Evie Then Tyson calls. I pick up, unsure if he dialled my number by mistake. “Hey, “ I say, trying to sound casual. Cool. I imagine the guy from earlier and how he would sound in a situation like this one. “If it’s about the paper, I can edit whatever is needed, just let me know your requirements.…”“Evie, “Tyon says, “It’s great. I told you - and I really mean it - you have impressive talent. “I shift in my seat and glance at the driver as if he can see me turning bright red. “I just wanted to hear your voice. “he says and I freeze. He doesn't sound drunk. “Is… is everything all right?” I ask and he laughs. “More than okay. I finished something I’ve been working on for a long time. “He doesn’t ask why I am up so late so I decide not to bother him with details of how my night went on. Instead, I want to know more about what he was doing. I can listen to him for hours. “Congratulations, “I chirp, “What is it about?”“It’s literary theory. I just finished talking to my age
Conor My father and Olivia are having dinner in the backyard, in the small garden that faces directly the lake. How romantic, I think as I walk towards them, planning to spoil their fun.Not entirely, of course. It would just be a rehearsal for the gala that Olivia’s been planning. “Good evening, “ I say and pull a chair without waiting for them to invite me. My father looks perplexed at me but smiles. Right now, I feel nothing but resentment towards him. I know he’s always loved Dominic the most. Maybe more than mother, even. Perhaps the only person he dislikes more than me is Max, but Max is a different universe of how much you can hate someone. Max simply doesn’t fit in. Too bad he was born into this family. And has a father like Philip, who constantly chooses Dominic over everyone else. And Dad sits right over here smiling as if he didn't betray me like an idiot. “Hi, Conor. How are you? “ he glances at Olivia. She looks stunning as always- beautiful hairstyle and a red dress
Dominic We get into the library and I close the door. “What about my wife?”He asks, crossing his arms. He looks defensive as usual when he speaks to me. “Ex-wife, Conor “ I remind him. “I know about the divorce. And I know she has been trying to get one for a long time, but you just refuse to give it to her. You can’t keep her trapped forever. not anymore.”“Trapped? You call this trapped?”“She doesn’t love you. And she never has, don’t try to make more stuff up. It’s over. ““Is that a threat, my dear brother?” he asks and I shake my head. “We are both grown-up men now, there’s no point in pretending you don’t understand what I am saying. “He is watching me, then unfolds his arms. “What you're saying, hmm?… I know about the company, I know you’ve been sleeping with Violet. Is this what you wanted to tell me?”“I wanted to tell you that we are together and you can’t prolong this. Not anymore. If you don't sign the papers, I have the best lawyers who will make the divorce possi
Violet “You wanted to see me, “ I tell Grandpa Richard as I come into his study on the second floor. He is sitting by the window, reading. As soon as he sees me, his whole face brightens. “Violet, “ he smiles, “Come sit here. “ I enter and walk towards his armchair. I sit in the one opposite him and he closes the book. “You look so beautiful, “ he says, “Always. “ “I tried, “ I say, laughing, “How are you?” “Good. Better these days, but you know how it is.” “Yeah…” “ I wanted to see you before the gala, “ Grandpa goes on, “I know about the prize, Dominic told me. “ “Oh, “ I lean back in the armchair, relieved. Before I came here I was telling Evie this meeting might be because of my rumoured divorce with Conor. But I guess Grandpa doesn’t know about it. Yet. Dominic and I planned to tell him at a different time and especially not now that he hasn't been feeling so well. “Thank you, “ I say, “Dominic was with me at the ceremony so that helped a bit. “ “You and he work
Violet I head downstairs and Dominic smiles as I approach them. “Hey, Violet. “ he says, “You look beautiful. “He is unbelievable. I can’t with him. Philip looks between the two of us and excuses himself. “I will be in the garden to see if Olivia needs me. We start soon, so don't be long. ““Yes, Father. “Then he turns to me. Philip sees the box I am still holding. I don’t know if he recognizes it, but I assume he does. “All right, I will be there. You look beautiful, Violet. “That is all Philip says and leaves. Dominic grins and I look at him.“What happened?”I glance around and when I don’t see anyone around I stand before him. I extend my hand and touch the bruise very lightly He catches my hand and kisses the inside of my palm before he lets me go. “It’s nothing. Really. ““But what happened?”“Conor and I had a small argument, nothing …”“What? “ I exclaim, “Conor did this?”“Don’t worry. You should see him. ““Oh, my god…”I whisper. “Is this why Philip is looking at m
Evie It’s him. And I am staring at this man as if I stare too long, he would turn out to be someone else. He smiles- that devilish smile of his and says, quietly. “Hey, Ev. “ “What are you doing here?” I hiss and his smile grows. “Don’t you want to get up first?” “I…” I glance around to see if anyone is starting and I notice some people steal glances at us, but they go on with their business. It's like they are trying not to look at us. “Come on, up on your feet, “ He helps me up and I finally get a better look at him. He is wearing a black, elegant suit, his hair is not messy. He also has a black tie and an expensive wristwatch he didn’t have the other night. The worst thing is I can't decide if he looks hotter when he’s dressed in his punk t-shirt and torn Converse, or like a rich heir. Although maybe he works here, or he’s more likely part of the catering company they’ve hired to decorate the place. “Thanks, “ I say, smoothing my dress. My entire front is wet. “Damn
