The Billionaire's Ring

Episode Five

Evelyn's POV

I stood there, staring at the door long after Jack had left, the weight of his words pressing heavily on my chest. His calm composure, his unwavering determination—it was infuriating. I didn’t know whether to scream, cry, or throw something. Maybe all three.

“What just happened?” I muttered to myself, running my hands through my hair.

My mother stepped forward cautiously, her voice soft as if trying not to provoke me further. “Evelyn, he’s a good man. He really is. And—”

I held up my hand to stop her. “Don’t. Just don’t.”

“Sweetheart,” she continued anyway, her tone pleading. “This isn’t what you think it is. Your father and I would never—”

“Never what? Sell me off to the highest bidder?” I snapped, cutting her off. “Because that’s exactly what this feels like.”

My father, who had been silently watching from his seat, finally spoke up. “Evelyn, enough of this nonsense. We’re doing what’s best for you. Jack is—”

“What’s best for me?” I interrupted, my voice rising. “How would you know what’s best for me when you didn’t even care enough to tell me the truth about Nathan and Anita? Do you have any idea how humiliating this is for me?”

My father’s face hardened, his jaw tightening as he stood. “You’re acting like a child.”

“And you’re acting like my life is some business deal you need to close,” I shot back.

The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. My father opened his mouth to respond, but my mother placed a hand on his arm, stopping him.

“Evelyn,” she said gently, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “We’re not trying to hurt you. We’re trying to protect you. Please believe that.”

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “Protect me? From what? From being alone? From making my own choices? Or is this really about protecting your reputation?”

“Stop twisting our words,” my father growled, his patience clearly wearing thin. “This isn’t just about you. It’s about the family. Jack Wayne is offering you a chance at a stable, secure future. And whether you want to admit it or not, you need that.”

I glared at him, my hands trembling with anger. “I don’t need anything from Jack Wayne, and I certainly don’t need anything from you.”

“Enough!” my mother exclaimed, her voice breaking. “Can’t you see we’re trying to help you? We’ve always tried to help you.”

For a moment, her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotion. I wanted to believe her, but the bitterness in my heart wouldn’t let me.

“I can’t do this,” I said quietly, grabbing my bag. “I need some air.”

Before either of them could stop me, I stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind me.

---

The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped outside, the streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement. My mind was racing, the events of the day replaying in a chaotic loop. I felt trapped, suffocated by the weight of everyone’s expectations.

I wandered aimlessly, not caring where I was going. My feet carried me to the small park a few blocks away, a place I used to visit as a child. The swing set creaked softly in the breeze, and I sat down on one of the swings, letting the gentle motion calm my nerves.

How had my life spiraled so far out of control? One moment, I was planning my future with Nathan, and the next, I was being pushed into a marriage with a man I barely knew. A man who, for some inexplicable reason, seemed determined to marry me.

Jack Wayne. The richest man in the country. Why would someone like him even want someone like me?

I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away, but they refused to leave. His face, his voice, the way he looked at me—it was all so confusing.

“You look like you could use some company.”

I turned sharply at the voice, my heart leaping into my throat. A young woman, probably a few years younger than me, stood a few feet away. She had a kind smile and a cup of coffee in her hands.

“Sorry,” she said, holding up her free hand. “Didn’t mean to startle you. You just looked... upset.”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced, but didn’t press the issue. Instead, she sat on the swing next to mine, sipping her coffee in silence.

For a while, neither of us spoke. The quiet was oddly comforting, and I found myself relaxing slightly.

“Rough day?” she asked eventually, glancing at me.

I let out a bitter laugh. “You have no idea.”

“Try me,” she said, her tone light but sincere.

I hesitated, unsure why I felt the urge to open up to a complete stranger. Maybe it was because she didn’t know me or my family or Jack Wayne. She wouldn’t judge me or tell me what I should do.

“I think my parents are trying to sell me off,” I said finally, my voice heavy with sarcasm.

Her eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t interrupt.

“They want me to marry this guy,” I continued. “Someone I barely know. And they’re acting like it’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

She tilted her head thoughtfully. “Do you like him?”

“What?” I said, caught off guard.

“The guy,” she said, smiling slightly. “Do you like him?”

I opened my mouth to respond but stopped, my mind racing. Did I like Jack Wayne? The thought had never crossed my mind. I was too busy being angry and overwhelmed to even consider it.

“I don’t,” I admitted quietly.

She nodded as if she understood. “Well, maybe you should figure that out before making any big decisions.”

Her words stayed with me long after she left, her parting smile lingering in my mind as I made my way home.

—--------

The house was quiet when I returned, the tension from earlier still hanging in the air. My parents were in the living room, their heads snapping up as I walked in.

“Evelyn,” my mother began, but I held up a hand to stop her.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said tiredly. “Not tonight.”

She nodded, her expression a mix of relief and worry. My father didn’t say anything, but I could feel his gaze following me as I headed upstairs to my room.

As I closed the door behind me, I leaned against it, my heart heavy. I didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was clear—I won't let my parents win. They've caused me so much pain the last few days and on top of that, they want me to marry a stranger? ”Who cares if he's the richest man in the country!” I said inaudibly.

One thing I knew for sure. If I later end up marrying Jack Wayne, I'll make the marriage unbearable for him. He would ask for a divorce immediately.

I climbed into bed, the events of the day replaying in my mind until exhaustion finally pulled me under.