"I’m just saying, there’s nothing wrong with how you’re feeling, but you shouldn’t run away from someone trying to help you. Don’t—""Okay, okay. I’ll think about it," I cut Maya off, not in the mood to be lectured."Good," she says, her tone softening. "How’s my baby doing? When’s your next check-up?""Next week," I answer, twirling the edge of my shirt between my fingers. "But now that you mention it, I probably need to talk to my doctor.""Alright, take care of yourself, hun. I gotta run—it's Monday, and some of us actually work for a living," she teases."Ha ha, very funny," I reply dryly before ending the call.Slipping the phone into my pocket, I walk back into the living room and find Lionel wiping down the glass center table with a towel. The scent of fresh soap and the faint undertone of his cologne fill the air."That was a long call," he says, glancing at me with a small smile."Yeah, my friend just wanted to check in," I reply. "No work today?""Well," he says, tossing the
“What is that you're eating?” she blurts out, eyes narrowing through the FaceTime screen.I glance from my phone to the small saucer of snacks in front of me. “It’s, um… I don’t know what it’s called. It’s made with dough, I think, and maybe peanuts and—”“Did you say peanuts?” she cuts in sharply, her face creasing with a mix of concern and confusion.“Yes, doctor. I said peanuts. Can you believe—”“Evelyn, you didn’t read your last check-up results, did you?”I pause, my confidence faltering. “Uhm… but I’m fine, right? I trust you.”She sighs, rubbing her eyes. “Is anyone close to you? Are you alone?”I raise an eyebrow, my hand unconsciously dropping to my belly. “Yes, I’m alone. Why?”“You shouldn’t eat peanuts, Eve. Your growing child has an allergy. If you’re not careful, you’re going to get sick—soon,” she says. Her voice is calm but urgent.I sit there, dumbfounded. How did I miss that? Why didn’t she tell me?“I’m so sorry I didn’t mention it earlier,” she says quickly, readi
After the checkup, I return to Lionel's apartment, my body slightly tired but my mind relieved. Dr. Maxwell had been reassuring, and I felt safer under his care. As soon as I step into the quiet space, my phone buzzes. It’s my father again. I hesitate but answer anyway."Evelyn, come back home. We can sort everything out together," he pleads over the line. His voice, though soft, carries that usual manipulative urgency."I have to go, Dad," I cut him off gently. "I’ll talk to you later."Before he can protest, I end the call. I feel a tinge of guilt, but I quickly push it away. Being here, away from all that life, has given me a kind of freedom I didn't know I needed.Left alone again, I step into the backyard garden. Lionel had a surprisingly beautiful patch of herbs and flowers. I pick a few herbs, not even sure what most of them are, but I sniff and select the ones that smell right. Back in the kitchen, I combine them with flour and make something like fresh donuts—herbed, soft, an
Evelyn's POV I glance at my reflection in the mirror as I curl the last section of my auburn hair. The soft waves cascade over my shoulders, framing my face in a way that's beautiful. My makeup is light yet elegant—a touch of blush, a soft shimmer on my eyelids, and a nude lip gloss that enhances my natural look. Satisfied, I smile to myself, feeling a rare sense of hope bubble within me. He's going to love it—he’s going to love me. I smile to myself even more. I walk to my closet and retrieve the long purple dress I bought yesterday specially for this occasion. The fabric flows like liquid silk, and the color complements my fair complexion. I chose it because purple is Leonard’s favorite color—at least that's what I thought—and I wanted to wear something that would catch his eye. As I slip it on, I recall the one time Leonard complimented my hairstyle. His exact words were, “You look good with your hair like that.” That small moment had stayed with me longer than I’d like to ad
Evelyn's POV My grip on the box of cookies in front of me tightens as I stand and stare at Leonard and the blonde lady on top of his laps, her legs straddling him like they belong there. Her hands are wrapped around his neck, fingers lazily playing with his tie. She leans in close, her lips near his ear, speaking in low tones that I can barely hear. She's wearing white snickers and black shorts. Her long hair blows about her down to her waist. What she's saying is making Leonard chuckle. And it's been so long I saw Leonard laugh genuinely from his heart. I feel the pain cut deep into my chest. This is the same woman, I remember her from her hair and the same Zara bag sitting on the mini table in front of them. Last I checked, after the last encounter with her, Leonard told me that he asked her to leave and that she was away for good. He told me he didn't have any plans to stay connected with her like he used to. He told me he had set boundaries between them. He told me I was th
Evelyn's POV Where are you?” My best friend's voice ask from the other end of the call. “I'm in my car. I'm moving, why?” “Where to? Girl, I just saw your husband” “How? Where? Was he alone?” “Calm down. One question at a time” Maya says “I don't know if he was alone but he was coming out of Luxury Mart. I see he's getting you something different —other than jewelry or makeup—and bigger this time. Ouuuuuu” I let out a sigh. Even if Leonard is getting me something, I'm not interested in whatever he is getting. At this moment, I'm pissed. “Ohh, okay. I suppose he is” “Wait, aren't you supposed to be happy? He was carrying a large bag. I'm sure it won't be the regular small jewelry box this time” “I guess so…” I reply not knowing how else to respond. I don't want Maya to know how I'm feeling or what happened today but I'm partially failing to hide my feelings completely. “Why are you sounding like that? Are you not happy?” “No, I am. I'm just a bit under the weather. I
