Zoe’s Point Of View

I wake up slowly, as if emerging from a warm, heavy dream. Before I even open my eyes, I feel something different: a solid, living warmth enveloping my waist. A heavy arm. A body pressed against mine. My heart races. I open my eyes and everything falls into place. Cole is behind me, completely wrapped around my body, his firm chest pressed against my back. His fingers rest just above my belly, as if protecting me even in his sleep.

Last night, he insisted on sleeping on the floor—stubborn as ever—but I wouldn't let him. I needed him close. And maybe he needed me too. So we shared the bed, each in our own corner. At least that was the intention. Now, without me being able to explain how, our bodies have found each other in the middle of the mattress. We're spooning, and it's absurdly comfortable. A comfort I shouldn't be feeling.

Because I have a boyfriend. James.

My chest tightens with guilt. I haven't really thought about him in days, haven't spent even five minutes thinking about how he must be feeling. He must know about the accident. Maybe he thinks I died. Or that I disappeared on purpose. The idea of hurting him unintentionally tears me apart inside. I promise myself that I'll call him as soon as I'm safe. I'll explain everything. I'll be honest. And then we'll decide the future of our relationship together.

But for now... I can't deny the truth. Cole's touch affects me. Much more than it should.

I try to pull away slowly, thinking he'll let go. But no—he just tightens his grip, pulling me closer, as if protecting something from himself. He murmurs something inaudible, his warm breath on my neck. My stomach churns. Gently, I slide forward until I'm free of his arm. He doesn't wake up. I turn over in bed to watch him. When he's asleep, Cole seems like a different person. The tension in his shoulders relaxes, his jaw loosens, and there's something almost... vulnerable about him. But not weak. Not even close. It's as if he carries the weight of things he doesn't share with anyone.

I stare for too long. I sigh, forcing myself to get up.

The room is quiet, comfortable, too cozy for someone who is running from a man who wants to kill me. I walk over to the window and look out at the immaculate garden—flowers, white stones, everything so orderly that I feel a tightness in my chest. The safer the house seems, the more I realize the chaos inside me. I go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, and tie my hair in a loose ponytail. I put on shorts over the oversized shirt Cole bought me at the thrift store—and which still smells like him. I slowly go downstairs. The house is quiet, lit by the morning sun streaming through the huge windows. The kitchen smells of fresh coffee—something that reminds me that, before all this, I was a normal person who needed caffeine to function. Lily is there, sitting at the table with a cup of tea in her hands.

When she sees me, her face lights up.

"Good morning, Zoe."

"Good morning," I reply with a shy smile.

"Would you like some coffee?"

My heart almost jumps out of my chest.

"Please." She pours the cup and places a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of me. The smell is irresistible. "Thank you," I say, picking up my fork.

Lily watches me with an affection I don't understand. Maybe it's because I'm the first window she has into the world of the son who excluded her from his life.

"May I ask how you met Cole?" she says shyly. "I know you've noticed that things between us... aren't good. But contrary to what he thinks, I love him. And I want to know about his life."

There is so much sadness in her voice that my chest tightens. I know what it's like to miss a mother.

"We met in a complicated situation," I reply carefully. "And Cole has been... my salvation."

Lily smiles with a melancholy gleam.

"He's always been like that. Trying to save everyone—even when no one saved him."

"You raised a good man, Lily."

She shakes her head bitterly.

"The credit goes to his father. He wasn't a good husband, but he was a good father. Much better than I was as a mother."

I don't know what to say. She blames herself so much that it hurts to watch. But before I can say anything, the front door opens.

"Mom!"

The male voice echoes through the house. Lily gets up immediately.

"We're in the kitchen!"

A man enters. Young, handsome, blond hair and green eyes. A charming smile. He kisses his mother on the cheek and hugs her.

"I missed you, Mom."

I lower my eyes, smiling slightly at their display of affection. Lily wastes no time.

"Josh, this is Zoe. Your brother's girlfriend."

My breath catches—not because of Josh, but because of the word. Girlfriend. Josh extends his hand with an easy smile.

“Nice to meet you, Zoe. I came to see Cole, but I’m glad to find someone so beautiful here.” I blush.

“Thank you,” I murmur, and then I hear a growl.

I turn to find Cole standing in the kitchen doorway, jaw clenched, dark—and unfriendly—gaze fixed on his brother. The contrast between them is striking. Josh is light and easygoing. Cole is a storm waiting to happen. Lily runs toward them, excited as a child on Christmas morning.

“Cole, this is Josh, your brother.” The two stare at each other.

And it's ice. Biting cold. A heavy silence.

"Josh," Cole says, without any emotion.

"Nice to meet you, man," Josh replies, mirroring the tension.

Then Cole comes over to me. His hand rests on my shoulder, firm, possessive, protective. His lips touch my forehead—a small caress, but enough to calm something deep inside me.

"Good morning," he whispers.

My heart melts a little. Lily, trying to ignore the electric spark between the brothers, speaks excitedly.

"Since you two are here, and Octavia is coming home from school later, I thought we could have a special dinner tonight. Richard will be here at six. It would be so nice to have the whole family together." Cole stands still. His gaze drifts away—far away.

Before he can refuse, I speak quickly.

"We'd love to."

I feel his fingers squeeze my shoulder in silent disagreement. Still, he takes a deep breath, trying to control himself. Josh also seems uncomfortable with the idea, but only says:

“I’m going to take a shower. Zoe, it was nice to meet you. See you later.” He glances at Cole before leaving. It’s subtle, but not friendly.

When the hallway is empty, I break the silence.

“Lily… I don’t have any appropriate clothes for dinner. I left Seattle in a hurry, and everything your son bought me looks like something a teenage skateboarder would wear.”

Cole grumbles behind me.

“Hey!”

Lily laughs, a soft sound.

"Of course we'll fix that. We can look at something of mine. Or Octavia's."

"Thank you," I reply, feeling relief wash over me.

Cole then turns to me, serious.

"I'm going out for a few hours. I'll be back soon."

Lily calls after him, ignoring the fact that he continues to pretend she doesn't exist.

"Want to eat something before you go?"

"No." He looks at me. Only at me. "I'm not hungry." Cole comes closer, holds my face, and kisses my forehead again—this time slower, more necessary. "Will everything be okay?" he asks quietly.

"Yes, Cole. It will." He hesitates for a second, but then leaves.

Lily watches her son disappear through the door, the same sad gleam from before returning. When she finally looks back at me, she sighs.

"Thank you for accepting dinner. I know he didn't want you to."

I smile back, trying to reassure her.

"I'm happy to be here, Lily. Let's make this a good day."

She returns the smile, and for the first time since I woke up, I feel something close to calm. Even though I know that outside, the danger still exists. Even though I know that my world is a tightrope about to snap. But for a few hours... Maybe I can believe in the grace of this moment.