Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Evelyn

My father sat me down on the old leather sofa. It was black, with soft cushions scattered across it, providing a certain comfort, a sanctuary from the world. As I looked around the living room in the small cottage, I had a compulsive desire to scrub and tidy, as if I was avoiding something by doing so.

Whatever my father wanted to discuss, I knew, as soon as I saw my father's eyes, that this was something big.

The room had an oppressive silence that seemed to hang over us like a heavy, invisible blanket of tension.

The room was deathly quiet now that everyone had left. I sat alone on the sofa, my hands fidgeting in my lap, an anxious knot forming in my stomach. He had instructed everyone to leave, and they obeyed without question.

I saw Jake as he made his way out of the door. He was the last to leave, and our eyes met for a split second before he turned away. His gaze filled with sadness, as if he was sorry for me. But sorry for what?

“Evelyn,” my father spoke slowl