Isabella's POV.Ezekiel left me sitting there, and I couldn't help but wonder what had changed so suddenly. He had been fine last night. As I sipped my coffee, the memory of my proposal to him flashed through my mind. Maybe that’s why he’s avoiding me, I thought with a soft chuckle. He’s cute when he’s flustered, trying to keep his distance.I knew he wouldn’t come back right away, so I leaned back and relaxed. Despite my playful teasing last night, I understood why he hesitated. He liked my mom, and that probably made things complicated for him. He was struggling, caught between his feelings and his respect for her. But my mom—well, she had been playing her own gameThat thought lingered in my mind, making me frown slightly. I picked up my phone, deciding it was time to check in on her. I needed to understand what was going on with her, especially after being gone for three days. I dialed her number, fully expecting her to ignore the call, as usual. Still, I figured it wouldn’t hurt
Ezekiel's POV.I realized I had taken Isabella’s words too seriously, which I shouldn’t have. She was always so straightforward, never hesitating to speak her mind, and I admired that about her. But in my own confusion, I had overthought things, and avoiding her earlier didn’t feel right. I actually enjoyed spending time with her. So when she mentioned not feeling up for college and having the weekend free, I saw an opportunity and suggested a trip to Amalfi. It had been a long time since I’d visited, and it felt like the perfect escape.Her face lit up when I mentioned it, and that made me feel good. I turned the car around, heading back to the mansion so we could pack our bags. Isabella was still bubbling with excitement as we prepared, and I found myself relaxing more, the awkwardness from earlier fading into the background.By noon, we were at the airport, and within five hours, we landed in Amalfi. The familiar sea breeze and the sight of the colorful cliffs brought back memories,
Isabella's POV.I lay on the bed when I told Ezekiel I was scared. Truthfully, I just didn’t want to sleep alone in this unfamiliar place. When I peeked, I saw him still standing by the bed, hesitant. My sleepiness weighed on me, so I tapped the empty space beside me and called softly, "Come here.""You sleep, I’m here," he responded from a distance, and that ruined my mood.With my eyes closed, I arched my brows in mild annoyance. Determined, I crawled toward him in a sleepy daze, grabbed his hand, and tugged him down onto the bed. "You talk too much," I mumbled, pulling him close.He finally plopped down beside me, and I smiled, placing my head on his arm before drifting off to sleep again.When I woke up, the sky outside was still dim, hinting at early morning. My eyes fluttered open, and I realized I was clutching Ezekiel’s arm. He was fast asleep next to me. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I stared at him, peaceful in slumber. I nuzzled my nose against his arm, breath
[At present]Ezekiel opened the bedroom door, our lips still locked in a deep kiss. My legs wrapped around his waist as he carried me effortlessly, one of his hands supporting my weight while the other held me close. My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, desperate not to let the moment break. The mansion was eerily quiet, just the two of us, completely alone.As we stumbled inside, he broke the kiss, gently lowering me onto the edge of the bed. Propping myself up on my elbows, I reached for him again, trying to reclaim the kiss, needing to feel him close.Ezekiel leaned down, teasingly brushing his lips against mine, pulling away just as quickly, a hot breath touched my face. His fingers traced slowly over my exposed skin beneath my loose shirt, sending a trail of heat wherever he touched. He tugged the white shirt off my shoulders, leaving me in nothing but my black bikini.I bit down on my lower lip, frustration building as he paused, his hands hovering just above my s
I bit my lip in pleasure, my body trembling with his relentless pace. My hand gripped the edge of the bed for stability while the other held tightly onto his arm, seeking some sense of control amidst the overwhelming sensations. My chest rose and fell in rhythm with his movements, and my voice escaped me in breathless moans, "Ezekiel…"I held his shoulders, the firmness of his physique was driving me insane. I wanted him to treat me harder and harder.I asked for more, wanting nothing but to lose myself at that moment with him.His strength showed as he lifted my waist effortlessly with one hand, gripping my leg with the other. The cool air from the AC couldn’t keep up with the heat building between us, beads of sweat forming on my skin. Without warning, Ezekiel picked me up and placed me on his lap. I gasped, breathless from the mix of exhaustion and the dizzying pleasure that coursed through me.Resting my chin on his shoulder, I clung to him, barely able to hold myself upright. My
Isabella's POV.I slowly cracked open my eyes, my eyelids still heavy with sleep. The first thing I did was search for Ezekiel, glancing around the room. But the bed beside me was empty. I frowned slightly, reaching up to touch my head, my fingers tracing through my messy hair. A faint smile crept onto my lips as the scent of him hung around on my skin, a reminder of last night.His smell... it was still there, and the thought made me bite my lower lip lightly.I slowly sat up, pulling the blanket over my body as a sudden wave of soreness hit me. My back and lower half ached—evidence of the intensity from the night before. My body had been through more than I expected, but the memory of how passionate everything was made me blush.I glanced toward the door, noticing it was closed. A small part of me wondered if Ezekiel had been there when I fell asleep or if he'd left after everything. My mind raced, playing over the events of last night. Did he stay with me, holding me close, or had
