Chapter 128

8- Won’t Give Up On us (Book 2)

Questions started racing through my mind. What the hell was he doing here? Did he know I would be here? Was he still angry with me for leaving without saying anything? Not even a goodbye?

I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself, but my nerves were getting the best of me. I couldn’t face Adonis, not after everything that had happened between us that night. After I left him without any explanation.

Slowly, I got up from the table and turned to face him. He was wearing a suit! A damn black suit and looked hotter than ever.

“Y…you people know each other?” I heard Justin’s confused voice slicing through the air.

Before I could answer him, Adonis spoke up measuring me with a challenging smirk, “Very well. Right, Ms. Evelyne?”

My eyes snapped up to his face when I heard my name escaping his mouth. He was smiling but that smile didn’t reach his eyes. It didn’t belong to the man who used to be friendly and easygoing with me.

This one had this icy touch that was enough to chill my bones. Now again, what was he doing here?

How did he know my name? How did he know Justin?

Ashley told me that the dinner was for Justin’s business associate. Was it Adonis?

Now fate! Fuc*king fate, man!

Why it had to be him?

I swallowed hard when I felt several pairs of eyes on me. Aniya, Ashley, and Justin. They were looking at me … at us… while I had zoned out.

I cleared my throat and tried to bring a small smile to my face, “I… yes… We … have met!” I felt my cheeks heat up when I witnessed him clenching his jaw, “B… but not that well.”Top of Form Adonis raised a brow and kept looking at me while his eyes were shouting, ‘ Really? Not that well? We spent the night together! Without a shred of clothing!’

Gosh! That was an awkward situation.

Justin offered Adonis to sit beside him. Right in front of me. I could not avoid looking at him. I could not keep myself hidden from his eyes.

There was still some time in serving the dinner. The conversation flowed smoothly among Ashley, Justin, and Aniya. I was relieved that Adonis had not said another word about our past, but I couldn’t help feeling his gaze on me from time to time.

After a few minutes when the dishes were served, Adonis spoke up,” Evelyne, I remember you once mentioned how much you love seafood. You should try this dish, it’s excellent.”

Fu*cker. He was referring to the seafood pasta I last ate with him.

I thanked him politely for the suggestion and couldn’t help but wonder if there was a hidden meaning behind his mentioning seafood. Was he trying to remind me of our romantic night?

I wanted to run away. I wanted to leave. But that only meant that my friends will not only follow me but will also grill me with questions.

They did have an idea that there was a man who I called Adonis. But they never asked me questions. I had a suspicion that my friends were privy to the cause of the recent bout of depression.

“So, Ms. Evelyne.” Adonis called me from across the table, ‘Tell me. Do you love to kayak?”

The question made me choke on the chicken piece in my mouth. Aniya sitting beside me started patting my back, “Are you alright?” she asked me with concern, and then her next remark was enough to bring me down on the earth, “It’s been more than a week and she is still feeling weak from the illness.”

My poor friend tried to protect me without knowing that she was sharing my details with the man who I wanted to stay away from.

“Oh,” the concern flashed in his eyes, “What happened?” “A few days back on a weekend, she came home with a high fever. She couldn’t go to her salon. You know, she owns it?” She asked him excitedly.

Urgh! I wanted to kill her. Sometimes she was an annoying chatterbox who didn’t know how to control her tongue.

“So how are you feeling now, Ms. Long… I mean… Ms. Evelyne.”

I nodded my head weakly and stretched my jaw for a forced smile, “I am good. Thanks.” I could not afford to take his name.

Elijah was not possible. And calling him Adonis would certainly ring bells in my friends’ heads. I was stuck.

God! I was stuck!

Throughout the dinner, Adonis continued making subtle references to our history of seafood and kayaking, but I tried to keep the conversation light and neutral.

At one point, Adonis leaned forward and whispered, “You know, Evelyne, I still have that necklace you left at my place. I’ve been waiting for the right moment to return it to you.”

I felt my heart race at his words. Did he mean what I thought he meant? Or was he just trying to mess with my head?

We both knew there was NO necklace in the equation. My friends knew that I never wore a necklace.

I tried to brush it off, ’Oh, that old thing? I’m sure I can get by without it.’

You are one hell of a dog, Adonis. I want to kill you! Huh!

Adonis smirked, his eyes locked on mine, ‘Are you sure about that, Evelyne? It was always your favorite, wasn’t it?”

