The lost sunshine

Chapter 5

Zeyan’s POV

I was cooking breakfast for both of us when I saw her coming downstairs.

“Feeling better now? You should’ve stayed in bed. I could’ve brought it to you,” I said gently.

“Hm… I’m fine. Mom and Farra booked dinner for my birthday. Do you want to come?” she replied shyly. “Dad and Zain will be there too.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. It’s a family dinner, anyway,” I said casually, even though I really wanted to go.

“Your family too,” she whispered.

I knew she was shy. What happened last night was unexpected. I didn’t want to force her into taking responsibility for it or start a relationship because of it. I liked her—I knew that—but I wasn’t willing to gamble everything on something rushed.

Hearing her say that made my heart leap, but to ease the tension, I decided to tease her.

“Why does this sound like a boyfriend meeting his in-laws?” I said with a smile.

“W-what? I—I didn’t mean—” she stammered.

I laughed. “I’m just joking. Let’s eat first.”

I served the breakfast and watched her.

She just stared at the food.

“Don’t you like it? I thought these were your favorites,” I asked.

“No, I like it… I just didn’t expect you to remember. Even Grandma, Grandpa, and Ma’am Rose… no one really remembers what I like,” she said, her eyes turning teary.

“Hey, no crying. You’ll look uglier,” I said, waving my hand. “I’ll always remember. And… happy birthday.”

I took out a necklace with a ruby heart pendant from my pocket and placed it around her neck, then gently patted her head.

She touched the pendant. “Are you still the Zeyan I know? You seem possessed,” she teased, her voice still soft.

“Since when have I not given you a birthday present? It’s second nature to me,” I replied.

“Thank you,” she muttered.

I smiled. “Let’s eat.”

As we ate, she looked normal—almost like nothing had happened last night. But her flushed cheeks and crimson ears told a different story. I laughed inwardly. Then my eyes caught the marks on her neck and collar.

Maybe I had been too rough… especially for our first time.

Without thinking, I asked, “Was I too rough?”

She immediately choked on her milk.

I quickly moved to pat her back.

Sarwa’s POV

Is there something on my face? Why is Zeyan staring at me like that?

I pretended not to notice.

“Was I too rough?” he asked so casually.

I choked on the milk I was drinking.

Seriously?! Is he out of his mind? This is so embarrassing. Of all the men in the world, I ended up with an i***t. Can’t he see I’m trying to forget what happened last night?

He’s got the looks, but where’s the brain?

How am I supposed to answer that? Should I agree, when my whole body still aches? Or deny it?

Thankfully, my phone rang. It was Julian.

“Hello, little princess. Happy birthday. Got any plans?” he said.

The atmosphere suddenly felt heavy.

I glanced at Zeyan. He looked like he wanted to murder me with his eyes.

“Yeah… I’m celebrating with Mom and Dad,” I replied cautiously.

“Ah, okay. I heard Mr. Rod and Mrs. Rose went to the countryside. Should I come along? I’ll bring your birthday present too,” he said.

I looked at Zeyan again.

One wrong answer and I felt like he’d snap.

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be staying at Mom’s house,” I said, making an excuse. Survival first.

“Alright, see you at school then.”

“Okay, see you.”

I hung up.

I glanced at Zeyan again. He seemed calmer.

“I’ll go back to sleep. I still feel tired,” I said, trying to leave.

“Go ahead,” he replied.

I quickly returned to my room and sighed in relief as soon as I closed the door.

What’s wrong with me? Why do I suddenly care about how Zeyan feels? Why did I feel guilty answering that call?

I hit my head lightly.

“Snap out of it, Sarwa. You’re not even in a relationship. Don’t assume he likes you. You practically forced him last night, remember? So why the hell do you care?” I muttered before throwing myself onto the bed.

I fell asleep almost immediately.

I don’t know how long I slept, but when I woke up, someone was hugging me from behind.

froze.

I tried to move, but he pulled me closer.

“Stay a little longer. It’s still early,” he whispered, then kissed my cheek.

A chill ran down my spine, and I stayed still.

Wait… what are we doing?

What are we?

Zeyan’s POV

I was awakened by the alarm I had set.

I looked down at Sarwa, still sleeping in my arms. How I wished we could stay like this forever.

I kissed her forehead, then her lips, before gently waking her.

“Get dressed so you won’t be late.”

She slowly opened her eyes. Damn… she looked so tempting. I had to brace myself before helping her sit up.

As she was about to enter the bathroom, I asked what she planned to wear so I could prepare it for her. She told me, and I immediately got everything ready.

Life like this felt… too good. If this was a dream, I didn’t want to wake up. How wonderful would it be if she became my wife?

I smiled to myself, lost in that thought, when she came out of the bathroom. I quickly walked over and helped dry her hair.

She didn’t complain, but her cheeks and ears turned crimson.

“Can you step out for a moment? I need to get dressed,” she said shyly.

I nodded and walked out, standing just outside the closed door.

Time passed. I wanted to go back in, but I was afraid she might think I was overstepping, so I waited.

A moment later, the door opened slightly and she peeked out.

“Can you help me zip my dress?” she asked.

I nodded and stepped inside.

After zipping up the back of her dress, my eyes caught the marks on her neck—they were quite noticeable.

“Do you want me to apply makeup to cover them?” I asked, a bit shy.

“You know how?”

I nodded and guided her to sit down.

She pointed to her makeup kit, and I picked it up and started carefully.

The truth was, I had enrolled in a makeup class… thinking that someday, I could help my future wife like this.

And right now—

She looked absolutely ethereal.