When Evie opened her eyes, the wind from the window fluttered her lashes. As they fluttered open, she surveyed her surroundings.
They were still on their short vacation, but yesterday had not gone as planned. Instead of going swimming with her friends, she had mistakenly taken Ezra's suitcase.
She groaned as she sat on the bed, pressing her palms to her throbbing head and raking her fingers through her messy hair.
Ruby walked in, carrying a tray with something steaming and set it down next to Evie. "I feel like a mother taking care of her daughter right now," she remarked, eyeing Evie pointedly.
"What time is it?" Evie croaked.
"It's 10:00 AM," Ruby replied. "I made you some tea to help with that headache. I'm guessing your head is pounding from all that you drank yesterday," she said, handing over the cup.
"Thanks, Ruby. I appreciate it," Evie said, blowing on the tea before taking a sip.
Ruby narrowed her eyes. "About yesterday," she began, and Evie nodded, encouraging her to continue while she sipped the tea slowly.
"You claimed you and Ezra weren't a couple, that you were under a contract. I didn't want to believe it, but is that true?" she asked, her curiosity piqued, and Evie nearly choked on her tea.
"W-what?" she stammered. "I said that?"
Ruby nodded vigorously. "And don't bother lying; I know you tell the truth when you're in that state. But I need to confirm: have you both been deceiving the entire country?" Her gaze sharpened.
Evie measured Ruby's expression before breaking into laughter, as if she had lost her mind. Ruby stared back at her, clearly unconvinced. "How can that even be true, Ruby? We're in a genuine relationship. What contract?" she challenged, trying to appear baffled. With that tone, it was easy to believe her, but Ruby remained skeptical after Evie's earlier revelation.
Ruby rolled her eyes as she took a sit on the edge of the bed. "I thought you were being honest. Now I suspect it's all just a prank. Did you say that because you were mad at Ezra?" she probed.
Seizing the opportunity to divert the conversation, Evie nodded. "Yes, that's exactly it," she affirmed, and Ruby sighed, half-convinced.
"What's bothering you?" Evie asked, noticing Ruby's expression.
"I really wish that were true; it would have made for such an entertaining story," Ruby chuckled, placing a dramatic hand over her temple.
"You gossip—," Evie teased, nudging Ruby with her legs, and they both laughed.
Evie then dressed in a red gown, her red hair stylishly pulled into a bun, looking every bit like a princess. With her makeup featuring a eyeliner and a touch of pink shimmer, she was ready to head out with the girls and planned to vlog about it since it had been a while since she had posted anything interesting on social media.
"Hi, everyone! Join me as I head out for some fun with my besties!" she started, her smile warm and contagious as she turned the camera to the other girls, who were equally stunning. They were all eager to enjoy the day.
After a fun-filled outing at the shopping mall followed by a relaxing trip to the spa, they ended up at a restaurant. There they indulged in delicious steak, champagne, cakes, and other desserts. It was a blast, and when Evie posted about it, the likes and comments started rolling in.
"Evie, you look even prettier than the last time I saw you!" one commenter wrote.
"Please drop your skincare routine; you're dazzling!" chimed another, causing Evie to smile.
Evie responded to her followers with another post: "Thank you all for your lovely comments! I'll let you know when the next video is dropping." That wrapped up her day.
As the vacation drew to a close, Evie and Ruby bid farewell to their friends before parting ways. Evie then found herself alone in the cab headed back to Ezra's house, pondering whether he would be home. Their last conversation ended with his promise of "I'll see you at home." She stared at the message, then turned off her phone and sighed as the cab rolled through the streets.
The butler was ready to assist with her belongings upon her arrival. "Don't worry, Sam. I've got this," Evie said with a smile, dismissing his offer.
"Alright, ma'am," he acquiesced.
As Evie walked down the hall, her gaze fell on Shane, who was lounging in front of the TV, popcorn in hand and a blanket draped over him. He was engrossed in an American dating show—either "Too Hot to Handle" or "Love Island." Her curiosity piqued as she drew closer.
"Hey there," Evie greeted as she approached the couch where Shane was sprawled out.
Shane turned his head and smirked. "Well, if it isn't the gorgeous princess," he teased, watching Evie blush. "I caught your vlog. Did you post it this evening? You seemed genuinely happy with the girls, and they're all charming," he complimented.
"Thanks," Evie replied, appreciating his words. Shane had a way of being sweet. "Looks like you're enjoying your night alone," she observed.
"Huh-huh, I could really use some company. Want to join me?" he asked, clearly expecting an affirmative answer.
Evie hesitated for a moment, glancing at the TV screen, which displayed Love Island. She didn't want to miss it. "I'd love to," she admitted.
"Perfect. Go freshen up; I'll have popcorn ready for you," he insisted.
Evie gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you."
"Anytime," he shrugged off, and as she started toward the staircase, she paused, turning to him. "Is Ezra home?" she finally asked.
"Not that I know of. He left for work earlier and hasn't returned," Shane replied, shrugging. "Can't he take a moment for himself?" he wondered, but it was more rhetorical than anything.
Evie felt a knot in her stomach. He still hadn't come back. "Did he mention anything about me?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Shane met her gaze. "You know Ezra doesn't say much," he stated. "Is something wrong?"
She shook her head. There was no way she could share the embarrassment about the mix-up with their briefcases. "I'll go up now," she said, and he nodded.
Moments later, she returned in fresh clothes—a comfortable black-and-white pair of pants and a simple white shirt, her hair loosely styled in a low bun. She settled onto the couch next to Shane.
"Here you go," he said, handing her the popcorn. She smiled in appreciation and began eating as they focused on the show. Their conversation flowed freely about their favorite contestants. "Chelley is absolutely gorgeous," Shane remarked, and Evie eagerly agreed. They both critiqued the contestants, debating their choices until the night wore on and sleep overtook Evie on the couch. Even Shane succumbed to sleep.
When Ezra finally arrived home, he found them both asleep on the couch, the TV still buzzing away. He sighed and switched off the television.
Shane stirred, noticing him. "Ezra, you're back," he said.
"Yeah," Ezra replied. "It's late; you should head to your room," he suggested. Shane nodded, yawning and stretching, then glanced at Evie.
"I'll take care of her," Ezra assured him. Shane patted him on the shoulder and made his exit.
Ezra leaned closer to Evie. A piece of popcorn rested on her chest, her head tilted to the side, completely unaware of his presence. Not wanting to wake her, he effortlessly scooped her up in his arms. She was incredibly light as he moved toward the stairs. Her cheek brushed against his chest as he walked, and when he reached their bedroom, he laid her down gently on the bed. She looked so peaceful, so innocent, a stark contrast to the woman who had been giving him a hard time lately. He wondered if he had been too harsh on her.
Just as he turned to leave, Evie clutched his hand and murmured something in her sleep.
He raised an eyebrow. "Mom... I miss you so much," she said softly.