Evadne was still unable to move due to the shock, her gaze fixed on the figure of the man sitting with his back turned to her. She blinked several times, as if trying to wake up from a dream. Especially since she now had a suspicion about who owned that body.She swallowed, as if in slow motion, turning her head to look in his direction. Her grip on the key to her apartment slipped from her hand.It was Gavin!“You took forever to come home,” he complained as he stood up and walked towards her.Due to the lingering shock, she couldn’t move right away. Gavin himself picked up the fallen key from her apartment floor and returned it to her hand.But it wasn’t just his presence that surprised her. She almost stumbled when he leaned down and almost gave her a smack kiss on the lips. She managed to catch him with her eyes as he straightened up.Evadne pressed her lips together and swallowed again. “W-what are you doing here? And... how did you get inside?”“Don’t worry. I used the door, not
It TOOK Evadne to count to twenty before she was able to turn the doorknob in her room. She doesn’t know how she will deal with Gavin who suddenly reappeared in her world.This time, without her permission.She took a deep breath before deciding to go out the open door. Her apartment has a small hallway. Opposite her room is another door which is the door to the bathroom. So, when she walked a few more steps, her gaze immediately focused on the living room. But Gavin wasn’t there. Her steps quickened.She just breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him in front of her refrigerator. The freezer was open and Gavin seemed to be thinking about what he could get there.Evadne’s eyebrows raised when she approached Gavin.“Are you so hot in my apartment that you’re turning my refrigerator into an air conditioner?” Evadne grabbed Gavin’s attention.“Speaking,” said Gavin who closed the freezer door first and unbuttoned his white long sleeve polo shirt one by one. “It’s a bit hot.”She grabbed
Evadne still pondered whether Gavin was serious about sleeping in her apartment, as he mentioned earlier.While washing a few dishes at the sink, she found herself momentarily lost in thought about the heated encounter in that very kitchen. Did Gavin not choose specific places, or was it just because they were the only ones in her apartment that it didn’t matter?She swallowed, feeling her body’s reaction to the thoughts racing through her mind. She was becoming sensuous, and she was sure she’d plummeted another ten points from heaven.When Gavin’s arms wrapped around her from behind, she flinched.“I-I’m washing dishes,” she stammered, almost holding her breath. They had finished eating, both satisfied.“I’m just wondering. You’re washing so few dishes, yet it seems like you’ll take forever,” he remarked.“I’ll be done here. Please let go, Gavin,” she said, struggling to breathe properly.“Why?” he teased, tightening his embrace. He even kissed her neck, nibbling her lips.Was Gavin
“I know you probably won’t believe me,” Gavin continued. “It’s up to you whether you’ll believe me or not.”Evadne met his gaze. “Isn’t it a bit too fast, Gavin?”“I think things happen quickly for us,” he said, causing Evadne’s cheeks to flush again.He had a point. She bit her lower lip. At twenty-eight, she felt like a freshly ripened tomato. Evadne closed her eyes briefly before opening them again.Taking a deep breath, she turned back to Gavin. “Can you stand by those words?”“Which ones? That we’re in a relationship?”She nodded. “Sorry. But, Gavin, I don’t think you can take the word ‘relationship’ seriously.”“Don’t judge me easily, Evadne.”“How do I know you’re not seeing other women besides me?”“Do you think I would invite you into a relationship if I wasn’t sure? And do you think I would cheat while in a relationship with you? I don’t want you to feel what you felt with your fake husband again. I’m not as much of a jerk as he was,” he said, shifting his gaze to the TV.Ev
Evadne couldn’t suppress the small smile on her lips. It seems like she’s going crazy because even her heart is delighted with the new challenge in her love life. Her fervent wish is that things will work out this time and not repeat the mistakes of the past. Hopefully, Gavin Wright won’t easily be swayed by other women.She spread two layers of comforters on the floor beside her bed. That’s where she plans to let Gavin sleep if he finds her bed uncomfortable. She also placed two pillows there, and there’s a blanket in case it gets cold.Fortunately, she bought some spare items when she went shopping for her apartment.When Evadne heard Gavin clearing his throat, she turned to him. Gavin was leaning against the doorframe. He had just showered, and now he was wearing only boxer shorts.Her cheeks warmed as she tried to avert her gaze.His well-sculpted body, like that of a famous sculptor’s masterpiece, was exposed for her to see. His hotness made her knees even weaker. Evadne took a d
In the morning, Evadne intentionally woke up early to prepare breakfast for Gavin. She turned the cold rice from last night into fried rice. For the viand, she fried eggs, sausages, and bacon.She also brewed Gavin’s favorite coffee. After setting the table, a satisfied smile graced her lips. She was happy that she wouldn’t be eating alone at that table for a while.After washing her hands, she decided to go to Gavin’s room. Just as she opened the door, Gavin also woke up, rubbing his eyes as he got up.“Good morning,” she greeted him.“Good morning, sweetie. Have you been up for long?” Gavin asked.Sweetie... that endearment sounded so sweet to her ears.She approached him. “Hmm. I’ve also prepared breakfast. Shall we?” she said, extending her hand.Gavin took her hand, but instead of helping himself stand, he pulled her towards him, causing her to fall onto his lap. She gasped when she felt his hardness against her backside. Evadne secretly swallowed. Gavin embraced her.“Shall we h
