Chapter Twenty Nine: All Over Me

EVELYN'S POV

I opened my eyes quickly, sweating profusely, my body drenched in a cold sweat. It took me a moment to realize that it was all a dream. I rubbed my eyes, trying to shove off the vivid images that still lingered in my mind. I turned on the bed lamp. My eyes darted from one nook of the room to the other, searching for any sign of movement or presence. But obviously, I was alone.

I took a deep breath, trying to ease myself from the tension I felt at the moment. It was just a dream, I told myself. But the memory of it still felt so real. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered inside me.

As I sat up in bed, my mind began to wander. Was it just a coincidence that I had dreamed about Dana and Caleb betraying me after what I already knew? Or was my subconscious trying to tell me something? I thought intensely, trying to analyze every detail of the dream. And I came to understand immediately that Caleb and Dana were up to something. I needed to act—I couldn’t sleep over it.

But the more I thought about it, the more my mind became muddled. I couldn't think straight—I was going nuts. My thoughts were a jumbled mess. I needed to clear my head at once, to act smoothly and smartly.

I got out of bed and walked to the kitchen to get a glass of water. But as I stood there, gulping the cool liquid, I still couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. It was as if something was watching me, lurking just out of sight. I became too scared to move even an inch.

I walked back to my room, my heart pounding in my chest. Everything seemed to be alive, the shadows cast by the moonlight twisting and writhing on the walls. I was losing my mind, and nothing had helped disrupt these thoughts.

Fear washed over me, and I began trembling. I felt like a leaf—fragile and vulnerable. I couldn't bring myself to stop reminiscing about the dream, and the more I thought about it, the more everything felt real. It was just like Caleb and Dana were in the room.

Just as I thought I was going to collapse, I managed to reach my phone. I scrolled through the screen, searching for Leonard's number. But my fingers were shaking as they hovered above the screen, and I couldn't seem to find what I was looking for.

Just as I was starting to feel hopeless, I saw the number and clicked on the dial button. It rang for a short while, and Leonard picked up.

“Hey, Evelyn, you good?” His voice was calm and radiant.

But I couldn't find my voice to speak—silence filled the air for a moment before I managed to mutter:

“Leonard, I ne... need... you, right now,” my voice stuttering.

He didn't say a thing afterward, but I could sense his reaction from my end. All I heard before the line went dead was, “Shit.”

In a few minutes, there was a knock on the door. I knew it was Leonard. I jumped out of bed and walked down to the door. As I got closer, I could smell his cologne. I felt some of the tension I had earlier begin to dissipate.

I opened the door, and relief washed over me.

Even in the dim light, I could see the concern etched on his face.

I fell into his arms, holding him tight. He took me inside, gently placing me on the bed and making me lay.

“Evelyn, what's going on?” His voice was as deep and steady as ever.

I tried to collect myself, but my face betrayed me.

I took a deep breath and narrated to him in detail what I had seen. He thought for a while before pulling me close to his chest. He assured me everything would be fine.

“You look messed up, Evelyn,” he said, standing up.

He motioned for me to leave the bed. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I found myself in the bathroom with him. I was naked, and he was giving me a bath.

As he did, his fingers trailed gently over every part of my body. I leaned in and placed a wet kiss on his lips.

He held me by the waist and pulled me closer. His face was so close now; he looked at me passionately. “Easy,” he whispered, his lips brushing against mine, sending shivers down my spine.

Then, he withdrew and let go of me. I stared at him, my cheeks now painted deep red from blushing.

We went to the bedroom after the bath, and soon we found ourselves in the kitchen. I had put on my nightie.

He handed me a glass of juice. “At your service. What's your order?” he asked, adjusting the apron he had put on.

I smiled and asked him to make me avocado, cucumber, and arugula salad along with an omelet.

He smiled as he looked at me. “Watch me make your best.”

Soon, my meal was ready. As I ate, he held my hand, whispering words of comfort. I had a good one.

Leonard realized I wasn't completely out of my shell and suggested we go out for a walk. I agreed.

We went to the poolside—it was my favorite spot.

We sat by the edge of the pool, our legs dangling in the cool water.

“Thank you, Leonard,” I whispered to him.

As the sky turned pink and orange, I felt my fears and anxieties slowly start to fade. Leonard's presence was calming, and I felt safe with him beside me.

We talked and joked, and soon I was worn out. I suggested we go back inside.

We went back in, and I fell asleep in no time.

But my peace was short-lived. Around 6 a.m., my phone beeped, waking me up. I reached for it, my eyes still heavy with sleep.

As I looked at the screen, my blood ran cold. There was an email…