Eva
The drive was a reminder of memories I didn't want to remember. Once upon a time, Viktor brought me here to introduce me to his parents. Considering that mine had practically neglected and abandoned me years before I grew up and left them, he thought he could let me spend the holidays with them.I remembered the nerves I felt back then, followed by the absolute relief as Grace welcomed me in with open arms. DespiteHe had fought over me with his father before we abruptly left the house.“You're the only family I need.” He'd said.I shut my eyes tightly. What a joke it was, and what a fool I was to believe him then. Anyways, the past was the past. I was here on a mission, and if he thought he was going to unnerve me by pulling this stunt, he had another thing coming.I drove to the gate when I was stopped by a security guard.“I'm here for Viktor Reynolds.” I told him, waiting as he turned away for a moment, likely to confirm permission. My hands tightened on the steering wheel as I waited. If he was planning on rejecting me after I came all this way, I wasn't going to take it lying down.The security man came back moments later giving me a curt smile.“Please come in ma'am.”I nodded in response before driving in. The place didn't seem to have changed since the last time I saw it.Their estate was large and sprawling, with a garden and a fountain in the center. The road to the house was straight and simple and I got to the front of the mansion in no time.To my surprise another person was waiting as I stepped out of my car. This time it was a lady dressed in uniform that greeted me.“This way ma'am.” she said.I was led into the house with her guiding me through the room before stopping at a point.“They're waiting here for you ma'am.” She bowed, gesturing to the hallway that led to an open lawn. So this was where he wanted to meet me?Murmuring a thanks I quickly moved forward. The faster I dealt with him the faster I could stay away. As I came out I turned to search for him only to freeze.It wasn't Viktor.“Well, well, I was surprised when I heard your name said by the security guard.” Brienne smirked at me.So she was the one who let me in. She looked comfortable here, sipping a glass of champagne. Beside her was a brunette with hair styled just like hers. I didn't recognize her but the way she eyed me was far from friendly.Suddenly she turned to Brienne.“Bri, did you bring her in? Is she your new assistant?” The girl asked with an oblivious excitement I could tell was fake.I clenched my jaw but made no response.“Assistant? Don't insult me like that Julienne. If I could give her any position it would be the help.” Brienne pouted before they both broke down in giggles.It was clear to me what they were trying to do. She had called me here to humiliate me. They were trying to rile me up.I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Was this what she had stooped to? I wouldn't lower myself to their level.“Where’s Mr Reynolds?” I immediately snapped, making them fall silent as both women looked at me.“You came here to see her fiance? Even after he dumped you five years ago? Talk about delusional.” Julienne giggled before looking at her again. She looked at Brienne as though asking for validation. She was playing this ruse under Brienne's orders, a simple follower.Brienne smirked at her before turning back to me.“If you have any news for him you can tell me. I am his fiancee after all.” Her eyebrows raised as she gave a smug expression.I inwardly scoffed. Did she think that her gloating was going to do anything? Did she think that she was hurting my feelings?Not at all, but she was wasting my time.“On the contrary Miss Harrison,” I emphasized her title reminding her of her still fiancee status, as she lost her smile.“This is a professional matter and last I checked, you have no hold in the business. I doubt you know much about it either. Now if you could tell me where your fiance is, you can sip your champagne all you want while I deal with saving your company.” I gave a smile hoping it would look as patronizing as possible.Steam could be coming out of her with how red she looked. Satisfaction purred in me at the way her face screwed up into a snarl. “You-”“Eva? Is that you?”Whatever Brienne was about to say was abruptly cut off by a completely different voice. That voice gave me instant relief. I turned around to see Grace walking towards me, surprise and happiness on her face.I couldn't help but smile seeing her, the tension in me seeping away.“Good day Mrs Reynolds.” I greeted politely as she moved close only to hug me.“What are you doing here? Come, let me take you to the lobby.” She brushed my arm to gently lead me away.“Mother-in-law.” A saccharine voice that could only belong to one person stopped us short. I turned to find Brienne looking innocent.