Chapter 262 The Truth About Evan

Chapter 262 The Truth About Evan
Millie’s lips curved into a smile, her heart lifting at the thought of seeing Rose again. The location—a small restaurant—surprised her with its unassuming spot, sparking her curiosity. What made Rose choose it?
She swung her legs out of bed, her bare feet touching the floor, and got ready, choosing a simple blouse and jeans. A hot shower washed away the lingering haze of last night, and she tied her hair back, her reflection in the mirror showing her excitement. She grabbed her bag and headed downstairs, where Ethan’s appointed bodyguard waited by the entrance, keys in hand.
The drive was short, the city unfolding in a blur of spring greenery and bustling streets. The Corner Nook appeared as promised, tucked between a laundromat’s faded sign and a convenience store’s neon glow, its brick facade and small awning unpretentious but charming. The bodyguard parked and opened the car door for Millie, his eyes scanning the street before nodding her forward.
Millie stepped inside, the restaurant’s warmth enveloping her, the air rich with the scent of fresh bread and brewing coffee. The space was cozy, with wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and soft jazz playing low.
Her eyes swept the room, landing on Rose in the corner, her hair catching the light from a nearby window. Rose waved, her smile bright, with a half-empty coffee cup and a menu in front of her.
Millie settled into the chair across from Rose. The table was small, with a vase of daisies at its center, and Rose’s warm smile eased the faint nervousness in Millie’s chest. They ordered—a hearty stew for Rose and a grilled sandwich for Millie—and as they waited, their conversation flowed easily, like friends picking up where they left off.
“How’s Ophelia doing?” Millie asked, stirring her water, genuinely curious.
Rose’s face softened. “She’s doing well,” she said. “She’s started gardening—says it keeps her hands busy and her mind quiet.”
Millie smiled, picturing Ophelia among flowers, a small victory after her years of captivity. “That’s wonderful,” she said, then paused as Rose turned the question back.
“And Clara?” Rose asked, leaning forward. “How’s she?”
Millie’s smile widened. “She’s come a long way,” she said. “She still needs a carer, but she’s adjusting. Her doctor’s hopeful she’ll regain her sight soon.”
“That’s good news.” Rose nodded, her expression warm. “And you? How’s life with Ethan?”
Millie hesitated, her fingers tightening briefly on her glass. “It’s… fine,” she said, the word feeling hollow as she spoke. She didn’t elaborate, and Rose didn’t push, her eyes holding a knowing gentleness.
Their food arrived, the plates steaming, the rich aroma of herbs and bread filling the air. Millie took a bite of her sandwich, the flavors warm and familiar, like something from a childhood she barely remembered.
She glanced at Rose. “This place,” she said, gesturing around. “The food—it feels like home. Do you come here often?”
Rose grinned, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. “I visit whenever I’m in the city. It reminds me of my mom’s cooking,” she said. “Simple, honest. Found it by accident one day, and it stuck with me.”
Millie nodded, the connection clicking, and they ate in comfortable silence for a moment. Afterward, they ordered coffee, the cups steaming as they leaned back.
Rose set her cup down. “Amelia,” she said. “I don’t want to seem biased, and this isn’t for Evan’s sake, but you need to know the truth about how he feels.”
Millie’s breath caught, her hand pausing mid-reach for her coffee. “What do you mean?”
Rose pulled her phone from her bag, her fingers quick as she opened a file. “I just need you to listen to this,” she said, sliding the phone across the table. “I’m going to the ladies’ room for a touch-up.”
Millie’s heart pounded, curiosity and dread twisting in her chest as Rose stood and walked away. She hesitated, then pressed play, the soft crackle of the recording filling her ears. Rose’s voice came first, clear and insistent.
“Doing what?” Evan’s voice followed, low and guarded, a tone Millie knew well.
“Everything. Making space for her in your world. You can’t keep doing this—putting your whole life on pause, buying her an apartment, setting up that fake scholarship, paying off her tuition, and now giving her a house—and pretend it’s just about wanting her to have a better shot at life. Because you’re what, guilty? Of what?”
“Rose, stop.”
“I know the real reason. I see it every time you say her name. You love her, Evan.”
“Enough.”
“I’m not trying to hurt you. I just need you to stop hiding. Why can’t you say it? Admit you love her.”
Silence stretched, and Millie’s breath hitched, her hand trembling as she held the phone. Then Evan’s voice came again.
“Fine. I love her. I love her so much it’s tearing me apart. She’s in every thought, every breath. I wake up aching for her. She’s my pulse. But I’m poison for her. And I love her enough to let her go. I’m not enough, Rose. Not for her.”
The recording cut off, and Millie’s hand flew to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes and spilling down her cheeks. Her chest ached, Evan’s words echoing in her mind. She sniffed, wiping her face, stunned.
Rose returned, slipping back into her seat. “I figured Evan would never tell you he’s in love with you, Amelia,” she said. “So I took the initiative. He didn’t know I was recording him, but I knew it’d come in handy someday.”
Millie’s lips parted. “You recorded that?”
Rose nodded, a faint smile on her lips. “He’s so blinded by this idea that he doesn’t deserve you, that you’re better off without him. But you deserve to know.”
Millie stared at her coffee, now cold, Evan’s voice still ringing in her ears. The truth of his love and sacrifice clashed with her life with Ethan and the choices she’d never fully made.