“Isaac, it’s not your fault,” Evadne replied to her friend, who was very apologetic at that moment. They met at a restaurant that day. Later that night, he would be flying to the US. However, he couldn’t leave the country until he talked to her about the humiliation he had caused her at his own party. “Besides, it’s true that Orion and I have already separated.”“But the real reason for your separation, contrary to what Camila said.”It was confirmed that the rumors spread by Camila were indeed true. She was not happy in her life unless she saw Evadne in disgrace.She sadly smiled. “I don’t know what I did to Camila to deserve being fooled by her. I welcomed her into our home. Fed her. Everything was free. But she still wasn’t satisfied because she even got involved with Orion.”“That bitch wanted it anyway,” Isaac said angrily as he took a sip of water.“Exactly. She wanted it too. Don’t worry, I’m okay now. I’ve accepted that it’s over.”“What angers me more is that he dragged you i
AFTER lunch, Gavin suggested watching a movie. Since he claimed to have nothing else to do that afternoon, Evadne agreed.“Don’t you have any important work to do? It’s still a weekday for you to relax,” she teased.“Did you forget who I am?” he replied with a smile.Evadne smirked, “Oh right. You’re the almighty Gavin Wright.”He opened the door on the passenger side, saying, “So, don’t think about my work when we’re together. Got it?”“Fine,” she said before getting into the car. “Thanks,” she added as he fastened her seat belt.During the drive, Evadne remained silent. It was the first time she was out with Gavin.“Where are we sleeping tonight? You choose. In your apartment or my penthouse?”Evadne turned to Gavin, puzzled. “Wh-what?”“Did you go deaf again?” he chuckled. “I mean, why do I have to choose where I’ll sleep tonight? I have my own house.”“Us,” he emphasized. “So don’t think about going back to your place. Got it?”She sighed as if exhaling the tension from the conve
She secretly swallowed. “I’m happy here, Gavin. You don’t need to see it with your own eyes.”“Just let me if what you’re saying is really true.”“Do you doubt me?”“It’s not like that. I just want to make sure.”“I’m okay. We’re okay...” she and your children.“You’re not married yet.”Evadne couldn’t immediately respond to Gavin’s statement. Was she going to confess?“Is it really necessary for two people to be married before being together?” she reasoned.Gavin sighed. “If he really loves you, he’ll marry you. What if I decide to take you back, can he do anything? You’re not married yet.”Was he serious? Was he ready to take her back from someone else if she had someone else?“The conversation’s going off track, Gavin,” she scolded. She stood up and approached the grilled food he ordered. “Can I have some? I’m hungry,” she said before taking some. She also took another stick and handed it to Gavin.“No wonder the barbecue at that grill tastes so good because you’re the owner,” he
Gavin squeezed his eyes shut, his head resting on his knees. His heart felt like it was being wrung dry as he listened to the fading hum of the motorboat. He hadn’t expected to see Evadne in that place. So, the moment he heard her familiar voice—while he was searching for firewood on the island for the bonfire he had planned for later that night—he dropped the wood he was carrying and ran toward her faster than a lightning strike. His heart thudded loudly in his chest upon seeing Evadne. She was really right in front of him earlier. But just like that... they were parted for good.And he couldn’t accept that part. That their past was finally severed. Suddenly, the surroundings seemed even more colorless and bleak. It’s as if his mind deliberately reminded him of the happy memories he shared with Evadne back then. When they were still okay. Now, he had to come to terms with the fact that it’s really over. That Evadne, who was once a part of his life, wouldn’t be coming back. Deep in
Evadne mind was still conflicted—should she go back to Maine with Uncle Varenzo, or should she grant Gavin’s request for time to talk?Why was it so hard to decide?“Girl?” Varenzo called to her. He must have sensed that something was wrong because he approached her, ready to pull her away from Gavin.But why did it hurt to think of leaving white sand island without even talking to him? A part of her wanted to hear his side—why had he suddenly grown cold toward her back then?Was it worth listening to what he had to say?In the end, Evadne made a decision. She looked at Varenzo. “Can you just wait at the boat, Uncle Varenzo.”“Are you sure you don’t want to go home yet?”She nodded, and he respected her choice. She watched as Uncle Varenzo walked away. In her mind, she counted to five before finally turning to face Gavin.She could see the relief on his handsome face, as if her willingness to talk had allowed him to breathe easier.“Ten minutes, Gavin,” she told him.“Can’t we make it
