TIED BY HATE

CHAPTER -3

Later that evening, Evelyn sat on Lucy's bed, curled up in an oversized hoodie that wasn’t hers.

Her makeup was wiped clean. Hair tied in a messy bun. A hot cup of cocoa in her hands.

She looked calm—but Lucy knew better.

“So,” Lucy asked gently, sitting beside her, “are you going to tell me what the hell happened, or do I have to guess?”

Evelyn stared into her mug, her voice low. “He cheated on me.”

Lucy froze.

“…Noah?”

Evelyn nodded once. “With some girl. Probably not the only one.”

Lucy’s eyes widened, jaw clenched. “That stupid, lying piece of—”

“I don’t want drama,” Evelyn interrupted softly. “I just needed peace. I didn’t come here to talk about him. I came here because this place feels… safe.”

Lucy’s anger melted into heartbreak.

“You should’ve called me.”

“I couldn’t,” Evelyn whispered. “Because the second I said it out loud… it would’ve made it real.”

She sniffled but didn’t cry. Her voice was steady. Strong.

“I gave him everything. Every piece of me. My time, my trust, my love—and he turned it into a joke. I wasn’t enough for him.”

Lucy reached over and grabbed her hand. “Ev… you were too much for him. He didn’t deserve you.”

Evelyn looked at her. “I won’t give anyone a second chance to break me again. No more love stories. No more trusting the wrong guy.”

Lucy frowned. “So what now?”

Evelyn took a deep breath. “I told my parents… I’ll marry whoever they choose. I’m done choosing wrong.”

Lucy’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?! You’re actually serious?”

Evelyn nodded. “I just want peace, Lucy. I want to feel safe. And I trust my parents more than I trust my own heart.”

Lucy blinked. “That’s… mature. And honestly terrifying.”

Evelyn let out a tiny smile. “I know.”

Lucy gave her a side hug. “Well, I’m glad you came here. You’re staying the night, no arguments.”

Evelyn leaned her head on Lucy’s shoulder. “I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Just then, a soft knock came at the door.

“Girls?” a warm female voice called.

Lucian’s mom peeked in, holding a tray of snacks. “I made brownies. Evelyn, sweetie, you want some?”

Evelyn smiled genuinely for the first time that day. “Yes, Auntie. Please.”

Lucian’s dad appeared behind her. “You’re staying the night? Good. This house always feels better with you in it.”

Evelyn’s heart warmed. Their love felt like home.

“Thank you,” she whispered.