EvaSilence filled the air, only broken by my panting breaths. He remained still for a moment looking like a statue. The anger and exhaustion in me had driven me to this point.I should have slapped him a long time ago. The same day he started making threats to me even but now I wasn't in the least satisfied with this.I took a step back to distance myself away from him but it didn't make a difference. He was still frozen on the spot, face still shifted sideways.“You crossed the line Mr Reynolds.” I stared frostily. I could barely recognize my own voice with how cool it was.‘Slut,’ the word echoed inside my head. He just called me that.The reminder of the past thing he called me right before throwing me out all those years ago echoed. ‘Gold digging whore.’ Why? What had I done to deserve such an insult when I had been nothing but innocent in the face of their cruelty and schemes?Once I had shed tears at the constant reminder, now all I felt was rage.I pushed all those thoughts
EvaI spotted her immediately at the entrance of the Greenhouse Cafe as per her instructions. It wasn't hard considering her unique style. The nude overcoat she wore spoke of quiet luxury. I could tell it was expensive yet it was humble.She noticed me when I came closer, a pleasant surprise coloring her face. Every time I saw her I was always shocked at how youthful she looked. despite being in her late 40s she looked a decade younger, her outfit bringing her more elegance.“You really didn't have to wait outside.” I protested, guilt pooling my belly. It had taken me some time to find the location and I'd gotten even more held up by the traffic.“Nonsense. I haven't been here for long anyways.” She said, trying to wave away the topic. Despite her attempt I still felt bad for keeping her waiting. Despite being a member of one of one of the wealthiest families, she was always so nice and sweet and down to earth, so different from her other peers. It really made me wonder how she could
EvaIn the end, my decision was hard but I fought the guilt away.“Nothing much.” I lied, turning away to drink the coffee I ordered. “What about you?” I asked, turning the question back at her. It took a second after to discover my mistake, but it was too late.Bitter guilt heated up my belly as her face fell, as if the reminder of her situation was enough to bring her down. Unlike me, she was already open with her problems, no matter how vague it was and I already knew most of it.“I'm sorry, you don't have to answer.” I quickly tried to backtrack, but she shook her head.“It's okay. It's been a long while since I've shared problems with anyone.” She said, putting her cup down.“You already know about the situation with Viktor. Richard is no different. Ever since Viktor fully took over, all he does is focus on his drinking and gambling now. The only good thing about it now is that he mostly ignores me a lot more. It's why I can go out freely like I did today. I found this place and
Eva“It must be so lonely for you, you know, without the kids and all.” her voice came through. I sighed, relaxing on my office seat with my phone in my ear.“It really is.” I replied, “I didn't think this through if I'm being honest. Two months is a long time. Now I'm counting the days till they come back.” I sighed out.Penelope chuckled through the phone “Unfortunately I can't relate. Traveling never gets tiring.”“You've earned it.” I quipped back. Even though she was an entire continent away, I could imagine her warm smile from my words.Years ago, she was the one to give me a place to stay after being kicked out. I met her by accident, stopping at the restaurant she owned to veg for temporary shelter. Only in her late 20s when I met her, I could still recall how shocked she looked when I approached her. I hadn't expected much and prepared to leave to save myself the humiliation when she stopped me with my belongings. She offered me a place in her apartment, stating that I didn'
EvaThat was…Unexpected.When I came here, I hadn't expected him to say those words. But he had apologized and was finally agreeing. The last part still screamed of arrogance and reluctance, and he didn't seem too pleased to say those words, but he had said them anyway.Looking over him and the slightly bitter look he had, my heart gave a thump. Even though he was already done, he looked like he wanted to say something more but was waiting for my assent.That was new and…interesting to say the least. I trailed across the room, taking the first seat at the head of the table before facing him again.“Continue.” I said while he continued standing. “Despite our…history, my company needs this partnership to work. I'm not going to jeopardize that. Only for the sake of my company.”‘Like you almost didn't do that just a few days ago.’ The quip came to my head bitterly but I held my tongue.His admission was reluctant, but it was better than nothing. “Okay then.”“I have a few terms to add
Eva“I guess you didn't listen when I told you to lay off and relax.” Penelope's voice came out deadpan through the speaker.I groaned at her chastising tone, shaking my head as I looked at the phone on my dressing table.“Everything has been good Penelope, I'm serious.” I pressed on, to try convincing her while carefully running hair gel through my curls.“I’ll only believe it when I see it Eva, and I'm not in the country so you've gotten my answer.” Penelope replied, making me groan loudly while fighting a smile. She was always worrying for my sake. Without a large age gap, she treated me more like a mother to a daughter, or at least a really fun aunt that one would see in movies.Surprisingly enough, I wasn't lying or exaggerating. Things HAD been going well for me.Viktor had kept to his word and surprisingly worked well. The extent of our cordial relationship lasted only within the company however and dissipated immediately after I left. I didn't care what he did aside from withi
