CHAPTER TWO

‎Her father's voice was immediately filled with rage. "What has that bastard done?" 

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‎He might be upset at her for going against him, but he still love his little princess. 

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‎Despite his hard shell, he's a loving father who can turn the world upside down for his daughter's sake. 

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‎A soft breathe escaped Evelyn's lips, her voice gentle and soft. "Nothing, Dad. I just realized how wrong I've been. I should have listened to your words."

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‎She paused, let out a heavy breath and then continued. "I shouldn't have argued with you and left home without thinking straight. I was blinded by my own impulsive infatuation. But now, I've realized my mistake. I wish I had realized it earlier."

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‎Her father listen intently, and his voice soften as he said. "That's good. We all missed you, especially your mother. She will be thrilled to hear this news." 

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‎"I missed you guys too" she answered, her voice laced with longing. "Dad, don't say a word about this to anyone yet. Once I'm done handling things over here, I will head back home" 

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‎•

‎As she arrived back at Chris's mansion, it was already past 11 PM. Evelyn was too worn out, both physically and emotionally, so she just went to bed without doing anything.

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‎The next morning, she woke up to a text on her phone from Alexander Blackwood, the fiance her father had chosen for her. 

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‎She stared at her phone unbelievably. 

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‎She thought she had told her father to keep her return a secret?

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‎She shook her head, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips.

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‎~ "Eve, your father told me you're coming back. Should I come pick you up?" 

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‎She wasn't surprised if Alexander knew where she stayed in Los Angeles. As the CEO of BLACKWOOD EMPIRE, he had resources and connection that allow him to find out such information.

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‎Though, she had left home and didn't contact anyone for four years, she also knew her father had forbidden everyone from contacting her. He had even blocked her cards and stopped every means for her to be recognized as the daughter of the Martins Family. 

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‎Evelyn then decided to start from the scratch without the use of her family's name, and even landed herself a job. 

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‎It might not be up to the amount she pay her assistant monthly, but it was a start for her and she was determined to make a living for herself. 

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‎But now, she regretted taking such decision.

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‎Alexander Blackwood was her brother's best friend. They had grown up together in the same Villa Estates right when they were kids, and their fathers were best friends and business partners. 

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‎In Evelyn's eyes, Alexander had always been like a second brother aside from her older brother, Ethan. Alexander had treated her well and always protective of her. 

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‎~ "No need. I still have some things to take care of here. I will head over to New York City once I'm done."

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‎Just as she was about to drop the phone, another message from Alexander popped up, as if he had been waiting for her reply. 

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‎To Evelyn- it was a strange but pleasant feeling to know someone had her on their mind. 

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‎Unlike Chris, who was always using the excuse of work and barely respond to her texts. 

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‎She had gotten used to it that she had stopped sending him anything. 

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‎~ "Alright. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me." 

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‎~ "I will. Thanks, Alex" 

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‎After dropping the phone, she sauntered to the bathroom and took a relaxing bath. As she emerged, her phone rang.

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‎But as soon as she saw the name on the screen, a scoff escaped her lips, following with a rolled eyes. 

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‎It was Andrea. 

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‎"Hey, Evelyn."

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‎"Andrea." Evelyn's voice came out stiffly, her tone laced with indifference.

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‎"Evelyn, I...." Andrea trailed off, her tone soft and delicate. "I'm really sorry about what happened last night."

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‎"Believe me, I feel awful about the way Chris had spoken to you. Also, I want you to know that there's nothing going on between Chris and I. We are just business associates, nothing more."

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‎As Evelyn listened to her explanation, she wondered if Andrea hadn't realize that she already knew what was going on, or if she was just being naturally shameless?

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‎Either way, she decided to play along. 

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‎After a brief silence, Evelyn replied curtly. "It's okay."

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‎"I knew you wouldn't take it to heart!" Andrea exclaimed with a relieved laugh.

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‎ "So, my grandmother's grand homecoming and recovering celebration party is tomorrow, and I was wondering if you could come? She's specifically asked me to invite you and she's been looking forward to seeing you."

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‎"Sure, I will be there." Evelyn replied, her voice softening slightly. 

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‎She would go.

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‎Not because she wanted to, but because it's about Mrs. Wilford.

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‎Mrs. Wilford had always been good to her. She treated Evelyn with kindness and made her feel like part of the family during her visits.

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‎"I will send you the details, okay?" she said, her voice softening mildly. "I really should go now. Talk to you later. And again, I'm truly sorry about what happened."

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‎After hanging up, Evelyn changed into a comfortable dress and headed out to the mall to get a gift for Mrs. Wilford. 

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‎A few months ago, Mrs. Wilford fell ill and was bedridden. Evelyn had been visiting her every day, bringing her favorite foods and keeping her company. 

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‎Most times, Evelyn would even sleep over~ this gestures had gradually deepened their bondness. 

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‎And last night, after dropping the call with her father, Aaron had reactivated her bank accounts. Thanks to that, she can afford Mrs. Wilford a worthy gift. 

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‎Knowing Mrs. Wilford's love for art, Evelyn decided to get a piece by her favorite artist. 

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‎As she strolled through the luxurious mall, her eyes scanned through the art gallery, looking for a perfect present. 

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‎She finally found a stunning piece of artwork, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. The painting was titled "A THOUSAND YEARS OF PEACE" 

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‎The piece was valued at eighteen thousand dollars, but Evelyn didn't hesitate to pay after inquiring about the verification and authenticity.

