Chapter Seventeen: A Friend

Eve’s POV 

I came back from my morning run. It wasn’t something I did often but it feels good when I do. I somehow ran into Mark and we decided to grab coffee together since he said he has some information for me. 

It happens that the fire outbreak wasn’t from the electrical room as the fire fighters suspected, it was from the underground storage house which was directly under the electrical room and that was why when the fire came to the surface the electrical room  was the first place that got affected. It all made more sense now. I was glad we were getting closer to the issue. 

We were done drinking our coffee and we were about to leave when I got a text from my dad. He wanted to see me. I haven’t been able to see him for a while and this was the best opportunity. I didn't hesitate to tell him I would be coming around for breakfast. 

Since it was my old home, and it’s still my home I didn’t mind going there in my gym clothes. 

“You’ve forgotten about your old man huh?” My dad pulled me in for a hug. He was waiting for me at the entrance. 

“No dad, I can never.” I sent him a small smile and hugged him back. We teased each other and did some catching up with business before he suddenly asked the question. 

“How is marriage for you Eve?” I knew he didn't just marry me off for alliance, he also wanted me to be happy but I wasn’t sure what to say. 

He knew how unhappy I was in my last marriage, I was sure he didn't want to be responsible for another. 

I was quiet for a few seconds and I knew I had to say something quick before my silence might speak for me and it got him worried. 

And that was the last thing I wanted to do. I had to say something even if it meant lying. 

“Fine dad, Logan turned out to be better than I thought.” I said, smiling through my teeth. 

“I’m glad.” His eyes showed he was relieved and pleased with my answer and that was more than enough for me. 

I didn’t tell Arthur about my biological father not because I was afraid he wouldn’t want me as his daughter anymore, but because that was a past I so much wanted to bury and leave behind me. My father is as good as dead to me and I learnt to live without him for many years. 

“I know you have a lot to handle right now and if I tell you to leave it in someone else’s hands you won’t.” He sent me a small smile. He knew me so well. I am not the type to back down from responsibilities. 

“But Eve.” His eyes softened. He took my hand into his. They felt rough but warm. 

“You should try having children with Logan. Why don’t you two go on your honeymoon so you can have time for yourselves away from your work responsibilities.” He gently rubbed my hand. 

I remember telling him how Brian’s mother and sister called me barren and I later found out Brian has been the one shooting blank shots. He knows how much I love children and I know how much he wants grandchildren, but I wish it was my call to make but it wasn’t. 

Logan barely looks at me and we sleep in different rooms, plus he hates me. I only felt close to him on the day of the glam night event and immediately we were home he went back to being cold to me. 

Logan would never have children with me but I couldn't say all of this to Arthur. His eyes were too full of joy for me to just snatch it away. 

“Ok dad, I will talk to Logan about it.” I sent him a small smile to ease his heart. 

I decided to stay until it was almost lunch time. Every one of my things were still intact almost as if I never left. I still had a home. 

I picked out something to wear after texting Emily about the location we would be meeting for lunch. 

I was there before her and I waited for her to arrive so we could order together. 

“Hi Emily.” I smiled at her as she made her way to sit opposite me. 

“You look good Eve.” She said, smiling. 

“Like wise.” I smiled back at her. 

“Here, please have this.” She said stretching out her hand with the small box she was holding. 

My eyes widened a little. I wouldn't lie, I was surprised she got something for me. 

“Come on, open it.” She added. 

I didn't hesitate. I opened it to find a pair of gorgeous diamond ear rings. 

“Thank you Emily but I didn’t know we were gifting each other. I should have gotten something for you too.” I felt guilty. She was really thoughtful. 

“It’s fine Eve, it's just a little apology gift from me to you.” She placed her hand on mine. 

We placed our orders and the dishes were delicious. Mark recommended the place and it was everything he said it was. 

We had good talks and we were on the same page on how the project should be, but I noticed how Emily’s phone kept buzzing when we were eating, but she ignored it. 

She excused herself to use the restroom when we were done eating and discussing important things. I was on my second glass of wine but I also had to use the rest room as well.  

At first I was waiting for Emily to come back before I left, but she seemed to be taking a lot of time, so I just had to leave. 

When I got into the rest room, I suddenly heard voices from the bathroom. It was Emily’s voice and I know I wasn’t mistaken. She seemed to be in a heated up argument with the person on the other side of the phone. 

“Please just give me some time and I will clear all the debts.” Her voice broke. 

Debts? Why should she be in debt? I mean, she is made and her family is rich. 

“Please leave my parents out of it.” That was the next statement she made. I wasn’t sure who she was talking to but I knew she was in trouble. 

I didn’t want her to think I was eavesdropping on her conversation, so I left immediately. 

I am not the type to invade people's life or privacy, but if Emily needs help and she can’t ask for it I might just as well offer it to her without her asking. 

She is now my friend and I don’t leave my friends out to dry. 

We might have our past but her father was really good to me as well. 

I picked up my phone and made a call. 

“Get me everything you can on Emily Carter.”