CHAPTER 8

But something in her told her this wasn't right—not like this, not when he wasn't fully himself. Gathering her strength, she gently pushed him away, her heart heavy with concern for him. "Ethan, please," she whispered, her voice shaky, "let me help you."

Ethan blinked, his expression softening as if he was slowly realizing what had just happened. His grip on her loosened, and he let her go. Emily quickly got up, rushing to fetch water, her heart still pounding from the unexpected moment. However, She didn't know what had led Ethan to this state, but she knew he needed her help now more than ever.

Emily ran to her room, her heart pounding from the events that had just unfolded. She couldn't stop thinking about what had happened between her and Ethan. Why did he kiss me? Her mind was racing, but she couldn't ignore the fact that Ethan had never crossed a line with her before. She knew he had been drinking, and that made her think—maybe it wasn't intentional, maybe he was just acting under the influence. She shook her head, deciding that if she ever reminded him of it, he would surely be embarrassed.

Exhausted by her thoughts, Emily finally drifted off to sleep, though her mind was still restless.

In her dream, the world felt different—so vivid and intense. She found herself standing close to Ethan, so close that not even a breath of air could pass between them. His presence was overwhelming, his eyes filled with something that made her heart race. He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, and then they were kissing—passionately, deeply—against a wall. One of his hands rested on her belly, the other holding hers tightly, pinning it to the wall as their bodies pressed together.

Ethan's kiss grew more urgent, filled with a hunger that sent shivers down her spine. His voice, low and husky, whispered against her lips, "You want to continue, baby girl?"

Emily felt herself melt into him, completely lost in the moment. She didn't want to be anywhere else. Standing on the tips of her toes, she lifted herself higher, trying to reach him, wanting to kiss him more, wanting to feel closer. As she pressed her lips to his chin, Ethan's lips gently grazed her nose, sending a flutter of warmth through her body.

In her dream, it felt like nothing else existed but the two of them—no boundaries, no fears—just the overwhelming sensation of being completely connected. Ethan couldn't hold back any longer and kissed her again, more urgently this time, as though nothing in the world could stop him.

Emily's POV

"Why am I having these kinds of dreams about Ethan?" The question lingered in Emily's mind as she stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. "I respect him so much, but this... it's not right." She felt a wave of guilt wash over her. Ethan had always been there for her, protecting her, caring for her, but her dream had crossed a boundary—one that made her uncomfortable.

"I need to distance myself," she thought, her heart heavy. "Someday, Ethan will get married, and his focus will shift. He may not be able to take care of me like he does now." That thought stung more than she expected. "I need to focus on my studies, work hard, and become independent. I couldn't rely on him forever".

After completing her morning rituals, Emily stood by her closet, preparing for the day but filled with dread. How would she face Ethan after what had happened last night? The kiss had been in a dream, but it felt too real, too close. If she mentioned it, Ethan might be embarrassed. "I need space..." she decided. "Maybe I should go to Cynthia's for a few days."

Resolute, Emily started packing her things.

She was almost ready to leave when the door to her room opened, and there stood Ethan, his presence filling the space as always.

"Where are you going, little girl?" Ethan asked, his tone gentle yet curious.

Emily froze, her heart racing. She wasn't prepared for this confrontation. Panic set in as she avoided his gaze, looking anywhere but at him. Before she could answer, Ethan's sharp eyes caught something just under her ear. His expression darkened.

"What's that?" he asked, his voice suddenly cold, as he stepped closer and noticed the faint mark on her skin.

Emily's hand flew to her neck, realizing what he must be seeing. "Oh no", she thought.

"He doesn't remember anything from last night..."

"Who gave you that mark?" Ethan's voice was now filled with anger, his gaze hardening.

"Who is the man?"

Emily's heart sank. "He doesn't remember." She could feel her chest tightening with anxiety. If she told him the truth—that the mark was from last night when they had fallen together—it would only embarrass him. She decided to stay silent, knowing how much it would hurt their relationship.

Her silence only seemed to fuel Ethan's frustration. His jaw clenched as he looked at her with suspicion.