As soon as she stepped inside, a deep sigh escaped her lips.
"Here we go again…"
She stayed there for a moment, staring at her reflection, as if trying to gather herself. When she finally stepped out, she quietly moved closer and sat beside Dayesh.
"Sapphire…" he began, his voice softer now. "Why does it feel like you're so close to me… yet your heart feels so far away? Don't you like me?"
She froze.
She didn't know how to answer.
What if I reject him? Will things ever go back to the way they were? But if I accept him… what about his child? Wouldn't that be wrong?
Her thoughts tangled together, leaving her silent.
Dayesh slowly reached for her, his touch firm but searching, as if trying to understand her through actions rather than words. When he pulled back slightly, he paused, a faint smile forming on his lips.
Sapphire, on the other hand, turned her face away, clearly flustered. She couldn't deny it anymore. There was a physical pull between them. But whatever this was… she still couldn't name it.
Dayesh leaned closer, his movements more deliberate now, his attention fully on her. Sapphire's breathing grew uneven as she reacted, her body responding faster than her thoughts could keep up.
A soft, restrained sound escaped her lips. "Mm… ah…"
"S-slow down…" she whispered, though her voice wavered, betraying her.
But instead of stopping, she instinctively adjusted herself, making it easier for him, her hesitation slowly dissolving into something more vulnerable.
Dayesh deepened his focus, attentive to every reaction she gave. He seemed almost intent on memorizing her responses, as if trying to close the distance she refused to bridge with words.
Sapphire arched slightly, her body reacting in waves she could no longer suppress. Each subtle movement from him sent a shiver through her, leaving her breathless.
When the intensity faded, Dayesh lingered, his touch softer now, almost savoring the moment.
Sapphire pushed herself up, still catching her breath, then leaned in and kissed him.
Their lips met, hesitant at first, then deeper, more urgent. Their breaths tangled, uneven, as if both were trying to keep up with something neither fully understood.
Their hands wandered without direction, restless, searching.
Her hands continued to wander over him, slow and deliberate, until Sapphire lowered herself, deciding it was unfair if he was the only one giving.
Dayesh let out a low groan as he felt her warmth, his body reacting instantly. He couldn't stop himself from placing a hand on her head, guiding her gently into a rhythm that pleased him, careful not to push too far.
"Ah… I'm close…" he breathed out.
A moment later, he pulled her back, releasing the tension he had been holding. The sheets shifted beneath them, the aftermath leaving both of them catching their breath.
Just like before, Sapphire moved above him, taking control as she swayed in a steady rhythm. Dayesh supported her, his hands firm on her waist, matching her movements as if the two had already memorized each other's pace.
When they both reached their peak, the room fell into a heavy silence filled only with uneven breathing.
Sapphire turned away from him and lay on her side, her back facing Dayesh.
"I'll just rest for a bit," she murmured quietly. "I still have to prepare something for later."
Dayesh wrapped an arm around her waist from behind, holding her close. She didn't say anything.
Just like always.
After everything they had just shared, there were no words left between them.
And that was exactly what troubled him.
Slowly, he let go of her and placed his arm over his forehead, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"You know… I feel sad," he began.
Whether she was listening or not, he continued anyway.
"I thought… if you wanted this too, then maybe you wanted me… for who I am."
His voice softened, weighed down by something deeper. "I don't know what else I'm supposed to do to make you truly fall for me. Am I lacking something? Is there something about me you don't like? If you'd just tell me… I'd change it. I'd get rid of it. I just…" he paused, his voice faltering, "…I just can't feel you."
Tears began to form in his eyes, but he didn't bother wiping them away. "I know this isn't your fault. Maybe I'm just the only one who's fallen this deeply. If you can't love me… then that's fine. I can accept that. I'll manage. I'll go back to how things were before."
Every word reached Sapphire clearly.
And for the first time, something stirred inside her.
Not guilt. But pity.
She had always thought he only wanted her as a replacement, something to fill the emptiness left by the woman who had abandoned him.
Slowly, she turned to face him. "I'm sorry…" she said, her voice quieter than usual. "I just don't know how to return your feelings. So instead of trying… I end up avoiding them. I'm really sorry."
Dayesh let out a hollow laugh. "I don't even know if this is karma," he said. "Back then, there were so many people who liked me… but I ignored all of them."
He closed his eyes briefly. "And now that I'm finally ready to love someone… I'm the one who isn't chosen."