EVELYN

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Third Person POV

The hallway was dimly lit, a single flickering bulb casting sporadic light onto the cracked walls. The air was damp, carrying a faint scent of mildew and smoke. Dust particles danced in the faint streams of light filtering through a broken window with footsteps echoing ominously  against the worn wooden floorboards.

At the end of the hallway stood a heavy oak door, its brass handle dulled with age. The person paused, adjusting their tie, before pushing it open.

The room inside was stark and foreboding. A single leather chair faced away from the entrance, its high back turned toward a mahogany desk that dominated the center of the room. Behind it, thick velvet curtains obscured the windows, and the only illumination came from a low-hanging pendant lamp casting a spotlight over the desk.

As the person stepped inside, the chair swiveled slowly, revealing a man dressed in an immaculate black suit. Mr. Langston. His sharp features were shadowed, but his piercing gaze was unmistakable. On the desk lay an envelope, its contents sealed.

"James," Langston drawled, his voice low and measured, "I see you’ve come."

Mr. James, Evelyn’s father, stepped further into the room, his face taut with barely concealed frustration. “Why did you choose to meet here, Langston? This place…?”

Langston smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Privacy. The fewer ears, the better. We have much to discuss.” He gestured toward the envelope. “You’ve seen the video your daughter posted, I presume.”

James nodded, his jaw tightening. “I told her to delete it. This is… damage control.”

“Good,” Langston said smoothly. “You understand the stakes. Your company, James, was on its knees when I stepped in. Do you remember that? Do you recall how I leveraged my networks to ensure those supply chains didn’t collapse? How I secured your largest investor when no one else would touch you?”

James swallowed hard, the memories flashing through his mind. The deals Langston brokered, the connections he facilitated—it had all saved his business from ruin. The company relied heavily on exporting high-end machinery to international markets, and without Langston’s intervention, they would have crumbled under the weight of supply shortages and debt.

“And now,” Langston continued, his voice taking on an edge, “I find myself in a position where your daughter’s recklessness could tarnish my reputation. You do realize what happens if this escalates, don’t you?”

James straightened his posture. “I told her to delete it. She’ll comply.”

Langston tilted his head, a predatory smile curling his lips. “Very good. For your sake, I trust she will.”

.........

Evelyn’s POV

Next day

I woke up to the sound of my alarm, the shrill beeping pulling me from a restless sleep. My head throbbed, and my body felt heavy, but I forced myself out of bed. I couldn’t hide forever.

Looking at myself in the mirror as I brushed my teeth, I could see the faintest hints of color returning to my cheeks. I looked… alive, at least on the outside. But inside, the cracks were deeper than ever.

I went downstairs for breakfast, hoping for some semblance of normalcy. Mom was setting plates on the table, her movements mechanical. I opened my mouth to speak, to say something—anything—but she didn’t look at me.

Dad was already seated, engrossed in his tablet. He didn’t even glance up.

Anger simmered beneath my skin as I grabbed my bag and stormed out the door.

Walking into school felt like walking into a battlefield. Whispers followed me down the hall, some subtle, some not. My fingers clutched the straps of my bag tightly as I kept my head down.

“Evelyn!” Jasmine’s voice broke through the noise. She, Amber, and Maya hurried over, their faces a mix of concern and confusion.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Amber asked, her voice trembling. “Why did you hide this from us?”

I swallowed hard, tears stinging my eyes. “I didn’t know how,” I admitted. “I didn’t want you to see me differently.”

“We’re your friends,” Maya said firmly. “You can tell us anything.”

They hugged me, and for a brief moment, the weight on my shoulders felt lighter.

After school, they surprised me with an invitation. “A picnic,” Jasmine yelled out of the blue. “You need a break, and we’re not taking no for an answer.”
- - - - - -
As we sprawled out on the checkered blanket beneath the shade of a giant oak, their laughter filled the air.

After a few bites of sandwiches and sips of lemonade, Amber’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and grinned mischievously. “Evelyn, you still haven’t called Luke back?”

I blinked, taken off guard. “I… wasn’t sure what to say.”

Jasmine rolled her eyes dramatically. “Girl, the man is waiting! Do you want him to think you’re not interested?”

Maya chimed in, nudging my shoulder. “He’s sweet, and he clearly likes you. Just say yes already!”

I bit my lip, the thought of Luke making my stomach flip in a way I couldn’t explain. “What if he’s just being nice? What if—”

“No what-ifs!” Amber interrupted, handing me my phone. “Call him back. Now.”

Under their expectant gazes, I dialed the number. My heart raced as the line rang.

“Evelyn?” Luke’s familiar voice greeted me, warm and a little hesitant.

“Hi,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I was starting to think you weren’t going to call,” he teased gently. “So… uhm...about dinner?”

I glanced at my friends, all nodding eagerly. “I’d love to,” I finally said.

“Great. I’ll text you the details,” he said, and I could almost hear the smile in his voice.

When I hung up, my friends erupted in cheers, their excitement infectious.

---

Later that evening, I stood under the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me. My eyes closed, and for a moment, the world outside the tiled walls didn’t exist. The water streamed through my hair, soothing the tension in my shoulders. I tilted my head back, exhaling as if trying to wash away the weight of the past weeks.

After drying off, I sat in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. My skin glowed faintly from the steam, and for the first time in days, I felt a small spark of life returning.

I began to get ready, brushing my damp hair until it gleamed. I styled it in loose waves, letting it fall softly over my shoulders. Makeup came next—subtle and natural, just a touch of mascara to make my eyes pop and a soft pink gloss for my lips.

For my outfit, I chose a midi-length dress in a soft lavender shade. The fabric was light and flowed gently when I moved, cinched at the waist to accentuate my figure. I paired it with a simple silver necklace and matching earrings. My bag was a small cream clutch, just big enough for my essentials.

Standing in front of the mirror, I smoothed the dress over my hips, taking in the way it fit. I felt… pretty.

With a deep breath, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. Thankfully, Dad wasn’t home. The house was quiet except for the soft clatter of dishes in the kitchen.

I found Mariam there, drying her hands. She turned when she saw me and smiled. “You look lovely.”

“Thanks,” I said, shifting nervously. “I’m heading out for dinner. Just thought I’d let you know.”

Mariam’s expression softened, and she nodded. “Be safe, okay?”

I nodded, stepping out into the cool evening air. As I walked down the driveway, I couldn’t help but glance back at the house, half-expecting something to go wrong. But the door stayed closed.
I breathed in heavily.. before calling a cab.