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‎To pair well with the artwork, she also picked out an exquisite wristwatch, which radiates class and sophistication. 

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‎

‎•

‎At Mrs. Wilford's party, Evelyn arrived a few minutes late. 

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‎As she stood at the entrance door, her eyes scanning the room and they immediately landed on Chris whose arm was linked with Andrea's, a wide grin spreading across his face. 

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‎They were both engrossed in their conversation that he didn't notice Evelyn at first. 

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‎But as his gaze shifted- their eyes met. 

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‎Chris froze. 

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‎And the smile on his face instantly vanished.

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‎Then, she approached them, standing opposite them. 

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‎"Evelyn? Why are you here?" 

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‎Evelyn didn't respond, rather, her gaze drifted to their linked arms. 

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‎Her heart clenched in her chest. 

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‎Then, as if she hadn't seen anything, she looked away.

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‎Instinctively, Chris brushed Andrea's hand off his arm. Andrea, having achieved her goal, just smiled triumphantly.

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‎Evelyn hadn't laid her eyes on him since the night of his birthday, and she care less. She was done chasing after him like a fool. She didn't care where he was and who he was with.

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‎After all, this joke of a relationship is about to come to an end. 

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‎And this time around, it won't be because he dumped her. 

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‎It will be because she left him. 

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‎Because she dumped a garbage that's no longer useful.

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‎"I invited her. I'm sorry, Chris, I forgot to tell you." Andrea said in a tone of feigned concern.

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‎As if Evelyn wasn't supposed to be there. 

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‎Evelyn met Chris's gaze, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. "Andrea and I are friends. We've known each other for four years. Am I not supposed to be at her grandmother's homecoming party?" 

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‎Chris looked upset despite his composed self. "I only asked because I thought you didn't like this kind of party." 

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‎Evelyn snorted. "Was it really because I didn't like noisy gatherings? Or I would ruin the mood as my friend has you by her side to accompany her?" 

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‎As Evelyn uttered those words, Chris's expression turned guilty and he subtly created a distance with Andrea.

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‎Clearly angry, but unwilling to show it, Andrea forced a smile. "What are you saying, Evelyn? It's clearly not what you think. Chris is just here as a friend." 

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‎After giving their explanation, they walk over to Mrs. Wilford's side.

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‎"Welcome home, Mrs. Wilford" Evelyn said, handing her the gift bag and the artwork carefully wrapped in a sleek portfolio case.

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‎Mrs. Wilford's face lit up with a smile as she thanked Evelyn, enveloping her in a warm hug.

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‎"Grandma, Evelyn actually got you a gift. Why don't you open it, let's see what's inside?" Andrea suggested, her tone sounding somewhat genuine.

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‎Mrs. Wilford agreed, nodding her head. 

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‎"My goodness!" She exclaimed, her eyes widening in excitement as she pulled out the wristwatch and the artwork. "It's the new design wristwatch. I've heard it's quite expensive. And you've even included an artwork from my favorite artist. Thank you, Evelyn. You're too kind."

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‎Evelyn smiled warmly. "You deserve even more, Mrs. Wilford." 

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‎But the sweet moment was short-lived as Andrea spoke. 

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‎"Evelyn, all this put together would cost over thirty thousand dollars, if I'm not mistaken. You're just a sales manager. How were you able to afford something this expensive? Did you perhaps.... bought the fake ones?" 

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‎The moment Andrea's words hung in the air, the room fell silent. 

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‎Despite her outwardly concerned tone, Andrea's words were tainted with mockery.

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‎All attention then turned to Evelyn, with everyone gazing at her accusingly~ except Mrs. Wilford. 

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‎It was clear they all suspected her of getting a counterfeit pieces.

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‎Chris expression darkened, clearly upset and disappointed.

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‎He grasped Evelyn's arm and roughly spun her to face him, his tone berating.

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‎ "Evelyn, what's all this? Do you have to get a counterfeits just because you wanted to impress Mrs. Wilford?" 

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‎Evelyn's gaze turned cold even though her expression remained calm. "Getting fake pieces is not my style, Chris. I would never stoop that low."

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‎He didn't say a word. 

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‎He just looked away, his expression laced with irritation.

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‎Then, Mrs. Wilford ease the surrounding with a laugh. "It's okay, everyone. Whether it's fake or original, what truly matters is the thought and love behind it. Plus, I trust Evelyn."

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‎Her words brought immediate comfort to Evelyn. She didn't regret spending over thirty thousand dollars on the gift. Mrs. Wilford had always been a righteous person and she's proven it again. 

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‎Just then, Andrea spoke up, her voice laced with a feigned concern and regret. "Evelyn, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

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‎"You haven't said anything wrong, Andrea." Chris said, his tone defensive.

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‎Evelyn snorted in disgust.

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‎She's his girlfriend. She was the one being placed on the spot, yet he was defending another woman over her. 

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‎"Mrs. Wilford, please hand over the gifts to me. I will make sure she replaces them with something suitable." 

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‎While Evelyn remained calm, she slightly turned to Mrs. Wilford.

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‎But before she could say a word, Mrs. Wilford spoke. "There will be no need for that because the pieces are real." She said, her gaze stern as she faced Chris. 

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‎"The documentation confirms their authenticity, and the receipt shows Evelyn paid over thirty thousand dollars for them. So, I won't tolerate anyone who dares to question Evelyn's integrity."

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‎Chris's eyes instantly widened in shock, and he felt ashamed.