Evie “Yoу heard right, “ Conor says, “Violet and I are divorced now. The reason is because she is sleeping with my brother. “ Conor points at Dominic and everyone gasps. A few women cover their mouths in surprise. I don’t dare look at Violet. “Shit, “ Max says and I see him rushing towards Dominic. From what I know it’s usually Dominic who is the most controlled one, and definitely not Max. But right now, Max looks worried because of Dominic’s expression too. “Oh, no, Dominic, don’t fight me here, in front of everyone. “ Conor continues. It’s terrible. Dominic is doing his best, I can see it from here. Dominic is trying really hard not to smash his brother's face. Everyone else is quiet, and listening, waiting stunned. “I know, how terrible of my beloved wife, “ Conor continues his speech, “Doing all of this behind my back. Was this your plan from the beginning, Val?” Conor asks, “to separate all of us? Ths family, that gave you so much?” “How dare you, “ my sister hi
Violet I walk blindly ahead, not sure where exactly I am going. I pass by people on my way out and see the looks they give me. I try to pretend I am fine, that nothing's happened and I force myself to smile, to nod at them, but I also hurry up to get away. I know what they are thinking. And they are right to think so. The worst thing is I should have seen this coming. This is exactly what Conor would do. He had been planning for this and we - I- failed to see it. I am out of the manor and heading to the car. I don’t even think of texting Evie to tell her I am going home, because right now all I want to do is run. And hide. “Violet, “I hear Dominic’s voice calling me but I don’t turn around. “Violet!” He sounds angry. Upset. He hates me. And if he doesn’t, he should. I get in the car and tell the driver to go. “But, Miss Violet…”He stutters, seeing Dominic walking toward us. “Just drive, “ I say, “ Please Massimo. ““Violet, you can’t just leave like this' ' Dominic is impossi
Dominic “You will be a grandfather, “ I tell the man, sitting opposite me in the small cafeteria. We arranged to meet during my lunch break today. Violet called me earlier but I told her I would be having lunch with a business partner. In a way that’s true. Frederick’s eyes filled with tears at the news I shared. “Thank you. “ he says,” For being here and telling me.” “I thought you deserved to know. “He nods and looks down at his hands, folded in front of him. “I hope you will find the strength in you to forgive me. ““I have nothing to forgive you for. “ I tell him. “No, “he shakes his head. “You do. I am not the father I was supposed to be. ““I have a father, “I argue. “And I will never argue that. But I would like you to listen to me. “I lean back in the chair and he takes this as a sign to continue. “When I met your mother, I fell in love with her at first sight. I swear. There is love at first sight. ”“I believe you, “ And I do. I fell in love with Violet the mo
Five years later Violet “Mom! I don’t want the red one!” I take a very deep breath. “Charlotte, please, “ I tell her for the tenth time, “Choose whatever you want. Just choose now. Please. “ The maid is looking at me, smiling. “I can help, miss. And you can prepare. I will let you know once we are ready.“ “It’s fine. Thank you, Marta. I’ve got this. “ I always refused to have a nanny to help me, even when Charlotte was a baby, but recently Marta’s been trying to help, seeing how busy we all are. Charlotte finally chooses the dress she will be wearing and we start preparing. Half an hour later Marta announces the driver is downstairs. “Coming!” I call out as I put on my earrings. “Mommy, you look pretty. “ Charlotte beams at me. “Thank you, sweetheart, “I kiss the top of her head, “Let’s go. Are you eager to see Aunt Evie and Uncle Max? ““Yes!” She claps and we head downstairs. “Where is Daddy?” She asks as I take her hand and we descend the stairs. “He is…”
Violet “They look suspicious, “ I watch Evie and Max as they try not to look at each other or at least not to be too obvious about it. “She went out to talk over the phone and he went right after her. And for some reason, they look really close after they come back home. Do you think it’s because of the accident and because they spent some time together?...” I look at Dominic. He looks… amused.“What are you hiding from me again? “I ask him, squinting my eyes suspiciously and he shrugs casually. If he does that, it means I am right. He is hiding something. “Dominic, “ I tell him and he eventually says. “I think they are together. And it's been going on for a while.” “What?” I exclaim, but…. Then I turn to look at them again. Among the sea of well-dressed, rich people with great manners they look so… different. As if they are in their own private world. “Yes, “ I mutter, “They are. Why didn’t they tell us?” Dominic gives me a pointed look. “Okay, you are right. We did
