Chapter Forty One: Morning Package

EVELYN'S POV:

As I sat on the couch, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease. Curiosity gnawed at me, and my mind raced with questions.

What are they hiding from me?

The uncertainty fueled my frustration and anger. If something serious was happening, why wasn’t I being informed?

I couldn’t help myself anymore. I needed answers. I need to know what happened to me.

That isn't too much of a request.

“Dad, please,” I said, trying to sound calm, though my voice betrayed me. “Someone tell me what’s going on.”

My dad stood and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Relax, dear. You just need to rest and eat something. We can talk later.”

But his words didn’t reassure me. I turned to Leonard, who was trying hard to appear composed, though I could see through his forced smile. 

I gave him a soft questioning look.

“Leonard,” I asked, my voice firmer, “can you please tell me what’s going on? Don't you think I deserve to know?”

Leonard smiled softly and placed a hand on my arm. “Everything is fine, Evelyn. You just need to rest. We’ll talk later.”

His response mirrored my dad’s, as though they had rehearsed it, my frustration grew.

“Gosh, somebody speak to me please.” I nagged.

My dad nodded in agreement with Leonard then excused himself to “refresh.” Leonard followed him out of the room, the door closing behind them, leaving me alone.

I could hear their soft voices from the porch and wondered what they were discussing. A pang of fear gripped me, “what had happened? Was I with a deadly disease?” I questioned helplessly. But I pushed it aside. My dad would never hurt me, and I trusted Leonard—though I didn’t want to admit it.

But right now I need no more proof that Leonard was genuine.

I stood from the couch, deciding to distract myself by making something to eat. But as I entered the kitchen, I hesitated, unsure where to start, not even from a choice of food. I just hovered around.

The door opened, and Leonard walked in, a smile lighting up his face.

“What are you doing?” he asked playfully. “You’re not allowed to lift a finger until further notice. not until you're completely healed.”

“But I'm healed, I feel strong, not like I'm bedridden.” I said to him,

“No ma'am, I insist. Why do you think I'm here, to let you stress? No.” he questioned and answered simply.

“Alright then, I'm hungry, Mr. Chef,” I said lightly.

“Then let me serve you,” he said, slipping into an apron.

He picked up a knife and held it as if he held a pen, “Ready to take orders, miss.” He gestures towards me.

I laughed. “I just want something simple.”

Leonard nodded and began cooking. We chatted as he worked, and I felt my worries slowly fade. With Leonard, everything always seemed better.

Still, thoughts of Dana and Caleb crept into my mind. Why hadn’t anyone mentioned them? Surely, they knew about what had happened. “Why didn't they check on me, wouldn't this have been a chance for them, whatever.” 

I pushed the thoughts aside. “I’ll deal with them later,” I muttered to myself.

Leonard approached me after serving the meal. “Evelyn,” he began cautiously, “ about the hospital test results.”

My heart sank. I wasn’t ready for this.

“You were poisoned,” he said, his voice heavy. “It was food poisoning. but you're fine now, the doctors made sure you're.” He added trying to make me calm.

My breath caught. “Poisoned?”

“We don’t know who did it yet, but we’ll find out. I need you to trust me.”

The revelation hit me like a storm. My mind raced. Who could have done this?

Whoever did that was smart, I only had coffee in the morning and my father gave me that and obviously he wouldn't poison me.

Leonard noticed my reaction and held my arm gently. “It’s going to be okay, Evelyn,” he said, his tone steady. “We’ll get through this together.”

I nodded, trying to calm myself. We ate the meal—steamed cauliflower, vegetable rice, and grilled chicken. It was delicious, but my thoughts were elsewhere.

Leonard excused himself to shower. I laid out clothes for him—ones I’d bought for Caleb before everything changed.

As I kept the clothes I looked at them and had a little memory of Caleb and I, I cursed in frustration, how I did not see his true lies then.

Later, we went to the living room and debated what movie to watch. We finally settled on a Hollywood romance.

As the movie played, I couldn’t shake the feeling Leonard was withholding something. Whenever I pressed him, he’d just smile and say, “Nothing.” but it doesn't feel like anything.

There was more he needed to reveal, but the fear of hurting me kept him.

I could tell, it took him so much courage to disclose the test results.

Halfway through the movie, a knock sounded at the door. Leonard answered, revealing my dad.

“Hey, Dad,” I greeted, standing to hug him.

He smiled warmly. “Just came to check on you, dear. I’m fine, just tired. I think I’ll head to bed now.”

I nodded. “Goodnight, Dad.”

He left, and Leonard and I returned to the movie. But as the room darkened, my eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, waking me. I stretched and glanced around for Leonard, but he wasn’t in the room.

Moments later, the door opened, and Leonard walked in, carrying a cup of coffee.

“How are you feeling today?” he asked, handing me the cup.

“Super fantastic,” I replied, smiling.

He leaned in and kissed my forehead. “Good. Let’s make today special. I owe you a proper birthday celebration.”

Just as he spoke, the doorbell rang.

I glanced at the clock—7:26 a.m. “Who could that be?” I wondered aloud. It couldn't be dad cause he wakes by 8.

Leonard went to answer the door, and I followed closely behind.

When the door opened, I gasped in shock at the package standing before us.