Zoya’s P.O.V
My head was pounding, and I could barely keep myself together as I vomited out all the contents of my stomach into the toilet, which wasn’t much since I hadn't even had breakfast yet.
The nausea was overwhelming, and I felt terrible for making such a mess; my only consolation was that I was able to make it to the toilet by the time I hurled.
Ezra gently held my hair back, offering comfort and support, concern etched all over his face. "What’s wrong, love?" he asked, worry evident in his voice.
I couldn’t explain what I was feeling. It was a given that I already felt like crap, but other than the wave of nausea that overwhelmed me, I didn’t know what to say. Moreover, I felt disgusting. I couldn’t turn to face him.
The suddenness of it all had caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with me.
As I retched, my mind raced with questions and concerns. Could it be something I ate? Or maybe I was coming down with a stomach bug? I tried to dismiss the thoughts and focus on getting through the moment, but the persistent feeling of unease lingered.
I didn't have any illnesses, as far as I could remember, and I was pretty sure I was as healthy as a healthy person could be. I was a doctor, so I generally kept myself in top physical condition. Otherwise, what kind of patient would entrust their health to an unhealthy doctor, right?
Was this a side effect of my birth control pills, then? Do I need to get checked? Should I consult another doctor and have my prescription updated or something?
After what felt like an eternity, the nausea finally subsided, leaving me feeling weak and shaky. I flushed the toilet and slowly stood up, splashing some water on my face to wash away the remnants of sickness.
Ezra stepped aside to let me freshen up, not forcing me to answer, which I appreciated, since I also didn’t know what was happening, though I was leaning on it due to something I ate…
The reflection in the mirror showed a pale, worried woman staring back at me.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to collect myself. Maybe I was just overreacting, and it was nothing serious.
Yeah, it must be nothing serious.
Taking a deep breath, I finally managed to reply, "I think it was the sushi Cam offered me for lunch yesterday.”
I pressed a towel against my face to gently dry off the droplets of water on my skin. “I'm not a fan of raw meat,” I continued, “but I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I had some. It must be the reason I'm feeling like this."
I wasn’t sure if Ezra believed that, because he looked skeptical and concerned, but thankfully, he didn't push further.
If he had, then I would have had more time to think about it, and then I probably also wouldn’t have believed myself either.
But he didn’t ask, so I pushed it into the back of my mind.
He helped me out of the bathroom, and we returned to the living room.
I felt exhausted and wanted nothing more than to rest. Ezra suggested that I lie down, and I gratefully complied, sinking into the soft cushions of the couch.
Okay, now I feel a whole lot better. Especially when Ezra sat next to me and wrapped his arms around me in a comforting embrace.
"Zoya…when is it?" Ezra suddenly asked, his fingers tracing patterns lightly on my back. "The wedding? Tell me so I can go with you."
"No, Ezra," I said, trying to steady my voice, trying to ignore the panic that was rising in me. “There’s really no need.”
It wasn't that I was ashamed of him. If I could, I would definitely show him off to the rest of the world, just so they would know that I landed on a jackpot with him. He was the whole package, after all, he was everything I could ever ask for and more.
It was just that… I was ashamed of my family. I knew they would keep poking at me and blaming me for things I never did and never will do and they would basically verbally abuse me, and I would have to sit there, taking it all without putting up a fight, or else I would be the dramatic, jealous bitch of a cousin who ruined Tania's wedding.
And I was ashamed to show Ezra that side of my life. I didn't want him to see how my family would treat me, and how I would have to let them if I didn’t want to be labeled the ‘drama queen’.
"You don't have to go through the crap that I do," I told him insistently. "It's my battle to face, and I don't want to put you in an uncomfortable position. You know that they're incredibly nosey. All my relatives are, and they'll be all up your business, and you wouldn't be able to do anything about that! I don't want you to go through all that."
I managed a light-hearted chuckle, just to put him at ease.
He looked a little disappointed but ultimately agreed. I liked that about him; he didn't push things when I put up boundaries.
"If that's what you want," he said. "I'll respect your decision. But remember, I'll always be here for you. You know I can sense your emotions, right?" He leaned in to place a tender kiss on my forehead.
Finally, he got up from the couch and carried me to my room, much to my half-hearted protests and giggles, and tucked me under the covers. He pressed another kiss on my forehead, making me smile and feel all warm and tingly on the inside.
"Stay there," he said with a wink. "I'll get you breakfast in bed. You need that after you just emptied your stomach."
I winked back. "I'm not going anywhere."
After settling me in the bedroom to rest, Ezra left to prepare breakfast in the kitchen. As he turned away from me, I could see a hint of disappointment in his eyes as he realized he won't be accompanying me to the wedding, an emotion bubbling just beneath the surface of his smiles.
And as he walked away, his back facing me, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for keeping the real reason from him.
What I told him was only part of the reason, and there was actually more of it.
I knew the truth — if I showed up with Ezra, my family would unleash their judgment upon him and me.
They had never been supportive or accepting of my choices, no matter what I did. To them, I'm always the one at fault, the black sheep of the family. But I was used to it already, all the humiliation and the judgment.
But it wasn't just about me.
My heart ached at the thought of them attacking Ezra too. They will question his job, his ancestry, and even his marital status. I can't bear the idea of subjecting him to their scrutiny and humiliation.
In my parents' eyes, only certain professions were acceptable - a high-level doctor, a professor, or an engineer. Anything less is deemed unworthy and unfit to be associated with their family name.
I want to shield Ezra from their harsh opinions and protect him from their prying questions.
But I can't bring myself to put him through that ordeal. He deserved better than to be dragged into my family's narrow-mindedness.
I wish they could see him the way I do - kind, caring, and full of love. He's been my rock, and I want to protect him as much as he protects me.
So, for now, I'll face this battle alone, hoping that someday my family will come to accept and understand the love we share.
But until then, I'll cherish every moment we have together, away from the judgmental eyes of the world.