Ezekiel's POV.
I realized I had taken Isabella's words too seriously, which I shouldn't have. She was always so straightforward, never hesitating to speak her mind, and I admired that about her. But in my own confusion, I had overthought things, and avoiding her earlier didn't feel right. I actually enjoyed spending time with her. So when she mentioned not feeling up for college and having the weekend free, I saw an opportunity and suggested a trip to Amalfi. It had been a long time since I'd visited, and it felt like the perfect escape.
Her face lit up when I mentioned it, and that made me feel good. I turned the car around, heading back to the mansion so we could pack our bags. Isabella was still bubbling with excitement as we prepared, and I found myself relaxing more, the awkwardness from earlier fading into the background.
By noon, we were at the airport, and within five hours, we landed in Amalfi. The familiar sea breeze and the sight of the colorful cliffs brought back memories, and I felt a wave of peace wash over me.
A driver was waiting for us at the airport, and as soon as he spotted me, he approached with a respectful nod and took our luggage.
Isabella sidled up to me and whispered, "Is that your man?"
I nodded, smiling at her curiosity.
"You said I haven't taken you to my home."
I chuckled softly, "So, I thought I'd show you now."
"Wait, so you and Mom came here?" She asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"No," I replied, shaking my head. "Your mom hasn't been here. I come here alone sometimes when I need to get away."
As I spoke, I opened the car door for her. Isabella smiled, appreciating the gesture, and slid into the passenger seat.
After thirty minutes, we finally arrived at my mansion in Amalfi. It was a place I retreated to whenever I needed peace and solitude. Isabella's eyes widened with awe as she stepped inside, taking in the grand space.
"Wow, Mr. Ezekiel, is this really your mansion?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
I nodded, smiling at her reaction. "Yes."
"It's so beautiful," she said, strolling around the living room, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
I watched her for a moment, then said, "You can choose any room for yourself."
Isabella chuckled as she walked back toward me. "I'm so lucky you brought me here before my mom," she teased with a playful glint in her eyes.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips. She had a way of disarming me with her lightheartedness. "Go freshen up. It's getting close to evening. We'll head out for dinner soon," I said, trying to shift the conversation.
She nodded and went upstairs, while I sighed and pulled out my phone. No calls from Kathrine. I'd tried reaching her so many times, but nothing. What's going on with her? She had promised to return today, but once again, she hadn't followed through.
With a heavy heart, I put the phone down and headed to my room. After a quick shower, I stepped out of the bathroom and froze. Isabella was standing in the doorway, smiling.
"So, this is your room. Your taste is always so perfect," she said, her tone light, admiring the space.
I felt a little caught off guard. "Uh, yeah, this is it," I said, unsure how to react to her sudden presence.
I opened my closet, pulling out a shirt when Isabella's voice broke the silence.
"You have a really nice body, Mr. Ezekiel," she said with a smirk.
I glanced over my shoulder, surprised by her comment. "Your mom talks way too much about me."
Isabella tilted her head playfully and stepped closer. Without hesitation, she reached out and began buttoning my shirt. Her fingers brushed against mine, and I instinctively moved my hand away, feeling uneasy.
"She didn't lie, though," Isabella continued, concentrating on the buttons. "It's true—you are handsome."
My gaze settled on her face. Her long eyelashes, her calm confidence—it all caught me off guard. I stood there, speechless, watching her finish the last button. When she looked up, her eyes met mine, and I felt an unfamiliar agitation.
"There, all done," she said lightly, as if nothing unusual had happened. She flashed a smile and turned away, walking out of the room without a second glance.
I stood still, trying to collect myself. She's my lover's daughter, I reminded myself, feeling a knot form in my chest. This wasn't something I could afford to take lightly. I pressed my lips together, exhaling slowly as I fought the conflicting emotions swirling in my head.
"Mr. Ezekiel, come on, hurry up!" Isabella called from the hallway, her tone cheerful, unaware of the turmoil inside me.
I shook my head, quickly pulled myself together, and made my way out.
I drove back from the restaurant with Isabella after our late dinner. She seemed exhausted as we returned to the mansion. "Mr. Ezekiel, I'm so tired. I'll go to bed," she said, her voice soft and sleepy.
I watched her for a moment as she disappeared into her room, closing the door behind her. I sighed and went to my own room, sitting on the edge of the bed. My phone buzzed again—several missed calls from my father. I knew Michael must have told him I had brought a girl to the mansion.
With a deep breath, I called him back. His harsh voice echoed immediately through the speaker. "Ezekiel, what am I hearing? You brought a girl there?"
"She's my friend's daughter, Dad," I replied, trying to keep calm.
"Friend?" he scoffed. "Do you think I don't know? You're dating a woman twice your age. She is my rival."
His words stung, but I wasn't in the mood to let it get to me. "Dad, if you know everything, why are you asking? I don't care about your rivalries."
He laughed, a mocking sound. "You're being used, Ezekiel. She doesn't love you. She's after your property and your money."
I stared out the window into the dark sky. "Dad, everyone's using me for that. Even my own family."
There was a pause, then he shouted, "How dare you talk to me like that! I'm your father!"
"Grandpa gave me the property because he knew better than to trust his cheater son," I shot back, feeling the frustration build.
Before he could respond, my bedroom door creaked open. I turned to see Isabella standing there, looking tired and slightly disoriented.
"Ezekiel…" she said softly, her voice sleepy.
"Isabella!"
I ended the call. "What's wrong?" I asked.
"I can't sleep alone. I'm scared," she admitted, rubbing her eyes.
"I want to sleep with you."
Before I could say anything, she climbed onto the bed and laid down beside me, her sleepy face peaceful. I stood there, frozen, unsure how to react as I watched her lying on the bed.