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
Brienne“That BITCH.”Curses left my lips as I drove through the streets. I wanted to rage and destroy shit just to make myself better, but I couldn't. Thinking of her face alone filled me with so much rage already. Sucking in a breath I closed my eyes.“Calm down Brienne.” I muttered to myself. This was not the time to be so riled up.So what if she knew or suspected anything? Whether it had anything to do with what happened two days ago or back then, There was nothing she could do.I forced myself to calm down, focusing on driving to my destination to meet HIM.My nose wrinkled as I spotted the building I was looking for. The place he'd reserved wasn't one of our usual spots, less luxurious but I wasn't gonna to complain so long as it fit the bill. He knew my bottom line requirements. So long as the place was covert enough and had as much class to suit my taste, it was enough.This place fit the bill, at least from the outside. The place was at the edge of the city and it looked is
82EvaThe doorbell rang. I was ready, sucking in a breath before standing up.I tampered down any impulse to clean aside anything within the room more than necessary despite the urge to hide it away. He needed to see the reality of their natural environment.Passing by the strewn toys I left alone made me think back to Cory and Anthea.A swift call from them moved the sleepover Penelope spent with them to them staying with her for the entire day while I sorted things out. It was already evening and they were still with her. Considering it was evening she was no doubt also on her way to my home.She wasn't the one standing by the door at the moment however.I forced myself to relax before opening the door, his cerulean eyes meeting mine immediately.“Hi,” Viktor said.The air felt awkward yet I let him slip inside, murmuring a greeting before stepping back. He looked overwhelmed as he looked around and I couldn't blame him when I was the same way.If it wasn't for what happened earli
EvaI worked up to darkness and dim lighting engulfing me. My eyes felt heavy and my body ached but the smell of food woke me up further.It didn't take long for the past memories and pain to seep in. Swallowing hoarsely, I nearly broke down in tears again until“You're awake,”Jon's voice jolted me. I looked up to find him moving towards me, a plate in his hand along with the familiar aroma of pasta.Sitting up, I tried to smile when he reached. “Are you okay now?” He asked,“Yeah,” I nodded my voice hoarse from unuse.After crying for so long, I didn't know when I just…passed out. But looking around I was sure that a few hours had passed.I should have considered it a relief compared to holding it in, but looking at him only made more guilt swell into me.“I shouldn't have…I'm sorry for coming here unannounced.” I shifted uncomfortably. “It's okay.” Was all he said.“I'm sorry,” my voice cracked as I spoke. Even still I shouldn't have to use him as a crutch.“What happened? Or is
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
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