CHAPTER 15: It's not my fault.

Serena reached into the courier and pulled out several photographs. Serena's eyes were wide when she looked at a bunch of images, and her breath hitched. A high school picture of Evangeline with an innocent smile, A candid shot of her 18th birthday party in class. And a photo of Zoey and Luna on a hiking trip with campfire moments. And shockingly, the most recent photo of Evangeline and Aaron at a coffee bar. 

After watching all the photos, Serena's fingers tightened around the photos, her breath was heavy as she held the photos, fear flickering in her eyes. Memories of her wedding day flooded back, her mind racing. How?... How did he find out she was in Texas? He's been watching us all this time. He must plot something.... I have to check on her.

Then, she brushed off her emotions, and her expression shifted to one of calm confidence that was hard to read.

Nick watched her sudden change of facial expression, he understood something was wrong with that letter; he stepped forward slightly. "Ma'am, is there a problem?" he asked casually.

Serena pushed air out of her body slowly. "Umm! Nick, I need to discuss this with you. But not now." 

He nodded his head once, understanding her sudden change and hesitation. He simply bowed his head to show respect before stepping out of the room.

Inside the room, Serena's mind was racing in an endless loop of her past. I can't tell Ethan; it would only worsen things for Evangeline. "I can handle you, James," she said with a slight smirk with fear. "This is the time to collide with my family again." Her gaze shifts to Evangeline and Aaron laughing in a photo and plots her plan.

Meanwhile, Evangeline sat at her desk, tired from the day's shopping, her shopping bags on the bed. The soft light of her laptop screen brightens the quiet room. Outside the house, a refreshing cold air swept through the streets, and tree leaves shook in the air. Her eyelids fluttered, and she floated into a light nap.

A car pulled up to the gate, the engine off smoothly. Aaron stepped out, neatly dressed, and shut the car door, holding a box of food, dessert, and roses his mother had made. He pressed the intercom button at the gate, adjusting his gray cleaved shirt.

The bodyguard's voice crackled through the speaker. "Who's this?

When she changed bodyguards...he whispered to himself. "I'm her friend," Aaron replied. "Just tell her it's Aaron."

The bodyguard, Chris, said, "Okay, wait, Aaron, I have to confirm it." Chris made a quick call.

The ringing phone stirred Evangeline from her sleep. Her exhaustion lifted slightly as she answered. "Yeah, Chris?"

"Your friend Aaron is outside. Should I let him in?"

Eve rubbed her eyes. "Yeah, let him in."

A moment later, Chris confirmed and unlocked the gate. Aaron stepped inside, Eve came out from her room, her face freshly washed, still looking drowsy. She wore soft pajamas, her hair slightly messy from sleep; it seemed funny. At first, she seemed surprised—but then a warm smile formed.

"Hey, Aaron! What's up?" She greeted him, stretching slightly.

Aaron smiled back, his tone calm. "My mom made dinner for you. "holding up the huge box, "She wants you to come over if you're free."

 "Oh, she knows what makes me happy, that's why I love her!" She exclaimed, hugging him warmly. "I have missed your mom's care, especially during the holidays." 

"She knows you love her food." Aaron smiled and complimented her to cheer her up. "You look cute when you are excited about food."

Eve says, watching him with side eye, "Hey, Aaron..."

He smiled, "Okay, okay, we can catch up while eating. Let's sit down." 

They sat at the dining table, Aaron serving her pasta, noodles, and hot vegetable soup, both enjoying the food. Evangeline savored every bite and couldn't stop complimenting it. "Your mom is the best cook ever. This is amazing! I could live here forever if she cooked like this."

 "She'll be happy to hear that." Aaron grinned and watched her eat. "Sometimes, she likes you more than me." 

 "That's because we have a special bond." Evangeline winked.

After a while, both on the sofa, Aaron glanced at his watch. "Alright, Eve, I should probably head home. It's getting late." 

Evangeline frowned slightly. "It's already dark out. You can stay the night; we have plenty of rooms."

Aaron heisted, his mind racing. I want to stay, Eve, but if anything happens, I am not responsible. "It's fine; I can manage." 

 "Alright... " Evangeline sighed with puppy eyes. Suddenly she remembers about the party. "Hey, Aaron, my classmate Lisa is hosting a party tomorrow. Are you free?

Aaron paused for a moment. "Tomorrow?" 

"Yeah," she said with hope. 

Aaron opened his mouth to give his answer, but suddenly, he remembered his dad's work. "Sorry, Eve. I wish I could, Eve, but I have a big project for my dad's company. I need to finish it by the weekend."

 "It's okay," Evangeline smiled, though a little disappointed. "We can hang out another time." 

Aaron stood up and hugged her before leaving. "Take care, Eve. Thanks for the invite, though." 

"You too.  Go safe, Aaron..." she said, walking him to his car. She waved goodbye with a warm and relaxed smile, watching him drive away until his car disappeared through the gate. 

THE WEEKEND, PARTY EVENING

The evening buzzed with music and vibrant lights. Lisa's house was decorated with neon lights glowing like a rainbow in the sky. The party was in full swing, with fun, laughter, and chatter filling the air as guests mingled, danced, and enjoyed drinks. Some couples kiss without any care for watching others.

On the other side of Evangeline's house, Luna and Zoey walked through the grand living hall of the house, which was painted in the fancy color of Gray with white. A medium Golden chandelier light makes the ceiling beautiful and elegant, marveling at its lavishness.

"Wow, Eve," Luna said, opening her mouth in shock, spinning slowly to take it all in. You house look amazing..... I can stay all day if my house looks like this," she said, glancing around. "By the way, where are your parents and that handsome brother of yours?" 

Eve leaned against the wall, sipping a plain Water. "This place is mine. Nobody else lives here, and I'm just here for my studies," she said casually.

Luna stared at her. "Huh!!!! What the hell? All of this for just you? This huge house? Are you serious?" 

Evan shrugged. "Being rich, I guess money doesn't matter. My dad owns a ton of companies and industries. Even I prefer a normal, simple, and peaceful life." 

Zoey burst out laughing. "Oh, come on. It's cringe, Evee, You rich kids always say the same thing." 

Evan raised an eyebrow. "What...." 

Zoey grinned. "Nothing..." 

Luna interrupted the conversation, "Where is your room?"

Evangeline stood from sofa, she said "3rd room. You guys wait there. I am going to make some fresh fruit juice." 

"Okay..." both of them stepping in stairs to Evangeline room.

Luna's eyes widened, a soft "Oh, wow "escaping from her mouth." It's really beautiful." She moved to the writing table and took a photo frame of Aaron and Evangeline. "Zoey, can I ask you something? Luna asked, holding a frame.

"UM.... Luna," Zoey answered, watching her phone.

"If you don't mind?" 

"You like Aaron? Is that true?" Luna mumbled with nervousness.

Zoey paused, her expression remains the same, her smile faded, "What... No..... I am not"

"I know.... You like him, I have been watching you for a long time. You can fool Eve, but not me," Luna said, watching her face.

She exhaled in relief. "You can't tell this to Eve, okay?" she said, her voice shaking.

Luna nodded, "Ok... I swear"

"Yes.... I like him. No... I love him...."Zoey said, Tears flowing down her cheeks, "I know.... I am not a good friend of hers, but I liked him from the start.... is that my fault?"