ONE WEEK AFTER THE REVEALEva“Mom! Mommy look!”The alarm in her voice brought me to action as adrenaline filled me. I didn't hesitate to drop the novel I'd only bought hours ago and get off the deck chair to run towards my baby girl's figure as fast as I could. The sight of her not far enough from the tides didn't help, yet as I stopped Anthea turned to me, no sign of great in her expression. She hopped excitedly, pointing at the sea.“Jellyfish mommy. I saw a jellyfish. It was just right here.” She squealed, turning back. I followed her gaze to find the ocean, no sign of any fishes around.“You didn't get to see it.” I met her pouting lightly, completely deflated as she looked at me.Any terror I had died already and all that was left was a warm fondness. Letting out a deep breath, I crouched to her level, placing my hands on her shoulders.“It's okay. I know we'll see another one in time.” I assured her, frowning slightly.“I hope you didn't try to touch it though. You shouldn't h
THREE WEEKS LATEREva‘LONG STANDING COMPANY FALLS: REYNOLDS FAMILY CORPORATION ON THE BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY?’I traced the headlines again and again, wondering if I was seeing things.Of course I had expected this, but seeing it in itself was…wow.Shutting my eyes, I dropped my phone on the bed.Only several hours ago we'd returned from the long needed vacation. Jonathan left shortly after dinner and the kids had school, leaving me free to finally turn on my phone after an eternity. After sifting through hundreds of emails and messages that came over the past few weeks, I grew tired and went online to read news.Things weren't going well on their end. Brienne and Geoffrey were both in jail, convicted of multiple sentences by their victims. I couldn't even feel a sliver of emotion reading those words on my screen.That was considered old news now, the trail becoming silent while they awaited trial. On the other hand, Reynolds' Family Corporation was in the news constantly from one new a
EvaMy blood turned to ice instantly. Now I completely understood her reaction and the reason for her hesitation. There was no way she would react that way, was it the other drunken waste of his father. Especially when she alongside everyone else was aware of our past.‘Viktor came. He came here to see me.’ The sentence alone left me reeling.Lucy's voice brought me out if my reverie but I couldn't identify what she'd said, “What?” I asked,“I couldn't dismiss him. Not directly at least, because of...” she bit her lip, cutting herself off but I already knew. She didn't need to complete her sentence. The answer was simple.Whether or not they were at their downfall, he was still a Reynolds and the name still held weight, at least for now.“I thought telling him you were away was enough but he kept on coming. I told him the truth that you left on a vacation and weren't going to be in the office in the near future. After that he stopped coming. He hasn't been here for the past four days
EvaHis presence alone left me frozen in shock, even though I had anticipated it, but what I didn't expect was how…different he looked. He was far from the man I'd seen nearly a month ago.A slight stubble showed on his face. His eyes were lax, and down turned. He looked like he hadn't properly slept or eaten. On the surface he didn't look so different. His hair, albeit ruffled was still orderly and he was in a suit, yet despite his attempt at a pristine appearance, something was missing. And the most obvious part, the look in his eyes…I blinked and quickly averted my gaze to the nearest wall, pushing the thought away. A lump grew in my throat making me squeeze a fist. It wasn't too late to turn away. In fact, perhaps the best thing I should do was ignore him. “I beg you. Don't turn away Eva, Please.” His voice groused and I nearly gasped. I was sure I hadn't said it out loud but it was as though he'd read my thoughts.But more than that…his words struck me. He wasn't asking or co
ViktorMy mouth tasted like sandpaper no matter how many times I swallowed. Even though I'd stopped the car engine minutes ago, it took a while to fully recover from the haze I'd been in. Weariness filled my bones as I stared at the large house against the orange hues of sundown.With a final push I slipped out of the car, dragging myself through the front door. Silence was the new normal. Aside from a few employees and the security guards up front, there were no people. It made it more intimidating, no matter how many times I dragged myself back here.The lights were down, letting more shadows in. As I stepped onto the hallway I could hear noises distantly, but I forced myself to focus on moving to the one place I needed.Knocking briefly I entered, opening the door to find my mother there. There was no need for me to wait for her assent when she really responded. Whether it was because she was used to me constantly coming here or simply wished to ignore me, I didn't want to know,
