Chapter 21: Chapter 21

"Don't push away the ones who really loved you

because once they're gone,

they never come back"

“Ian?”

Evelyn exclaimed happily as her eyes shone with excitement watching the tall brunette staring her with teary-eyes. Ian immediately ran to and clasped her in his arms.

“OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD!! MY BABY PANDA!! I can't believe this.” He started yelling while hugging her tightly while Evelyn just chuckled and hugged him back.

'Rather they both know that someone was watching them from afar with red eyes and clenched jaw.'

Dylan was staring them while holding the steering wheel in a death grip. His knuckles turned white as he saw that fair guy giving Evelyn a bear hug.

“What.the.fuck.is.going.on?”

He snarled with gritted teeth while his face turned red with anger.

Meanwhile

Evelyn broke the hug and smacked Ian on his arm.

“Owie!! What was that for?”, he whined while rubbing his arms.

“For sucking the air out of my lungs stupid. I could have died by that hug of yours. You really crushed my bones,” Evelyn smacked him again while catching her breath.

“Oww!! Stop it, okay? It is hurting now. My poor arms. Baby, you alright?”, Ian spoke in a crying voice while massaging his right-hand making Evelyn cringe at his weird behaviour.

“Oh God, you still haven't recovered. I thought that you have been discharged a long time ago but ahh... probably they would have abandoned you as you are incurabl-Oww!!” She shrieked as Ian smacked her crown hard.

Evelyn's P.O.V.

“You! Is this the way you talk to your Bro?”, Ian scolded me. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

“For your kind information, you aren't my Bro.”

Ian is my cousin and my friend too. We are of the same age but he always made me call him 'Bro' as it gives him the feeling of big brother. He is a single child and was always desperate for a younger sister so that's why he literally forces me to call him 'Bro'.

“You little brat. You have become too naughty. I think I should talk to Uncle and tell them that his genius daughter whom he always brags about had turned into a notorious kid.”, Ian spoke while pinching my cheek.

My smile dropped as soon as he mentioned about my parents. He kept on laughing while I averted my gaze from him and looked to the other side.

‘You don't know Ian that your uncle bragged so much about me that he even sold off his genius daughter to some cruel monsters for a few bucks.’

Well, I was famous in my entire family not because of my looks but because of my studies. My Dad was indeed very proud of me and was always used to praise me in front of everyone. I was the apple of his eye. He really loved me a lot.

'And so do I'

But I had never thought that my Dad who was my entire world, my idol, my star would ever consider me as a burden.

'Would ever consider me useless'

'Would ever consider me....'

"SHUT UP!!! YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING PIECE OF SHIT!!!"

"What would you had done even? You would have saved our company from this loss. We had already made a huge mistake by appointing such a pathetic girl like you as the manager of our company. Because of you only our company couldn't make any progress for two years and we were still bogging under that huge debt. And now when someone is lending a stick for us to hold, you think I'll let you snatch it away. No way in hell I will allow you to do that. You will marry him, Evelyn Clarke. End of Discussion."

My eyes turned watery and slowly tears started escaping my eyes. Ian saw that and panicked.

“W-What happened Lily? Why did you started crying all of a sudden?” He quickly cupped my face and wiped off my tears.

“N-Nothing, I am just happy to see you, Bro.”

And with that I burst into tears. Ian quickly hugged me as I started crying my heart out. I don't know why I did that but seeing him brought back happy and wonderful memories of my childhood days.

~Flashback

10 years ago

"Daddy!!"

I came running inside the living room while holding the shining trophy in my hand. Dad was sitting on the couch working on his laptop while Mom was sitting beside him reading a file. As soon as his gaze landed on me, a smile crept on his face. He immediately closed his laptop and took me in his arms. I hugged him tightly.

“Wow my Princess topped again.” He smiled widely while caressing the trophy with his fingers.

“Obviously, she is my child. She always tops in every class. I even knew the result beforehand. There's no need for you to get so hyped up.”

Mom smirked but didn't look at me for once. Her eyes were still glued on the file. My eyes moistened up as I was expecting her to take me in her arms and pat my shoulders but she just stood up and walked away. I looked down sadly.

Dad noticed my upset face and immediately pinched my cheeks, “Don't worry, Daddy is too proud of his Princess. Let's go out and celebrate your success party.”

My eyes sparkled in excitement. I quickly got up from his lap and started jumping in air.

“Yes, I will call all my friends and Ian too. I will go and get changed Daddy.”

He nodded while patting my head and I quickly ran to my bedroom.

End of Flashback~

'Why Dad? Why did you do this to me? Why did you guys decided to disown your own Princess? What made you take such a harsh decision that you decided to destroy your own daughter's world? Why, just why?'

Tears didn't stop at all as I started crying loudly. Ian didn't say anything and increased his grip around me while caressing my back. He kept speaking sweet words in my ears to calm me down. He thought that I was crying for him but I was shattered completely. I have nothing left now.

How much I try to act tough but I am completely broken from inside. I just want to disappear now or kill myself as I can't bear this unbearable pain anymore.

