36.Play date with family
Morning – Beach Resort
The sun spilled gold over the horizon as the waves danced to the wind’s rhythm. A cozy resort stood by the shore — parasols, picnic blankets, laughter, and the smell of sea salt filling the air.
Eva stepped out of the car, wearing a flowy white dress that moved like clouds in the breeze. Her hair caught the sunlight, and Neil—walking just behind her—noticed that somehow, she looked at peace here. For a moment, he forgot everything else.
Cynthia and Callum had just arrived. They waved warmly, joining Granny, Grandpa, and Ria near the picnic setup. Ria was busy taking selfies, pulling Eva into one while teasing, “Mrs. Morris, the beach look approved!”
Neil rolled his eyes with a faint smile, settling down by the picnic mat, helping Grandpa unpack the food. Every now and then, his gaze flicked to Eva — she was laughing with Ria, barefoot in the sand, trying to keep her dress from getting wet and fly from the wind.
Callum: “I don’t remember the last time I saw you smile like that, Neil.”
Neil: half chuckle “Guess it’s the sea air.”
But it wasn’t. It was her.
Cynthia joined Eva, handing her a drink. “You’ve brought a lot of light into this family, dear.”
Eva smiled shyly, but her eyes instinctively sought Neil’s. He was looking at her too — and for a few heartbeats, they both forgot where they were.
Ria, noticing the silent exchange, whispered to Eva, “You’re blushing.”
Eva quickly turned away, tossing a shell at her. “Shut up, Ria.”
Neil caught that little scene, lips curving into an amused grin before he looked away—pretending to be busy with the food.
Granny: “Let’s play something! How about volleyball?”
Ria: “Oh, I’m in! Neil, Eva — come on!”
Eva hesitated, “I don’t play—”
Neil stood, rolling up his sleeves. “Guess I’ll have to teach you, Mrs. Morris.”
She gave him a look that was half challenge, half smile.
As they moved toward the beach net, their fingers brushed — unintentional, fleeting — but enough to make both hearts stutter.
The tension hung there, soft and alive, wrapped in sea breeze and sunlight.
Neither of them said a word… but both knew something had changed.
Ria’s eyes kept flicking toward the resort gates, her excitement barely hidden as everyone began setting up for the beach games.
Neil, noticing it, smirked. Time for a little revenge for all the teasing she’d done earlier.
He leaned casually toward her, arms crossed.
Neil: “I think he’s not coming.”
Ria turned sharply. “Who?”
Neil (mock innocence): “You tell me. You’ve been staring at that gate for ten minutes. Waiting for someone, maybe?”
She scoffed, cheeks heating up. “No! Of course not.”
Neil chuckled under his breath, “Mhm… sure. That reaction definitely doesn’t sound suspicious.”
Ria grabbed the volleyball from the sand and pointed it at him.
Ria: “You’re annoying, you know that?”
Neil: “Only with people who get caught.”
Before she could fire back, Cynthia called out,
“Teams ready? Ria, you’re with me!”
Ria: “Gladly! At least someone here isn’t nosy.”
Neil raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Sure, run away. It’s what people in denial do.”
She rolled her eyes and stormed off toward Cynthia’s side of the court, muttering, “Ugh, this family.”
Neil: "Must have learnt from your sister don't you?"
Across the beach, Eva caught the tail end of the exchange, hiding a small laugh.But it changed by his last sentence.
Eva : “You’re going to get punched by her someday. And from me today!”
---
The sea breeze was playful that afternoon, strong enough to make the umbrellas tilt and the waves roar louder.
Eva had stepped aside from the game, trying to hold her hair and her sundress in place.
Eva (muttering): “Ugh… wrong choice of dress.”
From a few steps away, Neil’s voice carried through the wind, smooth and teasing.
Neil: “No, it’s beautiful, wifey.”
She turned, her cheeks warming instantly. He was walking toward her—shirt sleeves rolled up, smile low and lazy. The breeze toyed with her dress again, brushing against her thighs, and she could feel his gaze linger for a heartbeat too long.
Eva (snapping lightly): “Stop staring like that, Dr. Morris.”
