Sixteen Years Later...Emelia doesn’t usually cook. Most of the time, her job keeps her busy, and she relies on the chefs to get things done. But even work is optional for her—she works for her husband, and Winter doesn’t mind if she doesn’t work at all.On the days she decides to go to the company late, she makes it her duty to prepare breakfast. This morning, she was in the middle of making pancakes, and the delicious smell of coffee and scrambled eggs filled the kitchen. Even the chef beside her, helping out where she could, was once again baffled by Emelia's talent.Before working for the Walkers, Lucy had heard rumors that the Madam was an arrogant woman, difficult to work with. Having climbed the social ladder, leaving her rolling in riches and mingling with the powerful, it was assumed that she would look down on others.However, those were just rumors. Within the first week of working in the household, Lucy realized that Emelia Walker was the kindest and most sincere employer
Principal Brandon's office wasn’t extravagant by any means, but it was cozy and comfortable. He even had a vending machine that students often used whenever they were sent to see him.He was a cool-headed guy. Evelyn had once heard that he was a genius in his childhood and had won multiple awards and recognitions for his state. Later, he settled into a teaching career, and within just a year, he became the head of the number one school in the state. Talk about an achievement.Evelyn usually liked him; he was cheerful and always knew how to make her laugh. But today, she found him rather biased. From the moment she walked into the room, he hadn’t once asked her what she had done wrong.Instead, he treated her like a colleague on a lunch break. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with his behavior, but she was in a sour mood today and found herself faulting everyone.“Is there a reason you won’t punish me?” she asked.“Well, Ms. Dickens said you were littering, but a little secret a
“Maybe you had me with a mistress?”Evelyn instantly regrets her words. Even though Winter doesn’t seem too bothered, it’s likely heartbreaking to have your own daughter accuse you of cheating. She’s so frustrated and gloomy that she doesn’t think before she speaks anymore.Her dad is still busy typing away on his computer. She’s almost tempted to check if he’s using this as a way to avoid talking to her. Well, now’s as good a time as any to bring up her plans. She knows her mom won’t even consider the idea, but maybe Winter will understand.“Dad, I heard our school is hosting an exchange program this session. Is it okay if I participate?”“You want to move away that badly?” he asks in that voice that always makes her feel guilty.“It’s not about moving away! I’ve spent sixteen years of my life in this town. I want to experience something new. Besides, the exchange program is only for eight months. I’ll be back before you know it.”“Where?”“California, France, China, oh... and Italy.
Evelyn returned to her dad's office, and together they drove back home. Emelia had gotten home half an hour earlier and was already preparing dinner. She came to welcome her husband and daughter.The teenage girl made a disgusted face when she saw her parents kissing—no matter how old a person gets, it's always awkward seeing their parents getting intimate. "I'll go clean up first," she excused herself and rushed upstairs. After getting out of her clothes, she took a shower and dressed in shorts and a baggy T-shirt.With nothing better to do, Evelyn brought out her sketchbook and indulged in it. She wasn’t as good at drawing as she would like, but she had picked up the habit from her uncle, who said it was a great stress reliever. And it was. It helped calm her nerves, and she could push the stress of the day to the back of her mind.Evelyn was just adding color to her sketch when her phone rang. She reached for it and sighed in relief when she saw that it was Matilda calling. She wa
"Seriously?" The bartender raised a brow at the request, and James gestured toward Evelyn. "A minor, I see." The man passed her a soda and sent James a suspicious look. Why the hell was this dude talking to a teenager?Despite his disapproval, he obviously had no right to meddle in other people's affairs, so he chose to mind his business. James ignored the man’s warning and smiled down at Evelyn. "Usually, it's not every day we see girls like you on this side of town.""What do you mean by 'girls like me?'""You know, beautiful, fancy, and with a sophisticated aura. Which school do you go to?"Evelyn hesitated slightly. Was it alright to give out information about herself to someone she just met? What if the guy turned out to be a creep and tracked her down? Even if he did manage to find her in such a populous school, what could he possibly do? The only time she didn’t have bodyguards around her was during school time; aside from that, she truly had nothing to worry about."Avalon Imp
Evelyn hadn't given him a name; instead, she had cried her eyes out. Sage held her affectionately and patiently waited for her to regain her composure. This was the first time she had experienced something so traumatic, and it left her feeling so dirty. If it hadn't been for that mysterious stranger, things would no doubt have ended far worse than they had.Sage took her out of the club and towards the parking lot. He helped her buckle up and drove right out of the dreadful place. Now that her head felt clearer, she began to imagine the consequences of her actions.Knowing Sage, he would probably insist on taking her home, and if he did come with her, she would have to explain to her parents. She found herself very reluctant to do so. She could already imagine the disappointment on her mother's face, and the pure anger and vengeance on her father's. Winter wouldn't let this go. He would not only punish the one who hurt her, but also those involved.She thought about her best friend, M
Evelyn storms into her room angrily. She can't simply tolerate her parents' behavior at this point! While she understood their worrying about her, there was no need to involve others in the matter. She was clearly the victim here, and if she said she didn't mind, then can't they let the matter go?No, imagine the news that would circulate her school tomorrow. Those who already looked down on her would have more reasons to loathe her; Bella would have more reasons to bully her! She couldn't stand it."Evelyn, honey?" She was just about to strip off her clothes when she heard the insistent knocking. Though she didn't wish to see anybody at this point, she knew her mother would only pester her more if she didn't grant her an audience."Come in, Mom."The door pried open, and the middle-aged woman walked in. Although Emelia was in her early forties already, she didn’t look her age at all. Her smooth skin had no wrinkles, her hair was long and luscious, her figure was on par with that of a
Evelyn found Maddy already in class when she arrived. The cheerful girl was looking rather down, and for the first time, she was sitting at the back. When she saw Evelyn, she waved at her with a smile and gestured for her to come over. Evelyn went and took a seat beside her."What happened to you?" she asked anxiously. "You suddenly went missing from the club, I searched everywhere! Thankfully, I got a text from Sage saying he took you back home.""Sage texted you?""Yeah, it was really considerate of him. If he hadn't texted, I would have surely gone crazy with worry. I'm so sorry, Eve, it's all my fault. I shouldn't have listened to that bitch in the first place, and I certainly shouldn't have dragged you along. I was grounded for months by my parents. I don't even want to imagine the punishment you received from yours.""Actually, I didn't receive any punishment. Just an earful of scolding.""Damn, your parents are so thoughtful and understanding," she sighed wistfully. "I wish min