Sunlight filtered softly through the sheer curtains of the villa bedroom. The storm had passed, leaving the sky a brilliant blue, the waves calm again, as if nothing had happened.
Lisa stirred.
She slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the bright light. Her head throbbed lightly — a dull ache pulsing at her temples. She touched her forehead and groaned softly.
"Agh... did I drink that much?"
She sat up, looking around.
The bed was empty.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Did someone...?
No. She glanced down. She was fully clothed now in one of the resort's robes. Her dress was folded neatly over the chair.
But still... something felt off.
Her memories from last night were hazy, like a fog she couldn't quite push through. Bits of laughter. The warmth of someone's embrace. A kiss?
Lisa pressed her fingers to her lips unconsciously.
"...What happened last night?" she murmured, trying to recall. But nothing solid came back. Just feelings. Just... warmth.
⸻
Meanwhile, downstairs, Mia and Alex were already dressed, seated on the villa's patio, the soft ocean breeze ruffling their hair.
Today was their last day in Maldives.
Alex sipped his coffee, unusually silent.
Mia glanced at him, her brows slightly furrowed. "You okay?"
He didn't answer right away.
"I didn't sleep well," he muttered finally.
Mia didn't press. But she noticed something had shifted in him — something small, subtle, but there. His gaze had wandered all morning toward the stairs. As if he was waiting.
For someone.
⸻
Later that morning, the group gathered at the villa's dining area for their final breakfast together. The table was full — tropical fruits, toast, eggs, fresh juice.
Eli, ever the energy of the group, was teasing Zia about her drunken antics the night before.
"You literally told me I looked like a mango and then fell asleep on my lap," he laughed.
Zia groaned, hiding her face. "Please don't remind me..."
Lisa joined them a little late, looking fresh but quiet. She offered a soft smile to everyone, sitting between Zia and Mia.
"Morning," she said gently.
"Morning," Mia replied, her tone warm but observant.
Alex, across the table, looked up from his coffee the moment he heard Lisa's voice. His eyes lingered on her just a second longer than usual.
Lisa caught the look.
Her heart fluttered, confused. She smiled at him—small, hesitant.
Alex looked away.
⸻
The rest of the meal passed in casual laughter and shared memories. But beneath the smiles, something was different.
Lisa's gaze occasionally met Alex's, and each time it did, something unfamiliar flickered in his eyes.
She didn't know what it was.
She didn't remember last night.
But her heart...
It was starting to feel like something had changed.
And somewhere inside Alex, the truth pressed against his chest, sharp and suffocating.
Because unlike Lisa...
He remembered everything.