“What? Why would I hold grudges against someone who hadn't offended me and she is someone who had helped my life?” She quickly turned to look at Lucas with a raised brow ." How did you know her, Julia?” Lucas asked when he heard his cousin reply." She was my senior back when we were in school and she had always protected me whenever I was bullied back then. Even when I decided to become a model she was my role model and mentor as well. Although I'm sure that she was aware that her little help towards me had helped me so much. Her influence in the modeling company had helped me to stop getting bullied by other models. I know that Evangeline has a weird way of talking and she was not a very likable person due to her personality. However, if only the people spent half of the time they used to talk ill about her and try to understand her from another perspective, they would be surprised to know that she wasn't entirely as evil as they painted her.” Julia replied, her eyes and voice fill
He waved his hand, signaling him to stop. He was quite surprised at first when he saw that Eva was the person who was being bullied in public just a few minutes after she left their side. Peter became curious and wanted to see where the situation was going to end, plus he wanted to witness Eva in action and see if the rumors about her were true or not.“Who are those people with Miss Carter?” Peter suddenly asked Benjamin. Among the people standing at the scene, he could only recognize Eva who was on the ground. " The young man standing in front of Miss Carter is Mark Johnson - the heir of the Johnson family and the woman standing behind him wearing a dress similar to the one Miss Carter is also wearing is Christine Carter- she is Miss Carter younger step-sister. Mark Johnson is also Miss Carter's ex-fiance who had dumped her on their wedding day and chose to get engaged with her younger sister instead.” Benjamin quickly gave a report to Peter as well as Nicholas who was listening to
When Eva heard Mark's words she could help but scolded herself for getting so scared and terrified when she hadn't done anything wrong. She had undergone a lot of training to overcome this kind of scenario, why was she on the floor like a wounded puppy. Her grandfather who she disliked so much and her uncle who she tried to draw a line between them would be so disappointed if they were to see her being so pathetic. Not to talk of her late mother. What about Nathalia? What would her best friend who wasn't here at the moment say if she heard about this.“You stupid, pea brain bastard……!” Eva slowly muttered gently under breath, but her voice carried a lot of pressure. She stood up within seconds, startling Mark and the crowds. They had expected her to be weak and cry on the floor, then get dragged out by the security. They never expected her to quickly compose herself in a matter of seconds.Mark was slightly taken aback because that was the first time Eva had sweared at him, not even w
Everyone was shocked to see that Christine had raised up her hand and was about to slap Lucien on the face. They were unable to hear what Lucien had told Christine to make her want to slap him but her actions were interrupted by Eva.“Why are you suddenly getting aggressive Christine? I thought you were not known for violence. Besides, Lucien hadn't spoken anything wrong for you to slap him. All he said was the truth.” Eva remarked as she glared at Christine coldly making her shiver upon seeing Eva's cold look.“I-I" She stammered not knowing what to say.“Didn't you steal this insane jerk from me? Are you going to deny it?" Eva asked, her cold aura increasing each second as she still held onto Christine's hand. Everyone stared at Eva like she was crazy. No, she was crazy! How can she openly accuse Christine for stealing Mark from her when she was the one clearly made Mark call off the wedding by slapping Christine across the face. There was a probability that she could still Mrs. Jo
When the sound of his expensive leather shoe clacked on the floor in the murmuring hall, the people's eyes went wide as they became quiet. Strolling into the room with his black three-piece suit, dark red tie and his hand resting comfortably in his pocket, was none other than Damien Cross.His dark deadly aura was hard to miss, and the furious look on his eyes was enough to send the people shaking in their spot. They all gulped in fear when his dark black eyes trailed around the room. The people held their breath and shivered at the sudden drop of the temperature. Weren't the heaters turned on to the highest temperature? Why was it so chilling here?The wind fluttered and the black coat draped over Damien's broad shoulder made him look like an emperor and god of war. The women in the crowds couldn't help but gasp at how handsome despite the terrifying aura that emitted from him. The people watched as his long legs carried him towards the x eater of the hall where Eva was standing, st
Damien stared at her quietly. He still found her beautiful despite the wine poured over her head and the red streaks on her face.“What is it?" Eva questioned, noticing his pressing stare on her.“Let's get you all cleaned up." He said, wrapping his arm around her to guide her towards the bathroom when his gaze landed on Lucien who was glaring at him not in hostility but in a way like he was trying to figure out something from Damien.“No, I just want to return to my home." Eva shook her head and quickly said. She doesn't wish to stay in this suffocating birthday banquet anymore.“I will take you home as soon as you get cleaned up.” Damien reassured her, upon seeing how soft and calm she had become. What happened to the strong, powerful, feisty and stubborn woman he had made a few days ago? Despite thinking that, he quite liked this side of her as well. He didn't have to argue too much with her before she agreed to one simple thing. However, her vulnerable and painful expression seeme