Evelyn’s POV Leonard has been away most of the time for two days now. I see him only in fragments of minutes. We haven't had any time to talk “What will you be doing today?” Leonard asks during breakfast. I plan to ignore him but I blink my eyes and force myself to speak “I will meet with Maya after which I'll go to the company and observe things. I've not— ” I say but he cuts me off “I've told you that it's time to give up this textile company. It doesn't suit my image. If you want to work, I'll consider creating something else for you. Something better off. You are my wife and you should do what I say” I look at him and suck in a breath. I ignore him and don't respond. So now he knows I'm his wife? He didn't know that when that woman was straddling him. He didn't know that when he forgot about our anniversary. Or when he bought a bag but not for me. It's been two days and Leonard still hasn't said anything about Clara or the handbag he bought that day, the silence between
Evelyn's POV I turn around to see Leonard standing at the door. He looks more handsome than usual under the neon pink light. His thick brows glister like diamonds. His massive shoulders fill his coat he's wearing in a way that's annoyingly appealing. I can't count how many times I've fallen for these looks. “You are here” he says and starts coming closer to me. But I don't speak. When he's close to the bed, he lowers himself at the edge of the bed to meet me “I told you I'll make up for our anniversary, right?” I shift my eyes away, fixing them on the silk robe draped over the chair by the window. I try not to look at him. If I look at him too long, I’ll cave. I’ll forgive him. And I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet. But then, damn it—he smells so good. That cologne, the one I love, curls around me like an embrace I never asked for. I can’t stop myself. Slowly, I turn my head to meet his gaze. “This dress will look so lovely on you” he says. “I picked the perfect color,”
After the checkup, I return to Lionel's apartment, my body slightly tired but my mind relieved. Dr. Maxwell had been reassuring, and I felt safer under his care. As soon as I step into the quiet space, my phone buzzes. It’s my father again. I hesitate but answer anyway."Evelyn, come back home. We can sort everything out together," he pleads over the line. His voice, though soft, carries that usual manipulative urgency."I have to go, Dad," I cut him off gently. "I’ll talk to you later."Before he can protest, I end the call. I feel a tinge of guilt, but I quickly push it away. Being here, away from all that life, has given me a kind of freedom I didn't know I needed.Left alone again, I step into the backyard garden. Lionel had a surprisingly beautiful patch of herbs and flowers. I pick a few herbs, not even sure what most of them are, but I sniff and select the ones that smell right. Back in the kitchen, I combine them with flour and make something like fresh donuts—herbed, soft, an
“What is that you're eating?” she blurts out, eyes narrowing through the FaceTime screen.I glance from my phone to the small saucer of snacks in front of me. “It’s, um… I don’t know what it’s called. It’s made with dough, I think, and maybe peanuts and—”“Did you say peanuts?” she cuts in sharply, her face creasing with a mix of concern and confusion.“Yes, doctor. I said peanuts. Can you believe—”“Evelyn, you didn’t read your last check-up results, did you?”I pause, my confidence faltering. “Uhm… but I’m fine, right? I trust you.”She sighs, rubbing her eyes. “Is anyone close to you? Are you alone?”I raise an eyebrow, my hand unconsciously dropping to my belly. “Yes, I’m alone. Why?”“You shouldn’t eat peanuts, Eve. Your growing child has an allergy. If you’re not careful, you’re going to get sick—soon,” she says. Her voice is calm but urgent.I sit there, dumbfounded. How did I miss that? Why didn’t she tell me?“I’m so sorry I didn’t mention it earlier,” she says quickly, readi
"I’m just saying, there’s nothing wrong with how you’re feeling, but you shouldn’t run away from someone trying to help you. Don’t—""Okay, okay. I’ll think about it," I cut Maya off, not in the mood to be lectured."Good," she says, her tone softening. "How’s my baby doing? When’s your next check-up?""Next week," I answer, twirling the edge of my shirt between my fingers. "But now that you mention it, I probably need to talk to my doctor.""Alright, take care of yourself, hun. I gotta run—it's Monday, and some of us actually work for a living," she teases."Ha ha, very funny," I reply dryly before ending the call.Slipping the phone into my pocket, I walk back into the living room and find Lionel wiping down the glass center table with a towel. The scent of fresh soap and the faint undertone of his cologne fill the air."That was a long call," he says, glancing at me with a small smile."Yeah, my friend just wanted to check in," I reply. "No work today?""Well," he says, tossing the