"Oh," I paused for a moment, unsure of what to say next, then asked, "Did you find what you were looking for?"Ezekiel hesitated but nodded. "Um... yes, I got it," he said as he walked past me, carrying a box. As he brushed by, I caught his familiar scent—warm, comforting, and intoxicating. There was something about it that made my heart skip a beat. But I noticed how he avoided meeting my eyes, like he was deliberately trying to keep some distance between us.He placed the box on the ground with a light smile. "Okay," he said, but there was a certain tension behind his words.Our eyes met briefly, and at that moment, my heart started racing. But just as quickly as our gazes locked, he looked away, leaving me unsure of what he was feeling. I wanted to ask, but the words didn’t come."So, I’ll take a quick shower and join you," he added quickly, as if to fill the silence."Today I ordered breakfast."I nodded back before he walked out of the room. My eyes followed him until he disappea
Ezekiel's POV.I was trying to explain myself, feeling the weight of shame from last night. I had just spent an intimate night with my lover's daughter, and the enormity of that reality crashed over me like a wave. But before I could articulate my thoughts, Isabella surprised me in the most unexpected way.She kissed me.My eyes widened in disbelief as her soft lips pressed against mine, her eyes fluttering shut. The scent of her hair wrapped around me, intoxicating and familiar. I found myself frozen, caught between instinct and reason, unable to push her away.Isabella brushed her lips against mine, a delicate caress that sent shivers down my spine. Her fingers tangled in my hair, drawing me closer. I could feel her warmth radiating, and my resolve began to waver.My hands moved instinctively, one cradling her head, the other resting on her slim waist, pulling her even closer.Was it the primal urge to satisfy my needs, or was it something deeper? Desire flickered in my chest, battl
Ezekiel gently pushed a pinch on my buds, triggering them to rise. I moaned, since I was very wet down there. With my eyes closed, I bit my bottom lip.My movements mirrored those of a fish that needs water to breathe. I put my legs around his waist."Open your eyes!""Look at me, Isabella!"Ezekiel's words were whispered into my ears.I opened my eyes and met his stare.Damn! I could do fingering while staring at him. I am too envious; how could my mother always find the best, I wondered, tugging my bottom lip.I smiled at him and heaved a sigh of pleasure.Locking my gaze on him was another stage of intimacy. Ezekiel, however, abruptly grasped my breast in his hand.Closing my eyes, I arched my back.My bosoms were nestled in his hands.He pressed slowly and began massaging slowly. I cracked my lips in pleasure."Yes!"He was very sluggish and took his time caressing my bosom."Ezekiel, yes!" He was softly kneading my bosom with his palms.Why, he was quite skilled at it.Ezekiel’
Ezekiel led me into the luxurious hotel suite, and I immediately plopped onto the plush bed, my eyes scanning the extravagant room. The soft lighting highlighted the elegant decor, and the faint scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air.“It’s good,” I murmured, still taking it all in.Ezekiel turned the lock behind him, the soft click grounding the otherwise quiet room. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt, his usual composed demeanor slightly relaxed.I glanced at him with a playful smile, unable to hide my amusement.“I arranged everything according to your taste,” Ezekiel said as he stopped at the edge of the bed, his voice low but warm."Aw... that’s sweet of you,” I replied, tugging at his tie to pull him closer. His face was just inches from mine now.“How was the meeting?” I asked, trying to ease him into conversation.Ezekiel sighed deeply, sinking down beside me. “It was okay,” he said, his tone neutral.“Did you find anything?”“Still under investigation
Kathrine paced her room, the phone pressed tightly against her ear. Her voice was sharp and unrestrained as she snapped, "Why did you need to tell her that we were together?"Robert’s voice came through the receiver, equally heated.“I told you I didn’t! Why would I?”"It’s been a week, Kathrine. Isabella and I haven’t spoken.”Kathrine’s frustration simmered. She could feel the anger bubbling in her chest.“Robert, I’m telling you—take her with you. Just… take her.”Robert chuckled, but there was no warmth in it.“Kathrine, I don’t mind. Isabella can live with me for as long as she wants. I’m not selfish like you.”Kathrine froze, her breath catching.“Selfish?” she repeated, the word cutting deep.“Like really?”The sharpness in her voice pierced through the tension.“How dare you?”Robert sighed, a weary sound that only fueled her anger.“At least I’m not like you. Dating someone younger just for their money.”Kathrine’s grip on the phone tightened, the insult stinging more than sh
