Kitty party

Evelyn’s P.O.V. 

My mom opened the door for me, I joked while stepping in. 

“Where is our gatekeeper? Has she got retired from her post?” 

The grave silence in the house welcomed me, my dad was sitting in the living room in godfather’s mode. His hunting rifle in his hand was a sign that the situation was out of mom’s hand. 

“Please cook beef stew. I am hungry.” 

I sent my mom to the kitchen, the lock on our bedroom door gave me a hint about dad’s future planning.  

“Are you going hunting? Take me with you, please.” 

I sat on the ground before my dad and placed my head on his lap. 

“Humph!” 

My tried and tested method of being cute was in action, I looked at him with puppy dog eyes.  

“I didn’t bring shame to your name, dad. We love each other.” 

“You did unspeakable things without getting married and…” 

My dad loaded the rifle and got up.  

“He could be a rich businessman; I will not spare him. No one can live after playing with my honor.

And you!” 

Before he could lock me in the room with Jade, I flashed my marriage certificate before his eyes. 

“Zuriel is not playing with me. His aunt is against this relationship, that’s why we lied about pregnancy. To prove his sincerity, he has signed this marriage certificate today.” 

My dad called Lucas for the investigation. He confirmed the registration in five minutes. 

“I am searching a suitable groom for you, and you got married without your father. You have disappointed me, Eve. We had so many expectations from you.” 

“We trusted you, that’s how you repaid your parents? Have you thought about your sister? What kind of bad influence you are on her?” 

Mom came out of the kitchen and joined dad in this case. After losing my biggest supporter, my whole world fell into deep darkness. 

“This happened so quickly that I couldn’t inform you. But there will be a grand ceremony after Zuriel’s aunt’s recovery. Her health is unstable nowadays.” 

I pleaded with my parents; their heartbreak was impossible for me to handle. Then suddenly, my mom took one eighty-degree turn. She sat beside my dad and placed her hand on his shoulder.  

“Eve is twenty-eight now. She has spent most of her life repaying the heavy debt. All her classmates are happily married and have kids. Don’t you think it’s our daughter’s turn to be happy?” 

“I am not her enemy.” 

Dad squeezed the butt of his rifle so hard that I could see the cracks on it.  

“I want her to be respected and loved in every way. In the end, it’s her happiness that I always dreamed of.” 

As my dad’s anger was fading, mom grabbed the rifle from his hand and put it away. 

“Just give them some time. It’s not our era. Kids today are wise enough to solve everything on their own.” 

With the promise of arranging a special meeting with Zuriel soon, my dad’s fury blew away.  

... 

“I have been locked in the room for the last eighteen hours just because of your adventure. I missed my best friend’s birthday today.” 

Jade burst out as soon as I unlocked our bedroom door. She scowled and punched me on my shoulder, her temper was like a kid even after crossing teen aging. 

“Food is ready.” 

Our family’s favorite stew was too good to eat even after lunchtime. The sun was setting in the west when I received a message from an unknown number.  

“Zuriel’s aunt is ill. I have to go.” 

Fortunately, dad allowed me to leave. I took a quick shower and left for the midnight cafe.  

“Table number twelve is reserved for Evelyn Campbell.” 

A respectable waiter guided me to the corner table and as expected, Carla was waiting for me.  

“Long time, no see, Evelyn. A mistress one day and a wife of a billionaire next day? You really know how to seduce a man.” 

I digested her straightforward insult with a polite smile and showed her the screenshots.  

“What do you mean by this message?” 

“You are the same businesswoman I met before. Well, I also don’t like to beat around the bush. Give me one million dollars, or I will send these proofs to your dear husband.” 

For a moment, I couldn’t believe her audacity to blackmail me with this conversation, as she was the buyer in this case. 

“Everyone has a past, Carla. I accepted a married man. This one-night stand is not a threat to our relationship.” 

Carla's face turned red just like the dress she was wearing. Her sarcastic smile said more than her words. 

“Then I will send these proofs to the media. It will easily get me millions of dollars.” 

There was a strong urge to ask my buyer’s name that night. But if that lethal beauty was venomous for her own family, how she’d react after noticing my weakness?  

“You are so selfish, Carla. You are worse than outsiders.” 

Apparently, her greed had blinded her. It would be a waste of time to quarrel with her further. 

“Give me your details. I will transfer the amount now.” 

Carla's eyes popped out, as if I had produced a rhinoceros from the ground. Zuriel’s diamond card was literally a smack on her face. She wasn’t anticipating that my so-called husband would spend this much money on me. 

The transaction was approved by a bank within minutes. As promised, Carla deleted the photos from her cellphone. 

“What’s the guarantee that you have not saved this conversation anywhere else?” 

“I am going abroad, tonight. I got this money just to start my life with my lover. Rest assured; I will interfere in your Hell ever again. Live with Zuriel for some days, the demon of his love will die its own death. Then you will be able to see his reality.” 

I paid no heed to her trash talk and walked out of the café. 

… 

“Can’t you take your things in one visit. I have to walk all the way here.” 

Jade came to the bus stop with my duffle bag, her mood was worse than ever. 

“This is your monthly allowance.” 

I slipped an envelope in her pocket. It was my routine to give her extra bucks for her monthly expenses. 

“Do you need anything else? I can bring it for you.” 

“Wait a second.” 

My cellphone vibrated again and this time, it was Zuriel’s call. 

“Aunt is waiting for you. Go home.” 

He disconnected the call after this short message, Jade poked my nose playfully. 

“Go quickly. My brother-in-law is missing you.” 

“It’s not like that.” 

I ordered an online Taxi for Scott’s mansion, where another exam was prepared for me. 

“Is this the woman that Zuriel has chosen for his life? Even my maids are better looking than her.” 

In response to my greetings, a heavily painted lady scoffed. 

“My Zuriel is innocent. These poor girls have too many tricks up to their sleeves.” 

Aunt explained on behalf of Zuriel. Another well-dressed lady continued the former statement. 

“Evelyn is so ordinary. She must have slept with a random guy to extort money from your nephew. I am well aware of their tactics.” 

“Yes, you have also used it in your young age.” 

I bit my tongue to halt this savage reply. Suddenly, I felt a surge of heat in my body, as if an intense energy was directed towards me.  

In order to change the “friendly” atmosphere, I picked up the platter of snacks and presented it to them. 

“I will try my best to win your heart, Aunt. You will not have any complain from me.” 

The members of this kitty party broke into a fit of laughter.  

“There will be no tomorrow. I will ask my Zuriel to kick you out today. Now serve the tea, maid.” 

I wore a humble smile and poured tea in five cups. My work experience in the public sector had trained me to absorb every kind of humiliation. 

I served the four cups to the ladies perfectly, but the fifth lady deliberately flipped the cup on me. 

“Ahh!” 

I fell back, as the hot tea burnt my skin. These ladies were more dangerous than I expected.