Damien ignored the people's nonstop gossip. Instead, his attention was more focused on the alluring woman in his arm.“Why are you not wearing the necklace that I gave you?” He suddenly inquired. Did she really not like it? He thought it would be a perfect pair of diamond earrings and necklace for her own dress. Eva stared at him with a perplexed expression and her mouth slightly agape. What is this? Why did he care about what she wore? Why is he caring about the kind of condition she was in? She touched her bare neck before looking away. "I told you the last time we met at the restaurant that I planned to return all the gifts you had sent to me and that includes the jewelries as well. “ She quickly replied, ready to step into the bathroom but he suddenly grabbed her wrist.“Hey! What are you doing -""Keep the necklace and the other gifts. I have no use for it. “ He said, his eyes dark with displeasure. Did she really not like the necklace? Was that the reason why she wanted to ret
When Christine raised her head up, she immediately took a step back, her lips parted In shock as if not believing that she was alone with Eva in the bathroom. Seeing this, Eva crossed her arm and raised her brow. Was there a monster behind her? Why was she pretending to be surprised to see her? She knew Christine wasn't deaf nor did she have a hearing problem. Damien had announced that he was going to take her to the bathroom, so Christine should have known that she was already in the bathroom.“Sister," Christine timidly called her, her head slightly tucked to portray a demure and wholesome woman.Eva took notice of the tears and her quivering lips. She didn't need to be told what had happened. As expected, Christine wasn't strong enough to handle the insults of the crowds after Damien had harshly pointed out how distasteful her dress was. She had probably gotten torn apart by the people and once again, the female lead couldn't handle the criticism of her peers .Unlike Eva who used
She paused, her mind flashing back to the countless fights, the shattered dishes, the cold silences that followed her every rebellion. "But I didn’t let their expectations control me. I chose my path, even when it meant walking away from them entirely." Eva let out a sigh, her gaze still focused outside the window. " I really loved it when I refused them, even though it would earn me being slapped senselessly. I always find pleasure somehow and I took pride in becoming the perfect, graceful black sheep of that damned family.” Belle hung on every word, her eyes wide with admiration and curiosity."But," She continued. “I only did it when I was a grown adult, legal enough to make my own choices. My plan wasn't perfect nor did it work in pleasing my family, but then again, why should I continue to please them when they were never family to me in the first place?" Eva gently moved her gaze back to Belle, leaning forward, "However, as someone who has gone through all that, you should k
"So, Belle," Eva began, pulling a chair close to the bed and sitting down. "Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself? What brought you here to this hospital room?" Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the overflowing flowers and gifts surrounding the small child."I caught a fever a few days ago," Belle replied glumly, her voice quiet. Though it was just a fever, she’d been stuck in this hospital for a week. She felt fine now, but her parents insisted she remain."I'm all better now. Nothing hurts anymore. I just want to go home, but they won’t let me." Belle’s lips turned down in a bitter frown as she recalled how her parents refused her calls and ignored her requests to leave. Deep down, she knew they preferred her absence."Why not?" Eva asked softly, though she already sensed the answer."Because they hate me."Eva’s heart clenched at the words, so full of pain and resignation. She studied the young girl, who stared back with guarded eyes that looked far older than her years.
Once the door shut, the girl turned her head slightly. "You can come out now."Eva pushed the gifts aside and slid out from under the bed. She straightened up, her gaze meeting the child’s lifeless, cold eyes. They lacked the innocent sparkle of youth."Why were those men chasing you? Who are you?" the girl asked, studying Eva intently. Despite her disheveled hair and rumpled gown, there was no mistaking the elegant air that surrounded her.Eva smiled faintly, deciding to test the girl’s intuition when she noticed how she was studying her. ‘Let’s see if you're smart. "Who do you think I am?"The child’s eyes narrowed. "You’re not a simple patient.""Oh? What makes you say that?""This is the VVIP floor, accessible only with a private keycard. Your gown is made of high-quality cotton, reserved for VVIP patients.""Well, I could’ve stolen the keycard and clothes," Eva countered.The girl’s gaze didn’t waver. "Despite your messy appearance, you carry yourself with grace. Your posture, ev
