Chapter Sixty-Two: A Strange Message

EVELYN'S POV:

When I arrived at his place, he was sitting on the balcony, his shoulders slumped, staring out at the horizon. It wasn’t like him. I made my way inside and climbed the stairs, feeling a heaviness in the air. Something wasn’t right.

 And feared for the worst, but still couldn't say what could be wrong.

“Hey, Dad,” I greeted as I stepped onto the balcony, forcing a smile. He turned to look at me, but his response was muted, his tone flat. My heart skipped a beat.

As I walked closer, I noticed the small picture of my mom clutched in his hand. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and it broke my heart to see him like this. “Hey, Dad,” I said softly, kneeling beside him. “I know you miss Mom. I miss her too, more than words can say. But you’ve got to take it easy on yourself. This—this won’t help you, Dad. You know Mom would want you to be happy. She’d want you to find joy, even in her absence. You still have me. Don’t you think I’m filling even a tiny bit of the space she left? And consider your health too.”

As I spoke I felt a pang of guilt, maybe I wasn't there enough for him, especially that I always hangout with Leonard. And don't remember spending much more time with him.

I instantly made up my mind to change.

He turned to me, his expression pained but tender. “Evelyn, you are my darling girl. If there’s one thing I’m grateful for, it’s you. But it’s hard, sweetheart. It’s so hard.I love your mum so much.” His voice cracked, the weight of his grief evident in every word. 

I reached out and wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly. “It’s okay, Dad,” I whispered. “We’ll get through this together, it's going to be just fine.” 

After a moment, I pulled out a box of donuts I’d brought along. “Here, try one,” I said, offering it to him with a smile. He hesitated but eventually took one. Watching him nibble on the donut, a flicker of a smile crossed his lips for the first time that day.

Gradually, the conversation lightened as I steered it toward happier topics. I cracked a few jokes, and he even laughed—a small but genuine laugh that lifted my spirits. After spending some time on the balcony, we moved inside for dinner. The cook had set the table for two, knowing I was around.

Dinner was a quiet but comforting affair. The simple act of eating together brought a sense of normalcy to the evening. After we were done, I decided to stay the night. I didn’t want to leave him alone, not when he was in such a fragile state.

To a much extent, I missed mum too.

We settled into the living room and talked for hours. He asked about Leonard, his curiosity barely disguised. I knew he wanted to know where things stood between us, but I skillfully dodged his questions, offering vague answers and redirecting the conversation.

I was surprised to find out he knew about the blazing pictures of I and Leonard on the internet, I was flushed in embarrassment.

We also talked about Caleb and Dana. I mentioned that we hadn’t heard from them yet but that I trusted Leonard was working on something. He nodded, seeming reassured, and soon his eyelids grew heavy. As he drifted off to sleep on the couch, I gently shook him awake and helped him upstairs to his room.

Once he was settled, I returned to the living room. The TV was still on, though I barely registered what was playing. My mind was restless, though I couldn't tell why. so I picked up my phone and called Leonard. He answered on the third ring.

“It took you ages to answer my call,” I teased, injecting some playfulness into my voice.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” he replied, his tone equally teasing. “I was working, and my phone was just out of reach.” I could hear the faint clicking of his keyboard in the background.

“I’ve been thinking about your request,” I said, drawing out suspense.

There was a pause before he asked, “So, is it a yes or a yes?” His confidence made me laugh.

“Of course, yes,” I replied, unable to keep the grin out of my voice.

I heard him sigh in relief. “Tomorrow evening, then?”

“Sure, but why so fast?” I asked mockingly, before adding, “Oh, and by the way, the donuts were perfect.”

“Yes, I know,” he said smugly, making me roll my eyes.

“Alright, I’ll let you get back to work. Goodnight, Leonard.”

“Goodnight, Evelyn,” he replied, his tone soft and sincere.

I hung up and leaned back on the couch, a sense of calm washing over me. Tomorrow was Saturday, and the thought of a work-free day at home brought me comfort. I'll get to spend the day with dad, before Leonard comes in the Evening. I thought to myself in smiles.I didn’t even realize when I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke to the sight of my dad standing over me, holding a steaming cup of coffee. “Morning, sweetheart,” he said with a small smile.

“Morning, Dad,” I replied groggily, sitting up and stretching. My neck ached from the awkward position I’d slept in on the couch.

Noticing my discomfort, my dad immediately booked a home-service massage therapist. The therapist arrived shortly after, and the session worked wonders, easing the tension in my muscles.

Feeling refreshed, we had breakfast together before I left to get a document at my place. I felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

On the way home, my phone buzzed. Expecting it to be Leonard, I picked it up, but what I saw made my heart skip a beat.

The message on the screen wasn’t what I had anticipated. It wasn’t Leonard, but the content left me stunned.