His Redemption

Chapter Fourteen

Eva's pov

The fluorescent lights above hummed softly as Eva stacked the cans onto the metal shelf, aligning each label with careful precision.

The air carried a layered scent of fresh bread from the bakery section, a faint sweetness from ripened fruit, and the sharper, colder smell drifting from the refrigerated aisles.

"I didn't expect to find you here,” a deep and velvety voice spoke from behind her.

Evangeline startled, the can slipped from her fingers, clattering loudly against the floor and rolling a short distance before stopping. Her breath caught as she turned.

Killian stood behind her, clad in a dark suit with his hands shoved in his pant pockets.

Her heart began to race seeing him again and especially here.

What was a man like Killian Blackwood doing in a grocery store? She wandered.

She lifted her hand to sign but then remembered him telling her that he doesn't understand sign language.

She quickly pulled out her phone, fingers moving fast as she typed and sent the text to him.

Killian’s phone buzzed in his pocket, he pulled out his phone from his pocket and unlocked the screen, his lips curved slightly as he read the text.

What are you doing here?

“I could ask you the same thing,” he said gently.

I work here, she texted him.

"Since when?" he asked, curiosity laced his tone.

Since Tuesday, she replied with a text.

Before he could speak Eva's boss shuffled toward them, her face lighting up with recognition.

“Oh! Mr. Blackwood!"

Killian gave the older woman a polite smile.

“What brings you to my little store?” she asked.

“Just picking up a few things.”

His gaze flickered briefly back to Evangeline.

“And I happened to run into someone I know.”

The old woman followed his glance. Her eyebrow arched in surprise. "You know Eva?"

"Yes I know her and would it be alright if I borrowed her for a bit? I was hoping to take her out for coffee.”

Eva's eyes widened.

Immediately, she began typing again, a bit more urgently this time and sent him another text.

I can’t. I still have work.

"Of course she can. She can take as much time as she wants," her boss said.

Evangeline shook her head quickly, refusing to leave without completing her work but the old lady was already smiling at Killian.

“Take her. She needs it.”

Evangeline hesitated, her grip tightening slightly around her phone. For a moment, she looked like she might refuse again—but then Killian met her eyes, steady and calm.

Outside, the air felt different. Open and exposed. Eva noticed the way the people turned as they walked—some whispering, some openly staring however Killian didn't seem bothered at all. His attention stayed on Eva, his pace adjusted to match hers.

She, on the other hand, felt every glance and every whisper which made her slightly uncomfortable.

They didn't talk much as they walked but Killian couldn't stop staring at her and Eva didn't notice.

Soon they reached a small diner down the street, Killian opened the door and gestured for Eva to enter first.

Before stepping inside Eva gave him a warm smile which melted Killian’s heart.

Inside the diner buzzed with life and warmth, filled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, sizzling bacon, and buttery pancakes.

Killian guided her to a booth and took the seat across from her.

Eva glanced around feeling nervous and uncomfortable as everyone stared at her and Killian probably wandering what a man like him was doing with a girl like her.

"Don't worry about them," Killian said.

Eva turned her head away from the patrons and met his gaze.

"Just pretend they not here," he added with a smile.

Eva relaxed a little but her heartbeat didn't slow down, it kept pounding against her chest.

"So do you like your job?" Killian asked, observing her.

Eva nodded.

Killian smiled, it was something which he never did often but with Eva he did it all the time.

A waitress appeared and started taking down their order.

Killian glanced at Eva. “Order anything you want,” he said.

Eva hesitated but nodded slightly, typing her order into her phone before showing it to the waitress.

The waitress quickly scribbled their order on her notepad and murmured she'll be back soon.

Silence stretched between them, Eva stared at her lap and could feel Killian’s gaze on her.

"How's school?" Killian asked, braking the silence.

It's great, she texted him.

He peered at the screen and smirked.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" he asked, his voice smooth wrapped around her like warm honey.

Eva shook her head.

Killian’s smirk widened. "Would you like to have one?"

Eva swallowed and quickly shook her head.

Killian raised a brow. "And why not?"

Before Eva could reply a sharp voice cut through the air.

“Well, well…” Bianca’s voice carried as she approached Eva. "It's the mute freak."

Eva froze.

Amanda followed, arms crossed, clearly just as intrigued.

Bianca tilted her head, looking between Evangeline and Killian. "You're full of surprises aren't you Evangeline? First you stalk the guy and now you're here sitting with him, trying to get in his pants."

Evangeline’s face flushed. Never in her life had she felt this humiliated.

