it's going down
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
Evie “Let’s go.” Max says and we head out. “Isn't it better if we stay, or…” “You want to listen to more scandals and gossip?” he asks, “I doubt it. “ “Aren't you a bit upset? “ I ask, walking after him, trying to keep up with his stride. “I’ve seen worse. “ “I can't imagine it. “ I mutter. I am holding my dress up, trying to walk in the heels, my hands closed around my bag for dear life as if that would help me keep balance. “Let's get changed first, okay?” “Uh… Yes, sure. “ We go out of the house and Max walks towards the parking lot. “Do you also have a driver, “ I joke but he says, without turning. “Never. “ I see the black Camaro we’re headed to. “Is this a race car?” I exclaim and he glances at me. “How do you know about cars?’ “I don't “ I admit, “but there are ones you can’t confuse. “ He smiles and we get in. “Are we going for a ride after we change?” “No. “ he says, searching for something in the glove compartment. “Why not. “ “Because I am not
Violet “You should go, “ I tell Dominic above the storm. “And I am sorry. I really am, and words aren’t enough to describe my regret. But no matter what I say, nothing will change what I did. You deserve something better than me, Dominic. We both know that. ““Do you believe this will make me change the way I think about you?” He asks. He is still angry and I am beginning to see the reason for his anger. “Violet, I am in love with you. “ he says, “I have loved you ever since I can remember. You can’t leave like this, leaving me outside again.“He cups my face and rests his head against my forehead. He is buzzing with ange,r bu the is fighting it. “The person I can’t forgive is myself. “ he says. “You… you don’t hate me for this?” You don’t think I am a terrible person because of what I did and why I married Conor? ““I am the one who should be sorry. Because I wasn’t there to help you and you had to go this far. “I cover his hands with mine. “Back then Conor told me you left for
Evie We rush into the hospital and I see the doctor is already talking to Dominic and my sister. We approach them. Judging by the looks on their faces, something terrible is happening. “We are doing our best, “ the doctor explains. “But his condition is critical. Has anything happened to shake him? Emotions and stress are very damaging at his age. “I see Violet's expression changing, and Dominic takes her hand in his. Looking at them from a distance to me - they seem like the embodiment of a strong couple, the one that remains together even in the wildest storm. “Grandpa had problems before that, “Dominic says, “ we expected something like that might happen. ““No, “ Violet shakes her head and her eyes fill with tears. “No, it’s…”the doctor looks at Dominic puzzled, then tips his head. “I will keep you updated as often as I can. You don't have to wait here .”“No, we will be around. “Dominic says and hugs my sister. He wraps his arms around her and my sister begins crying. Ma
Evie Tyson picks up after a few rings. “Hello? “ his deep voice reaches me and I bite my lip. I blame my lack of sleep for my reactions and whatever stupid thing I might tell him. “Hello?” he asks again. “Who is this?’ “Oh, “ I get up from my chair and wave a hand in the air. “Uh… it’s Evie.” I thought he'd added my number to his contacts, but I guess it’s better if he doesn’t. “Right. Hello. Evie. “ “Is this a good time? “ “Not really, “ he says. “I am so sorry, I can call later, or…” “No, go on, please. How can I help?” He is talking to me in a cold, controlled manner and I quickly figure out he is not alone. So I continue in my “talking to the professor” voice. “I wanted to apologize for not sending my assignment on time. “ And I am the lowest. I know I am because I am going to say it - I am going to use what happened as an excuse. I will deserve all the bad things to happen to me, I am sure I do, but right now, I say it : “There was… something happened in our fa
EvieIt is not much of a kiss. I strain myself up on my toes and my lips press Max’s lips sloppily. He freezes in his spot. He doesn’t move and his stillness is in such a horrible contrast to my beating heart that I realize what a mistake I am making. I pull away, abruptly. The bad thing about drinking for me is that when I am drunk the funny things are funnier and the bad things are horrible. “Oh, on, “ I say, looking at him. “I am so sorry. Really, I am. “Before I embarrass myself more I rush into the building. Max tries to stop me but I am already walking away. At some point, I break into a run. I take the elevator and rest my head against the metal, sliding doors. What have I done…The elevator reaches our floor and I walk blindly ahead. I unlock the door and get in the apartment, the entire time feeling like shit. Max won’t hate me, I know that because he doesn’t care about what happened, most likely. I hate myself. And that’s enough. I am drunk and I kissed the only person
Violet “I have approximately an hour before my next appointment, “ Philip says and checks his phone, “Would you like to go for coffee, or…”“We can talk in your office, or anywhere," I say, “I won’t be long. ““Sure, “ he says and invites me into one of the conference rooms. Philip and I get in and I close the door. He avoids looking at me. He's been acting this way ever since Richard passed away. Everything changed after he passed away. I sit opposite him. Normally I wouldn't be so direct, but I no longer have to stress over so much what I am saying. “Philip, I know you think it’s partly my fault that Richard passed away. “My once father-in-law looks up at me, surprised. “No, I…”“You do. I can see it every time you avoid looking at me. Olivia told me so at the funeral. Is your wife lying?”“Olivia, she…” Philip places his elbows on the desk and rubs his forehead. “I apologize on her behalf. She really loved Father. ““Or his money. “I say and he looks at me, stunned. I am eq
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