Chapter 3
Charles was frantic, rushing over to check on me. "Evelyn, what's wrong?"
I was puking so hard my head was spinning. It took forever for me to feel normal again.
I couldn't wrap my head around it. How could Charles, who loved me so much, go behind my back like that?
Wasn't he afraid I would find out? Or did he really think he could cover his tracks so well that I would never know?
The evening breeze washed over me, and my thoughts became much clearer.
Charles asked, "Are you okay, Evelyn? If you're not feeling well, do you want me to take you to the hospital?"
"No, maybe I had something bad for dinner," I replied.
"Then come to the office tomorrow, and let's eat together," he suggested.
I scoffed. What? So I could drop by and catch him and Jessica fooling around in his office?
Suddenly, I got the urge to mess with him a little. "Alright, I'll go to the office with you tomorrow morning and hang around while you work. We'll grab lunch together, then head home together in the evening."
Charles clearly hadn't expected me to say yes, and his smile faltered. "But I've been pretty swamped at work lately, so I might not be able to spend much time with you."
"Go ahead and focus on your work. I'll wait for you in your office until you're done."
"Alright then."
When we got home, Charles volunteered to draw me a bath. He went into the bathroom and, strangely enough, closed the door behind him.
I went downstairs and slid back into the car. As soon as I fired up the engine, the latest chat messages showed up on the screen right away.
Charles: [Change of plans. We can't hook up at the office tomorrow.]
Jessy: [Aww, that's kind of disappointing.]
Charles: [Don't pout, naughty girl. I'll take you up to the rooftop for sex, way more thrilling.]
Jessy: [You're the best, babe.]
When I got back to the bedroom, Charles stepped out of the bathroom. "Evelyn, I ran you a bath. Why don't you go relax for a bit?"
"No, I want to rest," I replied.
"Alright, if you're tired, get some sleep. Oh, can I open that gift you left on the table now?"
"Not yet. Open it in a week."
"Why do I have to wait a whole week? I want to see what you got me."
"Because..." I paused.
Because in a week, I would be out of his life forever.
"Because it will only matter then," I finally replied.
Charles gave me a soft kiss on the forehead. "Alright, whatever you say."
*****
Early the next morning, Charles's phone started ringing at six.
He silenced it and pulled me back into his arms. "Ignore it. Let's sleep a little longer."
But the phone wouldn't quit, ringing again and again.
Charles scowled, clearly annoyed. "It's not work hours yet, and they're already blowing up my phone. One of these days, I'm going to kick all those useless execs out."
He silenced it again.
When the phone rang for the third time, Charles got up, clearly annoyed. "Evelyn, sleep a bit more. I'll go find out what's so damn important they need me right now."
I nodded softly, rolled over, and turned my back to him.
Charles picked up his phone and walked out of the bedroom.
Before long, I spotted him by the front door downstairs. There was a delivery guy handing him a package.
Charles took it, but when he came back in, his hands were empty.
I asked, "Is something wrong at work?"
Charles replied, "It's fine, nothing you need to worry about. Relax, and I'll make you some breakfast."
Whether it was guilt or he was worried I'd gotten sick from dinner, Charles really pulled out all the stops for breakfast.
He brought out milk, eggs, bread, jam, and made my favorite oatmeal.
"From now on, you need to be careful about what you eat. Maybe I should get someone to cook for you every day," Charles suggested.
"No, that's not necessary," I replied.
"Be good, Evelyn. Listen to me, alright? Otherwise, I'll be worried about you all day at work."
"Charles, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what's up?"
I put down my fork and knife, keeping my tone casual. "Do you really think love fades after seven years?"
Charles looked genuinely offended. "That's what other guys say when they want to mess around. I'm not like that. You're the only one I'll ever love, Evelyn, for life."
"Only one for life?"
"Yes."
"What if you ever ended up loving someone else?"
"May I lose everything I care about."
I let out a mocking laugh. "That's a pretty heavy vow. Aren't you worried it might actually come true?"
"I mean every word. Why would I be scared?" Charles replied.
I picked up my knife and spread some jam on my toast.
"Evelyn, you have to trust me," Charles said.
I replied flatly, "Let's eat."
"You don't believe me? What? Do I have to bare my heart to you so you'll finally trust me?"
"Someone is waiting for you at the office. Don't be late."
Charles looked relieved and took a seat across from me. "Let them wait. Sooner or later, I'm kicking those useless idiots all out."
"Could you really fire her?" I meant her, not them.
I couldn't tell if Charles picked up on what I was really saying, but he answered, "You're the only one I'd ever hesitate to let go."