I felt my cheeks flush as I realized the double meaning behind his words. I tried my best to keep my composure and not let him see how much his words affected me.

“You can return me if you want. You know where my salon is.” I said while playing with my food. There was no more appetite left in me.

“I did go there but the salon people told me you were not coming. They won’t tell me your address. I wanted to return it to you myself.” He wiped his mouth with a cotton napkin and tossed it on the table.

Instead of responding to that double meaning remark, I nodded politely and started forcing the food down my throat. If he thought, he could squeeze this information out of me in the presence of my friends then he was in for a surprise.

I was not a fool. He was delivering this hidden message that he did visit the salon while looking for me.

As the night progressed, the conversation turned more personal. All of us shared stories of our past experiences with our jobs and schools. The funniest ones were from Ashley and Aniya, who used to prank everyone in the orphanage. Justin used to beam with pride whenever his wife started speaking and I couldn’t help but notice this sudden tension between Adonis and me.

After at one point, when drinks were served, Adonis raised his glass and proposed a toast, “To old flames and new beginnings.”

I felt my heart skip a beat. Was he referring to our past or something else entirely?

Nobody seemed to notice it and everyone followed him. I too raised my own glass, trying to keep my voice steady, “To new beginnings, indeed.’

After getting done with the dinner, Justin took Adonis to his study, and Aniya and Ashley immediately turned to me with questioning looks. “Who is he?” Ashley asked, her eyes scanning my face for any hints, “Like I know he is Justin’s business friend. But you two seem to know each other.”

I shrugged nonchalantly. ’It’s nothing, Ash. Just an old friend. We go way back.”

But they weren’t buying it. I could see it in their eyes, “There’s something more, isn’t there?’ Aniya pressed.

I shifted in my seat, feeling a bit uncomfortable under their scrutiny. “What do you mean?”

Ashley leaned forward, her voice low. ’Don’t play dumb with us, love. You and Elijah seem to know each other really well.’

I flinched at the mention of his name. Taking a deep breath, I tried to compose myself. “We’ve just known each other for a while. It’s not that big of a deal.”

But they weren’t satisfied. “Come on, spill the tea,” Aniya urged, a mischievous glint in her eye.

I shook my head. “I really don’t want to talk about it right now.”

Ashley huffed, clearly annoyed. “Fine, be mysterious. But we’re going to get to the bottom of this.”

I smiled weakly, hoping to diffuse the tension. “Go ahead, honey.”

I didn’t want to lie to my friends, but I also didn’t want to reveal too much about my past with Adonis.

“Listen. He’s just someone I used to know,” I said carefully, “Nothing else. Nothing serious. Ok?”

Aniya raised an eyebrow. “Used to know? So, you’re not close anymore?’

I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. ‘We…haven’t really kept in touch, no. It’s been … a … a long …

time.” I tried to smile and attached the wine glass to my lips.

Ashley leaned forward, her voice low. “Come on, Eve, there’s something more to this. You two do have a history, don’t you? It’s just not friendship.”

I felt myself getting flustered under their scrutiny. “It’s complicated, guys,” I said, hoping that would be enough to deterthem.

But they weren’t satisfied. “Complicated how?” Aniya hissed.

I bit my lip, feeling like I was backed into a corner. “Look, I don’t really want to talk about it, okay?”

Aniya seemed clearly annoyed. “So, I guess we’ll just have to use our imaginations.”

I tried to ignore the sinking feeling in my stomach as they continued to speculate about my relationship with Adonis.

Eventually, they seemed to lose interest in the topic and the conversation turned to other things. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that my devil friends had suspected that there was more to the story than I was letting on.

***

“Eve! Why don’t you both stay here tonight? We have extra guestrooms.” Ashley came up with the idea but as always, I didn’t want to.

I had to come up with an excuse, “I have to visit the salon tomorrow, Ash. I can’t. Maybe on the weekend?” “You are joining the salon tomorrow?” Aniya turned to me, “No way You are still weak!”

I smiled weakly trying to appear convincing, “I am feeling much better, Aniya. Besides it’s just a quick visit. It won’t take long. I promise.”

I could not keep running away from Adonis. Sooner or later, I had to face him. Just because he knew where my salon was, I couldn’t leave my dream venture.

