Walter was not the type to back down without a fight.Evangeline's game plan was simple: She would keep the knowledge of her baby from Walter, and then vanish from his life post-divorce.The baby was hers and hers alone. No matter what, Walter was not getting his hands on her child.Evangeline was lost in thought, her mind a whirlwind of half-formed plans she could not pin down. When Roslyn shared her worries, Evangeline was at a loss for words."Don't sweat it, I've got a plan," Evangeline reassured her. "Hey, I sent you an invite to my birthday party. Why'd you bail on me?"The thought stung. Her birthday had come and gone without a peep from Roslyn, her ride-or-die best friend. It had been a real letdown.Roslyn's face crumpled with regret. "Ugh, my agent's the worst. She's pushing me into the TV scene and signed me up for this drama without asking. I was so ticked off that I almost fired her. But the studio was breathing down my neck, so I had to play along. They even took my
Roslyn's eyes gleamed as Evangeline announced, "I've got the perfect place. Let's hit the road." They had never been there, so Evangeline and Roslyn packed some tasty treats and set off for their new hideaway.It turned out that the Emerald of the Highlands really lived up to its name.Nestled by the sea, the Eastgate District was a slice of heaven, with postcard-perfect views and year-round spring vibes. Even in the fall, the place was lush with greenery, like something out of a fairy tale.Evangeline, with a little help from the security guard, pulled her car into the driveway and took a good look at the villa Yale had gifted her.The place was sleek and modern, with each brick screaming luxury. Even the simple swing in the yard was crafted from the finest wood.Stepping inside, the villa's interior was just as stunning. Every room was decked out with all the bells and whistles, spacious and bright, with lavish decor and furniture that was both plush and classy. Every detail was
Evangeline figured if she got the details, she might be able to help Roslyn figure something out.'My own love life had crashed and burned, but if I could play matchmaker for my best friend and see her happily hitched, it'd be a silver lining.'"Let's face it, the chances of me and him working out are pretty much nonexistent. Like he said, we're from two different worlds. How could we ever mesh? Oh, and I totally spaced on telling you, but he's like... eleven years older than me."As Roslyn spilled her heart out, Evangeline was baffled at what kind of guy would be blind to the awesomeness of her bestie.When she heard about the eleven-year age gap, it clicked."You know how they say three years is enough for a generation gap? You guys are eleven years apart; you're practically from different planets. With that huge of an age difference, can you really stick it out? I mean, when you were toddling around in diapers, he was already a whiz at algebra!"She could not help but admire R
However, as Evangeline set her favorite cup on the water dispenser and was about to hit the boil button, the sound of keys jingling at the door stopped her cold.Oh no! Was she about to face off with a burglar?A shiver shot up her spine as she realized something was very wrong.This was the Eastgate District in Avalon City, the safest place around. Plus, no crook would waltz in through the front door, right?Thinking this, Evangeline crept to a spot by the entrance where she could not be seen, clutching a vase just in case she needed to defend herself.The front door swung open, and a warm, familiar voice filled the quiet living room. "Evie, you up?"That voice... Evangeline knew who that was. She quickly put the vase down and stepped out.There he was, her uncle Yale, looking like he had trekked a thousand miles, still calling out for her."Uncle Yale! When did you get here?"She quickly grabbed a pair of guest slippers and slid them in front of Yale.Yale shrugged it off.
Yale's face was a mask of seriousness, but Evangeline did not let him get a word in edgewise."You know how bad Grandpa Cole has been," she said. "If we hadn't pulled some strings with Walter to get Dr. George on board, who knows where he'd be now? There's only one thing on my mind: To have a baby fast, so he can cuddle his longed-for great-grandkid while he still can.""I get it." Yale closed his eyes for a moment, hiding the wave of helplessness that threatened to show. "Evie, could you grab me a drink? I'm in the mood for some liquor."Years in the service had turned Yale into someone who would drown his sorrows in a bottle.It did not bother him that Evangeline, busy with baby-making plans, could not join him. He was fine drinking alone.Evangeline, ever so sweet, fetched a wine glass and a bottle of red wine, pouring him a glass with a caring touch.He swirled the wine glass absentmindedly, his eyes tracing the dance of the deep red liquid.He was in pain, his heart aching,
"I married Walter because I was head over heels for him. Now, I'm asking for a divorce because the love is just not there anymore. When you realize you've been loving someone who doesn't love you back, you've got to stop yourself from falling any further. I can't end up like my mom, her love taken for granted, which is tragic enough, but to not even be able to hold onto life itself..."The whole idea of having a kid with Walter, just to please Cole, had always been more about what she wanted for herself. After all, was a child not supposed to be the product of their parents' love?If she had this baby and could watch the child grow, she could tell herself that Walter loved her once, even if he no longer did.Truth was, she was mad at herself for being so weak.The Foster family's darling should be all about pride and grace. How could she let herself get this low over a guy?She could not help it, though. Even though she knew Walter only had eyes for Julia, she still…Yale and Eva
Yale had downed too much alcohol, and the dim room lights and his own instincts kept him on the edge of consciousness, his eyes refusing to open.In his haze, he felt the gentle touch of cool hands lifting him onto a soft surface. The chill from the water cup tingled his senses, and then the water began to trickle into his mouth.Parched, he gulped down the water eagerly, following the gentle motions of the girl feeding him, until the cup was empty. She took the cup away, asking with a caring tone, "Want more? I can get you some.""No more," he mumbled, frowning slightly.That voice—why did it sound so familiar?Roslyn's heart raced as she held Yale, who was utterly defenseless in her arms. He was drunk, and it was the perfect chance.'Roslyn, you love him, don't you? Even if you can't win his heart, having him just this once would be enough, right?' Roslyn asked herself.The thought was so bold it scared her. She was going mad, driven by her love for him!If she could just be
"Roslyn, come on, don't make me lose respect for you, okay?" Yale's eyes were icy, and Roslyn felt like she was being frozen solid under his chilly stare."You... Yale, that's way too harsh!" The hurt she had been bottling up came flooding out, and Roslyn could not hold back her tears any longer. Nevertheless, she would not let Yale see her cry. She dashed back to her room, dove under her covers, and cried without making a sound.She was so quick that she did not even bother with her shoes. In the dark, her tears soaked the blanket, but she did not care to dry them.What was she supposed to do? Being sweet and docile did not work, being bold and forward did nothing, and even her all-out attempt to woo him for just one magical night was failing! Yale was just impossible, and it was shattering her heart! This old guy, could she just decide she was done with him? As soon as she thought about it, a sharp pain in her heart answered her.Angry at herself, she thumped her chest. Patheti