Viktor Night had fallen when I reached the place. Stepping out of the car, I looked at the building with a hollow feeling in my chest. The lights were off. Yet I stayed in place, feeling like an outsider.After years of avoiding it, I'd returned to the place I'd left years ago.My old penthouse. The home that unused to be ours before I ruined everything.It didn't matter how many times I'd come here, it still felt foreign yet painfully familiar and no matter my state I remained standing in this same spot in the entrance, focused on the room windows above that belonged to that room.Six years ago, she had been thrown out in the same place. Had she looked back at the window? The pang of regret never failed to sting. Shutting my eyes, I finally moved forward. Whatever sounds I gave the security at the reception could barely be called a greeting, but it was enough as I slipped into the elevator. The silence throughout reinforced the memories floating in my mind. The good and bad, all o
EvaThe Cafe's bustling noise felt refreshing . At least, it was good compared to the tense aura of the woman in front of me. Another sigh came through, making me shift back to the subject in question. Penelope moved around the desk gathering ingredients. Even though she had employees up front which made her recipes to her satisfaction, she still preferred to make her personal blend herself and she was doing so, very gloomily.After the first few days, the hype of her return settled down and the excitement and happiness she had had turned into this lonely sense. As if she was longing for something. Or in this case, someone.Were I not her friend, I would've kept silent to not aggravate her. Unfortunately for her, I was. Clearing my throat I spoke up.“So, has he contacted you?”She perked up instantly, as if I'd jolted her. I held back my amusement at how quickly she'd responded. She definitely had it bad for him.Yet just as quickly, she deflated.“No. And he won't either. He's pro
Eva The awkwardness grew the longer the silence persisted. I took the initiative to break it, shifting slightly, “Uh…Julienne , this is Penelope,” I introduced, turning to Julienne before staring interchangeably at Penelope “she's my friend and owns this cafe.” Julienne looked trite, staring at me in shock. I sent her a silent apology, hoping she didn't think I'd done this on purpose. Even I was still recovering from the shock. Lost in conversation I'd forgotten about Penelope meeting her, but it didn't help the discomfort from her sudden entrance and words. Penelope sat on the free seat at the side, middling us. “Did something happen?” I asked warily. “No, I just felt like stepping out,” she replied, shaking her head, “I also wanted to meet you, Julienne.” I noticed Julienne stiffen. “Penelope-” I said in a warning tone. “Thank you for helping Eva out before. Drinks are on me.” Penelope said with a smile. “Oh, thanks…” Julienne said, a wary look on her eyes. O
ONE MONTH LATEREva“When are you coming back?” I asked, rifling through clothes as frustration brewed up in me.“Soon.” Jon’s voice rang through terse and neutral. It made my brows furrow.“So, in a week? Cory and Anthea miss you.” I said, trying to ignore the coldness in his tone.“I…Eva I don’t know yet.” His words gave me whiplash, making me flinch.“Okay.” I said.Frustration brewed inside me but I kept silent.The moment the call ended I dropped the phone like a dead weight, clenching and unclenching my arms for control. What the hell? This wasn’t the first time, at least not within this month.After telling him of my decision to include Viktor and Grace into the children’s lives the day I'd made the decision, he was completely supportive. I still sensed displeasure, however no matter how much I tried to assure him, he said that it was fine. Although he was never present while Viktor and Grace were around, he still looked well.It happened so gradually. At first he wasn’t pr
EvaI was completely frozen under the scrutiny of my best friend’s stare as she flickered between us. Even if he wasn't touching me like before, his closeness was suspicious enough.For a moment everything was still…until the moment the twins slipped out beside her.“Mom!” they chorused and my gaze shifted to their innocent smiles. Without he's they rushed to greet me and I pushed my panic away, forcing a smile. “Hey, babies. Did you enjoy your time at Aunt Penelope?” I hugged them, ruffling their hair to make them giggle and nod in agreement. Looking back up to face Penelope felt sheepish. Her expression said plenty, a mix of disbelief and recognition. I could hear her unsaid words without thinking.I tried to pass a pleading one of my own to tell her that I'd explain after this. “Mom?” I tore my eyes away to meet Anthea’s stare but she wasn't looking at me but behind me, no doubt at Viktor.‘Oh,’ I quickly stood up, looking at him before turning back to the children.“You…you re
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