Chapter 42 Nolan Is Back
Evelyn’s POV
He looked exactly the same, tall, lean, and dangerous in his own way, yet somehow younger than ever. From the leather jacket he was putting on, it was obvious he’d probably flown in today.
My jaw dropped. “Nolan…!”
I screamed and ran toward him without thinking, ignoring the heat of Lorenzo’s gaze burning into my back. Every head in the room turned, voices rising in cheerful surprise.
Nolan’s arms opened wide, his face lighting up with genuine joy, the kind I had missed for years. The moment I reached him, he pulled me into a tight embrace, wrapping me completely. His warmth sank into me, filling the hollow spaces left inside.
“Oh, my havens.” He pulled back just enough for our eyes to meet, his voice trembling with disbelief and happiness. “Eve….. is this really you?”
Nolan lifted my hand, spinning me as if inspecting me. “Wow, you really changed a lot.”
“I know, right?” I giggled. “You too.”
“Son,” Uncle Charles’ voice came from behind.
Nolan’s face hardened, shielding me with his arm as he guided me into the room.
“Dad,” his voice rang out, steady, yet edged with the pain of something he was trying to control. He gave him a nonchalant handshake, like they were two sworn enemies.
My chest tightened with a sharp ache as I watched them. The ritual had always been a way for us to come together, bound as a family, offering our wishes to the goodness, with no bad energy. But ever since Aunt Nana left, things had never been the same.
Nolan’s eyes softened as they found mine again. “Eve….” He walked back to me, his hand resting tenderly on my shoulders. “I came back for you. I won’t let anyone take you again.”
Lorenzo’s jaw tightened, the possessiveness in his stance radiating. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
He snapped, moving closer to where we stood. His fist clenched, jaw working, his normally red eyes darker, blazing with fire.
As if Nolan was just noticing him for the first time, his posture stiffened, fingers digging into his palms. “What the hell is he doing here?” he asked.
My chest heaved as I stood there, unable to look away, watching them exchange that sharp, challenging glance.
Uncle Charles clapped his hands together, enjoying every second. “Oh! Isn’t this interesting?” He laughed mockingly. “Should we call this a love triangle?”
I shook my head, my voice quivering despite the firmness I tried to hold. “Stop, Nolan…. don’t even think about fighting him,” I sobbed. “He’ll hurt you.”
Lorenzo pressed me closer, whispering in my ear, low and dark. “So you brought him to challenge me…. huh?”
My heart raced. I wanted to scream, cry, hide beside Nolan, anything. But I couldn’t. Not while Lorenzo’s grip was stiff on my waist.
“No, no, no.” I finally shook my head, facing him. “I had no idea he was coming back.”
Uncle Charles laughed, swirling the whiskey in his hand. “Well, this is certainly more fun than the ritual itself.”
I shook my head, tears circling my eyes. I just wanted to breathe at this point.
Lorenzo’s hand tightened on my waist again, dragging me slightly behind him, possessive, unyielding.
Nolan’s hands clenched, but he didn’t come forward.
They both continued watching each other with that evil, sharp glance until the priest rang the bell, loud and commanding. Pulling all attention back to him, everyone focused more on the altar immediately, too relaxed, while I was here, suffocating in his arms.
A few minutes into the ritual, I knew I had to do something.
So, I leaned toward Lorenzo’s shoulder, my voice low, almost trembling. “I… I… I need to make use of the restroom.”
His shoulders squared as he faces me, searching my face with a suspicious glance, before the words slipped out in a low, quite tone. “I’m coming with you, then.”
My eyes widened, startled. “No, you are not.”
“Why not? It’s not like there’s anything left for you to hide from me.”
“God. Lorenzo, it will not take long.” I rolled my eyes. “You don’t have to show the world that you control my every movement."
He shifted silently before giving in. “Fine.” His brow drew together. “But don’t even try to move funny, or I will come for you before you know it.”
I gave a simple nod. Then stood up, his gaze followed me, unblinking, heavy enough to make my breath falter. My knees grew weak, and before I knew it, I was stumbling toward the restroom, not because I needed to ease myself, but because I needed air.
God, I was losing myself already.
The chants from the hall faded as I slipped into the hallway.
Finally, I was at the restroom.
I stumbled inside and slammed the door, leaning against it as if it could hold the world still. My chest heaved, breaths ragged, and for a moment, I thought my legs might give way beneath me.
Relief swept through me as I dragged in a breath, the first real one I’d taken since we arrived.
My knees gave way as I staggered to the sink, desperate for something to hold.
The memories of what had just happened out there clung to my head, his scent still stuck on my skin. How he had almost fought Nolan just to show his power, his possessiveness…. Everything was making me go crazy.
“Just take a chill, Eve,” I whispered to my reflection in the mirror. “It’s almost time. Your plans will soon fall into place.”
I gripped the edge of the sink, watching my trembling hands steady under the harsh light. One more breath. One more act to play before everything changes.
Then it hit me. My phone.
I needed to contact Elena, she must have completed the discharge process by now.
I pulled the phone from the fold of my dress, where I’d hidden it earlier. I knew Lorenzo wouldn’t approve of me bringing it here, which was exactly why I had to.
My fingers danced across the keypad, trembling, slick with sweat. Her name flashed on the screen, and I hit the call.
The first dial, nothing.
The second, still nothing.
Then came the third. She picked up in the middle of the ringing.