EvaI spotted her immediately at the entrance of the Greenhouse Cafe as per her instructions. It wasn't hard considering her unique style. The nude overcoat she wore spoke of quiet luxury. I could tell it was expensive yet it was humble.She noticed me when I came closer, a pleasant surprise coloring her face. Every time I saw her I was always shocked at how youthful she looked. despite being in her late 40s she looked a decade younger, her outfit bringing her more elegance.“You really didn't have to wait outside.” I protested, guilt pooling my belly. It had taken me some time to find the location and I'd gotten even more held up by the traffic.“Nonsense. I haven't been here for long anyways.” She said, trying to wave away the topic. Despite her attempt I still felt bad for keeping her waiting. Despite being a member of one of one of the wealthiest families, she was always so nice and sweet and down to earth, so different from her other peers. It really made me wonder how she could
EvaIn the end, my decision was hard but I fought the guilt away.“Nothing much.” I lied, turning away to drink the coffee I ordered. “What about you?” I asked, turning the question back at her. It took a second after to discover my mistake, but it was too late.Bitter guilt heated up my belly as her face fell, as if the reminder of her situation was enough to bring her down. Unlike me, she was already open with her problems, no matter how vague it was and I already knew most of it.“I'm sorry, you don't have to answer.” I quickly tried to backtrack, but she shook her head.“It's okay. It's been a long while since I've shared problems with anyone.” She said, putting her cup down.“You already know about the situation with Viktor. Richard is no different. Ever since Viktor fully took over, all he does is focus on his drinking and gambling now. The only good thing about it now is that he mostly ignores me a lot more. It's why I can go out freely like I did today. I found this place and
Eva“It must be so lonely for you, you know, without the kids and all.” her voice came through. I sighed, relaxing on my office seat with my phone in my ear.“It really is.” I replied, “I didn't think this through if I'm being honest. Two months is a long time. Now I'm counting the days till they come back.” I sighed out.Penelope chuckled through the phone “Unfortunately I can't relate. Traveling never gets tiring.”“You've earned it.” I quipped back. Even though she was an entire continent away, I could imagine her warm smile from my words.Years ago, she was the one to give me a place to stay after being kicked out. I met her by accident, stopping at the restaurant she owned to veg for temporary shelter. Only in her late 20s when I met her, I could still recall how shocked she looked when I approached her. I hadn't expected much and prepared to leave to save myself the humiliation when she stopped me with my belongings. She offered me a place in her apartment, stating that I didn'
EvaThat was…Unexpected.When I came here, I hadn't expected him to say those words. But he had apologized and was finally agreeing. The last part still screamed of arrogance and reluctance, and he didn't seem too pleased to say those words, but he had said them anyway.Looking over him and the slightly bitter look he had, my heart gave a thump. Even though he was already done, he looked like he wanted to say something more but was waiting for my assent.That was new and…interesting to say the least. I trailed across the room, taking the first seat at the head of the table before facing him again.“Continue.” I said while he continued standing. “Despite our…history, my company needs this partnership to work. I'm not going to jeopardize that. Only for the sake of my company.”‘Like you almost didn't do that just a few days ago.’ The quip came to my head bitterly but I held my tongue.His admission was reluctant, but it was better than nothing. “Okay then.”“I have a few terms to add
Eva“I guess you didn't listen when I told you to lay off and relax.” Penelope's voice came out deadpan through the speaker.I groaned at her chastising tone, shaking my head as I looked at the phone on my dressing table.“Everything has been good Penelope, I'm serious.” I pressed on, to try convincing her while carefully running hair gel through my curls.“I’ll only believe it when I see it Eva, and I'm not in the country so you've gotten my answer.” Penelope replied, making me groan loudly while fighting a smile. She was always worrying for my sake. Without a large age gap, she treated me more like a mother to a daughter, or at least a really fun aunt that one would see in movies.Surprisingly enough, I wasn't lying or exaggerating. Things HAD been going well for me.Viktor had kept to his word and surprisingly worked well. The extent of our cordial relationship lasted only within the company however and dissipated immediately after I left. I didn't care what he did aside from withi
EvaI didn't bother going to S. Corps, heading back home for the day after passing a quick message to Lucy. It was already afternoon and time was of the essence for me to prepare.I was always used to last minute preparations. I never cared much about my appearance in the first place. When I was young and had to fend for myself, I hid, opting for more comfortable and baggy clothes from charity places to keep myself more discreet. It lasted till college where despite all my efforts, Viktor saw me. After I was with him, I grew more confident in my looks and he sometimes got me gifts like dresses and jewelry, the latter I rarely used except on dates. All those gifts were left behind as he threw me out.Even now I wasn't one for appearances, but I'd learned that presentation meant everything. Jon had taught that to me, a fact that I had to learn and adapt to for success. I'd learned to present myself properly whether at work or an event, even if there was nothing more comfortable than a
Eva“Your dress is ruined. A big shame, I'm sure it must've been expensive.” she continued, stepping towards me with her empty glass. Despite her ‘sympathetic’ words, her tone and her face showed anything but. Eyeing the stain like it was the most interesting thing in the world, she tutted.“This is definitely a case of bad luck. You definitely shouldn't have come here.”the smug look on her faceFor a moment I was stunned and confused but it didn't take a genius to figure it out. This was definitely Brienne's doing.My hackles rose with every trace of ‘sympathy’ she gave. I had done nothing to her and yet she attacked me and looked so smug about it even.A part of me wanted to give into my impulse, but I held myself back. Doing that wouldn't solve or change anything. It would only get more attention from others and perhaps that was Brienne's goal; to humiliate me. My gaze darted to the side to see that very few people had taken notice. If she wanted me to retaliate, she had another
EvaI was on alert as all eyes turned to me. It seemed like everyone else had shifted away from me, singling me out.It was too much of a shock and coincidence. Her necklace was found in a room I went into? She kept glaring at me, making me grip my glass tighter.“What are you implying Miss Harrison? That I took it?” I asked coldly and carefully to hide my nerves.“You were the only one that went upstairs. Everyone saw you. And was it a coincidence that your dress was found in the same place?” she sneered at me.“I didn't steal anything. I don't even know what your necklace looks like.” I denied.“Don't play the fool. You're the only one who was capable of stealing it. Are you telling me you didn't get your dress stained, or are you saying you saying we've been blind this whole time?” She sneered.My breath hitched as I realized what she was trying to do. This was a setup.‘Had she planned this?’ I wondered. It was too coincidental.Grace came out, looking frazzled.“Enough. I'm sure