Chapter 870 Encouragement

Chapter 870 Encouragement

Riley shook her head, glancing around the yard filled with memories and saying, "Evan, this house holds so much for our family. You and Tyrell grew up here."

She went on, "Sometimes, when I look at the flowers and plants, I can almost see you and Tyrell playing. This is where your dad and I started our life together. So many memories."

Wiping away a tear, she added, "I'm not leaving. I want to stay here with your dad and Tyrell."

Evan wanted to say something but couldn't find the words, so he stayed quiet.

Riley turned to Rita, "Rita, Evan's got a fiery temper and doesn't always think things through. Keep an eye on him for me, will you?"

Rita nodded, "I will."

Riley squeezed her hand and said, "Come on, let's eat. I got two chefs from the South to make your favorite dishes. Hope you like them."

Rita hadn't had real Southern food since coming to Girona. Riley's effort warmed her heart, and she decided to stick by Evan through thick and thin. "Thank you, Rita!"

Riley smiled, "We're family now. No need for thanks."

Dinner was just the three of them, and the vibe was pretty chill.

After dinner, Evan and Rita stayed the night.

Riley had set up separate rooms for them, not pushing them together.

Evan took his old room, and Rita stayed next door.

Rita couldn't sleep, so she sat on the balcony, staring at the stars.

Winter break was coming, and it was freezing.

The cold wind felt like a knife on her face, but she didn't care.

All she could think about was Evelyn. 'How could I bring Evelyn to Girona?'

Suddenly, she heard a lighter flick from the next balcony, loud in the quiet night.

She leaned out but saw nothing, though she knew it was Evan. "Smoking's bad for you. You should cut down."

Evan's deep voice came through, "Not married yet, and you're already trying to control me?"

Rita shot back, "I just see you smoking a lot, like a pack a day. Just a reminder, you're only twenty. Don't wreck your health so soon."

Evan replied, "Thanks, but no thanks."

Rita sighed inwardly, 'Not worth it.'

After a bit, Evan asked, "How's your part-time job going?"

Rita said, "Not bad. I can support myself and my sister now."

The lighter flicked again, probably lighting another cigarette. "Keep it up. In this world, you can only rely on yourself. When you can support yourself, you're truly reliable."

Rita knew this well.

Luckily, what she learned at the Grey family wasn't wasted; it gave her a skill to rely on.

After a while, Evan asked, "Why so quiet?"

Rita said, "I don't know what to say."

Evan suddenly asked, "What's your dream?"

Rita smiled bitterly, "For someone like me, just living well is my biggest wish. Dreams? Not really."

Evan's heart tightened, and he quickly changed the subject, "Wanna hear about my old dream?"

Rita said, "If you want to share, I'm all ears."

Evan sighed and started, "I'm the second kid in the Smith family. Tyrell was a business prodigy, so the family elders focused on him. They didn't expect me to take over the Smith Group, so I had a pretty carefree childhood."

He continued, "I just had to study like a regular kid, and then I could play my games. Tyrell was only three years older, and I think he wanted to play too, but he couldn't. His schedule was packed with learning, barely any time to sleep."

Evan added, "Back then, I thought, one day I'll make my own games, fun and easy, so he could play in his spare time. Now, the game I made for him is out, but he can never play it."

Rita now got why Evan was so into making games and cared so much about the theme song; it was all for Tyrell. The game was done, but Tyrell was gone.

Rita wanted to comfort Evan but didn't know how, so she stayed quiet.

Evan went on, "He was an amazing brother and son. He was our family's biggest hope. But he died. I'll make sure the person responsible pays."

Rita worried Evan might do something reckless, so she said, "Evan, maybe your brother just wanted to live his own life, not be tied down by the Smith family."

Evan said, "You've seen the state of the Smith family. It's not something I can just walk away from. I have to finish what he started and not let his hard work go to waste."

Rita fell silent. Everyone had their own battles.

Evan asked, "What are your plans next?"

Rita answered with something off-topic, "Actually, I do have a dream, but I can't achieve it."

Evan said, "Tell me about it."

Rita said, "I want to be the best violinist in the world, to hold my own concerts everywhere, but..."

She trailed off. She had been accepted into the best music school abroad but was forced to come to Girona for college and study a major she didn't like.

Evan knew her struggle and reassured her, "You're still young. If you keep working hard, you can achieve it."

Rita smiled, "Now, those things don't matter. Earning money to bring my sister here is my top priority."

Evan suddenly apologized, "I'm sorry."

Rita replied, "You don't need to apologize. This is my family's issue, and it has nothing to do with you."

Evan could help, and if he was determined, he could bring Evelyn to Girona. But with the Smith Group's transition, he couldn't complicate things. "I'm your fiancé, yet I can't help at all," he said.

Evan had no obligation to help her bring Evelyn, and Rita didn't blame him. "You focus on your stuff, and I'll focus on mine. Let's work together to make our future better."

Evan replied, "Alright."

Rita said, "It's late. Stop smoking and get some rest."

Evan nodded, "Okay."

Rita got up to head back to her room, but then she heard Evan say, "Rita, you're more capable than you think. Don't doubt yourself. Go after what you want, and don't worry about failing."

Rita felt a warmth in her heart and replied, "I'll remember that."