Chapter Twenty Seven: Is This Love?

EVELYN'S POV:

I tried to act calm, not letting them notice the turmoil I felt, but my body betrayed me. I never anticipated Caleb's visit. But then again, this was Dana and Caleb being themselves.

My instincts went into overdrive as I processed the unexpected twist. A shiver ran down my spine when Caleb's eyes locked onto mine, a hint of a momentum playing on his face.

"Dana, what's going on?" I asked, striving to keep my tone neutral.

Dana breezed past me, with Caleb standing close behind. "I hope you don’t mind, but I brought Caleb along. I thought we could hang out. You know, make it a little gathering, isn't that interesting?," she asked casually.

I watched as Dana and Caleb made themselves comfortable in my living room. A lingering unease settled over me; I couldn't shake the feeling that Dana was up to something, and Caleb's presence only deepened the mystery. But I stayed calm.

"I don’t think I want to go out today. Maybe we could hang out some other time," I said, feigning indifference.

Dana’s face fell as if she were genuinely disappointed. "Right, no problem," she mumbled, her gaze dropping.

Caleb’s voice broke the tension. "Evelyn, how have you been? You've been unreachable since the presentation. I’ve really wanted to talk to you. When Dana mentioned visiting, I decided to come along," he said softly, his tone low and expression unreadable.

I searched his face for a hint of his intentions but found nothing. "Caleb, I’ve been fine. What is it you want to talk about?"

Dana chimed in suddenly, her voice sounding uncharacteristically sincere. "Evelyn, you have to open your heart to Caleb. He cares so much about you—he really loves you. Can't you see that?”

Her words startled me, and my expression must have changed because Dana stood, walked toward me, and looked me squarely in the eyes.

"Eve, we love you. But you need to let us show it. This isn’t you. We need to sort this out. But first, you have to trust us and tell us what’s going on. We’re both concerned. Please, Evelyn," she pleaded.

I stayed silent, unsure of what to say. Finally, I spoke coldly. "If you or Caleb wants me to trust you, you’ll have to earn it.

Just like people do right?"

Caleb leaned forward slightly, his tone still calm. "I’m trying, Eve. We both are. But you’ve locked yourself away, and I can’t get through to you, anymore, what's going on.

Since the unsuccessful engagement party, you became unlike you.”

Caleb cleared his throat, his voice softer now as he leaned slightly forward. “Evelyn, listen. I’m willing to do anything to earn your trust—anything. I love you, and I mean that. What I feel for you isn’t a joke or something fleeting. It’s real, Evelyn. And I can’t just sit here pretending everything’s fine when I know something is bothering you.”

He paused, his eyes searching mine, as if hoping to find the answers I wasn’t giving. “Please, just talk to us. We’re your friends—the good ones. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together. But you’ve got to let us in. Say something, Evelyn.”

His voice carried a mix of desperation and genuine concern, his expression pleading. For a brief moment, the air between us felt heavy, as though his words had shifted something—but I wasn’t sure what.

He adjusted in his seat before continuing. "Evelyn, I need to talk to you about Leonard. He’s luring you—"

At the mention of Leonard, I felt a wave of anger, my fists clenching and my jaw tightening. I managed to suppress my reaction, though my tone was sharp. "You have no right to dictate who I should or shouldn’t hang out with. Keep Leonard out of this."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Caleb’s disappointment was evident, and Dana seemed to be searching for ways to support him. My frustration and anxiety surged. I could sense I was the pawn in some game they were playing, and I didn’t like it.

Just then, my phone beeped. Grateful for the distraction, I quickly checked the screen. What I saw transformed my mood completely.

It was a text from Leonard:

"If we could go anywhere together—just the two of us—where would you want to go?"

A jolt of excitement coursed through me, but I tried to hide it. Standing up, I spoke as casually as I could. "I’m sorry, guys, but I really need to get some work done. Maybe we can catch up another time?"

Dana’s face fell, but Caleb stood. His eyes lingered on mine as he spoke. "If this is what you need, I’ll leave. But call me when you’re ready. I won’t stop trying to earn your trust, until I earn it"

"Of course, Evelyn. We understand. Maybe next time," Dana added softly. "Don’t forget—I care about you. We both do.

Their words lingered as they left, the air between us thick with unspoken tension.

Once the door closed, I let out a deep sigh and walked to my bedroom to change. My steps felt heavy, weighed down by tangled emotions.

As soon as I entered, I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling as my mind raced with thoughts. Brushing them aside, I stood and headed to the bathroom.

While bathing, all I could think about was Leonard. I remembered last night—the perfect time we’d shared—and the way his text had sent my heart racing.

What’s going on? I asked myself. Am I falling in love with Leonard? The question echoed in my mind, but I couldn’t find an answer. Did it even matter?

No, I told myself firmly. What truly mattered was how he made me feel—alive, seen, and wanted. That was enough for now.

Still, I reminded myself to tread carefully. I couldn’t afford to make mistakes. Not this time. I needed to stay grounded, no matter how intoxicating the emotions might feel.

Finishing quickly, I slipped into something casual and picked up my phone to reply:

"I think I’ll carefully think about that."

Smiling to myself, I hit send and headed downstairs for lunch.

Just as I reached the den, a loud knock startled me. My heart fluttered with nervous anticipation. Who could it be?