#2

Eve's POV:

I walk down the hushed corridors, my heart heavy with the weight of my thoughts. A child's voice interrupts my reverie. "Miss Eve, can you draw with us?" one of the kids calls out.

I offer a faint smile and reply, "Kids, I need to make a phone call first, but I'll join you in a moment, okay?"

Two years have passed since I was banished from the pack. Amy and I have found our footing in the bustling city, where we launched our own event planning business. But in the quiet corners of my life, the pain of losing my child lingers like a shadow. 

To find solace and keep the memory of my miscarried child alive, I make it a point to volunteer at a local welfare home. Today is one of those days, a day I dedicate to these visits. The day I lost my child.

I reach for my phone and dial my best friend and business partner, Amy. She's the company's director of catering and also owns a bakery, while I manage the overall business. Today, we're handling a company party for the city's largest electronics business, and Amy is on-site managing the event. 

She understood the significance of this day and took charge of the preparations earlier in the morning. After a few rings, she picks up.

"Hey, Eve," Amy's voice comes through the phone, a hint of bustling activity in the background.

"Amy," I reply. "How's everything going at the venue?"

Amy's response is immediate. "Eve, everything is going perfectly. The decorations are on point, the catering is a hit, and the guests are having a great time. You've trained our team well, and they've got it under control."

I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the weight on my shoulders ease a little. "Thank you, Amy. I just needed to hear that."

She chuckles softly. "Of course, you did. Now, remember, you've got the welfare home visit today. Go and enjoy your time with the kids. The event is in great hands here. Don't forget about tomorrow's appointment with the client at the Sapphire Business Building."

I nod on the other end of the line, though she can't see it. "I won't forget, Amy. Thanks for taking care of everything. You're a lifesaver."

Amy's voice softens. "You know I've got your back, Eve. Now, go make those kids' day, and we'll talk more about the Sapphire Building tomorrow."

As I end the call, I feel a slight smile forming on my lips. I turn to the kids who are still eagerly waiting for me. "Alright, I'm all yours now," I say, crouching down to their level.

Their faces light up with excitement, and they hand me a few colorful markers and a blank sheet of paper. I pick up a marker, and we dive into the world of imagination and creativity. 

With each stroke of the pen, my thoughts of sorrow begin to fade, replaced by the pure and boundless joy that radiates from these children. We draw animals, castles, and fantastical landscapes, sharing laughter and stories along the way.

Time passes swiftly, and as the day starts to dim into the evening, the children reluctantly begin to tidy up their art supplies. I help them with their tasks, my heart filled with gratitude and melancholy. 

These moments spent with these young souls remind me that life, even in its challenges, continues to hold moments of beauty and connection.

As I left the welfare institution, the evening had grown late, and the surroundings had taken on a subdued hue. That's when I spotted a young man near my car, dressed in a way that stood out in this city known for its casual attire. 

His distinctive appearance piqued my curiosity, but it also made me slightly cautious. Something doesn’t feel right so I decide to talk to him.

"Hey, everything alright?" I asked, trying to strike up a conversation.

He looked up in surprise, clearly startled by my approach. His reaction only fueled my suspicion, and I couldn't help but study his face intently, searching for any unusual signs or clues.

He remained silent, his only response a quick blink. This guy clearly wasn't much of a talker.

Undeterred, I made a second attempt. "Do you need help?" 

The young man seemed nervous, his voice trembling as he stammered, "Oh... ma'am, I, um... I want to... adopt a child!"

"Adopt?" My suspicion deepened. He didn't strike me as someone who fits the typical profile of a prospective adoptive parent. "Are you married?" I asked, trying to ascertain his intentions.

"Married?" He appeared bewildered, clearly not expecting that question.

"Well," I continued, "you must be aware that there are specific requirements for adopting a child, and it's also quite late now. You usually need to make an appointment in advance if you want to visit."

The man's face turned pale. "Oh, of course," he mumbled, his voice weak. "I'll leave now. Maybe I'll come back tomorrow..." With each word he spoke, his face grew even paler.

Before he could finish his sentence, he fainted. I try to catch him, but he is like 6 feet tall, and we both fall to the ground. Great! Now, because of my kind heart, a man is lying on top of me! 

Usually, I wouldn't have a problem, but I like my man's consciousness at least. Now is not the time for stupid jokes, I tell myself. 

I manage to wriggle out from under him, but I can't help but notice the strength in his body. Alright, I need to focus and get him to the hospital. There's something seriously wrong. 

Over the next twenty minutes, I struggled to maneuver him into my car, and if it weren't for the concern, it would almost be comical. 