“It's been so long since I ate your cooking. I would love to taste it again. We're family after all.” she said with a sweet innocent smile. I could tell it was an obvious attempt to pander to her.I looked back at Grace to find her frowning in displeasure. Surprise ran through me. She didn't like Brienne.“Of course.” She said in a cold tone I'd never heard before before turning away.‘Interesting.’ I thought inwardly. I kept my lips sealed as she led me away.…“When I talked about seeing you again, I didn't think it'd be this soon.” she chuckled, putting a cup of tea and some cookies on the table for me after speaking before picking up the teapot in an elegant motion.“I'm here to see your son.” I said, not bothering to say Viktor's name.She paused immediately and her brows furrowed. The confusion instantly made me alarmed.“Viktor? He's not here. I thought he went out for work.” she said.I clenched my.jaw as I processed it. So he'd sent me out on a wild goose chase claiming to be sick, yet he wasn't even here?Anger boiled in me“Do you have any idea if he'll be back anytime soon?” I asked.“He said he'll be back, but whenever he is…” she trailed off, her face turning into a small frown. The look on her face was answer enough.Upset coiled in my belly. I came here for nothing, wasting my precious time and energy. Thinking back to the time in the office made me grit my teeth. I wished I slapped him back then.It meant I had no business being here. I stood up and was about to say goodbye when Grace interrupted me.“Can you stay for a little while? At least finish the cookies before you leave?” Her voice was soft, but my heart skipped a beat as I looked into her eyes. There was panic and slight pleading. She was silently pleading for me to stay. Being in the house with her excuse for a husband, how did she feel?“Okay.” I conceded. The smile and relief in her eyes made me feel happy as well.“I wouldn't give up your cookies for the world.” I said.“Oh you little tease.” She chuckled, sitting down next to me when a sudden crash came from a distance. She sat up straight, turning around in alarm and I followed her gaze.“The servants must have messed up the store. I have to check on it.” She muttered before standing up and passing an apologetic smile.“Just wait for a little while, I'll be back soon.” She said before she left.Silence filled the room for a few seconds. I looked around the grand room while eating.Goodness knew where he was. The longer this held up, the more time I would spend around him and his family. That was the last thing I wanted.But seeing Grace made up for it. She, unlike the rest of the family, was kind and sweet to me. Even though I was here and the day started out horribly, perhaps I could salvage it…“Look who it is.”Or not.My jaw clenched as I turned to the direction of the voice only to see none other than Viktor's father staring at me.EvaRichard Reynolds looked over at me, a greasy smile forming in his face. I was simply annoyed by the sight of him.He was a man of poor stature. The first time I saw him I remembered my nerves while he eyed me with something akin to disgust. It didn't take long for me to figure out how little he thought of me solely because I didn't belong to a wealthy family. He didn't look any better compared to before. The years hadn't changed him. He looked worse, with a fatter and ruddier face and sporting a belly that spoke of his alcoholism. Even during the tense days I spent here all I could remember was his drinking. He also apparently had a superiority complex and a thing for class, never. He always looked down on me being poor, yet in poor irony he was being careless with his wealth. My overview of the business and financial documents sent to me was proof enough. He took a ledge chunk of the money and spent it on lavish parties, drinks and goodness knows what else. It was his spendthri
EvaI blinked in confusion for the first time since entering. What on earth did he mean by that? So taken aback I almost didn't notice him coming closer until the ghost of wine reached my nose. I stiffened immedeatelu I found him several inches away from me.“I don't believe you came here just for that. Maybe you want … something else? Did you come here to see me?” I was frozen in shock as he leaned closer but his seductive insinuations were clear. Heat rose to my cheeks.His eyes roved over me suddenly beforeHe thought I came here for…dear god!My reflexes finally acted up and I pushed him away where he quickly regained his balance.“You disgust me.” I sneered, pushing him away. He let out a laugh.“Too bad. You're the last person I ever want to sleep with anyways.” He said while laughing, anger rise up in my gut.“Eva?” I turned at the sound of Grace's voice behind me distant. I turned around just to see Grace coming out into the living room with another tray. Her face fell the