'I have completely given up on myself.'

'I am​ done with everyone now.'

'I am tired..... tired of everything now.'

End of Evelyn's P.O.V.

Dylan was watching Evelyn from afar. His heart squeezed with pain as he saw how she was crying like a child. He knows that he had broken her completely but why was it hurting him seeing her sobbing helplessly? He was still furious as to who the hell that guy was but now, he was more concerned about Evelyn. He doesn’t know but he just wanted to snatch her from his arms and embrace her tightly. He wanted to be the one to wipe her tears.

He wanted to be the reason of her breathe, of her smile, of her joy, of her life.

He saw how they fought with kids but couldn't make out what they're were conversing about. His eyes were glued on Evelyn, only on Evelyn. God knows for how long she cried and for how long this stalker kept staring her.

After crying her heart out, Evelyn slowly broke the hug. Ian wiped off her​ tears with his thumb, “Are you okay?” Evelyn nodded.

“Alright, now let's go.”

Evelyn looked down and immediately shook her head in denial.

“N-No, I am already running late for office. I should be get going,” she quickly replied and started walking forward but Ian quickly grabbed her hands and pulled her backwards.

“No Lily, you're barefoot. I can't let you go like this. Come, I'll buy you new ones.” He told her softly and started dragging her towards his car.

“I-Ian, I will be late-“

Evelyn whined helplessly but Ian pushed her inside the car and locked the doors. He then got inside the car as well and drove off.

“WHAT THE HELL!!! WHERE IS HE TAKING HE-“

Dylan blazed in anger as he watched that guy taking his wife along with him. He quickly pressed the gas and was about to chase them when all of a sudden, his phone rang. He checked the caller ID with burning gaze.

It was Sophia.

He picked it up.

~OTP

Sophia: Hello Babe-

Dylan: Shut the fuck up and tell me why did you called me?

He harshly cut her off. Sophia was taken aback with his rude tone.

Sophia: Babe, why are you yelling at me? I wanted to tell you that your new clients had arrived for your project.

She spoke feigning a sad tone. Dylan raised his left eyebrow in confusion.

Dylan: New clients? Who are they?

He asked her coldly. Sophia giggled.

Sophia: Surprise, come to the office now. And why are you so late? Where are y-

Dylan didn't let her complete and immediately hung up.

"Now who are my new clients?"

~Time skip

At Black Estates

9:45 a.m.

As soon as Dylan entered the building everyone bowed to him respectfully. He just gave them a firm nod and headed towards his cabin.

He was walking in the hallway when all of a sudden, his eyes landed on Brandon, Sophia and Xander. They seemed to be waiting for him. He furrowed his eyebrows and looked at them in confusion. Xander then moved to him closer and spoke while staring him coldly.

“You didn't tell us that you're making a deal with Sophia's parents?”

Dylan's eyes widened in shock. He glared at Sophia who was standing in the corner smiling nervously.

“I-I- Your Mum told me to do that Dylan. After cancelling the deal with those bloody traitors, you all were so upset. That’s why I thought that it will be better if I asked my parents to become your new clients and guess what? They agreed.”

Sophia clasped her hands excitedly and smiled at Brandon making him cringe. But instantly an evil idea popped up in his mind. He then shifted his gaze to Dylan and smirked.

“Well, that's so good. You take so good care of our Dylan. He is really grateful to have you as his girlfriend.”

He spoke in a mocking tone. But Sophia didn't get the hidden taunt behind his sugar-coated words. She looked at Dylan and immediately looked down while smiling bashfully. Dylan shot a death glare to Brandon but Brandon just shrugged his shoulders.

Yes, Brandon and Xander knew about Sophia and Dylan. They all had studied together from one of the top universities of America since all these kids were born with a silver spoon.

Sophia and Dylan were the most popular couple of the university. Xander was a quiet and cold guy since childhood so he didn't interact with Sophia much. He just gave her a cold response but she was head over heels for him. Sophia had always liked Xander but she used to tell everyone that she is Dylan's girlfriend since Dylan was rich as Croesus.

Brandon despised Sophia from his core since he knew that she was all over his best friends. He knew Xander doesn't give a fuck about her but Mrs. Black liked Sophia. Sophia was smart, rich, educated and sexy. She inherited all the qualities of an ideal daughter-in law for Mrs. Black so she approved their relationship. Dylan had never been in a serious relationship with any girl. He was a playboy type and had nearly banged every girl of his college. Since Sophia's parents were rich and his parents' friends so he accepted Sophia as his girlfriend.

Even their families had fixed the marriage of their kids but everything got ruined as soon as Evelyn entered Dylan's life. He lost his mind after seeing her.

It was because Dylan always had a misconception about girls. He thought that they just want some rich guy to get married since they don't have any ambitions or goals in their life. But it was not his fault since all the girls who came in his life nearly possessed the same traits.

