Chapter 17: He cared
Mara tugged Ethan into bed, but something caught her eye the shopping bags the maid had left by the bed. She frowned, curiosity sparking in her chest.
"What's this?" she asked, walking over and pulling out a dress.
Ethan smiled, leaning against the bed. "I picked up something for you at the mall," he said. "Why don't you try them on? I think they'd look beautiful on you."
Mara held up the dress, studying the piece of cloth between her fingers. It was lovely and elegant but something about it felt off. A slow smile spread across her face, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"These are more Maria's style," she said lightly, folding the dress and placing it back in the bag. "But they're beautiful. Thank you."
Ethan noticed the flicker of disappointment in her eyes. He could almost hear her thoughts racing through her mind. Did he think of her when he picked them out? Or was Maria the one on his mind?
Mara pushed the thought aside and climbed into bed beside him. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
"Goodnight, baby," she whispered.
Ethan kissed her back, but it was brief and distant. His mind was elsewhere.
"Goodnight," he murmured, turning onto his side. Mara lay awake for a while, staring at the ceiling. Something wasn't right.
Ethan slipped out of bed the moment he was sure Mara had drifted off to sleep. Moving quietly, he walked out onto the balcony, letting the cool night air clear his head.