EvaI didn't bother going to S. Corps, heading back home for the day after passing a quick message to Lucy. It was already afternoon and time was of the essence for me to prepare.I was always used to last minute preparations. I never cared much about my appearance in the first place. When I was young and had to fend for myself, I hid, opting for more comfortable and baggy clothes from charity places to keep myself more discreet. It lasted till college where despite all my efforts, Viktor saw me. After I was with him, I grew more confident in my looks and he sometimes got me gifts like dresses and jewelry, the latter I rarely used except on dates. All those gifts were left behind as he threw me out.Even now I wasn't one for appearances, but I'd learned that presentation meant everything. Jon had taught that to me, a fact that I had to learn and adapt to for success. I'd learned to present myself properly whether at work or an event, even if there was nothing more comfortable than a
Eva“Your dress is ruined. A big shame, I'm sure it must've been expensive.” she continued, stepping towards me with her empty glass. Despite her ‘sympathetic’ words, her tone and her face showed anything but. Eyeing the stain like it was the most interesting thing in the world, she tutted.“This is definitely a case of bad luck. You definitely shouldn't have come here.”the smug look on her faceFor a moment I was stunned and confused but it didn't take a genius to figure it out. This was definitely Brienne's doing.My hackles rose with every trace of ‘sympathy’ she gave. I had done nothing to her and yet she attacked me and looked so smug about it even.A part of me wanted to give into my impulse, but I held myself back. Doing that wouldn't solve or change anything. It would only get more attention from others and perhaps that was Brienne's goal; to humiliate me. My gaze darted to the side to see that very few people had taken notice. If she wanted me to retaliate, she had another
Viktor The drive back to the mansion was silent with the tension so thick yet non-existent at the same time. I spied glances at her on the passenger’s seat throughout and every time, she was simply looking at the window, looking deceitfully calm. It sent a different trill of fear through me, especially when I knew she was anything but.After Eve left, she hadn't said a word since. I comforted her the best I could, letting her sob in my arms. Moments after her tears were gone, she hadn't saud a word. I was the one to suggest that we left and she silently nodded following me.The sight of her reddish eyelids despite the calm facade gutted me. Id never seen my mother that angry, that sad.And this time, it wasn't focused on me.My grip on the steering wheel tightened. If the feeling from seeing my mother cry hurt, then the ache was twice as bad when I saw Eva crumble right in front of me. In the few times I'd seen her, Eva had never failed to show her strength, even months ago when I st
EvaMy heart raced as I reached the door leading into the cafe.My words the day before were like a fever dream. It wasn't until hours later when night had fallen that doubts and panic of what I'd done began creeping in.It was still the weekend and Penelope had snatched the children away to play for the day. Jon had left to the penthouse leaving me wearing down the floor of my room alone.‘I should have waited a little longer. I wasn't prepared yet. Why did I say that?’ doubts filled my thoughts. I’d made that declaration still high on the feeling of reciprocation, to equal his determination. It was cowardly yet I was second guessing everything. ‘Maybe he hadn't told her. Maybe he would postpone it.’ All the possibilities that he wouldn't take me on my word reared its head and for a moment I nearly deluded myself into thinking that it wouldn't happen. The text I'd gotten twenty minutes after rid those thoughts away. ‘‘We’re on our way to the cafe.’’ he said.The ticking time I
Eva“Is he going to still keep us waiting?”“Jon,” my voice came out harsher than I expected, but it was rightfully so. Jon looked trite immediately. He looked away and set his jaw, making me deflate instantly. Out of all the words I could use to describe Jonathan, insufferable wasn't on the list yet it seemed that way now more than ever. I couldn't blame him for how he's been reacting though.It was my fault for making the decision so abruptly, especially when I had so confidently told him that I wouldn't let Viktor into their lives. Despite his attempt to be supportive he hadn't expected me to go through with it, hence his reaction now It had taken a day to come to terms with my decision and another day to muster up the courage to tell Jon. It took a few days more for us to talk about it.He was far from happy once I told him my decision but he'd accepted it, or claimed to at least. Despite his veiled irritation and his attempt to pick on things, he was still here for me. For all