Neil (raising an eyebrow): “Just making sure the wind doesn’t steal my wife away.”
Eva (flustered): “ Now let’s go—play.”
Neil : “At your back.”
They jogged back toward the group, and within seconds, the friendly chaos of the game resumed.
Ria shouted, “Eva, pass it here!”
Eva turned, swung her arm—
—and smack!
The ball hit Neil right in the face.
The whole beach went silent for two seconds before bursting into laughter.
Eva’s eyes went wide.
Eva: “Oh my god, Neil! I—I didn’t mean to—”
Neil rubbed his jaw, pretending to wince.
Neil: “That’s how you treat your teammate, huh?”
Eva (biting her lip, giggling): “Consider it… payback for staring.”
Neil (grinning through the laugh): “Worth every bruise.”
The game was in full swing again—laughter, cheers, and the sound of waves crashing in rhythm with the chaos.
Cynthia’s voice echoed, “Take it, Ria!”
The ball came spinning toward her.
She was ready—feet apart, arms raised—
But before she could even react, someone beside her moved faster.
A tall frame slipped right into her space, broad shoulders brushing hers, and in a single swift motion—
thwack!
The ball was tossed high and away.
Ria stumbled a step, blinking in shock before realizing—
“Ouch!” she gasped as she bumped into his solid chest.
Ryle (soft chuckle): “Careful.”
Ryle Morris was standing there.
She hadn’t even seen him join the team.
Ria (flustered): “You—you could’ve warned me!”
Ryle: “Didn’t want to risk the ball hitting you.”
Ria (wide-eyed): “Where did you come from?”
Ryle (grinning): “From the winning side.”
She rolled her eyes, trying to hide the warmth crawling up her neck.
From across the field,
Eva: “Looks like someone’s having a moment.”
Neil (whispering in her ear): “Runs in the family, doesn’t it?”
---
It was almost night when everyone finally sat down, the soft glow of the lights wrapping the backyard in a cozy warmth. Laughter still echoed from the game they’d just played.
Callum stood up with a small smile, brushing invisible dust from his jeans. “After a long time, I actually had fun,” he said, his voice softer than usual. “It feels good… to have this again.”
Cynthia’s eyes softened as she watched him. She had spent the whole evening bonding with Eva’s grandparents — and Ria, whom she met for the first time. Their laughter mixed so easily that even Eva couldn't stop smiling at the sight.
Ryle, however, leaned back with his mock sulk. “No one’s talking about me.”
Eva turned to him instantly with a teasing grin. “I like you, don’t you worry.”
Ria gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? You’re my sister, not his!” she said, pulling Eva closer with a fake glare.
The whole group laughed, and even Ryle couldn’t help but smirk at her childish possessiveness.
Everyone had left — the laughter slowly fading as the cars rolled out of the driveway.
Ryle had taken Ria and the grandparents home, while Callum and Cynthia had already left a little earlier.
The beach was suddenly quiet. The faint hum of crickets and the rustle of trees filled the cool night air.
Eva turned to Neil with a gentle smile. “It’s time to leave.”
She started to gather her things, but before she could move, Neil stepped closer — his hand reaching out to hold hers under the silver moonlight.
“Let’s stay here tonight,” he said softly. “Please.”
Eva blinked, a little caught off guard. “Why? I mean—”
Neil’s lips curved slightly. “Remember the word you gave me the other day while we were coming back from the meeting?” he asked, eyes glinting with that quiet intensity. “You said if we took a half-day leave, you’d listen to me.”
Her lips parted in surprise, remembering exactly what he meant.
Eva sighed, her eyes flickering between the moonlight and Neil’s steady gaze.
“Fine,” she muttered, folding her arms. “I’ll… consider it.”
Neil’s lips lifted in quiet amusement. “Consider?” he echoed, tilting his head.
“Fine,” she said again, this time a little softer. “One night.”
Neil smiled faintly, eyes softening. “That’s all I asked for.”
The resort room was calm, dimly lit by a warm amber lamp. The sound of waves outside filled the pauses between their words.
Eva sat by the balcony rail, her knees pulled to her chest, the sea breeze playing with her hair. Neil walked out behind her, two mugs in hand.
