TANGLED IN OBSESSION OF LOVE

Ch.9 - Betrayal's Embrace

As Evangeline walked away, Nathan remained rooted to the spot, lost in contemplation. The notion that someone else's sexuality could bring him such joy was both surprising and overwhelming. He replayed the recent moment in his mind, when Evangeline had allowed him to hold her close. The memory was vivid—her warmth, her scent, the quiet acceptance in her eyes. It filled him with a sense of exhilaration, yet also a nervous anticipation for what the future might hold between them.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the ringing of his phone. With a sigh, he answered it, irritation already seeping into his voice.

Nathan spoke firmly, his annoyance palpable. "Mr. Dwyer, I thought I made my position clear before I left."

The voice on the other end addressed Nathan with formal decorum. "Good evening, sir. I apologize for going against your instructions, but we urgently need your presence at the base."

Nathan's expression grew ominous. "Mr. Dwyer, I distinctly recall informing you that my departure is not feasible until my affairs here are concluded."

"Sir, we empathize with your predicament, however, the necessity is paramount. It shall only be for three business days, an unavoidable circumstance," spoke Mr. Dwyer with deference and urgency.

Nathan's jaw tightened. "Was Mr. Anderson informed and approved of this decision?"

"Indeed, sir. Mr. Anderson himself emphasized the urgency and specifically requested your presence," replied Mr. Dwyer.

Frustration bubbled up inside Nathan. "Fine, I'll be there," he snapped, ending the call.

The weight of his responsibilities and the complexity of his emotions pressed heavily on him as he contemplated the days ahead.

Meanwhile, Evangeline lay on her bed, her mind a turbulent sea of thoughts.

"Did the kiss signify that Nathan harbored genuine feelings for me, or was it merely a fleeting mistake? He hadn't shown any regret, yet after all the harsh words he had hurled at me in the past, how could I possibly forgive him?"

Still, an insistent hope lingered, whispering, "Maybe, perhaps, he did care for me after all."

Conflicted and confused, Evangeline's emotions churned relentlessly, keeping her awake. She resolved to clear things up with Nathan and ask why he had kissed her. She wasnt expecting a relationship, but she thought a second chance might not be so bad.

When sleep finally claimed her, it was fitful and fleeting, leaving her to awaken with Nathan still occupying her restless mind.

The next morning, Evangeline awoke with a blend of excitement and anxiety swirling within her. The prospect of seeing Nathan again and perhaps confronting him about the kiss filled her with nervous anticipation. As she got out of bed, she glanced around for her loyal basset hound, Delores, who was still peacefully asleep on the couch. She approached him with a handful of treats, gently waking him up.

"Come on, buddy. It's a new day," she murmured softly, giving him a scratch behind the ears. Delores yawned and stretched, his tail wagging slowly as he enjoyed the attention.

Evangeline smiled, finding a moment of calm in the routine with her furry companion. She knew today could bring answers or more questions, but for now, she focused on getting ready for work, determined to face whatever came her way.

After getting ready for work, Evangeline left her house with a sense of hopeful anticipation, eager to catch a glimpse of Nathan. She decided to ring his doorbell, planning to use Jonathan as an excuse for her visit if necessary. To her surprise, Jonathan himself answered the door.