Chapter Fifty-Five: The Next Step

EVELYN’S POV:

The sunlight cast a golden glow on my body through the curtains, entering directly into my eyes and forcing them open. I squinted against the brightness, disoriented. It was morning already, though the night had felt far too short.

As usual, Leonard wasn’t in bed. I turned toward the door, half-expecting him to walk in with my morning coffee, as he often did. Ten minutes passed, and still, he didn’t show up.

A wave of anger washed over me. Why would he just leave without letting me know? Tears stung at the corners of my eyes. I needed him around—his presence was my comfort. Had he left because I was on my period? The thought alone made me furious. If that was his reason, it was rude and lame. And I vowed to not speak to him again.

But then I remembered how sweet he’d been the previous night. Could something have happened? My anger began to fade into worry, my mind swirling with a hundred possibilities.

I snapped my fingers, trying to shake off the negative thoughts. “Whatever.” I muttered under my breath as I undressed and walked into the bathroom. I took a quick shower, hoping the warm water would wash away the frustration. But I don't think it worked.

The excitement I’d felt upon waking had completely vanished. “What a horrible way to start the day,” I mumbled, close to tears. My thoughts drifted to the previous day, to everything that had happened with Dana and Caleb. the trap—I felt foolish for ever thinking I could trust Dana’s fake story, even a little.

But it isn’t time to deal with them yet. That much I knew. Dad, on the other hand, would want to take action immediately. And speaking of Dad, I remembered I needed to meet with him soon, he deserves some explanation.

My thoughts were cut short when the door creaked open. I turned abruptly, and there he was—Leonard.

“Good morning, princess,” he said, his face lighting up with an admirable smile. He held a parcel in his hand and stretched it toward me.

Just like that, everything I’d felt earlier melted away.

“I thought of you…” I began, but he cut me off gently.

“Evelyn, I’ll never leave,” he said, his voice full of sincerity.

I took the parcel and unwrapped it, my breath hitching as I saw its contents—various brands of chocolate bars and a small card. My eyes scanned the message: “Periods are red, so are roses and wine. You will be fine.”

“Oh my God, Leonard…” I gasped, overwhelmed. “Thank you so much.”

Before I could process it, he revealed a flower bouquet. I hadn’t noticed his other hand had been tucked behind him this entire time. I stared in shock.

Leonard was beyond sweet—he was perfect.

I took the bouquet and smelled it; the fragrance was intoxicating. Attached to it was another card that read, “Pretty cards for pretty girls.”

I stood, my heart swelling, and wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug. He lifted me effortlessly, my hands clinging to his neck and my legs around his waist. He kissed me passionately, and all the frustration I’d felt earlier evaporated into thin air just like that.

The moment ended when he gently set me down. I grabbed a chocolate bar, unwrapping it without hesitation. I knew it was wrong to start my morning with chocolate, but my cravings didn’t care.

He excused himself and went downstairs, only to return minutes later with a glass of warm water for me and a cup of coffee for himself.

“Thank you,” I said softly as I sipped.

Leonard settled into a chair, his coffee in hand. Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting before he walked a few steps away to take the call. Though I couldn’t hear the conversation, I could tell it wasn’t good. When he returned, he tried to act normal, but his body betrayed him—his shoulders tense, his expression dark.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Leonard gave me a small smile, shaking his head. “Nothing to worry about. Just work.”

Even though I wasn’t satisfied, I let it go for now. The silence that followed was heavy, and I began to feel uncomfortable.

Breaking the quiet, I asked, “What’s our next step? About Dana and Caleb, I mean.”

At the mention of their names, his entire demeanor shifted. His eyes darkened, and his expression became unreadable.

“Evelyn,” he began, his voice low, “I’m sorry about yesterday. I know you deserve better security. But I promise this won’t happen again.” He paused, looking me directly in the eyes. “We don’t need to rush into anything. Let’s give them time. We’ll strike when they least expect it. I want them to learn a lifetime lesson.”

I stared at him, trying to process his words. Before I could respond, a knock on the door interrupted us. I already knew who it was—Dad.

Leonard followed closely behind me as I walked out to get the door.

“Good morning, darling,” Dad greeted as he walked in, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Like he was looking for something or someone 

When his gaze landed on Leonard, I noticed how his shoulders eased.

“Good morning, Mr. Wyatt,” Leonard greeted politely.

“Good morning, Leonard Henderson,” Dad replied casually, though his tone held that familiar fatherly edge. “It’s high time you cut that cutesy act.”

I smiled at their interaction, but Leonard’s phone buzzed again. This time, his expression turned even darker. He glanced at the screen, muttered an apology, and excused himself.

“Alright. I came to check on you. You seem better today.” he said, holding my hand.

“I am,” I replied, though I couldn’t shake the unease building in my chest. Something was up with Leonard.

“We should have breakfast all together, I'll be waiting at the table.” dad suggested.

It felt nice so I agreed to it and assured him we would be there soon.

And with that he left..

I needed to find out what's up with Leonard. And no matter what lay ahead, I knew one thing for certain—Leonard was a man of his word. Whatever storm was coming, we’d face it together.