Eva jumped in alarm, spinning around to find a young girl sitting on a hospital bed. The room was filled with vases of flowers, their cloying fragrance filling the air. The child, no older than fourteen or fifteen years old, looked at her with wide, innocent eyes, her long hair framing her delicate face.Eva blinked in surprise, her anger momentarily forgotten as she stared at the young child. Somehow she felt something about this girl resembling a boy she used to know. “Hello.”“What's your name, child?" She asked, just as the footsteps outside became louder.The girl smiled faintly. “You’re running from people.” she said nugging at the door.Eva's brows furrowed. “Yes, I am.”. “Quick! Look for her before Boss gets upstairs!”The sound of the bodyguards’ voices rang in the hallway, getting closer. Panic flooded Eva's chest. She scanned the room frantically, looking for a way out, but the space was small, and the windows were sealed shut.She turned back to the girl, her pulse racing
Eva who was moments away from hitting him with the IV pole again when his pitiful plea caught her attention. “You can tell your boss to rot in hell—” she started, but the man cut her off.“Please, Lady Boss!” he cried, desperation in his voice. “I have a wife, kids, and a family to feed—”Eva's brow twitched at his words. Of course, he definitely wouldn't be a monk like his boss, however, she had a feeling he was saying this to make her feel guilty. “And you have a dog too, I bet?” she quipped sarcastically.His eyes widened in shock. “Y-yes! Exactly! His name is Chase!”She grit her teeth in annoyance, snatching the phone from his shaking hands. “What do you want?” she demanded, her patience wearing thin. She could guess that he was trying to stall time until he got here but she wasn't planning to let him meet her here.The bodyguards flinched in fear. They truly applauded her for her boldness, but they also feared for the poor woman's head! It would really fly if she continued talk
Turning back to the bodyguards, she picked up the IV pole and tested its weight in her hands. It was lighter than she expected, perfect for swift strikes. She had a lot of experience fighting with wooden sticks in her days in the military.Her gaze landed back to the men, a dark scowl on her face.“I’m sure everyone of you all heard the conversation,” she said coolly, her voice steady. “If you value your limbs, step aside.”The men stood their ground, but the unease in their expressions was clear.When reinforcements arrived to block the entrance entirely, Eva's lips curled into a dark smile. They’ve made a mistake.Gripping the pole tightly, her eyes blazing with determination as she scanned the men creating a barrier at the entrance.“Fine, you've all made your choices. Let's see who’s leaving with bruises.”Eva's grip on the metal IV pole tightened as she positioned herself to strike. Her eyes locked on the bodyguards standing in her way, each one ready to brace for her next move
She sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. If they were working for Damien, they wouldn’t stand insults against him. She smirked, deciding to bait them.“Fine. Is it your unbelievably stubborn, hideously jealous, and completely insufferable boss, Damien Cross?”One of the guards instinctively stiffened, muttering, “Our boss is not—” and immediately cut himself off, his face paling. He can't believe he just fell for that trick.“Aha!” Eva said triumphantly. “We have our catch. So it is Damien.”Smirking, she stalked back to her bed, grabbing her phone. She dialed Damien’s number, and unsurprisingly, he answered on the first ring.“Evs, you should be resting—”“Young man, tell your men to step aside,” she interrupted, her tone sharp.Damien frowned when he heard her. Asking him to order his men to step aside meant that she had gotten out of bed!His voice hardened. “What are you doing out of bed? Get back to bed right-”“You’re not the Boss of me. I’m not goi
**********The soft rustle of fabric accompanied the nurse as she finished adjusting Eva's bandages. Moments later, a team of doctors shuffled into the room, meticulously checking her vitals and updating her chart. Their scrutiny felt endless, but Eva's irritation wasn’t aimed at them—it was at the glaring absence of Gabriel.Upon inquiring, she discovered he’d been reassigned and replaced with another doctor, a woman.Her lips twisted in a knowing smile. Damien. Of course, it was him.She sighed at the thought. Gabriel was probably one the best doctors in his department at Solace Hospital. Replacing him with someone else, especially out of jealousy, was as unnecessary as it was predictable. Damien's overprotectiveness knew no bounds, even though her blind date with Gabriel had been a complete dead end.‘Typical overbearing Damien Cross.’After the doctors left, Eva found herself sinking into boredom. The day dragged on, and as the sun set, casting long shadows across the pristine roo
“Who is the person? Is it someone I know?" “No, you don't." Oliver's eyes narrowed. “You said the person is important? Like… a woman?”Damien was surprised by Oliver's question as he turned to look at the boy. She? It suddenly hit Damien at the moment that he probably still had some of Eva's floral feminine scent on him and Oliver's dog nose already smelled it.“It is a woman, right? Why is she at the hospital?” Oliver continues to question.Damien sighed. “Yes.”“Why was she hurt?” “Because she’s clumsy,” Damien replied, his patience wearing thin.Oliver's questions continued unabated until Damien zhot him a sharp glare. “Enough, Oliver. Go back inside. I have work and can't answer all your questions.”“But-" Oliver was about to protest but he couldn't anymore when Damien shot him another glare.“Alright, Big Boss...I'll stop asking questions…" There was no other expression on Oliver's face than the expression that made him look like a neglected child yearning for his mother's lov