“Thank you,” I said to the woman who guided me to Ethan’s mud house, while Ethan stayed back to drink with some of the guys.
“Did you grow up in the same orphanage as Ethan?” I asked. She looked a little older than Ethan and most of the other people I saw him mingling with.
A warm smile spread across her face, and she shook her head. “No, only a few people here know Mr. Marcel from the orphanage. The rest of us are rescues,” she replied.
“Rescues?” I repeated, confused. “Would you mind explaining it to me?”
She smiled as she opened the door, and a cool, natural breeze welcomed us, carrying an earthy scent.
I looked around and noticed the cozy, well-ventilated space. The living room was small, with chairs made of bamboo, and there was a tiny kitchen in the corner. A staircase beside the kitchen led to an open room upstairs. Even from the doorway, I could see some of the room’s features.
I stared in awe. It was the smallest space I’d ever seen Ethan own, but it also looked the most comfortable.
The woman was about to show me around when I stopped her, my curiosity still lingering. “What do you mean by ‘rescues’?” I asked again. I wanted to know everything about Ethan.
“Some of us here were people Mr. Marcel was ordered to kill, but instead, he rescued us and brought us to this island,” the woman said. My heart instantly fluttered for Ethan, and I smiled.
“He did?” I asked, and she nodded.
“I used to work for Mr. Christof. One day, I walked in on him murdering a woman. I fled, but he put a hit on my head. I was supposed to be dead, but thanks to Mr. Marcel and this island, I can live freely without anyone knowing,” she explained.
Oh, my darling Ethan, I thought, falling deeper for him as she spoke.
“Does that mean he isn’t a criminal?” I asked, watching her squint, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
“I don’t know, my dear. When I worked for Christof, I saw all the atrocities they committed. But now that I’m here, I also see all the good Mr. Marcel has done. You can’t call him either a devil or a saint,” the woman said. I nodded, understanding exactly what she meant.
There were gray areas, and Ethan dwelled in one. I had been so used to seeing the world in black and white.
“Let me show you around,” the woman offered, gently changing the topic.
She pointed out the little details that made the place special-handmade woven rugs, shelves lined with clay pots and wooden carvings. The bedroom was simple but inviting, with a swing-like bed hanging from a frame. The ceiling of the bedroom could be converted, opening up to reveal the beauty of the sky.
Beside the bedroom was a balcony that allowed me to take in the view of the whole island. Everything in the house seemed touched by nature, from the cool breeze that flowed freely through the open windows to the earthy scent of the mud walls.
“If you need anything, just let me know,” the woman said with a warm smile as she stood by the exit. I nodded, smiling back at her.
“Thank you,” I said. She smiled faintly, nodding before walking out the door.
After she left, I moved back to the balcony, taking in the surroundings. We could stay here forever, I thought, gazing at the perfect community Ethan had built. Guilt tugged at me as I considered leaving everything behind and just staying here once I was sure Ethan was safe.
“I’m going to convince Ethan to stay here,” I resolved, and as if on cue, I spotted him strolling toward the house in the distance. A radiant smile lit up his face as he savored the cool breeze, walking alone in contentment.
“My darling,” I thought, my heart swelling with pride as I gazed at the handsome man who belonged to me. I had never felt so proud to be by Ethan’s side. As I continued to watch, I couldn’t help but be captivated by how the serene surroundings made him appear even more chiseled and handsome.
As he approached the door, I ran to open it and confessed my love for him. “I love you,” I whispered, jumping into his arms.
Ethan caught me, his hands cradling me with a gentleness that made me feel secure.
“What did you say?” he asked teasingly, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“I love you,” I repeated, my voice soft as he carried me into the house and closed the door behind us.
I gazed at him, placing gentle kisses on his neck as he carried me upstairs to the bedroom, laying me gently on the soft bed.
“I love you more, Emily,” he whispered crushing his lips on mine and kissing me passionate, after minutes he pulled away out of breath.
“Let’s stay here forever, let’s never this island” I said my voice almost pleading as I stared at Ethan who looked conflicted.
“You know that’s not possible” Ethan replied, making frown.
“And why not?” I wondered.