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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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