Ezra's P.O.V
As I drove us back home, I wondered if Zoya could feel my occasional concerned glances at her through the side view mirror.
If she did, she couldn't bring herself to meet my eyes.
I was worried sick when I sensed her panic through our bond earlier, and found that she wasn't at home. But once Cam had told me via their telepathic bond that Zoya was with her, I had been immensely relieved.
Zoya had told me what had caused it... it’s just that…I didn't entirely believe her when she said that it had been nothing, just a slip of a glass that was about to hit the floor, because it had seemed so real, so intense, despite only being short-lived.
But since Zoya told me there was nothing to worry about, I forced myself to think that it was truly nothing.
"Ezra, I'm sorry," she finally spoke up, most likely not being able to take the pressure of the thick silence. “That I worried you today.”
There was nobody following us, so I stopped the car, turning to face her, and gently lifted her chin with my fingers.
"There's no need to apologize, Zoya," I said, my voice tender and reassuring. "I just got worried when I felt your fear. And I'm relieved that you're okay."
"I'm sorry," she said again, and I took her hand in mine, pressing a kiss to the back of it.
"Don't be."
I don’t know if I was overthinking it too much but…strangely enough, it almost felt like…guilt.
Like Zoya wasn’t just apologizing about worrying me…but she was guilty about something…
Shaking my head to get that ridiculous thought out of my head, we resumed our drive home, her hand held tightly in mine. She didn't speak and wouldn't meet my eyes for the rest of the way back, and I figured that she was just tired.
I didn't want to stress her out, so I didn't pressure her into speaking.
Finally, we got home, and I offered to help Zoya make dinner as a way to unwind and spend some quality time together.
As we moved around the kitchen, our movements are synchronized, almost as if we've been doing this together for years.
The aroma of the ingredients filled the air, and I couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly we complemented each other in the kitchen. Even Zoya's exhaustion seemed to lift a little.
"Let me chop those vegetables for you," I offered, reaching for the knife and the cutting board.
Zoya managed a smile, handing me the vegetables. "Thanks," she mumbled. "You're a natural at this."
I chuckled, enjoying the domesticity of the moment. "I've had some practice," I admitted. "But it's even better when I'm cooking with you."
Together, we created a delicious meal, laughing and talking as we went, though I was mostly carrying the conversation because her smile still didn't quite reach her eyes.
The joy of being in each other's company was palpable somehow, and it warmed my heart to be here with her, doing things together like a family.
As the food sizzled on the stove, I stole glances at Zoya, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude that she's a part of my life now.
Once dinner was ready, we set the table and sat down to enjoy the meal we prepared together.
The burst of flavors in my mouth almost made me groan out loud, and I couldn't help but notice how content Zoya looked. Despite her lack of energy, her eyes sparkling with happiness now as we enjoyed our food together.
I'm grateful that we can share these simple yet meaningful moments together, creating beautiful memories that I'll cherish forever.
After dinner, I took Zoya's hand and led her to our room. I had made sure that she had a private room to herself as her own personal space, but I also wanted us to have a room we could share.
I was a little hesitant at first since I knew Zoya probably wouldn’t be comfortable about it before marriage, that was until I realized that we had hardly been apart ever since the first night together.
Inside the room was bathed in a soft, warm glow from the bedside lamps, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and anticipation.
This room represented a new beginning for both of us, a place where we could build our future, our life, together.
I pulled her close to me, wrapping my arms around her waist. "Did you like it?” I asked, my voice filled with anticipation. “I picked out a few things so you can feel comfortable.”
Zoya looked up at me, her eyes sparking with joy and her smile radiant. "It's beautiful," she whispered. “It’s everything I could dream about.”
"I'm glad you like it," I replied, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "This is our new beginning, the start of our happily ever after. And I want us to make new memories every single day. I want you to be the first person I see when I open my eyes and I want to go to sleep right next to you every night, Zoya."
Zoya's eyes hazed over with emotion as she placed a hand on my cheek. "I feel so lucky to have you," she said softly.
The intensity of my emotions nearly overwhelmed me, and I pulled her into a passionate kiss. I wanted to go further, but Zoya pulled away quickly, saying that she needed to take a shower before sleep.