Chapter Five: Better Together

Evelyn's POV

“Evelyn, where have you been all these time? Have been trying your number, but I got no response from you. Do you know he was worried? I was also scared,” my father's voice resounded in the living room as he flared up? 

I was somehow expecting this reaction. He hated being lost or confused and after everything that happened yesterday at the engagement party, he must have felt exhausted while trying to answer the questions from the guests and worse, from Caleb's parents. 

“We have a lot to discuss, so sit down,” he gestured towards a couch without waiting for me to explain myself. I could tell that he was angry.

“I'm sorry, dad, for not telling you about my plans or explaining why I had to cancel the engagement,” I started. “But the truth is, I don't think I want to get married to Caleb anymore,” I said and waited for him to respond.

His brows creased into a hard knot as he stared at me speechlessly. He seemed confused again. “I don't understand. This is the same guy that you've been bothering me about. You also reassured me that he is capable of handling the company while you focus on your dreams, and I agreed to it. So why are you suddenly changing your mind about it? Is there something that I am not getting?” He moved closer with a frown.

I bit my inner lip, trying to be calculative with my words. “Dad, there's always someone that can take that position. It doesn't have to be Caleb. There are many capable people out there,” I reasoned.

“And who do you think is best fit for the position?” He seemed curious.

“What about me? I'm your daughter and I know how hard you've worked just to keep that company. If anyone should appreciate your work, it should be me. I know how long you've worked just to build that company up from the ground. I won't let your suffering go to waste, and I'll try my best to ensure that it grows even more,” I reassured him. 

His eyes widened, and his brows drew closer. He was shocked, baffled and in disbelief. “What did you say? Do you want to be the next CEO? Then what about your dreams? What about being a fashion designer? Isn't that all you ever wanted in life?” He threw questions and I understood him. 

If this was the previous me, the last person I would recommend for his company was myself because I wanted nothing to do with that position. I wanted to do what I love, and the company wasn't something I found pleasure in handling. I believed if I handled the company without any genuine love for it, it was only going to bring less motivation.

However, I thought differently now. This was what I wanted to do; the first queen move in my revenge plan, and taking over the company with that plan in mind would only motivate me further. 

And since I was being whirled back to the past, I know for a fact that every single event that had played out in the past will repeat itself. Every actions of Caleb and that of Dana. So I was definitely going to have the upper hand now, and with that I was sure as hell going to find out all his moves, starting with the first one that was targeted towards my dad.

“I know you don't believe me but these past few days,” I began, inching closer to my dad, “I have come to realize my mistakes. I never actually asked you what you wanted and assumed that you might want an outsider to rule your company just as long as they were capable, but after thinking it over, I finally understood why you felt bothered at first when I introduced the idea of Caleb taking over from you. Being a CEO won't stop me from achieving my dreams. I can still own a fashion house if I wanted to,” I said thoughtfully.

He was quiet for a while as he tried to comprehend and digest what he just heard. “So you want to take over the company? But you don't know how to handle a company?” He pointed out. I could tell that he was not only worried for his company but also for me.

“That's where you come in, dad. You can teach me how to handle a company. I am keen to learn from you,” I replied promptly.

He leaned back against his chair while being thoughtful for a while. “Alright. I need to think about this for a while, I'll get back to you later,” he stood up slowly from his seat. 

I heard the sound of his footsteps as he walked back to his room. I sat in the quiet room, wondering if I was doing it all wrong, when the sound of the doorbell broke my reverie. Standing up, I walked to the door and opened it. 

“Hey, Evelyn,” Dana wrapped her arms around me immediately. What was she doing here? I thought she claimed to be sick. 

Caleb appeared behind her… okay this was becoming interesting. I moved for them to step into the room before closing the door.

“Why are you here?” I asked, trying to make my voice neutral. 

“Hey, why are you asking the obvious? Can't I visit my best friend again? I wanted to know how you're feeling after learning from your dad that you were sick,” she lied. My dad was obviously too occupied to share my health issues with anyone.

“Oh I see, excuse my manners then. So why am I here then?” I turned to look at Caleb. 

“Oh come, Evelyn. What do you mean by that? Caleb is your fiancé and I heard what happened yesterday. That wasn't you, Evelyn. Why did you call off the wedding after desperately waiting to be Caleb's wife for so long?” She inquired as I stifled a smile.

“That's because I would rather not be married to anyone yet until I achieve my dreams,” I replied plainly.

“But Caleb has always been there for you. In fact, he wants to help you achieve your goals and that's why he agreed to take over your father's company just so you will have enough time to pursue your career. Caleb loves you so much so you have to be more considerate, Evelyn. As your best friend, I found it really unbelievable,” she reached for my hand. 

It took all the strength in me not to shove her hand away. She claimed she was sick just to avoid attending the engagement party, but she was suddenly healthy the next day when things didn't go as she planned. She was so transparent. 

“But you both look better together,” I joked, but an undercurrent could be depicted from my tone. 

They froze, and their faces turned pale. “What did you say?” Dana whispered. My lips curled up into a smile before I chuckled to break the thick tension in the air. 

“That wasn't funny, Evelyn. You know Caleb and I are just friends. But you really need to give him a second chance. Don't regret this, Evelyn. I know he loves you so much,” she advised, and Caleb finally moved towards me and held my hand. 

“Evelyn, I don't know what I did, but I'm sorry if I disappointed you. I love you so much. My heart was torn into pieces yesterday when you made that announcement. Please don't leave me like this. I love you and I want you back. If you like, I'll do anything and everything that you ask of me,” he said, squeezing my hand lightly.

I raised my brow with a faint smile. “Anything you said?” I asked to confirm and he immediately nodded. “Fine then, I'll accept you back as my fiancé,” I replied mischievously. This was now my game, and I was more than willing to play. And trust me, Caleb wouldn't know what’s going to hit him next.