The Road Back to You

The morning sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows of the office, casting a warm glow over the sleek workspace. Violet walked in, her heart still fluttering from the night before. She spotted Jade, Liam, and Kathy near the coffee machine, engaged in their usual banter. But the moment they saw her, their chatter died down, and identical smirks formed on their faces.

"Oh look, the star of the night has arrived!" Jade announced dramatically, crossing his arms. "Or should I say Sinclair's special someone?"

"You guys need a new hobby," Violet rolled her eyes. 

"So you're not denying it?" Kathy gasped, feigning shock. "They're not denying it!" she exchanged glances with Liam. 

"Come on, Vi. We all saw the way Ethan looked at you last night. The man was ready to murder anyone who even breathed in your direction," Liam chuckled, nudging Violet. 

"And," Kathy added, "he didn't let you go all night. Care to explain?"

"There's nothing to explain," Violet felt her face heat up. 

"Oh, there is!" Jade leaned in. "And we want details."

Before Violet could respond, a voice interrupted them.

"I'm sure you all have work to do."

Ethan's deep voice carried across the room, and they all turned to see him standing near his office door. Dressed in his usual tailored suit, he looked composed, except for the slight twitch at the corner of his lips as his eyes briefly met Violet's.

"Or would you rather gossip all day?" he added dryly.

"Alright, alright. We're going," Jade put his hands up in surrender. "But this conversation isn't over," he turned to Violet with a teasing grin. 

Violet shook her head as they walked off, but she couldn't stop the smile that played on her lips.

Later that day, Violet was walking past the main lounge when she overheard Maddie's sharp voice. "Oh please, like you actually care about her. You're just—"

"Enough, Maddie."

Ethan's voice cut through the air like a blade, cold and final. Violet stopped in her tracks and turned toward them. Maddie looked stunned as Ethan took a step closer, his gaze dark with irritation.

"I've tolerated your nonsense long enough," he said. "But if you think for even a second that you can disrespect Violet again, you're mistaken."

Maddie opened her mouth to retort, but Ethan wasn't done.

"She matters to me, Maddie," he stated firmly. "More than you could ever understand. So I suggest you let it go."

Violet felt her breath hitch. He had said it so openly, so effortlessly. Maddie's face burned with humiliation as she turned on her heel and stormed away. Ethan exhaled sharply and turned to find Violet watching him.

"You didn't have to do that," she said softly.

"Yes, I did," Ethan replied, his expression unreadable. "I should've done it sooner."

A warmth spread through Violet's chest as he stepped closer, his fingers lightly brushing against hers. "Come with me," he said.

"Where?" she frowned. 

"Away from here. Just for a while. Somewhere quiet," Ethan's lips curved slightly. 

"You mean—" Violet blinked, caught off guard. 

"I mean us. No work, no interruptions. Just you and me," he murmured. "What do you say?"

Violet studied him, her heart hammering. He looked serious, maybe even desperate for an escape. And deep down, she knew she wanted it too.

"Alright, Sinclair. Let's run away," a slow smile spread across her lips. 

The morning sunlight streamed through the blinds as Violet sat on the couch, her fingers wrapped around a cup of coffee. Jade, Kathy, and Liam stood before her, a mix of amusement and excitement flashing in their eyes.

"So let me get this straight," Liam leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. "You and Ethan are disappearing for a while? Running away from reality? Living your fairytale?"

"We're just taking a break. A little escape from all the chaos," Violet rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched into a smile. 

"A little escape with Ethan Sinclair?" Kathy wiggled her brows. "Sounds like a honeymoon to me."

"You sure you'll come back, or is this a permanent runaway situation?" Jade chuckled. 

"Oh, shut up. We'll be back," Violet swatted his arm. 

Before they could tease her further, her phone buzzed with a message. Come outside.

She quickly finished her coffee and bid them goodbye, ignoring their knowing smirks as she grabbed her bag and hurried out. The sight before her made her heart skip a beat. Ethan stood near his car, holding a small bouquet of white lilies.

"Flowers?" she raised a brow as she approached him. 

"You like surprises, don't you?" Ethan smirked, extending them to her. 

"I love them," Violet took the flowers, inhaling their sweet scent, before looking up at him. 

"Then let's go make some more memories," he reached for the car door, pulling it open for her. 

She climbed in, watching as he walked around the car, slid into the driver's seat, and started the engine. The drive was filled with warmth, laughter, and stolen glances. Violet ran her fingers through Ethan's hair absentmindedly as he drove, watching the way his lips curled at the corners at her touch.

"You're distracting me," he muttered, but made no move to stop her.

"Oh?" She feigned innocence, tracing the back of his neck lightly. "I thought you could handle a little challenge, Sinclair."

"You're trouble," he shook his head with a chuckle, reaching out to squeeze her thigh playfully. 

A soft hum left her lips, but soon, the soothing rhythm of the drive made her sleep. She rested her head against his shoulder, her fingers slipping from his hair, and Ethan let out a breath, glancing at her for a fleeting second.

She looked peaceful. Safe.