"Your child will be really cute. Is this your first?" Lionel says casually, his eyes flickering up at me before returning to his plate.I blink at him, stunned. That’s not at all what I expected him to say. My fork hovers mid-air as I stare at him like he's just spoken a different language."Huh?" I widen my eyes, wondering if he’s serious or just teasing.He lifts his head, the corners of his mouth tugging into a soft, almost shy smile. "I said you're beautiful," he repeats, as if explaining something simple. "So, naturally, your child will be cute. What?"I open my mouth, ready to deflect the compliment, to tell him he shouldn’t be saying things like that. That he doesn’t know the first thing about me. That my life is a mess, a broken-down thing no one should willingly walk into. I want to warn him off, to say he shouldn’t waste his kindness on someone like me.But the words don't come out.Instead, my brain whispers that I'm going faster than my shadow again—panicking before anythi
I wake up the next morning feeling a little better—lighter even. There's a fresh dose of motivation stirring inside me. The plan is simple: take a shower, pack my things, and get the hell out of this guy’s house. But not before we have a conversation about my house renovation plans. I don't intend to leave without that.Dragging myself out of bed, I wander into the bathroom and run a quick bath, letting the warm water soothe the slight ache in my muscles. Afterward, I slip into something less stressful—a simple, cotton jumpsuit that's casual but comfortable. It's one of those outfits that lets you breathe and move without feeling like the seams are at war with your skin. I run a comb through my hair, not bothering with anything too fancy, just enough to look presentable. Then, I repack my bag and head for the door.Halfway down the stairs, the bass thumping from the living room stops me in my tracks. Hip-hop music blares loudly—some old-school jam with heavy beats and a cocky rhythm.
“You can just take me to a clean hotel. Somewhere close to this place” I tell him, instinctively reaching for my baby bump. He squints his eyes at me as he assesses me “a hotel?” He throws his hand in the air “whatever you say, as long as you won't be staying here.” He helps with my box and we step out of the house without all the ramen I bought—which I plan to come back and get—after he convinces me that I'll be fine without them. We get in his car and the drive starts. I'm tempted to ask him where he's headed but I don't know anywhere in New York. So, I shut my mouth and enjoy the nice R&B playing from his radio station. The drive is a bit cold since it's night and it's also short as he makes a turn into a wide spaced parking lot. “Wait here,” he says immediately the car comes to a stop. I don't say anything, deciding to wait. Seconds later, he returns with chips and burgers in his hand. Thinking about it, my stomach growls as the food comes closer to my nostrils. He hands me b
He walks to where I’m standing at the entrance of my gate and stops a few inches away, his brows slightly furrowed in concern.“Are you alright? Did you forget something in my car?” Lionel asks, turning back to glance at the black Tesla now bathed in the glow of the streetlights.I shake my head slowly. “I didn’t forget anything in your car. I… I kind of need your help with something,” I say, exhaling hard, eyes momentarily closing from the weight of admitting it.I’m not used to asking people for help—especially not men. Especially not someone I just reconnected with after hours of avoiding conversation on a flight from Chicago to New York.I’m stuttering, and my fingers tremble slightly as they wrap around each other. It’s been a long time since I let someone see me like this—unguarded, unsure.Lionel studies me in silence. He tilts his head and narrows his eyes, clearly reading between the lines.“My help?” he repeats softly. A few seconds later, he throws his hands in the air and
“Hey,” he says from behind me, gently slipping a hand around my wrist. “We meet again…Let me get that for you.” he has a smile on his face.Before I can even react, before I can utter a single word, Lionel steps beside me and extends his card to the cashier. His calm, confident movement makes it seem like we do this all the time—as if he's been buying my groceries forever. The cashier takes his card without a second glance at mine, and just like that, he pays for everything in my basket. I just stand there, completely frozen, watching him swipe away the last ounce of independence I tried to hold onto today. I would have rejected it but decided not to. I've spent more than I thought I'll spend.“I’m surprised to see you,” he says again, casually, like this is a normal reunion. All this time, I still haven’t said a word. My tongue feels heavy, like it’s been coated in disbelief. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he’s here—right in front of me, in flesh and blood, bre
Gaining some strength and rising to my feet later in the evening, I decided to make the most of what little energy I had. The apartment still felt foreign, too quiet, too dusty. Maybe cleaning would help me feel a bit more in control, a bit more… grounded. I started with the ceiling corners—cobwebs were clinging there like they’d made a home before I had. I stretched and swatted at them with an old broom I found tucked behind a shelf.When I was done, I noticed a vacuum cleaner sitting at the far end of the living room. It looked old, but promising. “This should make things easier,” I muttered, dragging it toward me. But the moment I tried to push it, it wouldn’t budge. Not an inch. I wiggled the handle, checked the plug, even hit it lightly as though that would wake it up. Nothing.With a sigh of defeat, I dropped it and picked up the dusty sweeping brush instead. The floor creaked under my movements as I brushed, each stroke raising clouds of dust that made me sneeze. It wasn’t perf