He's incredibly heavy, and I can't help but think how I must appear from the side—like a scene from a true crime documentary. Needless to say, I'm not cut out for that kind of role. If it takes me this long to get someone into a car every time, I'm practically asking to get caught. 

I finally manage to settle him in the seat next to me and fasten his seat belt. Just then, I hear his stomach rumbling. God, he must be hungry. That explains why he passed out. I decided to save him the huge hospital bill and take him home instead. 

Luckily, my garage is conveniently connected to the dining room. I start dragging him inside, praying that Amy doesn't walk in at this very moment. She'd have a heart attack if she saw what I was doing. 

I quickly grab a rug from nearby and put him on top of it, making it easier to pull him across. Once we reach the couch, I prepare myself for one final push to get him onto it. 

Is it smart to bring a stranger into the house? 

Well, it's a little late to ponder that now. I let him lie down and decide to cook him something. The poor guy must be famished, which probably caused him to faint. 

But something doesn't quite add up. Why hasn't this man in a suit eaten? I suppose I'll have to wait to find out. 

As I start cooking my favorite spaghetti, just as I'm about to pour it onto a plate, he suddenly wakes up. He looks around, clearly confused, but as soon as his eyes land on me, a frown appears on his face. 

Not wanting to come across as a deranged woman who kidnapped him, I quickly hastened to explain the situation.

"You fainted, so I brought you home. You seemed hungry... Are you?" 

He nods eagerly, and I bring him the plate of spaghetti. I've never seen someone eat so quickly. We sit in silence as he devours his food, the only sound filling the room being the clinking of cutlery against the plate. 

I cautiously sniffed the air around him. The way he was eating his food, it wouldn't have surprised me if he turned out to be a werewolf like me. However, he was simply human.

"Well, now are you going to tell me what you're doing in front of a welfare home?"

"To be honest I got lost there, and when you spoke to me, I got startled," he explained, a hint of awkwardness in his tone. "That's when I realized I was at the entrance of the welfare institution, and I quickly tried to come up with a reason so that you wouldn't mistake me for some creep."

I couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of the situation. "Well, you definitely had me worried for a moment. Feeling better now?"

He nodded, still looking slightly embarrassed. "Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks for checking on me."

"No problem," I replied with a chuckle. "Just be careful next time, okay?"

With a sheepish grin, he agreed, "I'll definitely do that."

"So... What's your name?" I asked, feeling a bit foolish for asking such an obvious question.

"Raven," he replied curtly, not looking up from his plate as he continued eating.

"Nice name," I said, trying to strike up a conversation.

"Did you make this? It's delicious," he complimented.

"Thank you, it's nothing special. You should definitely try my roommate's scrambled eggs with bacon. They're amazing," I suggested.

"Is this an invitation?" he asked, his smile widening.

Oh, that man is a charmer. He has that typical boyish smile that makes you melt. But it's not my first time encountering this type of man.

"We'll see," I answered, feeling a blush creep onto my cheeks. "By the way, why were you on the side of the road?"

"I was traveling from abroad and got lost. I'm actually here for a business deal," he explained.

I find it strange that he was here all alone and in such a fancy suit... something doesn't add up. I'm certain he can afford a phone to check the map at least, so how did he get lost? 

Moreover, he definitely doesn't look like a local. He has an accent and very distinct facial features. His cheekbones are high and sharp, and his lips are full. Our local men tend to have more rounded faces and thin lips.

"I hope you can find your way to your intended destination," I replied, slightly puzzled.

"Can I use your charger? My battery died," he requested.

"Yes, sure," I said, getting up to retrieve my phone charger.

"When your phone is charged and if you're feeling better, you can leave so you don't miss out on your job opportunity," I suggested.

"What?" he said, looking confused. "I can’t leave just like that... I feel the need to repay you for your kindness."

"No, there is no need for that," I reassured him.

"But I will. Actually, I have a very successful business, and you are a goddess," he proclaimed.

"What was that?" I said, taken aback. "No, it's fine, really."

"You are nice and beautiful. I can provide whatever you want," he continued.

"I really don't need anything," I insisted.

"I will marry you so I can shower you with whatever you want," he declared.

Well... I fucked up! Of course, a good-looking man would turn out to be a lunatic. Raven was mentally unstable and because of me, he was in my house.

"Boy, you need to leave, now," I exclaimed.

"No, we are a perfect match. I can't contain my feelings for your kindness," he persisted.

"Leave now!" I shouted. "Or I will call the cops."