Chapter Two: Morning After
270 Words
Zara woke up slowly.
Not because she wanted to—
But because something felt… off.
Too quiet.
Her eyes opened, adjusting to the soft light.
Then it hit her.
Everything.
The bar.
The elevator.
Him.
Her breath caught as she turned—
But the bed beside her was empty.
Cold.
He was gone.
“You’re awake.”
Zara froze.
Her head snapped toward the voice.
Ethan Cole stood by the window, already dressed like last night meant nothing.
Her chest tightened.
“You left.”
“I didn’t,” he said calmly. “You were sleeping.”
That annoyed her more than it should have.
“This was a mistake,” she said.
“You’re right.”
She frowned. “That’s it?”
“You want me to lie?”
Silence.
Heavy.
Zara stood up quickly, grabbing her clothes.
“I shouldn’t have followed you.”
“No,” he said.
“But you did.”
She stopped.
Turned slowly.
“And you don’t regret it?”
His eyes held hers.
“No.”
Her breath caught.
Because neither did she.
And that was the problem.
“Zara,” he said.
She paused at the door.
“If you walk out now… don’t come back.”
Her heart skipped.
“And if I stay?”
A small pause.
His eyes darkened.
Then—
“Everything changes.”
Her heart pounded.
Loud.
Too loud.
She hesitated…
Just for a second.
Because part of her wanted to stay.
Wanted him.
But—
She opened the door.
And walked out.
Not knowing…
He was already reaching for his phone.
“Find her.”
- Writer
