Episode Four
1074 Words
Evelyn’s POV
The tension in the air was unbearable as I sat across from my parents in the living room. The scent of my mother’s lavender-scented candles did nothing to soothe the storm raging inside me. My father cleared his throat, his face unusually serious.
“Evelyn,” he began, his voice firm but hesitant, “Jack Wayne has formally asked for your hand in marriage.”
My jaw dropped. Jack Wayne. The man who showed up out of nowhere, claimed responsibility for a night I barely remembered, and proposed with that obnoxiously huge diamond ring.
I blinked at my father, trying to process his words. “You’re joking, right?”
“We’ve thought about it, Evelyn,” my mother said softly. “And we believe it’s the best decision for everyone.”
“The best decision?” I repeated, my voice rising. “For everyone? Or for you and your reputation?”
“Evelyn, that’s enough,” my father snapped.
“No,” I said, standing up, my hands balled into fists. “I want to know why you think this is a good idea. Why should I marry a man I barely know?”
My mother sighed, exchanging a look with my father. “Jack is... He’s a good man. He’s responsible, and he cares about you.”
I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “Cares about me? He doesn’t even know me. And let’s not forget he’s practically a stranger.”
My father frowned. “He’s not just any stranger, Evelyn. He’s Jack Wayne.”
I frowned, confused by the weight in his tone. “So what?”
“He’s the wealthiest man in the United States,” my mother said, her voice hushed as if revealing a sacred secret.
My heart sank. There it was. The real reason behind their eagerness. It wasn’t about what was best for me—it was about money.
“You’re selling me,” I said, my voice trembling with fury. “You’re selling me to the highest bidder because he’s rich.”
“That’s not true!” my mother protested, standing up.
“Isn’t it?” I shot back, tears stinging my eyes. “You think I don’t see it? You’re willing to throw me at him because he can make all your problems go away.”
My father’s face darkened. “Watch your tone, young lady. This is about ensuring your future. Jack Wayne is offering you stability and a life most people only dream of.”
“I don’t care about that!” I shouted, my voice cracking. “I don’t want his money. I don’t want any of this!”
“Evelyn, you’re being unreasonable,” my mother said, her tone pleading. “Think about it. After what happened with Nathan... this is a chance to start over.”
A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Nathan? Don’t even mention his name to me. And don’t pretend this is about what’s best for me. This is about you and your pride. You don’t care how I feel. You never have.”
“That’s not true,” my mother said, her voice breaking.
I turned away, pacing the room as anger coursed through me. “You’re all the same. You didn’t care when Anita was sleeping with Nathan. You didn’t care when I found out. And now, you want me to marry Jack because he’s rich. Well, I won’t do it. I won’t!”
A knock at the door interrupted the heated exchange. My mother hurried to answer it, and when she returned, Jack Wayne himself was with her.
He looked impeccable as always, his dark suit tailored to perfection. His sharp blue eyes swept over the room before landing on me.
“Evelyn,” he said, his deep voice calm and steady.
I crossed my arms, glaring at him. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to talk,” he said simply.
“Talk about what? How you’re trying to buy me like some commodity?”
His jaw tightened, but he didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, he pulled a chair and sat down, his demeanor calm and composed.
“I’m not here to buy you, Evelyn,” he said. “I’m here to offer you a choice.”
“A choice?” I said, laughing bitterly. “What kind of choice? Marry you or be disowned by my parents?”
He flinched slightly but recovered quickly. “That’s not what this is about. I want to marry you because I believe it’s the right thing to do.”
“Why?” I demanded. “Why do you care so much?”
His gaze softened, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. “Because I was there when you needed someone. And because I can’t stop thinking about you.”
My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly shoved the feeling aside.
“You don’t even know me,” I said, my voice shaking.
“No,” he admitted. “But I want to. And I’m willing to spend the rest of my life proving that to you.”
The sincerity in his voice threw me off balance, but I wasn’t ready to let my guard down.
“Evelyn,” my mother said, stepping forward. “Jack is offering you a future. Don’t let your anger cloud your judgment.”
I turned to her, my eyes blazing. “Stay out of this, Mom. This is my life, not yours.”
Jack stood, his towering presence commanding the room. “Evelyn, I know this isn’t what you expected. And I understand why you’re angry. But I’m not the enemy here.”
I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Then what are you? My savior?”
He didn’t answer immediately, and the silence stretched between us.
“I’m just a man trying to do what’s right,” he said finally.
I shook my head, my emotions swirling. I didn’t know what to think or feel anymore.
“You’re wasting your time,” I said coldly. “I’ll never marry you.”
His expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—determination, maybe?
“I’ll give you time to think about it,” he said. “But I’m not giving up on you,
Evelyn.”
With that, he turned and left, leaving me standing there, my thoughts a chaotic mess.
- Writer