Evie I exit the dining hall and head down the corridor. This place is huge and I’ve always thought so, but right now it feels enormous.I pass by a library and a large door. I assume it’s a study and after I make a turn I am in front of the guest bathroom.Where is he? I keep walking and reach a darker corner of the corridor when I take another turn and bump into Max.“Woah,” I take a step back, startled. “You scared me.”As if I wasn’t the one who followed him out.“I did?” He lifts an eyebrow and folds his arms. Then Max leans against the wall next to him, observing me.“Are you following me?” “Why are you acting like this?” I hiss and glance around to see if anyone is coming.“This is what you wanted, right?”“Hmph,” I scoff and he unfolds his arms.Max leans towards me, his breath is on my neck.“I would kiss you,” he whispers and the words send a shiver down my back, “But I can’t remember.”My eyes flutter closed as he traces slow kisses down my neck. I bite my lip and lift my
Evie A few weeks later we are ready to go home. “I will arrive in the evening. “ I explain, “And you on the next day. ““I honestly don’t see why we arrive separately, “ Max admits for the tenth time today. “Because I don’t want to show up and tell them we are…”“What?”“That we are…” “See, “ he says, “You can’t even admit we are together. ““It’s not that, '' I protest, “Let’s just tell them when we are all together, or having a nice time, okay?”“I am not embarrassed to tell them. Are you ashamed of me?““What, no!” I exclaim, “I just didn't want to explain to Violet over the phone. And imagine Olivia’s reaction when…”“Fuck Olivia. “Max shrugs. “I can’t believe I'm going to say this, “ I declare, “But that's too rude. “He scoffs but eventually agrees. Max takes me to the airport and I almost miss my flight because I am reluctant to separate from him. “You chose this, “he reminds me, “We could be travelling together now? ““Don’t hold this against me. “ I point a finger a
Violet I take a sip of coffee when Dominic moves behind me, wrapping his arms around me. “Good morning, “ he kisses the top of my head and proceeds to the coffee machine. “I made some for you, too. “ I smile at him and he pours himself a cup. “What are you doing today?” He asks, and I take the cup to my lips when I suddenly get sick to the stomach. I swallow the bile and Domnic’s eyes flutter to me. “Val?”“Yes, yes. I am here, “ I put the cup back on the counter, “I have a meeting with the investors from Japan. “My stomach turns and I smile awkwardly at Dominic. “Excuse me. “I rush to the bathroom before he says anything and empty my stomach. I feel better right after. When I get back to the room Dominic is waiting for me to say something. “What is it?” he asks, approaching me “I just have been feeling sick these days, maybe it’s a stomach virus or something. ““Or it’s not. “Dominic sips his coffee, casually. “What are you talking about?” I frown and he looks at me po
Evie Max is taking my dress off, not breaking the kiss.“Are you okay?”I mutter against his lips as I see how restless and impatient he is. He unbuttons the last piece from my back, holding the upper part together.“Yes. You?”Max pauses only to say this and continues kissing me. We didn’t say anything to each other, not even hi when he got back. I didn't mind in the slightest but had to ask. “Of course.” I breathe out the words. He smiles and leans in, his lips on mine. Max trails kisses down my neck, then to my chest. He takes my bra off, and I am struggling with opening his tie. Max laughs against my lips against my frustration and helps me untie the knot. He slips the tie off and I can’t stop looking at him, at the way his pupils have dilated, making his eyes impossibly dark in the lights in the kitchen. “What?” He asks, cupping my face.“Nothing.” I smile,” Kiss me.”And he does, brushing his lips against mine, pushing me slightly and guiding me towards his bedroom. I have
Evie I get up before my alarm goes off and get dressed quickly. My classes start later today but I am still prepared to leave. I go to the kitchen for a quick cup of coffee. Max is already there, smoking. I flinch, surprised when I see him. I was sure he was still sleeping. He is leaning back in his chair, dressed in an expensive suit and a watch, and his stubble has started to grow. The blue smoke curls around him in the cold morning light, almost the same blue as the one of his eyes. Max looks like those guys in the perfume commercials. As soon as I show up he sits up. “I will put this off, “ he says, scattering the smoke with his hand and exhaling. “No, no. It’s okay. Your place, after all. ““No, sorry. ““I don’t actually mind it. “I smile and proceed to the coffee maker. “Another coffee?“ I offer. “Yeah, thank you. “I pour some for him and myself. “I hope I won’t spill it this time, “ I joke and he smiles. “If you do, I'll do a better job at cleaning it. “As soon as
Evie I get back to Max’s place and wait for him to come back. Today sucked on all possible levels. I stared into the wall for a good hour, trying to accept that I was never seeing Tyson again, no one told me he was gone, someone was going to prison because of me, and I had money - MY money - that might change things for me. Because I know the family has money, but it’s not my money. And now- I will eventually be able to have something thanks to me, however small it is. At some point, I begin pacing around and I am unable to focus on anything. On top of it- Max comes back after eleven. We exchange a greeting and he heads directly to his room. I stop him.“I got a call from the lawyer. “ I say without any ado. “And?” He asks, pausing. Max looks like he is not here. Then I realize something’s off. “Are you drunk?” I ask. “What difference does it make?”“No, just… I thought you said you had to work. ““What’s with the interrogation? ““And what’s with the way you’ve been acting recen