The words hit Ezra like a thunderclap, jolting him awake.
His face drained of color. He quickly ended the call, turning around to find himself locking eyes with Shermaine, whose gaze was as cold as ice.
She had lost more weight in the past few days due to illness, her pale face expressionless, like the winter sun—bright but without warmth.
“Shermaine.” Ezra’s heart raced. He stepped forward, fumbling for words. He opened his mouth but had no idea what to say.
Shermaine smiled lightly, as though nothing had happened. “What’s wrong, Ezra? I heard your voice and came to check on you. You look off. Did you argue with someone?”
Ezra visibly relaxed, quickly slipping into his usual act. He furrowed his brow, feigning irritation. “A few companies I’m working with have been acting up. I got angry and gave them a piece of my mind. Anyway, we shouldn’t be standing here. Let’s head back. Look how cold your hands are,” Ezra remarked, swiftly taking her hand and tucking it into the warmth of his coat.
Through the thin fabric of his shirt, he tried to warm her hands with his body heat.
Shermaine lifted her gaze to Ezra’s flawless profile and, for a brief moment, lost herself in thought. “Ezra, I want to go home.”
Ezra’s smile faltered for a moment before he quickly recovered.
“Maybe later.” He scrambled for an excuse. “Didn’t the doctor say you’re still recovering? It’d be best to stay at the hospital for a few more days. Besides, our anniversary is coming up. Let me take some time to make the house look nice.”
Ezra lowered his voice, his tone deep and sultry. “Shermaine, I want to surprise you.”
The air between them felt heavy with tension, but Shermaine’s heart remained as cold as ever.
She quietly withdrew her hand, giving a small nod. “Alright.”
