𝐄𝐙𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

38

EZEKIEL:

Mr. Touji Shimizu was already deep in conversation with my father and Uncle Ernest, their laughter echoing through the grand hall. The air was thick with the scent of sake, several bottles of which Mr. Shimizu had thoughtfully brought along, and the three men were enthusiastically sampling them, their faces flushed with good cheer. Earlier that evening, Akira had met Uncle Ernest, Nikolai, and Donovan during dinner, but the latter two had departed shortly after, leaving the elders to their merriment.

Meanwhile, Akira was across the room, engaged in a lively conversation with my mother and Aunt Estera. They were all smiles, their voices mingling with the soft music playing in the background as they exchanged stories and reminisced about old times. My mother and Aunt Estera were practically doting on her, lamenting Jade's absence and joking that their "daughters" were finally multiplying.

Seeing Akira blend so seamlessly with my family warmed my heart. Her father, too, seemed at ease, thoroughly enjoying his time here. For once, it felt like all the pieces were falling perfectly into place, like a puzzle finally completed.

I leaned back on the single sofa, sipping my wine, quietly observing the scene unfolding before me. Then I noticed Akira looking at me from across the room. Her radiant smile caught my breath, and before I could react, she was walking toward me, her steps light and graceful.

She looked stunning, her happiness making her glow even brighter. The moonlight seemed to dance around her, highlighting the delicate features of her face.

"Hi, handsome," she teased as I stood and reached for her hand, my fingers intertwining with hers.

"Hello, beautiful. You finally noticed me?" I teased back, a grin spreading across my face.

"Do you want to walk with me in the garden?" she asked softly, her eyes holding mine, a hint of longing in their depths.

There was no way I’d say no. Setting my glass aside, I stood and led her toward the elders. After excusing ourselves, we stepped out into the cool night air, the garden bathed in moonlight, the air filled with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine.

We strolled in comfortable silence for a moment, the soft rustle of leaves beneath our feet the only sound accompanying our steps. Then, I asked, "Are you happy?"

She glanced up at me, her expression thoughtful but warm. "Yes. I feel like I have two mothers now—your mom and Aunt Estera. They’re so wonderful. I wish I’d grown up with a mother like them."

Her words carried a tinge of sadness, and I realized this was the first time she’d ever mentioned her mother.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked gently, not wanting to push but giving her the space if she needed it.

She nodded, her steps slowing as she collected her thoughts, her gaze fixed on the moonlit path ahead.

"My mother left us when I was young," she began quietly, her voice barely a whisper. "It was just me and my father after that. I begged her to stay, Ezekiel. I remember crying, holding onto her dress, begging her not to go, but...she just looked at me like I was nothing, like I disgusted her."

Her voice faltered, and I immediately pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. I could feel her trembling slightly, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

"And then with Kenji, it happened again. I trusted him, thought he loved me, but he broke me. I started changing after that. Drinking, partying, doing things I never thought I would. I dated a few times, but I never let anyone in. I was so scared of getting hurt again."

She paused and turned to face me, her eyes glistening under the moonlight. "Then I met you, Mr. Ezekiel Morganthe."

I smirked, trying to lighten the moment. "And you fell madly in love with me?"