We sat at the dining table for breakfast, the tension thick enough to slice with a knife. Mom took a spoonful of the fruit custard and hummed in delight, her voice dripping with satisfaction.“Umm... I’ve missed your delicious cooking, honey,” she said, directing a smile toward Ezekiel.He didn’t respond. His gaze, however, lingered on me.I smiled faintly at him, trying to mask the storm brewing inside me, but his face remained stern. Feeling the weight of his gaze, I deliberately shifted my attention to Mom and asked, “So, how was your trip, Mom?”The question hit its mark. Mom froze, her spoon hovering midair, as though she hadn’t expected me to bring it up. I could see the discomfort flash across her face.“I—Isabella!” she snapped, her tone sharp and defensive. “I didn’t go on a trip.”She recovered quickly, but her annoyance betrayed her. “I’ve had tons of work to handle. You know that.”I let out a soft laugh, playing it off casually. “Mom, I was just asking. Why are you so
It was around 8 o'clock, and Ezekiel still hadn’t returned home. I couldn’t focus anymore. Closing the book, I glanced at the main door, hoping to hear the sound of it opening.Mom was in her room, and my frustration gnawed at me. With a heavy sigh, I placed the novel on the table and decided to check on her.I climbed the stairs and approached her room. The door was ajar, and I pushed it open gently.She was sitting on the bed, wearing her glasses and holding a book in her hand. Her posture was calm, too calm, as if she didn’t have a care in the world.Hearing the creak of the door, Mom looked up from the book.“Isabella!”I leaned against the door-frame, crossing my arms. “What are you doing?”She raised her brows briefly before returning her gaze to the book. “Just spending my time,” she replied, her tone indifferent.A deep sigh escaped my lips. “Your boyfriend hasn’t returned. Can’t you see?” I asked, my words laced with an edge I couldn’t hide.Still looking at the book, she ans
We sat together at the dinner table, and though I wore a mask of calmness, my insides churned with turmoil. Every smile, every word they exchanged, felt like a needle pricking my skin.In the middle of our meal, Mom suddenly broke the silence. “Honey! Try this,” she said cheerfully, offering Ezekiel some salad.I glanced at him, expecting him to dismiss her. Instead, he smiled.He actually smiled.I narrowed my eyes but quickly looked down at my plate. I didn’t want to react, didn’t want to let them see how much it bothered me.“You try it too, Kathrine,” Ezekiel said, his tone softer than I’d expected. He served her a portion of the salad, and she laughed lightly, accepting it with a playful nudge.I was stunned. Ezekiel had been angry with her, distant even, and now this? How could he suddenly treat her as if nothing had happened?I poked at my food, gripping the spoon so tightly that my knuckles turned white. They started chatting—casual, light, their words and laughter filling the
The next morning, I was standing outside by the car, leaning against it, waiting. For once, I’d gotten ready before Ezekiel. The air was brisk, and the quiet gave me time to think—or maybe overthink. Ezekiel and Mom would probably come out together. The thought gnawed at me, but I shook it off.When I finally saw them step outside—together—I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Of course.Mom noticed me first and came forward with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Isabella, how are you feeling now?" she asked in a sugary tone.I took a slow, deep breath, trying not to let my annoyance show. The irony wasn’t lost on me. Last night, she hadn’t bothered to check on me, not even once. Yet here she was, playing the concerned mother."Thank you for your kindness in asking," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "I’m okay now."Her expression hardened immediately, her narrowed eyes slicing through me. "Watch your tone, Isabella," she snapped. "Day by day, you become more impudent."
Ezekiel kept his gaze on the road, gripping the wheel tightly. "Kathrine, you’re overreacting," he said, his voice steady but firm. "I didn’t say anything to hurt your ego."Kathrine turned to him, her expression tense, as she unlocked the door. "Ezekiel," she began, her voice clipped, "just go to work. I’m not in the mood to discuss this."She stepped one foot out of the car, pausing only to add, "Isabella always makes my life hard. This isn’t new to me. You don’t know her the way I do."Ezekiel arched his brow but didn’t respond. He knew pushing her further wouldn’t get them anywhere. He stayed silent, watching as she got out of the car and slammed the door shut with a thud.He tightened his lips, his frustration mounting, but he didn’t try to stop her. Instead, he sat there, his hands gripping the steering wheel, watching her through the rear-view mirror.Kathrine stood on the sidewalk, pulling out her phone and making a call. She didn’t seem in a rush, her posture almost defian
Ezekiel's POV.I leaned against my car, arms crossed, eyes scanning the steady stream of students spilling out of the college. Isabella usually came out early, always easy to spot in the crowd. But today, there was no sign of her.Minutes passed, and my patience thinned. Where was she?Frowning, I pushed myself out of the car and started walking toward her department. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the courtyard as I made my way through the halls.When I reached her classroom, it was empty.I stepped inside, looking around, but there was no trace of Isabella.I narrowed my eyes, my thoughts racing. Where could she have gone?Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed her number. The line rang, but there was no answer.I tapped my fingers impatiently on the phone’s edge and called again. The same result."Where is she?" I muttered under my breath, pacing the empty hallway. My unease was growing with each passing second.It was getting close to evening now, the sky shifting
The music pulsed through my body as I moved to the beat, but my mind was elsewhere. It wasn’t just the rhythm carrying me; it was the storm inside me. My mom’s harsh words replayed over and over, and Ezekiel’s face kept coming to my thoughts.I wished I could scream it all out—tell my mother everything about what her boyfriend and I had done. Watch her flawless composure crack.But I couldn’t.I smiled while thinking.I opened my eyes and blinked, trying to ground myself, but something was wrong. The room wasn’t steady anymore—it was tilting. No, not just the room. Everyone around me seemed to sway, their movements exaggerated, surreal.No. It was me. I was tilting.I stumbled slightly, my legs feeling heavy, and my head spun as the edges of my vision blurred. My abdomen clenched suddenly, sharp.A bitter taste rose in my throat, and I felt panic surge. My eyes snapped at Dimitri, who was still moving to the beat.“Isabella?” he leaned closer.I opened my mouth to speak, but the words
I adjusted Isabella’s seat-belt and leaned back in my seat, exhaling deeply. My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I stared at the empty road ahead, but my mind wasn’t focused on driving.I turned my head slightly, my gaze falling on Isabella. She was fast asleep, her features soft under the dim light filtering in through the windows.Without thinking, I reached out and gently brushed my fingers against her cheek. Her skin was warm and delicate, and I found myself tracing the curve of her face with my fingertips.What am I doing?The thought crossed my mind, but I dismissed it. At that moment, I wasn’t listening to logic. I was listening to the ache in my chest, the pull I couldn’t ignore.I tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, my hand lingering. My eyes roamed her peaceful face, and before I could stop myself, I leaned forward.My lips met hers in a light, fleeting kiss. The faint taste of alcohol lingered, but her presence overwhelmed me. Her steady breathing was the o
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