Evie stood before the mirror, her eyes still heavy with sleep as she brushed her teeth. After spitting into the sink and rinsing her toothbrush, she swished mouthwash in her mouth, her gaze finally meeting her reflection. But it wasn't just her; Ezra was now fixedly watching her. She quickly spat out the mouthwash and turned toward him.
"Do you have a minute?" he asked, his voice calm and composed, a stark contrast to the tone he had used previously.
She didn't recall if that was yesterday or the day before.
"Sure," she replied, her breath minty and fresh.
Evie stepped out of the bathroom and into the room where sunlight poured through the curtains. Dressed in her black and white pants and white shirt, she ran her fingers through her hair, smoothing it down to appear presentable.
"About the other day..." he started. "I overreacted." His admission surprised her.
She had expected him to express frustration over their living situation, especially after that ominous text. It was clear he was irritated, feeling like she was encroaching on his space and disrupting his order.
"This is our first time living together, and I should have worked harder to be accommodating," he continued, narrowing his eyes as if assessing his own words. "I've never lived with anyone before, and I'm not used to dealing with a mess that isn't mine. I apologize for my frustration."
Evie bit her lower lip, recognizing the effort it took for him to admit this. Against her expectations, she felt impressed.
He was supposed to embody arrogance and pride, typical traits among wealthy men, yet here he was opening up to her. As an only child, he had never shared a living space, so he didn't know what it's like to have his things messed up or have his space invaded.
But she knew what it felt like. Especially having a brother as a sibling.
"I understand," she said. "And I apologize for taking your stuff the other day. From now on, I'll always double-check."
He nodded in agreement.
"I'll also work on keeping things tidier and spend less time in the bathroom so you don't feel rushed," she added, noticing the corners of his lips curling into a slight smile.
"I think we've settled this," he said, and she returned his smile, relieved that their discussion had resolved peacefully.
"We just need to follow some rules. A month has passed already, and we're in a new one. That means only four more months until this arrangement is over, and then our lives can return to normal," Evie asserted. "You won't have to worry about a woman messing things up anymore."
"Yeah," he agreed without hesitation.
"So here's to a peaceful coexistence until this six-month arrangement is complete, and then we can part ways," she said, extending her hand for a handshake. After a brief moment of hesitation, he accepted, and they shook hands firmly.
She felt a sense of satisfaction that they managed to work things out. Ezra had remained calm throughout, even after the mishap with his client. The meeting had been rescheduled, and everything was back on track. He hoped Evie would keep her word about not causing further complications until their time together concluded.
Once they released their handshake, she added, "You should probably use the bathroom first. I still need to adjust to a shorter routine, and I certainly don't want to create any more issues after we just settled everything."
"Thanks," he replied, genuinely appreciating her willingness to find common ground.
Evie then decided to make breakfast, to keep her busy until Ezra was through.
However, as she stepped out of the room, she was startled to find Shawn there. A cold shiver rushed down her spine.
What was he doing here?
How long had he been standing here?
Did he know that she and Ezra weren't a real thing? Just like Ruby had when she let it slip during their vacation.
It felt like only a matter of time before everyone discovered the truth.
"Evie, sweetie," Shawn greeted her with a flashy smile.
She responded with a nervous yet assertive chuckle. "Hi... What brings you here?" she asked, curiosity and caution mingling in her voice.
"I wanted to ask both of you if you're interested in pizza this morning. I'm placing an order," Shane stated confidently.
Evie's expression brightened. "Yeah, sure. Thanks," she replied.
"Alright, that's three supreme pizzas," Shane confirmed to himself before turning and starting to place the order. Once he finished, he slipped his phone into his pocket, narrowing his eyes as he noticed Evie watching him intently.
A short while later, the pizza was delivered, and Shane stepped outside to sign for it. "Thanks," he said to the delivery man, who nodded and sped away on his motorbike. Inside, Ezra had already come downstairs, and Shane carried the pizzas to the dining table. Evie was in the kitchen, squeezing orange juice while singing, oblivious to the two men watching her.
"Loveeee... Loveee. I need love and affection...," she sang.
"Can you love me for poor? I'm searching for my soul... Whoever turned you cold... Because you need to let em know..."
When she finished squeezing the juice, she placed them on a tray before turning.
And Evie caught the gaze of the two men. "What?" she asked, glancing between them.
"Which soul are you searching for?" Shane teased, taking a few steps toward her and grabbing the tray before heading to the dining table.
"Even the soul wouldn't appear after hearing that voice," Ezra quipped, prompting a hearty laugh from Shane. Evie shot them both a glare as she walked toward the table.
"My voice is perfectly fine," she asserted, and Shane had to stifle a chuckle while Ezra smirked. Evie rolled her eyes. "Are you two really ganging up on me now? That's just mean."
"I wouldn't team up with Ezra against you, pretty," Shane said, taking a bite of his pizza. "But on this one…" He chuckled again.
"I know I don't sound that bad," Evie insisted.
The laughter gradually faded, giving way to a comfortable silence during breakfast. Shane eventually broke the stillness. "So Evie, what's the plan for your birthday?" he asked, locking eyes with her.
Evie's expression shifted, her lips pressing together thoughtfully.
"Ezra, do you have anything in mind? Her birthday is coming up," Shane prompted, glancing over at Ezra.
Ezra bit slowly on his pizza. He didn't even know about that. He exchanged brief glances with Evie who had already tensed up.
She didn't know Shane would bring that up now.
"What? You seem surprised. Don't tell me you don't know your girlfriend's birthday is tomorrow?" Shane pressed, raising an eyebrow.
It was becoming clear to him that something was amiss between them.
Their relationship was a facade, just as he had overheard this morning. He hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but he caught snippets about a six-month contract that would end with them going their separate ways.
Shane wasn't naïve; he could see through the act. He noticed how Evie didn't even know that Ezra was an only child, and they only displayed affection in public. Now, Ezra didn't even know Evie's birthday was tomorrow?
Ezra might have put on a good show, but Shane could read Evie like an open book.
Recognizing the truth, Shane decided he'd have other plans.
"I know," Ezra interjected, skillfully redirecting Shane's attention. If Shane were a fool, he might have been convinced. "How about Paris?" he suggested, turning to Evie with a casual demeanor.
"P-paris?" she stammered, clearly taken aback. Was that really necessary for a birthday celebration, especially considering the nature of their relationship?
[Music mentioned: Loveee by Rihanna ft Future]