Evermore

Evelyn

My feet seemed to resist every step toward Jacob's apartment. Every fiber of my being yearned to distance myself from him. Yet, I knew I had to go back. Despite the turmoil that life and Tyler had thrown our way, I understood Jacob's desperation to find a solution.

Even though I wanted to blame him entirely for kissing Chloe, I couldn't.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the apartment door and stepped inside. Jacob was pacing back and forth, his face damp, likely from splashing water on it—judging by the open tap at the sink. His movements were frantic as he continuously called, presumably for me.

Well...My phone died halfway here. I'd received numerous calls from him during the taxi ride, but I couldn't bring myself to answer.

"God, Evelyn. Please pick up," he pleaded, his restlessness palpable.

Just as he turned, perhaps to leave the apartment in search of me—something he likely did multiple times judging by his disheveled appearance—our eyes met.

His eyes widened in surprise, b