Chapter 6 Evelyn's Pov

The call totally changed how I felt about myself. It changed everything I had thought was the case.

Why am I just finding out about this? Why now? Why now when I’m going through a divorce with a man that despises me?

Several questions kept flooding my head, I can’t seem to wrap my fingers around them. Having to live in a place where I wasn’t desired and wanted for years traumatised me. Then to top it all off, I got married to a man that hates me for absolutely no reason. 

Everyone chose different people over me. I was never someone’s choice.

The biggest question I couldn’t seem to figure out was why Helena had that picture? Why was the picture in her drawers and why has she been keeping it a secret from everyone including her husband all these years?

She could have decided to tell her husband but she didn’t. And even when Bryan got married to me, she could have told him about it too, but she didn’t.

“What’s her deal with me?” I pondered. “Could she know about the incident that happened thirty years ago?”

“Or is this a spiteful plan of Lily to get back at me?”

I was still on the phone with the nurse who had called me. “I don’t believe this.”

“You don’t have to right now but I’m telling you the truth. I understand this might come off as a shock to you, Evelyn but she’s your mother. You’re the child in that picture, nothing can change that.”

“How do you expect me to believe you? None of this makes sense.”

“I understand you. I would be stunned if I were to be in your position too.” She said, trying to explain to me. “You have to know the truth, it’s been three decades and you’ve been forced to be apart from your mum.”

Before I could even process what was going on, the next question that I managed to utter was. “Where is she?”

“Your mum?”

“Yes.”

“I’m afraid such information can’t be discussed on the phone. Are you alone?” She asked.

“Yeah, I am. Why?”

“The walls have ears. You can’t be heard talking to me.” 

“Do you mind if we meet up tomorrow or whenever you’re free?” I asked. Deep down, I felt relieved but at the same time, I couldn’t help but bask in my curiosity. 

What if this was a set up plan to get me to hand over my child’s custody when it’s born?

“Sure. We can. You can give me a call when you’re at the pack. I’ll meet you there.” She suggested. “What do you think? Is that convenient for you?”

“It is. I’ll meet you there..Clara Denton.” 

“Okay. See you tomorrow." She said, almost hanging up the call before I stopped her.

“Thank you.” I muttered, my eyes filled with tears. 

“It’s okay, everyone deserves to know the truth.” She comforted me. “Come alone, I’ll meet you there.” She added before hanging up the call.

All through the night, I was unable to sleep properly. I thought maybe it was one of the symptoms I was told earlier would happen because of my pregnancy, but it wasn’t.

This was anticipation. I was nervous and at the same time, excited to meet her in person. I just couldn’t wait to get all the answers to all of my questions. 

After drinking a warm glass of milk, I was able to get a few hours of sleep before my alarm rang, waking me up unexpectedly.

“Damn! It’s morning!” I said, scratching my eyes. I turned off my alarm, had a glass of water and showered. Then I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs to catch a taxi to the park to meet Clara.

Of course I saw him. 

Bryan stood in the hallway, pacing back and forth. I didn’t even bother to glance at him, just shrugged past him and went ahead for the door handle.

“Where are you going?” He asked.

“It’s none of your business.” I retorted. This morning, I wasn’t in the mood for small talks. All I wanted was to get to the park, call Clara and get all the answers to my questions.

“The driver can take you to wherever you are going.” 

“I don’t need your help. I can take care of myself.” I said, before he stole a glance and left. 

That was a close call. Hurriedly left the house and headed straight to the pack and told Clara I was there.

A few minutes later, she strolled in and we were finally able to see each other.

Immediately, she got to explaining how my mother was forced to give me up when she gave birth to me. She was only allowed a few hours with me, and she was one of the nurses that helped in my delivery. The picture I had on me was the only picture my mum was able to take, and it was beside a river that was close to the Mercy general hospital.

She wanted a picture that signified peace amongst the ongoing chaos.

Clara also mentioned how Helena Kingsley, Bryan’s stepmother, showed up a few hours after I was delivered and ordered me to be kept in care and taken from my mother. She also explained how no one was allowed to talk about it for three decades because everything was done confidentially.

She thought maybe she was my mum’s sister but she was wrong. She took me and placed me under someone’s care, instructing me to be given the best treatment and care ever. 

“Why are you telling me all of this?” I asked.

“Because the truth can’t be kept hidden forever. You deserve to know the truth. You can’t keep living in a lie forever.” She said, “And also, I felt bad when all of this unfolded but couldn’t say a word because of how strict and forbidden it was to utter a word back then. I felt so bad and couldn’t help but search for you.”

All I could think about was why would she do that to me? If she actually meant good for me, why would she place me in that family where I wasn’t treated fairly?

“I hope you were able to find answers to all your questions.” She added.

“Yeah, I did. Thank you so much.” 

She stood up to leave, then she paused and reached into her bag. She pulled a bracelet and wrapped it in my palm. “Your mum passed this to you, she was unable to give you before you were taken away.”

I didn’t even know when I started weeping like a baby. Everyone at the park stared at us like we were shooting a scene but those were real emotions. I was unable to hold myself back.

Finally, I actually had someone who cared about me! I really had someone who wanted to be my mother and care for me but that was stripped away from her.

I wasn’t actually worthless like I’ve always thought I was.

“Everything will be fine.” Clara held me in her arms, allowing me to cry as she comforted me. “You’re a strong girl, Evelyn. You’ve always been and I’m sure your mother will be so proud of you wherever she is.”

“Is she still alive?” I asked. 

“I don’t know.” 

“Could she be…dead?”

“Honestly, I have no idea. I didn’t see her for a few days. She was totally gone.” She explained, “I have to go now, it was nice meeting you.”

“Same, thank you once again.”

“I hope we meet again.” She waved before finally disappearing into the huge crowd at the pack. 

Helena Kingsley, I need to figure out why she took care of me years ago.

And the best way to find out is to get back into Bryan’s heart…whatever it takes.