Ezekiel had promised to show me around, and he didn’t disappoint. We spent the day exploring the beauty of Italy, visiting iconic places, and even indulging in some shopping. It was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and experiences that left me feeling unexpectedly lighthearted. Despite my initial reservations, I found myself genuinely enjoying his company. Ezekiel wasn’t the boring, predictable guy I had imagined. He was actually fun to be around—charming, attentive, and surprisingly easy to talk to.
As dusk settled in, we returned to the mansion, both of us tired but content. The moment we stepped into the hall, though, the atmosphere shifted. I spotted my mom, her back turned to us, talking on the phone. Her voice was sharp, almost angry—a tone I wasn’t used to hearing from her.
I froze, lingering by the doorway until she noticed us. Her tone softened instantly, though the tension was still there.
“Robert, please don’t you dare try to contact her,” she said, her words clipped and final. It didn’t take much to realize she was talking to my dad.
“I’m hanging up now,” Mom added before ending the call abruptly. She turned to us, a forced smile on her face, trying to mask whatever had just happened. “How was the tour, honey?” she asked, her voice now sweet and warm.
“Good,” I replied with a nod, though my thoughts were elsewhere, still replaying the brief snippet of her conversation with Dad.
“Go freshen up. We’ll have dinner together,” Mom said, moving closer to Ezekiel and kissing him on the cheek.
The sight caught me off guard, and before I could fully process it, I quickly made my way to my room, feeling a mix of emotions I couldn’t quite identify.
Dinner was a quiet affair, but not uncomfortable. Mom, Ezekiel, and I sat around the table, and to my surprise, the atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant. Ezekiel kept the conversation light, asking me to try various dishes throughout the meal. His easygoing nature made the tension from earlier seem like a distant memory.
And the truth was, I wasn’t hating it at all. In fact, I was enjoying it—more than I cared to admit. It was strange, almost surreal, to find myself in this situation, actually liking the time spent with my mom’s boyfriend.
After an exhausting day, I fell asleep quickly, the events of the day lulling me into a deep sleep. Reaching for my water bottle, I found it empty. With a sigh, I threw off the covers and headed downstairs to refill.
The house was eerily quiet as I descended the staircase, the darkness only broken by the soft glow of the nightlights. After filling my bottle in the kitchen, I began my ascent back to the second floor, my thoughts already drifting back to sleep.
But as I reached the top of the stairs and was about to turn right toward my room, I froze. A faint, muffled sound reached my ears. At first, I thought I was imagining it, but then I heard it again—clearer this time. Someone was moaning.
My heart started pounding as I realized the sound was coming from my mom’s room. The door was ajar, just enough for the sounds to escape, and what I heard next froze me in place. She was moaning, her tone filled with unmistakable pleasure, and she was calling Ezekiel’s name.
I stood there, rooted to the spot, my pulse racing.
My mom’s voice, filled with pleasure, moaned Ezekiel’s name, begging for more. The reality of what was happening behind that door hit me like a freight train. I couldn’t believe it—didn’t want to believe it. My pulse quickened, my heart pounding in my chest as I moved closer, driven by a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
I peeked through the small gap in the door, and what I saw made my blood run cold. My mom and Ezekiel were entangled in a way I had never imagined, their bodies moving together with an intensity that made my stomach churn. My legs squeezed together involuntarily, a wave of sensation washing over me as I bit down hard on my lower lip.
Suddenly, in my shock, I stumbled backward, my back hitting a small table behind me. The vase on it rattled loudly, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway. My breath caught in my throat as I heard my mom’s voice, now tense and alert.
“Love, I think someone’s there,” she whispered. “I heard a sound.”
Panic surged through me, and I covered my mouth to suppress a gasp. I turned and bolted, my feet pounding against the floor as I fled the scene. In my haste, I didn’t see the corner of the wall until it was too late, and I collided with it, pain shooting through my knee. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop.
I slammed the door to my room, my hands trembling. I stumbled toward my bed, collapsing onto it with a heavy sigh.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to will away the images that were now burned into my memory.
