EvaThe room was completely silent, everyone staring with slack mouths and wide eyes. It took everything in me to not react the same way. I was completely dumbfounded. Fiancee? We had been taking it slow for the past year and now he was openly announcing that I was his fiancee?I looked up at him while his face was still faced towards them. I was out to speak but I halted. The more I looked, I found that there was something in his eyes that made me pause and second guess.Despite his face and smile looking relaxed he also looked tense in a way, his hold on my waist gentle yet firm, as if he was begging me to not move or do anything.Unless…he was doing this for me?The realization made my insides curl in a warm feeling. Now I understood his intentions. I didn't know how much he had heard before coming here, but it was enough for him to do this. Earlier I was being declared as a nobody and no matter what I did, nobody would have backed me. Him announcing me as his fiancee changed eve
EvaJulienne looked shocked, wide eyed while gathering herself. I looked on with shock.“You. Bitch.” Brienne's voice was deep and filled with venom. She glared at the brunette with an icy cold stare.“You stole my necklace. How dare you?” Julienne was still wide eyed, mouth gasping with her hand held to her cheek. “But.. Brienne -”“Shut up!” I watched the brunette flinch from the force of Brienne's shout. Her eyes glistened with tears.“I thought you were my friend. How dare you steal my necklace. I trusted you!” Her voice became louder, screeching at the fallen woman yet as I looked at Julienne all I saw was confusion. I also felt the same, especially with everything I knew.I already had the idea in my mind if not for the heightened emotions that nearly overtook me with the accusation. I didn't know Julienne and she had no reason to hate me or frame me unless Brienne was the one who told her to. It was evident considering the victorious smiles on both their faces before Jon cam
EvaThe Reynolds had a lot of pride. Even if Jon and S. Corps rose high miraculously quickly, in their eyes he was still one man compared to a generational long-standing enterprise.Aside from the scandals taunting their name, their financial situation was kept under wraps. Nobody knew about the partnership between S. corps and them. In the eyes of others it would seem necessary but damage their pride.Everyone seemed to hold their breaths with shock. I squeezed his hand, half signaling for him to not tread any further but he didn't budge. Jon pulled me close to him gently before he continued.“The true culprit may have been found, but it doesnt change the fact that my fiancee was still wrongly accused, insulted and humiliated. If I hadn't come here just in time, worse things could have happened to her.” he said in a loud voice, looking at the other socialites around before looking forward.“Mr Reynolds, I believe you know the essence of pride. Even though I didn't start out like the
EvaBy the time we reached my home I was still reeling from my realization. I stepped out with him opening the car door for me before leading me out onto the doorstep. “So, I guess this is it for tonight.” He smiled.I nodded, yet for the first time a lump formed in my throat as I looked at him. Usually I had no problems bidding him goodbye but this time, Hesitation gripped me. I didn't want him to leave. Not like this.We stood in awkward silence, looking at each other. My heart raced inside my chest. Was I thinking too hard about this?“I guess this is goodnight.” He broke the silence again and I nodded.“Yeah. Goodnight.” I breathed out, yet I still made no move towards the door.My mind was running like a racecar as I kept thinking hard. Now that I was sure about my feelings, it felt like a huge barrier between me and him was broken. I didn't want to let him go, yet I didn't know if I could take the final step. What was the right choice? Should I keep my distance or let it flow.
EvaA loud groan made me blink up blearily. Had I fallen asleep?The sun was even brighter now, illuminating my room. I grew alert instantly.‘Shit.’Today was a workday. I had overslept without thinking and if I didn't head out soon I was going to be late.I sat up immediately only for a large arm to wrap around me, pulling me back until I felt his breath against my back.“Stay,” Jon groaned right before he kissed my back, “Don't leave me alone.”His hoarse yet grumbling tone brought a smile to my lips. How could such a ruthless businessman act like an adorable child?Turning around to face him I became aware of our bare bodies linked together. Warmth spread thro my belly but I couldn't let it get anywhere. Instead I planted a loud kiss.“You can rest here. I have to go to work.” I said.“It can hold off until tomorrow,” he groaned, planting a deeper kiss,“You've… worked so hard …for the past …two.. weeks. You deserve…some rest.” he said, pausing each word with a set of kisses.“I do
EvaNo matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hold back the burn of tears in my eyes or the lump growing in my throat.I told myself I wouldn't care, and I tried so hard not to, but everything in me wanted to scream out: ‘Why?’Why had he been antagonizing me all this time when he was the one who did me wrong? “I don't need to answer any of your questions or explain myself to you but you know what? I'll do it right now. That's what you want isn't it?” I spoke thickly, unable to hide my emotion.“You want to know why I'm with Jon? It's not for any disgusting reason you spouted out. It's not because of his position or his money. The answer is simple.“Because I love him.” I said earnestly, ‘Like I loved you once.’ I inwardly recoiled at the reminder, my heart turning to stone.But that reminder couldn't shake away the euphoria of saying it out loud. “He is wonderful and kind and he cares for me. I love him because he understands what love really is; something that you'll never understan
Eva“I was wondering when you'd show up.” Grace said, moving forward to hug me. I accepted her hug, separating with a small smile.“Good afternoon to you too Grace,” I greeted back. It was only with Grace's help that I was allowed into the mansion. Looking around though I couldn't help but notice how empty the place looked.“Is anyone inside?” I asked. I had hoped nobody was.“Richard is curled up somewhere recovering from his hangover, but nothing else.” She said.“Your car is in the garage, but I would like it if you stayed for a little while. You've come a long way after all.” she said.My lips twitched into a small smile.“Thank you,” I said, letting her lead me into the living room. “Actually, I have some things to ask you.” I said offhandedly “So do I,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me, “You've been keeping plenty of secrets already, eh?”A chord of fear struck within me as she frowned but it fled away as soon as she smiled again replaced with relief. I didn't want her to be
EvaShe looked none too happy to see me either, halting in place. She was wearing a long fancy peach colored dress that admittedly made her look elegant, admirable even if I didn't know her true nature. The frown on her face and the murder in her eyes didn't appeal to the image she was trying to portray.“I should say I'm surprised to see you here, but you always did like to stick your nose into other people's family matters didn't you?” she stated in a false breezy tone her face betrayed. “If that means standing up for myself, then yes. Although I'd hardly call what happened last night a family matter considering how publicly you almost humiliated me.” I replied in an equally casual tone.“Yes, but I apologized, didn't I?” She visibly grimaced at that before continuing “And we found the culprit.”“You mean your scapegoat.” I bit out, watching her stiffen in turn.“Accusing me in my own home, this is a new low, even for you.” she spat out.“Are you stupid? The proof was right there a
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