WARNING: IMPLIED DUBIOUS CONSENTViktor ONE MONTH LATER‘Just this once.’I stumbled across the room completely wasted. My mind was in a daze but it didn't matter to me.Looking around, the room felt cold. I had been a stranger to this place for the past few weeks, barely staying to bathe and dress up before leaving again. I didn't want to see her face or speak to her.Yet my traitorous heart had brought me back here, to our home. ‘More like her home’ I scoffed bitterly. Despite trying to resist it I needed to see her.Every time she looked at me with those saddened puppy-like eyes that made my guilt waver, but I always avoided her. Maybe it would be less painful if she stopped acting innocent.She must be happier now without worrying about me to keep an eye on her. Now she could cheat and go out with multiple men as she could.Did she bring some of them home? I'd asked the guards around the penthouse to keep an eye on her yet every time she came alone. There wasn't a trace of her
Viktor It was so jarring that I couldn't move for a moment. The instant I processed it my actions were swift. I pushed her away, stumbling back in turn.“What the hell?” left my lips. Shock and disbelief filled me as I looked at her. She'd just…kissed me?She didn't seem undeterred by it or shocked by her own actions. The look on her face could only be described as pleased.“You don't have to be afraid. I'm not going to eat you.” She shrugged amusingly looking more like the friend I knew if not for the amusement on her face.Why would she do this? “Viktor, can't you feel it? The sparks between us. Our chemistry. We belong.” She took a step forward and I was frozen in place.“You're my friend.” I said dumbly and her smile widened.“And?” She asked, leaning in “It doesn't mean that we can't do this.”“Brienne!” She stilled after I shouted, the smile on her face falling a fraction. I didn't get the chance to speak as she interrupted.“Tell me that you've never been attracted to me befo
Viktor As I entered the penthouse, I found the place empty. There was no trace of her.‘She’d gone to meet one of those men.’ the venomous thought slipped into my chest.Brienne was right behind me. My gut tightened at the thought of meeting Eva here. How confused she would be before it set in. Had she been here, would I have the will to go through with this?There was no time to think of anything else. Not when Brienne kissed me, pushing her breasts against me.“Let's see if she will be back by the time we're done.” Brianna coyly smiled.As it turned out, we weren't done by the time she returned and I met the face of the woman I once loved staring horrified at us.‘Are you surprised?’ I thought horribly. My chest twinged in rebellion but I suppressed it. Why should I be the one to feel ashamed after everything she'd done?She had no right to feel sad or betrayed. It was only payback.And it was only just the first thing My decision was on impulse yet it still felt like it was a lo
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 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