The evening had been perfect, or so it seemed. As Ziv dropped Liora off at her home, she leaned into the car window with a smile that made his chest tighten. He returned the gesture, his thoughts filled with her warmth and trust.
But as he drove away, the façade cracked. His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts.
The name on the screen made his heart pound—not with fear, but with the anticipation of a truth he had buried deep: Noa.
Noa wasn't a mistake. She was a calculated decision—a woman who could provide him with opportunities. She was the daughter of a wealthy real estate tycoon, someone who could open doors for him while he pursued his ambitions. Their affair had been convenient and mutually beneficial, or so he had told himself. But now, with Liora, he was playing a different game, one that required Noa to stay far away.
Reluctantly, he answered.
"Noa," he said, his voice calm but wary.
"Miss me?" Her tone was playful, her confidence unshaken by his cold greeting.
"What do you want?" he asked bluntly, gripping the wheel tighter.
"I'm in your country," she said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "And I'm here to see you."
Ziv's jaw tightened. "Noa, this isn't a good time."
"It never is, is it?" she replied, her voice hardening. "But don't worry—I've already found you. See you soon."
The line went dead before he could respond.
The next morning, Ziv joined Liora and her father at the vineyard. The golden sunlight painted a picturesque scene, but Ziv's mind was clouded. He worked alongside Liora, stealing glances at her, trying to remind himself why he was here—what he stood to gain if he kept his secrets buried. But peace was fleeting.
A vineyard worker approached, looking unsure. "Ziv, there's a woman asking for you."
Before he could respond, Noa emerged, her presence commanding. She was dressed to impress, her heels clicking against the dirt path as if she belonged in a high-rise office rather than a vineyard. Her confidence was palpable, her smile sharp as her eyes locked onto Ziv.
"Noa," Ziv said, stepping forward quickly, his voice low and controlled.
Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him, her embrace lingering just long enough to send a clear message.
Liora froze, the easy smile she had worn moments ago fading. Her eyes darted between Ziv and Noa, questions swirling in her mind.
"Noa, what are you doing here?" Ziv asked, pulling back abruptly but keeping his tone even.
"Oh, come on," Noa said, her tone laced with amusement. "You didn't think I'd be in the country and not see you, did you?"
Before Ziv could respond, Liora stepped forward, her voice polite but laced with curiosity. "Ziv, aren't you going to introduce us?"
"This is Noa," Ziv said, keeping his tone casual. "A friend from my time abroad."
Noa smirked but played along. "Yes, just an old friend."
Mr. Lior approached, his hospitable nature taking over. "Welcome, Noa. You must be tired from your journey. You're welcome to stay at our house for the night."
Ziv's stomach churned, but he couldn't object without raising suspicion. Noa's face lit up with feigned gratitude. "That's so kind of you, Mr. Lior. Thank you."
That evening, the tension in the house was suffocating. Noa played the role of the gracious guest, but her subtle glances at Ziv and the way she casually inserted herself into conversations made it clear she wasn't here to stay silent.
Liora watched, her expression calm but her eyes filled with quiet suspicion. Ziv avoided her gaze, focusing on maintaining his carefully constructed façade.
When the night finally ended, Ziv sat in the guest room, his mind racing. Noa was a problem he hadn't anticipated, but he couldn't let her ruin everything. Not now.
The next morning, Ziv offered to drive Noa to a hotel. Liora seemed relieved but said little as they left.
In the car, Noa leaned back, her tone sharp and teasing. "So, this is what you're doing now? Playing house with her?"
"What are you doing here, Noa?" Ziv asked, his tone controlled but edged with frustration.
She laughed softly. "I thought you'd be happy to see me. I wanted to surprise you."
"You shouldn't have come," he said, gripping the wheel tightly.
"Oh, Ziv," she said, her voice softening mockingly. "Don't pretend you don't miss me. Don't forget why we started this."
His jaw tightened. "That's over. I'm building something else now."
"Building?" she echoed, her tone sharp. "You mean using her? Just like you used me?"
Ziv's knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. "This isn't about you, Noa."
She leaned closer, her eyes flashing with anger. "It is now. Don't think you can just brush me aside, Ziv. I came here for you, and I'm not leaving until you hear me out."
Ziv pulled up to the hotel, his expression unreadable. As Noa stepped out, she leaned into the window one last time, her voice low and dangerous. "You're playing a risky game, Ziv. Let's see if you can keep your lies straight."
As he drove away, Ziv's mind churned with unease. Noa wasn't someone who gave up easily, and he knew her presence could unravel everything he had worked for.