Chapter 886 Regret

Chapter 886 Regret

Evan had way too many fears. He was scared he'd lose control and hurt Rita again, that she'd get freaked out and leave him for good, and that someday, he wouldn't even catch a glimpse of her from afar.

Seeing Evan all quiet, Nathan got even more worried. "Evan…"

Evan waved him off. "Go find a hotel and crash. I need some time alone."

"How can I just leave you here?" Nathan glanced at the small courtyard. "Rita and the others are already inside. You can't see her from here, so what's the point of sticking around?"

Evan sighed. "I can't see her, but knowing she's alive is enough."

Nathan shook his head. "Man, you're really head over heels."

Suddenly, Evan had an idea. "Nathan, get someone to keep an eye on the area for a few miles around. I need to know where Rita is at all times. I can't let her vanish from my sight again. But make sure she doesn't find out. Don't mess with her life."

"Got it, I'll set it up." Nathan left, shaking his head.

Back in college, he thought Evan was the least likely to get caught up in feelings.

Now, it seemed like Evan was the only one totally controlled by them.

Some people seem cold and unfeeling, but they're actually the most passionate.

After Nathan left, Evan lit a cigarette with shaky hands and took a deep drag. "Rita, I know I'm a jerk. I know everything. I could've explained it to you, but I chose the path that hurt us both."

Back then, Evan knew it all. He knew Rita had schemed against him because Dylan forced her to.

He could've talked it out with her, but he chose the most extreme way to hurt her.

Just because, in his eyes, Evelyn was always Rita's top priority, and he'd always come second to Evelyn.

Until Rita faked her death and left him, and he saw Evelyn again.

Evelyn had grown up, looking just like eighteen-year-old Rita.

Not only did she look the same, but her timid demeanor was also a carbon copy of Rita's.

It was then he realized that in Rita's heart; Evelyn was another version of herself. She didn't want Evelyn to live in fear like she did.

Rita was just a young girl, unable to escape her family's control, yet she did her best to take care of Evelyn.

The hardships Rita went through, she didn't want Evelyn to face them too.

He knew all this, yet out of jealousy, he hurt her deeply in the cruelest way.

He still remembered the moment Rita's eyes lost their light when he told her Evelyn was dead.

Since then, she never mentioned Evelyn in front of him again, and to this day, he didn't know if she had truly forgotten Evelyn.

He had talked to a psychologist, who said some people, unable to bear the trauma, would selectively forget certain things.

Maybe Rita really didn't remember Evelyn, otherwise, how could she have faked her death when she loved Evelyn so much?

It was his selfishness, jealousy, madness, and obsession that made her ten years with him feel like living in hell.

Tears streamed down Evan's bloodshot eyes. "Rita, I know I messed up. Do I still have a shot with you?"

He knew there was no turning back time.

Meanwhile, Rita led Chloe and Phyllis into the house. "Chloe, does this cabin look familiar to you?"

Chloe glanced around. The place was clean and cozy. "It looks a lot like your cabin in Victoria Peak City, but it's way bigger."

Rita nodded. "Yeah, I designed it myself and had craftsmen build it according to my plans."

Chloe squeezed Rita's hand. "Rita, seeing you again, I can't even describe how happy I am."

Phyllis chimed in, "Me too."

Rita smiled. "I'm really happy to see you both again too."

Chloe wanted to ask how Rita had been these past few years but held back.

Rita seemed to be doing well, so there was no need to ask.

"Sit down, I'll make you some tea." After seating Chloe and Phyllis, Rita brewed two cups of tea and handed them over. "This is local tea. Give it a try and see what you think."

Phyllis took a sip. "Charlie loves tea, but I don't. No matter how good it is, it all tastes the same to me."

Rita turned to Chloe, who took a sip under their watchful eyes. "I can't tell good tea from bad, but this tastes nice, a bit sweet."

Rita grinned. "The tea is really good, but because of the location, it's hard to sell, so it's often sold cheaply in bulk."

Chloe said, "Sales channels aren't a problem. As long as the tea is good, I can find buyers and make sure the farmers don't lose out."

"Let's not get into that now." Rita set up a grill on the table. "I prepared some barbecue. Let's eat and chat."

Not only did she have barbecue, but Rita also had homemade Mead.

Chloe and Phyllis were amazed. "Rita, is there anything you can't do?"

Rita laughed. "You could say I have a knack for it, or you could say I had to learn to survive."

Chloe and Phyllis's eyes welled up. "Rita..."

Rita said, "Chloe, Phyllis, don't feel bad for me. These past three years have been the happiest of my life. Away from the city's noise and those who hurt and looked down on me, doing what I want, making a living with my own hands, I've been very happy."

For over twenty years, Rita had never lived a day for herself.

After faking her death to escape Evan, she came to this secluded place to start a new life.

At first, life was tough. But she soon found a job as a substitute teacher at the local elementary school.

She taught well and soon became a full-time teacher.

With a stable job, she acquired some land.

She farmed it herself, hiring help during busy seasons, gradually achieving self-sufficiency.

Her days were repetitive, but her heart was full.

The three of them ate barbecue, drank wine, and listened to Rita talk about her life over the past few years.

Seeing how content Rita was now, Chloe and Phyllis were genuinely happy for her.