Viktor “Did something happen?” My mother asked, her worried tone filtering through the phone. I smiled even if she couldn't see it, trying to muster.“Nothing bad happened mom. It's just some extra documents to sort out in the office. I'll be coming home later than normal is all.” I said. It wasn't necessarily a lie, yet it still sent a sliver of guilt to me that I would miss dinner with her. I didn't want any setbacks on the relationship we were rebuilding.The anxiety eased as she sighed,“Okay…” my mother trailed off, “Don't forget to eat.”“I won't,” I quickly assured her, “I love you mom.”Despite time and efforts bringing us closer I was still half expecting her to hesitate and not day it at all. It made it all the more relieving when she chuckled.“Love you too.” she said and the call ended. Putting my phone down I turned to the empty street from my office window. Only a few hours ago, I was recieving what felt like the best and worst news of my life.A part of me still couldn
EvaI entered the cafe booked for this meeting. It was a new place, unfamiliar to me unlike my regular spot with Penelope’s Cafe or the growing familiarity of the Greenhouse cafe. It was exactly what I wanted for this occasion.I needed a neutral spot, free from any influence to meet him. This time, we were on equal grounds.“Good day, what's your order?” The unfamiliar waitress smiled at me. I ordered a random pastry and some water to pass the time. I wasn't planning on staying for long.The noises around helped keep me calm but I kept on questioning if this was the right thing to do.‘We’ll see,’ I told myself.The door opened and this time I looked up to meet a familiar face..he was right on time.Viktor entered the cafe, looking around. I silently nodded the moment he spotted me, waiting with bated breath.Less than a few days ago I'd finally solved the conflict brewing in my mind with a single call to the RCF office. They recognized me and amidst my issues, forwarded my call to h
EvaI tensed hearing his name from her mouth. Penelope sighed beside me.In the past, she hadn't done so much as blink an eye when I told her my past and who my ex lover was despite him being a literal billionaire from one of the wealthiest families. While many others would have found a way to take advantage of the information, she hadn't even bothered mentioning it after I told her except when she wanted to curse him out. It was rare to see someone like that. It was one of the oddest things that made me question her in the past but that was just the way she was. Grounded. The money glitz and glamor didn't seem to affect her. I was grateful for it.“Julienne, let's change the topic.” she offered while Julienne remained feel “B-but..”“Yes. He is.” I cut her off, giving Penelope an assuring glance that made her relax in her seat. Switching my gaze to the brunette, I saw that her face turned slack.I expected the shock, but I I hadn't expected her face to turn stormy. “So when he che
Eva “Stop,” I spoke through the silent room as I paced, as if it would help. Spoiler alert: it didn't. In the end, settling on the couch was the only reprieve for my tired legs. I shut my eyes, digging my fingers into the side of my head as frustration brewed in me Why? Why couldn't I stop thinking about him? It was already Friday, four days since I confronted Viktor. Normally I was able to brush up any upsetting thing with a layer of professionalism as I did in the past or simply block it out, get for some reason that day and his words remained stuck in my mind. I couldn't stop thinking back to him, his face and his words. And worst of all, it was making more guilt settle in me for rejecting him and his desire to see the children. Which was insane…right? My hardy words that day still rang true, yet a stabbing feeling came to my gut as I recalled how his face fell. His sincere expression. I was doing the right thing by keeping him away yet my conscience was telling me
Eva I couldn't hide my restlessness for the rest of the day. My mind was going haywire. If not for Lucy constantly keeping me in check I was sure I would have been a spaced out mess. Every action I took felt more automatic than conscious. Thanks to a text I received I knew that Jon wasn't coming back till evening. I couldn't wait to get home. The moment it was nearing closing time I stormed out, grabbing my bag and keys to leave. I told myself to wait three days until things cooled down, but Victor's appearance changed everything. I had to tell Jon, tonight. “Mommy!” Cory squealed, jumping up to hug me. I caught his embrace, putting on a smile. How ironic it was that I'd just spoken about them a few hours before. Their signature green eyes haunted me. “Were you two good?” I teased lightly after separating from them, forcing those thoughts away. ”We’ve never been bad!” Anthea cried out while Cory pouted. I stifled a laugh. “Alright. Let's go.” I foisted them I to the
EvaI swallowed thickly. It was ironic that he was here now that Jon was away. The man I wanted to tell everything was absent while the one I wasn't ready to face stood in front of me.I wished I could be defensive and pull it under the rug. A part of me urged to walk away and completely ignore him, but what good will that do when he would still find me here or could corner me somewhere else?Despite his actions, this time, he actually had the moral high ground to come to me demanding answers. I couldn't refuse, even if I wanted to.There wasn't any escape this time.I quickly glanced around. Just as I hoped,the parking lot was empty, leaving me in privacy.I sped my footsteps to near him, heart shaky. I stopped several inches away, leaning in as the spice of his cologne wafted.“Not here,” I said in a low voice, averting my gaze. When I finally looked up, I met his face full of disbelief and anger.“Not now. I have a meeting minutes from now. After…we can talk somewhere else.” my wo