But the more I tried to push them away, the more vivid they became. I could still hear my mom’s voice, the way she had moaned Ezekiel’s name, the raw intensity of it all. It was something I wasn’t supposed to witness—something that felt too intimate, too real. I pressed my lips together, a shiver running down my spine as the thought of Ezekiel’s dominance over her filled my mind.
A heavy breath escaped me, and before I could stop myself, I whispered, “Was it really that good with him?”
I felt a wave of shame wash over me, but I couldn’t deny the strange pull I felt—the way my body reacted to the memory of what I’d seen. My thighs pressed together involuntarily, a physical response I didn’t fully understand but couldn’t ignore.
Meanwhile, in Kathrine’s room, Ezekiel slowly got up from her, his body still glistening with sweat. He noticed the door was slightly ajar, and a flicker of unease crossed his face. Without saying a word, he walked over and opened it further, peering into the dark hallway. His eyes scanned the shadows, but he couldn’t see anyone. Just as he was about to turn back, his gaze fell on the vase that had toppled over on the table.
Something clicked in his mind as he quietly set the vase back in place. His eyes then drifted toward Isabella’s room, two doors down. A thought lingered in his mind, but before he could dwell on it, Kathrine’s voice broke the silence.
“Ezekiel!” she called, her tone impatient.
He blinked, “It was no one,” he murmured, more to himself than to her.
With a final glance down the hallway, Ezekiel walked back into Kathrine’s room. This time, he locked the door behind him, the sound of the bolt sliding into place echoing in the quiet mansion.
The next morning, I was pulled from my restless sleep by the sound of my mom’s voice. She stood at the door, trying to rouse me from bed. It was my first day at the new university she had enrolled me in, but I didn’t feel like getting up. The idea of starting over —new classes, new people —felt more like a burden than an opportunity.“Isabella, wake up. It’s your first day of college, don’t be late,” Mom called out, her voice edged with the usual mix of sternness and impatience.I arched my brows in irritation but kept the blanket firmly over my head. I knew she wouldn’t waste her time trying to convince me to get up. She had her own busy schedule, her own priorities. Sure enough, after a few moments of silence, I could not hear her voice.I sighed deeply, pulling the blanket tighter around me. The last thing I wanted to think about was college. All I could focus on was the memory of the night before, which played on a loop in my mind. The echoes of their moans still reverberated in m
Ezekiel was driving smoothly, his focus on the road, while I sat in the backseat, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew it was rude to sit back there, treating him like a mere driver, but I couldn’t bring myself to sit beside him. Not after last night. Not after knowing that he knew I had seen everything.My gaze drifted to the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of his eyes. Those long, thick eyelashes were almost unfair for a man to have. I bit my lower lip, feeling a warmth spread through me that I tried desperately to ignore. I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window, closing my eyes to block out the sight of him. But that only made it worse. His scent —intoxicating and eliciting —filled the car, wrapping around me like a blanket I couldn’t escape.I sighed softly, squeezing my thighs together as if that would stop the flood of thoughts running wild in my mind. Thoughts that I knew were dangerous. Thoughts that I shouldn’t be having. When I first met Ezekiel, I think I
I smiled sweetly at the boy who approached me. "Hey!"Thank God, I didn’t have to make the first move. The boy had blond hair that sparkled under the classroom lights, and there was an easy confidence about him that was hard to miss."I'm Dimitri. You're the new girl, right?" he asked, his eyes bright with curiosity.I nodded, returning his smile. "Yes! I’m Isabella."Dimitri raised his brows in a way that made my heart skip a beat. I had to admit, Italian boys had an undeniable charm; they exuded a natural sexiness that was impossible to ignore. Without asking, Dimitri took my hand, his boldness catching me off guard. But instead of pulling away, I let him do as he pleased, curious about where this would go.He brought my hand to his lips, pressing a warm kiss on it. "Nice to meet you, beautiful. I hope we’ll be good friends."I pressed my lips together, trying not to show how flustered I was by his forwardness. "Yes, sure," I managed to reply, my voice tinged with excitement. "I’m l
