CHAPTER TWO!
“You don’t know what you’re saying.” Lucas’s expression darkened.
I crossed my arms, refusing to back down. “Why not? You’ve made it clear that I don’t belong here. Five years is enough“} “Evelyn, stop being ridiculous. Is this because of earlier? That vase incident was nothing–it doesn’t mean anything. You’re overreacting.” he snapped.
“Overreacting? You threw me against
inst the dresser and told me I deserved it. How am I supposed to forget that?”
Before he could respond, his phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand. He glanced at the screen, and a smile spread across his face. “It’s official–they just promoted me to Head Enforcer of the Silverstone Pack. This is huge, Evelyn. You can’t possibly leave now, not when we should be celebrating together.”
I stared at him. “You think I care about your promotion after everything you’ve done to me? No, Lucas. I’m done playing along “%
He grabbed my wrist. “Don’t embarrass me like this. Not tonight. Everyone will be there–friends, family, and even the council. They expect us to show up together
“I don’t care what they expect. Let them see the truth, that we’re nothing more than strangers sharing space.” I yanked my hand away!
“Enough of this tantrum. You’re coming with me.” He grabbed my wrist and pulled me along before I could protest further!
Reluctantly, I followed him to the party hall, where the pack had gathered. The room buzzed with laughter and chatter, but the moment we walked in, whispers filled the air E
“There she is the pathetic stray who thinks she belongs here,” someone muttered loud enough for me to hear!!
“She’s still clinging to Lucas? Pathetic.”
“She’s not fooling anyone. She’ll never replace Maya.
I forced myself to ignore their words. But it wasn’t easy not when even Lucas refused to defend me.3
“Behave yourself,” Lucas whispered sharply as he left my side to join his friends
I stood frozen as they surrounded him, laughing and patting him on the back
“Lucas, man, when are you finally going to get rid of that clingy girl?” one of them joked.)
“Does she even contribute anything besides warming your bed? Honestly, man, it’s getting pathetic watching you babysit someone so. replaceable
Lucas chuckled along with them. “Come on, guys. I can’t leave her all alone, that would be cruel. Her parents are dead, she’d be out on the
They burst into laughter, completely indifferent to how their words might hurt me.
Just then, the doors swung open, and the room fell silent. It was Clara, Lucas’s childhood sweetheart.!
“Clara!” someone shouted, breaking the silence. “We heard you were back in town
Everyone turned to greet her including Lucas, who rushed to embrace her
“Clara, I’ve missed you,” he murmured, holding her close.
My stomach churned as I watched them together. It was like watching a movie I’d seen too many times before–but somehow, it still managed to break my heart.
“Oh, Evelyn Clara called but spotting me near the edge of the crowd. She approached me with a sugary–sweet smile. I didn’t expect to see you here. How lovely!”
She handed me her phone. Take a picture of us, won’t you? Something to remember this special night”
I hesitated but took the phone anyway. As I snapped the photo, Lucas leaned down to kiss Clara right in front of me. Their affection was nauseating, and everyone–except me–applauded them as they finished 8
When I handed the phone back to Clara, she gave me a patronizing pat on the shoulder. “Thank you so much, dear. You’re such a
sweetheart.”
I got away from them and found refuge in the restroom, leaning against the sink as tears threatened to spill. Just as I was about to compose myself, the door creaked open, and Clara stepped inside.
“Evelyn,” Clara’s voice purred behind me.
I turned to see her leaning against the doorway. “What do you want?“!
“Just thought I’d check on you. You seemed… tense out there.“!
“I’m fine.” I avoided her gaze.
“Tsk, tsk.” She clicked her tongue mockingly. “Don’t lie to me. I saw how devastated you looked when Lucas kissed me. How does it feel knowing he’ll never love you? That you’re nothing more than a placeholder?”
Her words cut deep, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me break. “Why are you here, Clara?”
“To remind you of your place. Lucas may pity you, but he’ll never choose you over me. Everyone knows it. Even his friends think you’re pathetic–a clingy little stray clinging to scraps of affection,” she said sharply.
My fists clenched. “Get out”
“Not yet.” She reached out suddenly, grabbing the pendant hanging around my neck, the only thing I had left of my late mother, “What’s this ugly trinket? Looks ancient”
“Don’t touch that! It belonged to my mom” I gasped, lunging forward.
Clara laughed cruelly, holding it just out of reach. “Oh, how precious. Sentimental garbage from a dead woman. Let’s see if it’s as fragile as your heart.”
With a swift motion, she yanked the chain off my neck and threw it onto the floor. Before I could stop her, she stomped on it and shattered the lacket into pieces.X
“No!” I cried, dropping to my knees. Inside the broken pendant lay a tiny photo of my mother smiling–a memory I cherished more than anything
“That’s what happens to things you care about when you overstay your welcome,” she hissed. “Leave before I destroy everything else precious to you.“%
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