Chapter 105: The Jealousy
The atmosphere in the orphanage dining hall was lively and warm. The long table was covered with food. Though simple, the aroma was delicious. Children chattered happily around the table.
Ryan had taken off his expensive jacket, wearing only a black shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up, revealing his toned forearms. He sat on a slightly rickety wooden chair, yet he didn’t look out of place at all. He patiently listened to the Director’s stories and even expertly carved the turkey for the children. His innate aristocratic air was oddly striking yet seamlessly blended with the homey atmosphere.
Midway through dinner, Evelyn excused herself for the restroom. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to clear her head. Whatever Ryan’s reasons for approaching her, the fact was he had saved the Director. That favor was noted.
Wiping her hands, Evelyn stepped out. The hallway lights were dim. As she turned the corner, a tall, dark figure blocked her path. Evelyn jumped back, her spine hitting the cold wall.
Ryan stood before her, his hand bracing the wall beside her head, trapping her in the narrow space. The familiar, faint tobacco scent of his cologne instantly enveloped her.
“Mr. Lawrence…” Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat. “What are you doing? Everyone is outside…”
“Shh.” Ryan leaned down, closer to her face. Their distance was minimal. Evelyn could clearly see her own flustered face reflected in his eyes. He had dropped the gentle facade he wore at the table. His gaze was intensely predatory, like a wolf locking onto its prey.
“Evelyn.” He spoke her name, his voice low and husky, carrying a spine-tingling intimacy. “Did you really think I was just passing by?”
Evelyn held her breath, gripping the fabric behind her back. “I don’t know what you mean…”
“You don’t know?” Ryan let out a soft chuckle that didn't reach his eyes. He reached out with his other hand, his thumb gently stroking her trembling lips. The gesture was flirtatious yet powerfully commanding.
“I help you, I save you, I save Director Worth.” His eyes were locked on hers, giving her no chance to escape. “It’s not because I’m a good man, and it’s certainly not because I’m a philanthropist.”
Ryan lowered his head further, his warm breath fanning her ear, sending shivers down her spine. “Evelyn, I want you.”
The words struck her like a thunderbolt, exploding in the narrow hallway. Evelyn froze, her mind blank.
“This isn’t a whim, and it’s not a game.” Ryan’s voice continued, carrying an almost obsessive sincerity. “I want you. The whole package—you, your heart, and the child in your belly. I will accept the child, too.”
Evelyn was overwhelmed by the explicit confession. His gaze was too intense, too serious. The sheer possessiveness made her panic, and she instinctively tried to pull away.
Ryan noticed the faint dark circles under her eyes and the panic in her gaze. He reached out to touch her cheek but stopped his fingers just before contact. Evelyn instinctively flinched back slightly. This small movement made the light in Ryan's eyes dim. He pulled back his hand and slipped it into his trouser pocket, his voice now carrying a subtle concern.
“Don’t rush the design. I can extend the deadline. Don’t ruin your health.” His tone was no longer flirty; it was concerned and respectful—the kind of respect she had always craved.
“But you were so urgent before?” Evelyn asked, confused.
Ryan chuckled softly, leaning against the wall, his expression honest. “I was jealous. Seeing you upset over that bastard Damian, seeing you driving yourself half-crazy, I couldn't control the urge to make you focus all your energy on me, on the work I gave you. I don’t want to see you cry another tear for him.”
Evelyn’s cheeks flushed at his direct, dominant honesty. Her heart raced out of control. Damian’s love was possession and control. Ryan’s was direct, unapologetic claim. It demanded attention.
“I…” Evelyn began.
“Evelyn! Director Worth is looking for you!” Sophie’s voice came from the dining hall, saving her.
Evelyn seized the chance, quickly pushing past Ryan and hurrying toward the hall. “I… I’ll go first.” She practically fled.
Ryan didn't stop her. He just leaned against the wall, watching her hurried retreat, a determined smile on his lips. His gaze followed her until she disappeared behind the door. Gentleness, he knew, was sometimes more effective than force.
The Thanksgiving dinner ended with the children’s laughter. Evelyn stayed to help Director Worth clean up. The Director sat on a chair nearby, sipping hot tea, watching Evelyn with a loving smile.
“Evelyn,” the Director said slowly. “Damian sent a lot of gifts today—toys for the children and heating equipment for the building. I think he sincerely wants to make things right with you. Don’t be too stubborn, my dear. You must cherish him.”
Evelyn paused while wiping a dish. She looked at the Director’s hopeful eyes, which were filled with a wish for her happiness. She couldn't bring herself to tell the Director the ugly truth or reveal Damian’s actions. “I know, Director.” Evelyn could only nod, forcing a smile.
Her heart was filled with bitterness. Damian’s gifts were just another form of chains, a public performance to silence gossip and buy loyalty. He always solved everything with money, using it to cover up his sins.
After finishing the cleanup, Evelyn and Sophie said goodbye to the Director. Stepping out into the cold night air helped clear Evelyn’s heated mind.
“Are you really going to accept Damian’s stuff?” Sophie asked in the car. “That guy is a hypocrite. He thinks a few cheap favors will reel you back in?”
“Of course not.” Evelyn’s eyes were cold. She wanted no more financial ties with Damian. She pulled out her phone, opened the calculator, and began tallying the value of the toys and equipment.
“What are you doing?” Sophie asked, confused.
“Tallying up the value of his gifts,” Evelyn said flatly. “As soon as I get the final payment for the design work, I’m sending him the money.”
“Evelyn, you don’t have to…”
“I do.” Evelyn cut her off. “I need him to understand that from now on, I won’t take a single cent from him. Our relationship must be completely settled.”
That included feelings, and it included money.