I entered the building, familiar faces greeting me as I made my way through the lobby. The receptionist, who knew me from the countless times my mom had brought me here in the past, waved me through without needing an appointment. It felt strange being back after so long—like stepping into a time warp where everything was the same, yet everything had changed.My mom's office was on the 20th floor, so I stepped into the elevator, pressing the button and watching the numbers climb. As the doors opened, I stepped out and walked down the hallway. People were busy at their desks, typing away or talking on phones. I moved toward my mom’s chamber at the end of the hall, the door slightly ajar.Just as I was about to push it open, I heard her voice, and my dad’s name stopped me in my tracks.“Robert, please!” my mom’s tone was pleading, a sound I wasn’t used to hearing from her. I froze, narrowing my eyes, trying to make sense of what she was saying. Why was she pleading with my dad? What cou
Isabella's POV.Ezekiel and I came back to the mansion after having a blast at the beach party. I had taken one shot of wine, just enough to feel a little tipsy, while Ezekiel had refrained since he was driving. We both plopped down on the sofa, the room bathed in a soft, dim glow that matched the quiet atmosphere.I took a deep breath, staring up at the ceiling for a moment. Then I turned to Ezekiel and asked, "Are you sleepy?"He shook his head and asked back, "Do you want to sleep?"I smiled faintly and shook my head. "No, not yet."I had a playful idea in mind. The wine had loosened me up just enough. "Let’s play something," I suggested, a mischievous glint in my eyes."Now?" Ezekiel asked, surprised but intrigued.I nodded, sitting on the ground in front of the table while he remained on the couch. "It's simple," I explained. "Let's play truth or dare."He didn’t hesitate, agreeing with a slight chuckle. He grabbed a small bottle from the nearby table and placed it in the middle.
The club was alive with pounding bass and flashing lights, a perfect escape for anyone wanting to lose themselves in the rhythm. But for me, the music was just noise, and the lights only made the shadows in my mind darker.I had come here with my friends to try and forget, to drown my sorrows in a sea of strangers, but the recent betrayal was too fresh.My boyfriend—no, my ex-boyfriend—had been cheating on me. And with Nikita, my supposed best friend. The image of them together, tangled in each other in that hotel room, was seared into my mind.I tried to keep a mask of indifference, but inside, I was seething. I didn’t want to be here, but I also didn’t want to be alone. My friends, sensing my mood, left me some space, but Sneha, always perceptive, slid into the seat next to me.“So, what’s the next plan?” she asked, her tone casual but her eyes probing.I took a deep gulp of the scotch in my hand, feeling the burn as it slid down my throat. “Nothing,” I replied, my voice flat. I swi
Milan Malpensa Airport buzzed with activity as travelers hurried to their destinations. I stood outside, the warm Italian sun beating down on me, my frustration mounting. My mom had arranged everything for this trip, so why was no one here to pick me up? I pushed my sunglasses up onto my head, scanning the crowd for any familiar faces.Just as my patience was wearing thin, I spotted Mr. Martin, my mom’s secretary, making his way toward me. Relief washed over me.“Ms. Isabella!” he called out.I raised an eyebrow, muttering under my breath, “Thank God.”“Finally, my mom has sent someone to pick me up,” I said aloud, not bothering to hide my irritation.Without waiting for a response, I walked briskly toward the car he had arrived in. Mr. Martin hurried to keep up, opening the door for me.I slid into the back seat with a stern face, choosing to remain silent. He quickly managed my luggage and took his place beside the driver.The car pulled away from the curb, merging smoothly into the
Ezekiel’s POV.I was in the kitchen, indulging in one of my favorite hobbies—cooking. After a hectic schedule, it was my way to unwind. The loud music blasting from the speakers amplified the energy, making the experience even more enjoyable. Suddenly, the music stopped. Surprised, I stepped out of the kitchen and spotted a girl with shiny, reddish hair glowing in the sunlight.I smiled, realizing this must be Isabella, the girl Kathrine had spoken so much about.“Isabella!” I called out.She turned to face me, her gaze lingering as if she were thoroughly inspecting me. I chuckled to myself, amused by her scrutiny.She was different from her mother; that much was clear from her demeanor. She had a fierceness in her eyes, a determination that was both intriguing and intimidating. I decided not to interrupt her, letting her take her time.And after a while, she asked who I am.I introduced myself, but Isabella assumed I was her mom’s cook. That was quite interesting, and I felt that my