Evadne wanted to pinch her cheek to see if what she was seeing was real or just part of her imagination. Would the face she was seeing completely change the moment she blinked? Even her breathing momentarily halted. She couldn’t believe what her eyes were seeing. In the end, she couldn’t help but blink. But upon doing so, what she was seeing didn’t change. The man approaching her still had the same appearance. Like her, he couldn’t believe seeing her.When she recovered from her surprise, she managed to step back slightly away from Gavin, who was now approaching her. That voice was familiar. Even after five years, she could still recognize it so quickly. She secretly swallowed. “I’ve placed your order for the barbecue in your tent,” she said, trying not to let him see how affected she was by seeing him again in person. Why was it like that? Why was there a part of her that was excited to see him? Shouldn’t she be angry with him? Just as she was about to quickly turn away, he gr
“WHAT’S WRONG? Your face looks sad again, Darling,” Catalina glanced at her husband, Gabriel, as he approached her.She sighed. “Gavin just arrived from somewhere. I don’t think our plan to set him up with Rosalin will be successful. Your son seems completely disinterested in Friend Dina’s daughter.”Gabriel embraced her and gently rubbed her shoulder. “I told you, you should talk to our son first. Maybe he has someone else in mind, which is why he’s not interested in Rosalin.”“Gabriel, our son is already thirty-seven. Do you want him to wait until we're dead before he thinks about having a family? Everything we have now will go to waste if there’s no one to pass it down to. We’re getting older. All I want is to see our son have a family of his own, a wife to stand by his side.”“When there were many girls linked to our son, you advised him to stay away from them and not get entangled. Now that he’s avoiding girls, you’re pushing for him to get married.”“How was I supposed to know i
After Gavin finished his breakfast, the next thing he did was to take a shower. He had no intention of staying in that big house. Especially since it seemed like Rosalin was just waiting for the right moment to corner him. That’s how he felt. That’s why earlier, when he had breakfast, he chose to eat by the seaside. While his parents were sitting facing the sea.“Where are you going?” Rosalin asked curiously when she saw him coming out of his cramped room. He was wearing dark shades and even had an umbrella. It was obvious he was going somewhere.“Just around,” he replied curtly.“Do you want me to give you a tour of the island?” she invited him further.He shook his head. “I want to be alone,” he said before he walked past her. She caught him with a glance.He breathed a sigh of relief because he didn’t see his parents at the beachfront. That’s where he planned to take a walk. He noticed that the shoreline stretched straight from their beach mansion. It seemed like a pleasant walk.T
The children were sound asleep, but Evadne’s mind was wide awake at that moment. Glancing at the wall clock in their room, it was already eleven o’clock at night.She carefully got up and went to the kitchen to warm some milk. Perhaps that would help her fall asleep quickly. After preparing it, she sat on a chair by the dining table and drank her milk.For five years, despite being alone in raising her children, she managed and strived to keep going.“Mom, someone is bothering us at school. They said we don’t have a dad,” Evadne remembered Elisa telling her yesterday.One of her worries was when the time came that someone would bully her children for not having a father. So, yesterday, she went to the Day Care Center to speak with the teacher of her three children. She informed the teacher that her children were being bullied, and the teacher spoke to the mother of the child bullying them. The bully’s mother apologized to Evadne, and the child also apologized to her three children.H
That question kept haunting Gavin repeatedly. He still feels the pain every time he thinks that Isaac might take Evadne away forever from him.He let out a heavy sigh as he gazed into the distance, standing by the pool area of his penthouse.“I’m sorry, Gavin. But the truth is, I don’t know where Evadne is right now. I have no news about her. Neither do our other friends. After the sale of her coffee shop, three years ago, she vanished without a trace. I’ve tried contacting her through email, but there’s no reply.”“Isaac, you’re my only hope,” he pleaded. Hoping that Isaac would take pity on him and grant his wish.“Even if you offer me all your billions, Gavin, you won’t get anything from me. And even if I find out where Evadne is now, I won’t tell you. And if you try to find her yourself, let’s make it a race. Because if I find her first, I won’t let her see you. I’ll pursue my own interests with the woman who matters to me. May the best man win,” Isaac said, flashing a mischievous
“MR. WRIGHT?” Gavin was called by his lunch meeting companion at that moment in a VIP room of an expensive restaurant. Samuel, seated beside Gavin, cleared his throat.“Pardon?” he said, snapping back to attention.“As I was saying...” the meeting continues. How many times has he felt adrift during these close-door meetings? It’s been five years, but it feels like just yesterday.“You’re scheduled to visit UHB Leisure Club next day, Sir Gavin,” Samuel informed him as they walked out of the restaurant. The meeting had concluded smoothly.“Okay.”Samuel sighed again. Even he couldn’t help but feel sorry for Gavin because his world seemed to revolve solely around work. He no longer had time for joy or relaxation like he used to. How could he be happy when it feels like half of his heart is still missing? Gavin, too, seemed imprisoned in the past, a past without proper closure.And he knew deep down that he had no one to blame but himself for everything he was going through. Five years