But Evelyn was different, totally different. Though she was simple but she was extremely brilliant. The day they met, Dylan couldn't take his eyes off her as she was dressed in sober clothes but her way of talking and body gestures were so professional and highly commendable. It looked as if she was a CEO of a top company. Dylan was too impressed so he first decided to make her as his personal secretary. He even talked with Evelyn regarding this but she strictly put down his offer. She told him that she had other plans and wanted to make her company Clarke Enterprises, the most successful company of America. Also, she wanted to put all her focus on her career at that time and didn't want to entangle herself in any sorts of relationships. That was the point which hit Dylan hard and he became madly obsessed with her.

Dylan then told his men to get all the information about this girl. He came to know that her parents were bogged up in a heavy debt and Evelyn was working very hard to clear it off. Dylan pitied her but his madness to make her his made him blind. He called off his marriage with Sophia and told his parents that he will only marry Evelyn. Everyone was shocked with his sudden decision since it was almost impossible for them to believe that the hot, dashing, rich and the most popular bachelor of America who always liked to play with gorgeous and sexy ladies and for whom money and beauty mattered the most had been bewitched by a simple and innocent girl.

Back to present

Xander smiled secretly watching Dylan's pissed face. He cleared his throat a bit to grab his attention.

“So, Dylan, then it's settled, I guess. Sophia, you tell your parents to meet all of us at Enchanted Hotel tonight by 8 p.m. I think it will be better to discuss about the project there,” he spoke firmly. Sophia's cheeks heated up and she started blushing hard. She nodded while making eyes at him. Xander startled and immediately looked away from her.

“Such a bitch.” Brandon murmured but smirked as he saw Xander getting frustrated.

Sophia chirped gleefully, “Alright, I shall take my leave now.”

“Yeah, please go.”

Brandon said in an irritated tone. Sophia glared him. She then kissed Dylan's cheeks and walked away. As soon as she left, Xander sighed in relief.

“Thank God.” Xander whispered but Brandon heard him.

“What happened Pooh?”

He spoke in a fake concern tone. Xander glared him to which he smiled. He the looked at Dylan.

“Dylan, I shall leave too.”

Dylan just nodded as he was lost in his own thoughts.

He then turned around ready to leave when all of a sudden...

"Cutiepie"

"Eve"

Dylan immediately turned back only to see Evelyn standing in front of him. But she wasn't looking at him instead her eyes were fixed on Brandon and Xander. She gave them a small smile.

“Good morning.”

Dylan's heart skipped a beat as soon as he heard her melodious voice. But he felt hurt as she didn't even spare a single glance at him. Brandon ran to her and hugged her tightly.

“Why are you so late, Cutiepie? You know I was waiting for you.” He whined and started moving to and fro while hugging her. She giggled.

“My heels broke in midway so I had to go home and change.”

She lied as she didn't want to tell them about her poor condition. Xander pulled Brandon back by his collar and pushed him.

“What are you doing? Behave yourself. This is not your home, idiot.” He spat. He then shifted his gaze to Evelyn and instantly his eyes turned soft, “It's okay. We thought that you wouldn't come today.”

Evelyn smiled back and shook her head, “No, I can't spend a day without meeting my lovely friends.” Xander grinned and caressed her hair softly. Dylan's eyes turned hard as he saw Xander touching Evelyn.

“And I can't spend a day without seeing your beautiful face. You know when you don't come to office, I can't concentrate on my work.” Brandon said in an exaggerated way. Xander gave him a pissed look while Evelyn chuckled.

She asked him, “And why is that?”

Brandon then gave her a side hug and smiled, “Because I miss my sweetheart badly that day. You are my lucky charm. My best friend and my cupcake. I love you soooooooooo much.” He spoke while pecking her cheeks. She laughed and ruffled his hair.

“Aww, so sweet. I love you too.”

“And what about me?”

Xander spoke sadly as he looked at Brandon and Evelyn like a puppy being kicked.

“She hates you. In fact, she wants to burn you alive.”

Brandon said and flashed him a smirk. Xander glared him and looked at Evelyn with hurtful eyes.

“Shut up Bear, no I love you too. My Chubbycheeks,” she pouted and pulled his cheeks. They all then started laughing.

While the three friends were laughing with each other happily, there was someone who was staring them with sad eyes.

Dylan saw how happy they all were. He realized that his both friends really share a very strong bond with Evelyn. He saw how just by seeing their faces brought a bright smile on her dull face and a spark in her red and gloomy eyes.

Where he gave her only pain, they give her happiness.

Where he only makes her cry, they only make her laugh

Where he prioritizes money and power, they prioritize love and support

Where he trapped her in his fake love, they had bound her in their strong friendship

That day Dylan realized that there is something more important than money, power and force. And that is love, care and friends.

He doesn’t even remember when was last day he had smiled genuinely and had laughed his heart out, when he had spent great times with his friends and family, when he didn't care about his reputation, his fame and about everyone else, when he didn't care about 'what people will think' and had lived his life according to his own will.

Because now he is only trapped in a maze of fake relationships where he has no one who really loves and cares for him since he himself pushed the one away who really loved him with all her heart and without any selfish intentions.

But now it was too late to pick up the pieces as he had now lost that pure soul....

"Forever"

*****