Chapter Fifty-Nine: You Are Not Safe

EVELYN’S POV:

My heart was racing as I scrolled through the images and the accompanying write-ups, each headline more shocking than the last. I leaned back in my chair, overwhelmed by a storm of emotions. Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to process everything. All I ever wanted was peace—peace I thought I had finally found with Leonard. But now, that fragile trust I was building had been shattered. How could he do this to me?

I pushed myself up from the chair and trudged back to the bedroom, collapsing onto the bed. I lay there, trying to make sense of it all, but my mind had reached its limit. No clear thoughts emerged; only a chaotic swirl of hurt and frustration. I tried to sleep, hoping it would bring me some relief, but the turmoil inside me wouldn’t let me let sleep intervene.

Frustrated, I got up and began pacing the room. My anger bubbled over, and I grabbed nearby items, smashing them against the walls. The destruction brought no solace, just more emptiness. Desperate for an escape, I grabbed one of my car keys and stormed out of the house. I got into my car and drove off, my destination unclear until I found myself subconsciously pulling into the garage of a bar just a few kilometers away.

Inside, I slid into a seat and waved to the waiter. He approached, and I ordered some tequila shots. He asked if I wanted anything else, but I shook my head. Moments later, he returned with my order. One shot, then another, and then another—soon, I lost count. As the alcohol coursed through my veins, I felt a strange heat rising within me and a sudden urge to be at the dance floor.

I staggered to the dance floor, moving wildly to the music. It was reckless, chaotic, but it felt liberating. The weight of my emotions seemed to lift, if only for a moment. After a while, I craved more tequila and stumbled over to the bar for another round. Fueled by alcohol, I found myself dancing from table to table, screaming along to the music but it was great. My worries were gone.

A man approached me, his eyes gleaming with playful intent. “Hey, I’m Evelyn,” I slurred, offering my hand. “Feel like getting down tonight? Don’t worry, no strings attached.” He laughed, pulling me closer. “Not so fast,” he replied with a smirk. “But you’re absolutely stunning.” His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a strange pull. Overcome with emotion and alcohol, I grabbed his neck and suddenly pulled him into a kiss.

Suddenly, someone yanked me backward. Startled, I turned to see Leonard standing there, his face a storm of anger and hurt. My own frustration surged, and before I could think, I slapped him across the face. Without a word, Leonard turned and charged at the guy I'd been dancing with. Grabbing him by the collar, Leonard barked, “Who do you think you are, kissing random women in a club huh?”

The man raised his hands defensively, his face a mix of shock and confusion. “She came on to me! I didn’t force her!” But before he could finish, Leonard’s fist connected with his face again.

The chaos around us barely drew attention from the crowd, lost in their own revelry. I grabbed my bag and rushed toward the exit, but the waiter stopped me, reminding me to pay my bill. I handed over my card and completed the payment before dashing outside. I jumped into my car, slamming the door shut in frustration.

“Why can’t he just leave me TF alone?” I screamed, gripping the steering wheel tightly. “Fucking playboy!” I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breath, but a knock on the window distracted me. I looked up to see Leonard standing there. Without thinking, I started the car and sped off, ignoring the dizziness clouding my senses.

As I drove, fragments of the night replayed in my mind, adding to my confusion. Glancing in the rearview mirror, I noticed headlights trailing me closely. The car behind me seemed to be following, and panic set in. I pressed harder on the accelerator, weaving through the empty streets in a reckless attempt to escape. My vision blurred, and I could barely see the road ahead.

Slamming on the brakes, my car screeched to a halt, jolting me forward. The pursuing vehicle stopped a short distance behind. I sat frozen, my heart pounding as I tried to collect myself. Then, another knock on the window made me jump. This time, it wasn’t Leonard. A stranger stood there, his expression dark. Fear gripped me.

Before I could react, the stranger collapsed to the ground, struck by something heavy. I looked up in horror to see Leonard standing over him, a log in his hand. “Drive,” Leonard ordered firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Shaking, I restarted the engine and drove at a cool steadier pace this time, with Leonard following closely behind.

When we finally reached my house, I parked the car and stumbled inside, my body trembling with exhaustion and fear. Leonard followed silently, his presence both a comfort and a source of tension. Once inside my bedroom, I sank onto the bed, overwhelmed by everything that had happened. My tears flowed freely, unchecked.

“Evelyn,” Leonard began, his voice soft yet filled with scolding. “What’s wrong with you? Don’t you see how dangerous it is out there? You’re not safe on your own.”

I looked up at him, his concerned eyes meeting mine. There was no trace of anger now, only sincerity. His words pierced through my defenses, and I couldn’t hold back the flood of emotions any longer. My tears turned into sobs, the weight of my pain finally spilling over and I felt better with time.

“Please, Evelyn,” he said again, He took my trembling hands in his. “I need you to listen to me. You're hurting yourself, if you could just let me speak.”