I entered the building, familiar faces greeting me as I made my way through the lobby. The receptionist, who knew me from the countless times my mom had brought me here in the past, waved me through without needing an appointment. It felt strange being back after so long—like stepping into a time warp where everything was the same, yet everything had changed.My mom's office was on the 20th floor, so I stepped into the elevator, pressing the button and watching the numbers climb. As the doors opened, I stepped out and walked down the hallway. People were busy at their desks, typing away or talking on phones. I moved toward my mom’s chamber at the end of the hall, the door slightly ajar.Just as I was about to push it open, I heard her voice, and my dad’s name stopped me in my tracks.“Robert, please!” my mom’s tone was pleading, a sound I wasn’t used to hearing from her. I froze, narrowing my eyes, trying to make sense of what she was saying. Why was she pleading with my dad? What cou
I smiled sweetly at the boy who approached me. "Hey!"Thank God, I didn’t have to make the first move. The boy had blond hair that sparkled under the classroom lights, and there was an easy confidence about him that was hard to miss."I'm Dimitri. You're the new girl, right?" he asked, his eyes bright with curiosity.I nodded, returning his smile. "Yes! I’m Isabella."Dimitri raised his brows in a way that made my heart skip a beat. I had to admit, Italian boys had an undeniable charm; they exuded a natural sexiness that was impossible to ignore. Without asking, Dimitri took my hand, his boldness catching me off guard. But instead of pulling away, I let him do as he pleased, curious about where this would go.He brought my hand to his lips, pressing a warm kiss on it. "Nice to meet you, beautiful. I hope we’ll be good friends."I pressed my lips together, trying not to show how flustered I was by his forwardness. "Yes, sure," I managed to reply, my voice tinged with excitement. "I’m l
Ezekiel was driving smoothly, his focus on the road, while I sat in the backseat, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew it was rude to sit back there, treating him like a mere driver, but I couldn’t bring myself to sit beside him. Not after last night. Not after knowing that he knew I had seen everything.My gaze drifted to the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of his eyes. Those long, thick eyelashes were almost unfair for a man to have. I bit my lower lip, feeling a warmth spread through me that I tried desperately to ignore. I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window, closing my eyes to block out the sight of him. But that only made it worse. His scent —intoxicating and eliciting —filled the car, wrapping around me like a blanket I couldn’t escape.I sighed softly, squeezing my thighs together as if that would stop the flood of thoughts running wild in my mind. Thoughts that I knew were dangerous. Thoughts that I shouldn’t be having. When I first met Ezekiel, I think I
The next morning, I was pulled from my restless sleep by the sound of my mom’s voice. She stood at the door, trying to rouse me from bed. It was my first day at the new university she had enrolled me in, but I didn’t feel like getting up. The idea of starting over —new classes, new people —felt more like a burden than an opportunity.“Isabella, wake up. It’s your first day of college, don’t be late,” Mom called out, her voice edged with the usual mix of sternness and impatience.I arched my brows in irritation but kept the blanket firmly over my head. I knew she wouldn’t waste her time trying to convince me to get up. She had her own busy schedule, her own priorities. Sure enough, after a few moments of silence, I could not hear her voice.I sighed deeply, pulling the blanket tighter around me. The last thing I wanted to think about was college. All I could focus on was the memory of the night before, which played on a loop in my mind. The echoes of their moans still reverberated in m