“Chamomile tea,” he said, offering one. “For someone who can’t sleep without overthinking everything.”
Eva smirked. “That’s oddly specific.”
He leaned on the railing beside her. “You’re oddly predictable.”
She took a sip, her eyes fixed on the moonlit water. “You talk like you’ve known me for years.”
Neil smiled faintly. “I will know ,if you let me.”
Silence again. Only the waves spoke for them.
Then she looked at him — really looked at him. Not the bossy, cold doctor everyone feared. But the man who made her grandparents laugh today, who carried her bag without asking, who stood quietly when she needed space.
His shirt sleeves were rolled up, the salt air brushing his hair, eyes steady.
“Neil,” she said softly, surprising even herself.
He turned, eyebrows raised. “Hm?”
“I… I never saw you like this,” she admitted, her voice almost a whisper. “You’re different when you are with family and home.”
He chuckled. “This is the real me.”
Eva frowned, crossing her arms. “Why do you boss me around so much at the hospital?”
Neil chuckled, leaning closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper. “Because… I like it.”
Eva blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean?”
He shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “I mean, technically, I’m your boss there, so it’s all professional. But at home… you’re my wife.”
Neil’s eyes twinkled as he added, “Can I be practical for a moment? I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but at home… you boss me around too.”
Eva’s jaw dropped. “What? No way! I don’t—you're lying, I don’t!”
He leaned a fraction closer, tilting his head, his gaze teasing yet warm. “You do, ma’am. And I… don’t mind it.”
Eva’s cheeks warmed. She didn’t know whether to be angry, flustered, or… something else entirely.
Neil poured himself another drink, the amber liquid catching the soft light. The waves outside crashed rhythmically against the shore, the silence between them heavier than the ocean breeze.
He took a slow sip, eyes fixed on the glass.
“You were feeling bad,” he started quietly, “for what people said at the hospital.”
Eva looked up, her expression uncertain.
“They didn’t just say you were lucky to get favours from me…
” he exhaled sharply. “They said worse. That you were—sleeping with me—to get opportunities.”
Her breath caught. He finally looked at her.
“Is that true, Eva?” His voice broke somewhere between anger and pain. “Do you really think that’s the reason you’re where you are?”
She didn’t answer, but her eyes softened with guilt.
Neil placed the glass down, leaning forward, tone firm now.
“You know the truth. You’re talented — probably the best resident I’ve had in years. You’ve earned every case, every chance, every damn compliment.”
He paused, his voice gentling.
“If they want the same, they should work for it like you did. Outshine others — like you did.”
A faint smile curved his lips, tired yet proud.
“Yes,” he admitted softly, “I like you. But that doesn’t change what you are at the hospital — my resident, my junior. Someone I chose because you deserve it, not because you’re my wife.”
“That’s the truth. Whether you believe it or not.”
He lifted the glass again, looking at her over the rim.
Something in his tone, in the quiet respect behind those words, melted the tension in her chest.
Her voice came out soft, almost hesitant. “You really mean that?”
“I don’t say things I don’t mean,” he replied simply.
Neil’s expression softened. “You missed the surgery because of that, didn’t you?”
Eva stayed quiet, her silence answering him.
He set his glass aside and took a step closer
he offered his hand — not demanding, not teasing, just quietly asking.
“Come on,” he said softly, “let’s step outside. It’s too beautiful night to waste on heavy talk.”
She hesitated a second, then slipped her hand into his. His palm was warm — firm but careful, like he knew exactly how much to hold and how much to let go.
Outside, the moonlight draped the resort lawn in silver. The sea murmured in the distance. For a long minute, they simply stood there — side by side, not talking, just breathing in the same rhythm.
She looked at him, unable to blink. Something about the way he said it — proud, genuine — made her heart ache.
When he noticed her eyes glisten, Neil’s hand instinctively reached up. His thumb brushed her cheek, slow and feather-light, tracing away the tension there. “Don’t let them make you doubt yourself,” he whispered.
His hair, messy and untamed, fell slightly over his forehead. Eva, reached up without thinking — her fingers brushing through his hair, tucking it away softly. Her touch lingered, light as air, and for a breath, neither of them moved.
