge to confront him. It wasn’t like I had any claim to him, not really. But something about last night had felt different—or maybe that was just the champagne, making me believe there was more.

Taking a steadying breath, I forced myself to look away. I smoothed my dress, swallowing down the embarrassment and trying to collect myself. This was not how I wanted to leave, but maybe it was for the best. Just as I turned to slip away quietly, Ezekiel's gaze caught mine, his expression shifting from surprise to something that almost looked like regret.

"Akira—" he called out, his voice carrying an edge I couldn't quite place.

I clenched my jaw, plastering on a casual smile as I forced myself to meet his gaze without flinching. "Good morning," I said, my tone light, a little too forced. "I was just about to leave."

Suzette turned, her smile fading as she looked between the two of us. "Oh, Akira! I didn't know you were here," she said, sounding surprised but polite, her hand still resting on Ezekiel's arm.

I forced a smile, feeling the color drain from my face. “Yeah…,” was all I managed to say, my voice barely steady. “I was just heading out.”

Before they could respond, I turned, making my way off the yacht with a determined pace, determined not to let my composure slip until I was far enough away. But as I walked back onto solid ground, the painful reality sank in. The moments I’d cherished from last night, the feeling of something real—they’d all evaporated in the harsh light of day.

I couldn’t shake the sting of that scene, that reminder of where I truly stood.