Ezekiel had promised to show me around, and he didn’t disappoint. We spent the day exploring the beauty of Italy, visiting iconic places, and even indulging in some shopping. It was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and experiences that left me feeling unexpectedly lighthearted. Despite my initial reservations, I found myself genuinely enjoying his company. Ezekiel wasn’t the boring, predictable guy I had imagined. He was actually fun to be around—charming, attentive, and surprisingly easy to talk to.As dusk settled in, we returned to the mansion, both of us tired but content. The moment we stepped into the hall, though, the atmosphere shifted. I spotted my mom, her back turned to us, talking on the phone. Her voice was sharp, almost angry—a tone I wasn’t used to hearing from her.I froze, lingering by the doorway until she noticed us. Her tone softened instantly, though the tension was still there.“Robert, please don’t you dare try to contact her,” she said, her words clipped and fina
Isabella’s POV. I stood on the balcony, resting my elbow on the cool parapet, my eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. Mom had really outdone herself, managing everything so beautifully—the garden below was lush and vibrant, and the veranda on the ground floor looked like something out of a magazine. But as I took it all in, I couldn’t help but remember that it hadn’t always been this way. The last time I visited, everything was more chaotic, less perfect.Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed when my mom’s car pulled away from the mansion. The sound of the engine fading into the distance brought me back to reality. I sighed deeply and let my gaze wander to the swimming pool. So many memories were tied to that pool—memories of my mom, my dad.Lost in thought, I was startled by a soft cough behind me. I turned, spotting Ezekiel standing there with two mugs in his hands. I immediately felt a surge of irritation and turned away, refusing to acknowledge him.He moved to stand beside
Isabella’s POVMy mom’s so-called boyfriend was in the middle of one of his tedious lectures again. I smiled politely, though I wasn’t really listening. When he asked if I was angry with my mom, I decided it was time to be blunt.“It’s not about her, Mr.,” I shot back.He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to figure me out."Maybe it’s you.”He finally said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, "I know you can’t take me as your family. You need time."I smiled again, this time with a bit of an edge.“Why are you dating my mom?”“She’s 14 years older than you,” I added, not hiding the judgment in my voice.Ezekiel raised his brows and sighed, “Actually, I find her attractive. She’s so different from others.”“And she understands me a lot.”“Oh really?” I couldn’t help the smirk that crept onto my face.“So, you know others too?” I raised an eyebrow.Ezekiel smiled, his gaze unwavering. “Is there anything wrong with that?”“Of course not,” I replied, my voice dr
Ezekiel’s POV.I was in the kitchen, indulging in one of my favorite hobbies—cooking. After a hectic schedule, it was my way to unwind. The loud music blasting from the speakers amplified the energy, making the experience even more enjoyable. Suddenly, the music stopped. Surprised, I stepped out of the kitchen and spotted a girl with shiny, reddish hair glowing in the sunlight.I smiled, realizing this must be Isabella, the girl Kathrine had spoken so much about.“Isabella!” I called out.She turned to face me, her gaze lingering as if she were thoroughly inspecting me. I chuckled to myself, amused by her scrutiny.She was different from her mother; that much was clear from her demeanor. She had a fierceness in her eyes, a determination that was both intriguing and intimidating. I decided not to interrupt her, letting her take her time.And after a while, she asked who I am.I introduced myself, but Isabella assumed I was her mom’s cook. That was quite interesting, and I felt that my
Milan Malpensa Airport buzzed with activity as travelers hurried to their destinations. I stood outside, the warm Italian sun beating down on me, my frustration mounting. My mom had arranged everything for this trip, so why was no one here to pick me up? I pushed my sunglasses up onto my head, scanning the crowd for any familiar faces.Just as my patience was wearing thin, I spotted Mr. Martin, my mom’s secretary, making his way toward me. Relief washed over me.“Ms. Isabella!” he called out.I raised an eyebrow, muttering under my breath, “Thank God.”“Finally, my mom has sent someone to pick me up,” I said aloud, not bothering to hide my irritation.Without waiting for a response, I walked briskly toward the car he had arrived in. Mr. Martin hurried to keep up, opening the door for me.I slid into the back seat with a stern face, choosing to remain silent. He quickly managed my luggage and took his place beside the driver.The car pulled away from the curb, merging smoothly into the