BREAKING THE RULES

EVELYN

"So then the model trips on the runway, right in front of Vogue's editor, and I swear my life flashed before my eyes," Tonia's voice crackles through my phone.

I try to focus on what she is saying but my mind keeps drifting. The taxi weaves through Los Angeles traffic, and I clutch the gift bag tighter on my lap.

"Evie? Are you even listening to me?"

"Sorry, Tonia. I'm just excited to get home. I’ve missed my man so much."

"Girl, you were only gone for four days."

"Five days. And it felt like forever."

Tonia laughs. "You two are disgustingly cute. Did you get him that watch he wanted?"

I glance at the bag. Inside is a vintage Rolex I found in a San Francisco boutique. Anthony mentioned wanting one exactly like it three months ago. He probably thinks I forgot, but I never forget anything important.

"Yeah.. I got it. He's going to lose his mind when he sees it."

"When are you giving it to him?"

"Right now, actually. We're almost at the apartment."

"Wait, you're surprising him? I thought you said you were coming back tomorrow."

"I am. I mean, I was. I finished the pitch early and caught a flight this morning. Anthony has no idea."

Tonia squeals. "That's so romantic! Okay, call me later and tell me everything."

"I will. Love you."

"Love you too, my right hand babe."

I end the call as the taxi pulls up to our building. The afternoon sun makes the glass tower shine. Anthony and I moved in together eight months ago, right after he proposed. The apartment is gorgeous, way fancier than anywhere I ever thought I would live. Anthony's family has money, old money, the kind that comes with expectations and judgments. His mother still does not think I am good enough for her son. But Anthony says he loves me, that nothing else matters.

I pay the driver and grab my small suitcase and the gift bag. My heels click against the marble lobby floor as I head to the elevator. The doorman, Marcus, waves at me.

"Welcome back, Miss Hart. Mister Blake will be happy to see you."

"Thank you, Marcus."

I press the button for the tenth floor and check my reflection in the mirrored elevator walls. My chestnut hair is a bit messy from the flight, but otherwise I look okay. I smooth down my cream blouse and take a deep breath. 

The elevator dings. I step out and walk down the hallway to our apartment. Our home. I still get a little thrill every time I think about that. I slide my key into the lock as quietly as possible and push the door open.

The living room is empty. Anthony's jacket is thrown over the couch. His shoes are by the door. I frown. It's Thursday afternoon and he should be at the office.

Then I hear music coming from the bedroom. Something slow and jazzy. Anthony never listens to music in the middle of the day.

I set down my suitcase and walk toward the bedroom, my heart beating faster. Maybe he is sick. Maybe he came home early because he was not feeling well.

I push the bedroom door open, a smile already forming on my face.

The smile dies immediately. 

The world stops .

Anthony is in our bed. He is not alone. There is a woman with him, her long blonde hair spread across the pillow…my pillow. They are tangled together in the white sheets, so lost in each other that they have not noticed me standing here.

The gift bag falls from my hand and hits the floor with a loud thud.

Both heads snap toward the door.

Anthony's face goes completely white. His mouth opens and closes like a fish.

The woman sits up, clutching the sheet to her chest, and I see her face clearly for the first time.

Sylvia.

My cousin Sylvia.

"E..v..e..lyn," Anthony says, his voice strangled. "You're supposed to be in San Francisco."

I cannot speak. I cannot move. I can only stand there staring at the two people who have just destroyed my entire world.

Sylvia does not look guilty. If anything, she looks satisfied. A small smirk plays at the corner of her mouth.

"Well," she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I guess the surprise is on you.”