Amanda's gaze sharpened. "She sure is," she muttered, glaring at Eva. "I wander how she got Mr Blackwood's attention."

Bianca's lips curled into a cold smile. "Isn't it obvious?" She murmured. "She's going to sleep with him."

Killian’s jaw clenched, he abruptly stood up, his eyes darkening with rage. He didn't like the way they spoke about Eva as if she were a slut.

"Speak about her like that again and I will make sure to rip out your tongue," he threatened.

Bianca snickered. "I'm not afraid of you or your threats Mr blackwood, my uncle is the mayor of this city."

Bianca leaned slightly toward Killian, her tone turning colder. “Seriously… what are you doing with someone like her?”

"Because she's not like you or any other women," he said. "You're conceited, rude and self-centered, you like to make fun of others but Evangeline," he said, glancing at her.

"She's totally different."

She scoffed, shaking her head. “Whatever and good luck with that loser.”

They turned and walked away, though not without one last glare in Evangeline’s direction.

Her eyes stayed down, her shoulders were tense.

Killian exhaled softly.

“Hey,” he said softly, returning to his seat.

She didn’t look up, tears burned her eyes.

She felt humiliated and embarrassed. How could Bianca be so ruthless.

Killian leaned forward slightly, his voice gentler now. “Don’t let what they said bother you because you and I know that isn't true."

Slowly, hesitantly, she raised her gaze.

There was no irritation in his expression now just sincerity.

“You’re better than that,” he said. “Better than them.”

A pause.

“And for what it’s worth…” his voice softened even more, “you’re beautiful.”

Evangeline’s breath caught and for a moment, she didn't look away.

__________________________________________________

Evangeline walked through the school gates with her head slightly lowered, her bag clutched tightly against her side.

As she entered the school building and stepped into the hallway she froze when she saw Bianca and Amanda standing near the lockers, laughing about something.

Evangeline’s fingers tightened around her bag strap.

Bianca's eyes narrowed on when they landed on Eva. She took a slow step forward, eyes scanning her from head to toe with open disgust. “I still can’t believe it,” she said, shaking her head. “You? Of all people?”

Evangeline swallowed hard, her breathing beginning to quicken. She tried to step around them—but Bianca moved with her, blocking her again.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Bianca’s tone sharpened. “I'm talking to you.”

Evangeline quickly pulled out her phone, her hands trembling slightly as she typed.

Please leave me alone and held it up.

Bianca glanced at the screen and laughed.

Her expression twisted into something crueler. "I was insulted because of you."

Hanna leaned closer. "And you're going to pay for that."

Evangeline felt her chest tighten, her vision beginning to blur. She turned suddenly, trying to get away but Bianca grabbed her wrist, hard.

Eva gasped silently, her body jerking as Bianca twisted her arm sharply behind her back.

Pain exploded through her. Her phone slipped from her hand, clattering to the floor.

Evangeline’s mouth opened in a silent cry, tears instantly spilling over as she struggled—but Bianca only twisted more.

“You think you're better than me?” Bianca sneered. “You're nothing but a filthy piece of trash.”

A sickening snap was heard and Eva collapsed to her knees. The pain was immediate and blinding.

She instinctively cradled her wrist with her other hand, her body curling in on itself as silent sobs shook through her. Tears streamed down her face, her breathing was uneven and broken, but no sound came out—only the raw, visible agony.

“Such a drama queen,” Bianca sneered, though there was a flicker of unease in her eyes now.

“Enough."

The single word cut through everything.

Both girls froze.

Soren stood a few feet away, his presence suddenly suffocating the space around them. His gaze dropped briefly to Evangeline on the floor curled in pain.

Something dark flickered in his eyes.

“You both are going to pay for what you did,” he said quietly, each word deliberate, “what I did to Matthew…”

He took a step forward.

“…will feel merciful compared to what I’ll do to you two.”

Bianca’s face paled. Amanda grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

“Let’s go,” Amanda whispered urgently.

Soren waited until they disappeared before turning his full attention to Eva.

He moved quickly, crouching beside her.

“Hey…” his voice softened, but tension still laced it. “Let me see.”

Eva shook her head weakly, clutching her wrist closer, tears still falling. Her breathing was shaky, her whole body trembling from the pain.

“I know it hurts,” Soren said, more gently now. “But we need to get you help.”

Carefully he helped her to her feet, keeping her injured arm supported. She winced, her face pale, her eyes squeezed shut as another wave of pain hit.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured.