Chapter 21

Olivia's POV

I sighed contentedly as I woke up to the gentle touch of her rubbing my head. Her warm body was still underneath me, providing a comforting presence. Shifting my head from her chest, I buried my face in her neck, allowing myself to indulge in the intoxicating scent that had occupied my thoughts far too often lately. It was like smelling something and being transported back to a cherished memory from the past.

Her scent evoked a sense of nostalgia, as if I had just returned to a lost home, one that I craved to revisit for years. That's precisely how she smelled - like the cozy, familiar haven I've always longed to find solace in.

"Are you awake?" She whispered against my ear, her words sending a shiver down my neck.

"No," I shook my head, reluctant to leave the warmth of her embrace just yet.

"Your phone won't stop buzzing," her heartbeat quickened anxiously. She was aware of my life outside of this moment, aware that I had a husband waiting for my return. Sooner or later, I would have to face reality.

"Let it buzz," I murmured, my lips finding the soft spot on her neck. My intentions were not to comfort her, but I was longing for her touch that I had missed.

"Oli," she sighed, succumbing to the sensation of my lips peppering kisses on her skin.

"What happened to 'baby'?" I raised an eyebrow, I felt a pang of sadness, realizing how easily I had lost that title.

"You told me to be yours for the night, and now the night is over," she said jokingly, but I could sense the pain behind her words.

"I should probably get going," I blurted out after a brief silence. I knew it was the worst thing to say, but I was at a loss for words in this situation.

"You should," her voice cracked, and I avoided meeting her gaze. I knew that looking into her eyes would only break my heart even more, and I didn't want to leave.

I rose from the couch, surprised that despite the cramped space, it had been the most restful sleep I had experienced in a while.

"Would it be okay if I used your bathroom?" I asked tentatively. She responded with a gentle hum of approval.

I freshened up in the bathroom, finding her still lying on the couch when I stepped out.

"I'll see you later in the studio?" I asked cautiously.

"Sure," she replied, her forehead covered by her hand. I leaned down and kissed the top of her head before walking out of her apartment, determined not to change my mind.

My phone had been buzzing incessantly since I woke up. I knew I must have received countless calls from Ava and Elijah, and I knew I would have to deal with it once I arrived home, something I wasn't particularly looking forward to.

"Where the hell were you?" Elijah shouted as soon as I entered the house.

"I was at Zoya's," I said calmly, tossing my keys onto the table and brushing past him to head to the room.

He grabbed my forearm, halting me in my tracks. "Do you have any idea how many times I called you?" he snapped.

I removed his grip from my arm and walked away without providing an answer. I should have felt some guilt toward him, but the only guilt I felt was for leaving Zoya the way I did. All I wanted now was to get dressed and go to the studio to see her, to make sure we were okay.

I quickly got ready for work and rushed to the office, searching everywhere for a glimpse of Zoya, but she was nowhere to be found.

Spotting Ezra deeply engaged in conversation with Lyla, I approached him. "Ezra, I need to talk to you," I said, pulling him aside.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice, as I discreetly glanced around to ensure privacy.

"I kissed Zoya," I blurted out, instantly regretting the words that escaped my lips.

"You did what?" Ezra gasped, struggling to keep his voice down.

"I know, I'm telling you as a friend. Please, don't lecture me about the potential scandal," I pleaded, hoping he would understand.

"Does Elijah know?" he questioned after a brief moment of silence, and I shook my head in response.

"I think the best course of action now is to explain to her that it was a one-time thing," he suggested before I interrupted him.

"Two times," I corrected, nervously biting my lower lip.

"Olivia!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.

"I stayed the night at her place and fell asleep holding her," I continued, my hand covering my face. I couldn't seem to stop confessing everything at this point.

"Do you remember all those times you spoke about butterflies and electricity?" I asked when he remained silent, his expression gradually changing as he realized the true extent of my feelings.

"Ezra... I really like her. I want her around me all the time. I want to see her, to be in her presence. I don't know what's happening to me," I confessed hurriedly, seeking some form of solace. He offered me a small, understanding smile.

"Liv, take a deep breath... I know this is overwhelming for you. So, you're saying it wasn't just a passing moment. You actually feel something significant for her?" he inquired, seeking clarification.

"I feel a lot for her, Ezra. A lot. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before. It feels so right," I admitted, a laugh escaping my lips as if I found my own words absurd.

"You know, I've always wished for you to find someone who makes you feel this way, but Zoya?" he stated in disbelief.

"I know... we work together, I'm married, she's much younger. I don't know what to do," I confessed, my frustration evident.

"Would you leave Elijah for her?" he questioned, causing my blood to run cold.

"I don't know," I said, shaking my head rapidly. "I just know I can't lose her. I don't want to lose her. The thought of it hurts."

"Liv, you're clearly unhappy in your relationship, and maybe now you can finally see that. But if you choose not to do anything about it after realizing, then you're not only ruining your life but also Zoya's and Elijah's. Innocent people," Ezra stated firmly.

"I know, I just need time. I need to talk to Zoya about all of this," I replied, searching anxiously for her presence.

"Did she ask you to leave him?" he inquired, curiosity evident in his voice.

"We didn't really discuss that or the kiss or me staying over," I explained.

"You just kissed the girl, slept at her place, and offered no explanation?" he asked, making me feel even worse about the situation. I nodded quietly in response.

"No wonder she asked for days off," Ezra commented, rubbing the back of his head.

"She what?" I asked, taken aback.

"Yeah, she called me this morning and said she's traveling to see her parents. She won't be in for a couple of days since it's not her shooting days. I said okay," Ezra shrugged.

"Where did she travel? Where did she go?" panic started to build up within me.

"I don't know. I didn't ask," he replied, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest.

"Call Sebastian. He would know," I urged him, pointing at his phone.

"Does he know about us?" Ezra asked, confusion evident in his voice.

"I don't know. I don't think so... I told you, I didn't ask. Just call him!" I snapped, losing my patience.

"What should I say?" he asked, perplexed.

"Figure it out, Ezra, please," I pleaded, feeling as if my world was spiraling out of control. Had I irreversibly messed things up? Is she never coming back?

I watched as Ezra dialed Sebastian's number, straining to hear his voice over the cacophony of my own thoughts.

"He'll send the address. It's a six-hour drive," he explained.

"What about by plane?" I asked, growing more agitated by the second.

"What exactly are you planning to do?" he inquired, clearly intrigued.

"I'm going to talk to her, explain my feelings, and prove that I'm not a total asshole," I responded angrily.

"I should really stop you, considering you have a shooting today. But at the same time, I'm happy to see you taking a step towards what you want. I'll send it to you as soon as I receive the details," he said with a grin.

I nodded gratefully, fully aware that I would have to make the arrangements for the flight myself. Getting through the airport was going to be a challenge, but I was determined and nothing else mattered.

As soon as Ezra texted me the address, I quickly booked a flight. Fortunately, I managed to find a seat in business class, which offered more privacy. It was important for me to avoid any potential unwanted attention and ensure that my actions remained discreet. I knew there was a risk of my picture being taken and Elijah and Ava finding out about my impulsive decision, but at that moment, my mind was solely focused on Zoya.

I couldn't pinpoint exactly when or how it happened, but I certainly knew why. I was falling for this girl who had entered my life like a tornado, completely upending my mundane existence. She had given me the opportunity to rebuild my life with vibrant colors, and I desperately wanted her to know the impact she had on me.