WARNING: Threats of Rape and Violence ...EvaMy heart hammered in trepidation as I stared up at the man I never wanted to see again. My stomach turned and coiled inside me.Anyone but him.Geoffrey Wells.A man who was once my friend, meeting him in Viktor's small circle of friends. He, along with Brienne were once my friends as his closest mates. He was the last son out of three children in the Wells Family company. He was the first to help me feel at ease when I was new, intimidated by their trio. Lighthearted, flamboyant and a jokester, he always made everyone around him laugh with his witty jokes and lighthearted nature. His other flaws didn't matter to me. I trusted him as a friend, the brother I never had.Until he had assaulted me…or attempted to.Why was he here? He shouldn't be here.I looked back and met Brienne’s wide smile, like the cat that got the cream.Horror filled me as I realized who the ‘Surprise guest’ was. I was stricken, but more than that was another deeper e
EvaPresent dayI shivered and shut my eyes tightly at the reminder. Even through these years, the memories dulled but never faded.I remembered what happened after. I remembered shaking as I quickly locked my door before collapsing on the ground in tears. I was afraid but most of all, heartbroken. To think that he never saw me as a friend, called me a whore and tried to assault me…His words were burned into my mind from that moment on. My world and perception of him was completely changed.It took time before I revealed the truth to Brienne and Viktor. He was especially close to Viktor and the next time I saw him he acted the same way as before, all bright and extravagant and friendly as if that night had never happened. I was stricken at the change until he looked at me after and the wild mocking gleam in his eyes reemerged. I was afraid and disgusted with being near him, but I couldn't find it in myself to tell Viktor anything when he was his closest friend and the one that he'd k
EvaI bursted into my door with urgency, slamming it behind me.Hours had passed since I left that damned company, since I forced myself to turn away and drive out of that scene, yet it still remained in my head.My belly twisted and turned from pure nausea. I threw my bag to the nearest couch and headed to my room, slamming the door behind me. Immediately turning on the shower I stripped and sank under the cool water. It felt like nothing could cool me down.As I closed my eyes it was all I could see. A mix of betrayal and hatred bubbled up inside me.From Brienne I was shocked, yet not fully surprised. I'd had to untangle enough of her passive aggressive and manipulative behaviors towards me I was blind to in the past to feel as bothered. But him ..What aggravated me the most wasn't seeing them together like bosom friends, even though the sight made me retch. No, what truly got me was that smirk. He looked proud that I was seeing them. Victorious even.Whether he told Brienne or not
EvaI stormed into the building without an ounce hesitation. Some people quickly recognized me and I received some greetings I silently replied to. It would have been a laughable one, me entering his company building without a care, but this time I was completely furious.I wasn't going to take his insubordination anymore. Him and Brianna weren't going to make my life hell and I would make sure of it. Stepping out of the elevator leading to his office I was met with the same redhead who eyed me with surprise. She didn't matter.“Is he in his office?” I asked, looking at the door a distance away from her seat that was clearly his office. I didn't wait for her to answer. “Hey!” a high pitched voice called out. I ignored the calls from behind me as I striding there and opening the door. To my surprise it gave in easily, pushing open. He didn't even lock it.I stepped inside, looking around the large space. The office was a mix of dark and white with chaises and sofas and carpets. It lo
EvaSilence filled the air, only broken by my panting breaths. He remained still for a moment looking like a statue. The anger and exhaustion in me had driven me to this point.I should have slapped him a long time ago. The same day he started making threats to me even but now I wasn't in the least satisfied with this.I took a step back to distance myself away from him but it didn't make a difference. He was still frozen on the spot, face still shifted sideways.“You crossed the line Mr Reynolds.” I stared frostily. I could barely recognize my own voice with how cool it was.‘Slut,’ the word echoed inside my head. He just called me that.The reminder of the past thing he called me right before throwing me out all those years ago echoed. ‘Gold digging whore.’ Why? What had I done to deserve such an insult when I had been nothing but innocent in the face of their cruelty and schemes?Once I had shed tears at the constant reminder, now all I felt was rage.I pushed all those thoughts
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