The morning sun streamed through the thin curtains of Evelyn's apartment. She sat curled up on the couch, staring blankly at her phone. Her mind was a storm of emotions—confusion, frustration, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty.
Vinni burst in without knocking, carrying two steaming cups of coffee. “You look like hell,” she announced bluntly, setting the cups on the table.
Evelyn groaned. “Thanks for the uplifting observation.”
“Don’t start,” Vinni shot back, sitting across from her. “We need to talk. I’ve been thinking about Hunter.”
Evelyn stiffened at the mention of his name. “Don’t. I don’t want to deal with him anymore. Let’s just... let it go.”
Vinni’s eyes narrowed. “Let it go? Are you serious, Evelyn? He messed up your life. You can’t just let him walk away like that.”
“What do you want me to do, Vinni?” Evelyn snapped, exasperation creeping into her voice. “Follow him around and demand an apology? Or better yet, challenge him to a duel?”
Vinni leaned forward, her expression serious. “I have a friend. A really good friend. He’s sharp, resourceful, and knows exactly how to deal with people like Hunter. He can help us.”
Evelyn frowned, shaking her head. “No. No way. I don’t want to drag anyone else into this. Besides, what’s the point? I’ll probably never see Hunter again after today.”
“That’s exactly why we need to do something *now*,” Vinni argued, her voice rising. “We can’t just let him get away with everything he’s done to you!”
Evelyn sighed, rubbing her temples. “I don’t want revenge, Vinni. I just want to move on. Isn’t that enough?”
“No, it’s not enough,” Vinni snapped, standing up and pacing the room. “You deserve closure. And if he won’t give it to you, we’ll take it ourselves.”
Evelyn looked up at her friend, a hint of fear in her eyes. “What are you planning, Vinni? Because if this is some kind of crazy scheme—”
“Relax,” Vinni interrupted, holding up her hands. “Just meet my friend first. Talk to him. Hear him out. That’s all I’m asking.”
Evelyn hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip. “I don’t know…”
“Trust me, Ev,” Vinni said softly, sitting back down. “I wouldn’t suggest this if I didn’t think it was the right thing to do. Just give it a chance. For me.”
Evelyn sighed deeply, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. “Fine. I’ll meet him. But I’m not promising anything.”
“That’s all I needed to hear,” Vinni said with a triumphant grin. She grabbed her coffee and took a celebratory sip. “You won’t regret this.”
Evelyn wasn’t so sure.
The café where they met was cozy, tucked into a quiet corner of the city. Evelyn’s hands were clammy as she walked in beside Vinni. Her nerves were on edge thinking about who this might be.
As they stepped inside, she spotted him immediately. Edwin was seated near the window, sipping tea like he had all the time in the world. But he looked so different—clean-cut, polished, and exuding a calm confidence that was miles away from the chaotic boy she used to know.
She was surprised as Vinni smirked.
“Edwin?” Evelyn said tentatively as they approached.
He looked up, and a wide grin broke across his face. “Evelyn! Is that really you?”
Before she could answer, he stood and pulled her into a tight hug. She froze for a moment, startled by the familiarity, but eventually let herself relax. It felt... nice. Like a piece of her old life was still intact.
After marrying Hunter, she cut ties with all her guy friends, even female friends except Vinni.
“You’ve changed,” she said, pulling back and taking him in. “Where’s the messy hair and the wrinkled shirts?”
He smirked. “I grew up. Shocking, right? But look at you—still as beautiful as ever.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. “Don’t start.”
“Oh, I’m just warming up,” he teased, pulling out a chair for her. “Now, tell me—when’s the divorce party? I need to plan my outfit.”
Evelyn gasped, smacking his arm as she sat down. “Edwin!”
He laughed, his boyish grin still intact despite the polished exterior. Vinni chuckled from beside her. “See? Told you you'd feel better after meeting this person.”
As the laughter settled, the waiter brought their tea, and the mood grew more serious. Evelyn took a sip, then began to talk. Slowly at first, then all at once. She told Edwin everything—how she had married Hunter for the sake of business, how he had betrayed her, and how he had stolen her company right out from under her.
Edwin listened intently, his brow furrowed as he absorbed every word. When she finally finished, he leaned back in his chair, swirling his tea thoughtfully.
“Well,” he began, “if we can’t get your company back, we’ll just have to find another way to make him pay.”
“Exactly,” Vinni chimed in, her eyes lighting up. “We can ruin him the way he ruined you.”
Evelyn frowned, shaking her head. “I don’t know… That’s not who I am. I don’t want to stoop to his level.”
“Sometimes,” Edwin said gently, “people like Hunter need to learn there are consequences for their actions. It’s not about stooping to his level, Evelyn—it’s about standing up for yourself.”
Vinni nodded vigorously. “He’s right. You can’t let him get away with this.”
Evelyn hesitated, staring down at her tea. “What would we even do?”
Edwin leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eye. “We’ll figure that out together. But first, I need you to trust me.”
She looked up at him, her heart heavy with doubt. But there was something reassuring about the steadiness in his gaze, the way he seemed so certain they could make things right.
“Alright,” she said finally. “But no crazy schemes, okay?”
Edwin grinned. “No promises.”