Ezekiel’s question hit me like a lightning bolt.“Why do you always tell me not to say anything to your mom?” he asked, his voice calm yet probing.I froze, my body stiffening. The truth was heavy, and it sat at the edge of my lips, daring me to speak it. I had known everything from the beginning—about her lies, her manipulation—but what would happen if I admitted it all now?The thought of losing Ezekiel struck a deep chord within me. I had started this as a game, a twisted revenge against my mom, but along the way, my feelings for him had grown into something real.No!I couldn’t let him slip away. I couldn’t lose him now.Taking a deep breath, I leaned forward and pressed my lips against his. The world seemed to stop as I let my emotions pour into the kiss. His hesitation melted, and soon, he was holding me tightly, his grip firm yet electrifying.I parted his lips with my tongue, deepening the kiss as the intensity built. For a moment, everything else disappeared—my mom, her schem
I raised my gaze, feigning innocence as though I hadn’t intentionally exposed her.“Yes!” I said simply, leaning back in my chair as I spoke.Mom pressed her lips together tightly, taking a sharp breath before responding, “Isabella, that’s not true.”I shrugged as casually as ever.“Mom, I’m not lying. Dad called me this morning, and he said you guys had fun together. So, I’m just asking—do you think there’s a chance you two might get back together?”I tilted my head, my voice dripping with false curiosity, while Mom’s angry glare burned into me.Before she could respond, Ezekiel interrupted, his voice calm but firm.“Did you two go?”The question clearly rattled her. Mom looked at him nervously, her composure faltering.“No... no. There must be a misunderstanding,” she stammered, her words coming out hurriedly.I glanced at Ezekiel, but he remained composed, almost indifferent. He didn’t react at all, his face unreadable.That threw me off for a moment.Was I really the one who’d ove
Ezekiel narrowed his eyes, trying to explain himself.“Isabella, it’s not like that.”He moved closer and sat beside me.“Then why didn’t you tell her?” I shot back, my tone dripping with annoyance.Ezekiel reached out, holding my shoulders firmly.“Isabella, listen to me. It’s not what you think. It was you who told me not to say anything in the first place. And when Kathrine said all that… when she was so vulnerable, I just couldn’t. I couldn’t hurt her like that.”I stared at him, my breath shallow. His voice softened, almost pleading.“She’s done so much for me, Isabella. It’s true. She’s been there when I had no one else. She supported me mentally when I was at my lowest.”I arched my brow, my chest tightening. His words didn’t sit well with me. He was defending her—her.“Then why me?” I asked quietly, my voice trembling. I didn’t even know where the words came from, but the rawness in my chest was undeniable. It wasn’t just anger. It was something deeper—something that made me f
Kathrine was holding Ezekiel firmly as her face remained stoned, but there was a shinning of calculation visible in her eyes.Her intentions were obvious. She knew how to plant, planting seeds of guilt in Ezekiel, tying him close to her.Ezekiel’s hand lay on her shoulder, his mind churning with conflicted thoughts. His face was shadowed with tension as the toll of his choices bore down on him. He had no clear way ahead, no words to unravel the knot of feelings twisting into the knot in his chest.Kathrine’s voice cut through the silence.“Let’s talk all night long, Ezekiel.”His expression remained steady, but his mind was racing. After a pause, he nodded. It was no longer an option to say no.Not with Kathrine, she was watching him back so closely, her vulnerability a double-edged sword.Kathrine smiled gently, though underneath her sweet expression was the cleft of a victorious smirk.They moved toward the bedroom, the night falling like a heavy curtain over the house.Lying side b
Ezekiel’s brows furrowed slightly, sensing the tension, but he didn’t press further.“Is everything okay?” he asked, his voice calm but inquisitive.I smiled, trying to downplay the moment, but before I could answer, Mom spoke up, breaking the ice with her usual charm.“Yes, honey. What would happen?” she said smoothly, walking toward him. She took the ice cream from his hands with an easy grace.“Let’s eat.”Ezekiel’s gaze shifted to me, as if seeking confirmation.“Are you not coming?” he asked.Mom turned back to glance at me, her expression sharp but composed.Without hesitation, and certainly without fear, I replied, “Maybe later.”My voice was steady as I added, “In my room.”Ezekiel and I locked gazes, and the unspoken words between us hung heavy in the air. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and I could see a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He knew exactly what I meant.But before the moment could stretch any longer, Mom interrupted, her voice comma
"Did you sleep with him?" Mom shouted, her voice echoing through the kitchen. Before I could respond, she shoved me hard against the counter.Pain shot through my elbow as it struck the marble edge. I winced, clutching it instinctively, but her fury only grew.She grabbed my neck, her fingers digging in as she forced my face against the cold surface of the counter.“This is all my fault,” she hissed through clenched teeth."I should have thought about your nature."“How could you be good when your DNA is the worst of the worst?”Her words stung, but her next ones cut deeper.“Just like your father,” she spat.“Always chasing after something, always trying to create a harem of his own!”The rage in her voice was like a tidal wave, and I could feel her breath against my ear as she leaned in closer.“I should gouge your eyes out for this,” she growled.Her grip tightened, and my chest constricted. My vision blurred as I gasped for air.It was too much. My instincts kicked in, and I shove