Ethan's POV
I couldn't watch her like that—alone, vulnerable, freezing in the wind.
Without a second thought, I grabbed the throw blanket from the bed and stepped outside. The cold air hit me instantly, but it didn't matter.
I walked toward her.
She didn't turn around, but I knew she sensed me.
Gently, I draped the blanket around her shoulders. Her body stiffened at first… then slowly relaxed.
I sat beside her without saying a word.
For a while, we just listened to the sound of waves crashing, the distant music from the resort fading into the background.
"You know, Ethan…" Her words came out slowly, slurred from the alcohol, but heavy with pain. "My foster parents… they loved me. And I loved them too…"
She stared at the ocean, her voice trembling.
"But when that video leaked… they didn't even ask why. They just… threw me out."
I froze.
"They didn't stop to think. Where would I go? What would I do?" Her laugh was bitter, broken. "If I was really their daughter, would they have done that, Ethan?"
She turned to me, eyes glassy and distant. "You're lucky. You have everything. Everyone stands beside you…"
Her voice cracked again, but she kept speaking, desperate to release what she had buried for so long.
"I have no one. I had to do everything… alone. If I don't work, there's no money. If I fall sick, no one even knows…"
A tear slipped down her cheek, but she didn't wipe it away.
"But you—your video leaked and your family still stood with you. They protected you."
She choked on her next words, trying to hold herself together.
"But me…" she whispered, then stopped, shaking her head. "Never mind."
Before I could say anything, she turned and walked away, her steps unsteady but determined.
By the time I reached our room, she was already curled up on the couch, asleep.
No blanket. No comfort.
I walked over quietly, watching her curled up on the couch, arms wrapped tightly around herself like she was still trying to protect what little remained of her strength.
Without a word, I took the blanket from the bed and gently draped it over her. She didn't stir.
For a moment, I stood there… just watching her. Ember Rose. So misunderstood. So alone.
Tomorrow, I decided, we'd explore the island. Have some fun. A little distraction wouldn't hurt.
I watched her from the hallway—still curled on the couch, blanket half slipping off. She looked so peaceful, yet there was a sadness etched even in her sleep.
I wanted to make this day different for her. Lighter. Happier. If Veronica happened to see it and burn with jealousy, then so be it.
"Get up, Ember," I said, tossing a small bag her way. "You've got ten minutes to get ready."
She blinked up at me groggily. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see. Trust me."
Ten minutes later, she walked out in a floral wrap dress, her hair tied in a lazy ponytail, bare feet brushing the warm wooden floor. She looked stunning—and completely unaware of it.
I led her down to the private dock, where a speedboat waited. Her eyes widened. "I've never been on one of these."
"I know," I said with a soft smile. "You're going to love it."
Once we were out on the water, she clutched the sides nervously as the boat skimmed over waves. The wind tangled in her hair, the sun kissed her cheeks, and despite herself, she started laughing. Pure. Loud. Free.
"You're not scared anymore?" I asked.
"I still am," she yelled over the wind, "but it's… fun."
We stopped near a quiet cove. The water was crystal clear, shifting shades of turquoise and blue. I handed her a snorkeling mask.
She stared at it. "I don't know how to do this."
"I'll show you," I said, reaching over to help her strap it on. Our fingers brushed, and for a second, she froze—but didn't pull away.
We jumped in. She squealed at first, the chill hitting her skin, but soon she was floating beside me, her laughter echoing in the cove. We spotted fish darting beneath us, colorful and fast.
When we climbed back onto the boat, soaked and breathless, she flopped beside me, her face glowing with joy.
"That… was amazing," she said, grinning at the sky.
"Glad you liked it."
As we cruised back, I noticed Veronica standing on the resort terrace, watching us. Her arms folded, her expression unreadable.
Yeah. Let her see. Let her wonder.
Today wasn't about her.
Today was Ember's day.