For a second, he froze. Her touch was feather-light, her breath close enough to graze his lips.
Neil’s eyes searched hers, his voice barely above a whisper. “Eva…”
Her heart fluttered. “Hmm?”
He smiled faintly, his hand still resting against her cheek. “Nothing. Just… I’m glad you’re here.”
Their eyes met — that fragile, dangerous space between them shrinking with every breath.
Neil leaned in, slowly, almost testing the pull between them.
Eva’s lips parted, heartbeat racing — she didn’t move away.
“Neil…” she whispered, not sure if she wanted him to stop or come closer.
when suddenly, a burst of sound shattered it.
“Sir! Ma’am! The kitchen is closing soon, shall I arrange a table out for dinner ?” the waiter’s voice echoed from inside.
Eva instantly pulled back, cheeks flaming.
Neil exhaled through a chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “Perfect timing,” he muttered.
She hid her fluster behind a small laugh. “Let’s go before he brings our plates out.”
As they walked back toward the lights, his hand brushed hers — deliberate, steady.
---
The car halted in front of the Walter home. Ryle quickly got out, helping the grandparents with their bags.
“Thank you, dear, for dropping us,” Granny smiled warmly. “You’re such a gentleman.”
Ryle grinned, bowing slightly. “Always a pleasure, granny.”
As they walked toward the porch, Ria followed behind — but just as she stepped onto the first stair, she felt a soft tug at her dress. She froze, glancing over her shoulder.
Ryle stood there, one hand gripping the edge of her dress with a flat expression.
“Granny, you go in,” Ria said, her eyes still on him. “I’ll come in a minute.”
Her grandmother nodded and disappeared inside. The porch light cast a golden glow over the two of them.
Ria folded her arms. “What are you doing?”
Ryle stepped closer, voice low but steady. “I have something to say.”
Ria raised a brow, curious yet cautious. “And what is it?”
He looked right into her eyes. “I broke up with Lara.”
Her expression shifted instantly — surprise flickered, followed by disbelief. “You what?”
Ryle gave a half-smile, but there was something deeper in his gaze — a mix of relief and quiet confession. “Yeah. She wasn’t the one I wanted to be with.”
Ria blinked at him, trying to shake off the flicker of surprise.
“Wait—why are you telling me all this?” she asked, her tone flat, arms crossing. “It’s not like I care who you date or dump.”
Ryle let out a small chuckle, stepping closer until the porch light hit his face. “Yeah, I know. You don’t care about anything, right?”
“Exactly,” she replied quickly, chin tilted in defiance.
“Then why do you look so… tense?” he teased, eyes narrowing with a knowing grin.
“I’m not tense!” she snapped, turning away. “You’re just imagining things. Go tell your breakup story to someone who cares.”
He exhaled, scratching the back of his neck. “I’m not telling everyone, Ria. I’m telling you.”
She froze at that — the sincerity in his tone almost disarming.
“Why me?” she asked quietly.
“Because,” he said, voice softer now, “you were there the night everything went wrong. You heard things you shouldn’t have, and I just wanted you to know it’s over. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. Whatever it was and it's over now.”
Her eyes flicked to his, searching for a hint of a joke — but there wasn’t one. He meant every word.
“Ryle…” she started, unsure what to say.
He gave a half smile, hiding the storm in his eyes. “Relax, I’m not confessing or anything dramatic. Just setting the record straight.”
Ria scoffed lightly, masking the heat rising to her cheeks. “Good.”
“Yeah,” he murmured, lips curving into a small smirk.
“Good night, Miss Ria Walter,” he said softly, and before she could react, he reached out and gave her nose a quick, teasing pinch.
“Ouch—you—!” she gasped, swatting his arm, half flustered, half laughing.
“Bye!” he said with a grin, backing away toward his car.
“Morris family men are weird,” she muttered under her breath, rubbing her nose, but a smile betrayed her lips.
As his car drove off into the dim street, she caught herself staring a second too long —
then quickly turned, shaking her head.
“Get a grip, Ria,” she whispered to herself, walking inside. “It’s just Ryle.”