Chapter 7: Forced Smiles

I sat there frozen as Alex stepped fully into the kitchen, flowers in hand and that familiar desperate look on his face. My stomach twisted. This was the last thing I needed after last night.

Mum clapped her hands together, delighted. “Alex! What a lovely surprise. Come in, come in. Have you eaten? We have plenty left.”

Alex smiled at her, then turned to me with soft eyes. “Hey, babe. I missed you.” He walked over and kissed my cheek before I could pull away. His arm slid around my waist like we were still together. Like nothing had happened in that car three weeks ago.

I stiffened. I wanted to shove him off and tell Mum the truth right there, that the engagement had been fake, that he’d tried to force himself on me, that we were done. But Mum was already chatting away, pulling out another plate.

“Oh, you two are just the sweetest. After all those months planning the future together. I was starting to worry when I hadn’t heard from you, Alex.”

She looked so happy. Her eyes sparkled as she talked about how proud she was of us, how she couldn’t wait for grandchildren one day, how the house felt fuller with young love around. Disappointment flickered across her face for a second at the thought of us having problems. I knew exactly what would happen if I told her the truth now. She’d sigh that heavy sigh, pat my hand, and then start the whole cycle again, blind dates, lectures about my age, worried looks every time I came over. She’d be crushed. And lonely again.

I couldn’t do it to her. Not yet.

So I forced a small smile and leaned into Alex’s side just enough to sell it. “Yeah… we’re fine, Mum.”

Alex squeezed my waist, playing the perfect boyfriend. “Everything’s great. I’ve just been busy, but I couldn’t stay away from Evie any longer.”

Mark watched the whole thing from his seat. His expression stayed polite, but I caught the way his eyes narrowed slightly. He noticed how tense I was, how my smile didn’t reach my eyes. His foot brushed mine under the table again, a silent reminder.

Mum set a plate in front of Alex. “You have to try the pancakes. Mark made the coffee this morning. He’s wonderful in the kitchen.”

Alex looked up at Mark then, really seeing him for the first time. “Mark?”

Mark leaned back, calm as ever. “That’s me. And you are?”

Alex blinked, caught off guard by the direct question. He straightened up a bit. “Alex. Evie’s boyfriend. I’ve been coming around this house for months now. Never seen you here before. Who might you be?”

The air got thick. Mark’s gaze sharpened. “Interesting. I’ve been spending quite a bit of time here lately.”

Before things could get worse, Mum jumped in with a bright laugh. “Oh, boys. Let me introduce you properly. Alex, this is Mark. My husband-to-be. We’re getting married soon.”

Alex’s mouth fell open. He stood up quickly, nearly knocking his chair back, and reached across the table to shake Mark’s hand. “Stepdad? Wow. I had no idea. Nice to meet you, sir. Congratulations.”

Mark shook his hand firmly, that smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “Nice to meet you too, Alex. Evie’s… boyfriend.” He said the word slowly, eyes flicking to me for just a second. “She’s full of surprises.”

I couldn’t sit there anymore. Alex’s hand kept resting on my shoulder, rubbing circles like he owned me. Every touch reminded me of that night in his car. I stood up suddenly.

“Mum, breakfast was great, but I really have to get to work. Big contract coming up. Thanks for having me. Maybe next time.”

Mum frowned. “Already? But Alex just got here. Can’t you stay a little longer?”

I grabbed my bag. “Sorry. Work calls.” I gave her a quick hug, avoiding everyone’s eyes, and headed for the door.

“Evie, wait for Alex!” Mum called after me. “You two can drive together.”

I didn’t stop. I hurried to my car, got in, and started the engine. Gravel crunched under the tires as I reversed out fast and drove off.

In the kitchen, Alex turned to Mum with an easy smile, waving off the awkwardness. “It’s nothing, really. That’s just how Evie is sometimes. Always rushing off to work. She’s dedicated like that. I’ll catch up with her later.”

Mum nodded, though she still looked a bit concerned. “She works so hard. I’m glad she has you, Alex. And now Mark too. The family is growing.”

Mark said nothing, just sipped his coffee and stared at the doorway where Evie had disappeared. Alex made small talk for a few more minutes, thanked Mum for breakfast, and shook Mark’s hand again.

“I should head out too. Have a good day, both of you.”

He left the house, flowers still in hand, and climbed into his own car.

I gripped the steering wheel tight as I merged onto the main road toward my office. My mind was spinning, Mark’s teasing, Alex showing up like nothing happened, Mum’s happy face. The guilt sat heavy in my chest.

My phone buzzed in the cupholder. I glanced at it at a red light.

Unknown number: Don’t ignore me again, Evie. Else it would be a very big mistake you ever made. We need to talk soon… or things could get very complicated for you.

My heart raced. The light turned green, but I sat there a second longer, staring at the message. Who the hell was this?