Ashley looked disappointed, but she didn’t push the issue. ‘Alright, if, you’re sure. But you know you’re always welcome here if you need a place to stay.”

I nodded gratefully, grateful that she didn’t seem too upset. “Thanks, Ash. I appreciate it.”

Aniya still looked concerned, but she seemed to accept my explanation.” Okay, just promise us, you’ll take it easy, alright?”

I nodded again, feeling relieved that the conversation was finally moving on. As I chatted with my friends, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for not being entirely honest with them. But I knew I had my reasons for not wanting to stay over, and I hoped they would understand.

We were arguing about something when I saw Justin coming towards us along with Adonis. I wanted to divert my attention but couldn’t do it.

Unlike earlier he had taken his jacket off and was now in a simple white shirt with its two buttons opened at the collar. He had rolled off his sleeves and his jacket was hanging on his left arm.

“He is taking his leave, kitten,” Justin told his wife and we all stood up to see off the guest.

“Thanks for having me, Ashley.” He stretched his hand for a handshake. After shaking Ashley’s and Aniya’s hands he came towards me, “I can drop you home if you want.”

He said after getting done with the handshake. Nice try Adonis! I am not letting you see where I live. I knew it was silly of me but not now. I wanted time to tackle all this.

“I have got my car,” I said giving him a tightlipped smile. He nodded and gestured towards his same fancy car.

“It’s dark. So, I can drop you both. Justin can send your car tomorrow with a driver.” Crap. He had cornered me when Justin agreed with him.

“He is right, Eve.” Justin said with concern, “He can drop you and Aniya.”

If it was some other man, I would have given him a shut up call. But this was Justin who had been like a caring brother to me. Lately, both husband and wife had been trying to be my parents.

“N…No…” I scratched my chin with a chuckle, “I… I was actually planning to stay here. Umm… Ashley just offered me and …” I was trying to ignore the glares my friends were throwing at me.

“Oh,” Adonis nodded and then held my hand lightly lacing his fingers through mine, “then I guess walk with me to that car, Evelyne. Will you? Bye, Justin.” “Bye, Elijah.”

Sheet! What even! My friends seemed happy.

***

Adonis leaned casually against his car, his dark eyes locked onto my face. His voice was low and husky as he spoke my name, sending a shiver down her spine.

“So, your name is Evelyne,’ he said as if he had just discovered something precious.

Adonis had always been a mystery to me, but now that he knew my name, I felt exposed somehow.

But before I could say anything, Adonis cut in. ‘I am…” “I know,’ I interrupted hurriedly, my heart racing.

“I heard Justin calling your name.”

Adonis raised an eyebrow but didn’t remark. Instead, he asked, “Care to explain why you slipped out of my apartment that night without even letting me know? Don’t you think I deserve some explanation?”

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. I had been hoping to avoid this conversation, but now it seemed inevitable.

“I… I’m sorry,” I stammered. “But we’re done, Adonis.” “Elijah,” he corrected me, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “My name is Elijah.’

I blinked, feeling a sudden surge of anger. How dare he made light of this?

But before I could say anything, he spoke again. “Why?” he asked simply.

My heart skipped a beat. It was a simple question, but one that held so much weight. Why was I ending things between them?

“I thought we shared something deep,’ Elijah continued gently, his gaze never leaving my face. “Then why are you ending it?”

I felt a lump rise in my throat. This was harder than I had anticipated.” Because I think we were taking things too far,” I finally managed to say.

As soon as the words were out, I wished I could take them back. They sounded so weak, so inadequate. He just nodded slowly, and I could see the pain in those eyes.

“Fair enough, I understand.” He said quietly, “But you could have talked to me. I could make it slow for you. I am sorry if I scared you, Evelyne. But please give it a chance.”

Was he pleading?

“Don’t you think I deserve a chance? We deserve a chance, Eve.” I moved my eyes away from his face but he was quick to hold my cheeks in his palms, “Eve. You must be wondering how I know your name.

I went to your Salon. The lady… Mrs. Margret told me your name.” He smiled.

“The game we were playing. I never had this idea that you have such a lovely name.” Oh, God. I wish I could tell him that I didn’t like his name.

“There is so much about me I want to tell you, Eve.” He whispered.

“And that is?” Before I could stop myself, the words were out.

‘This fancy car you were teasing me about. It doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to my friend who let me have it when I arrived in town. Though I do own that apartment.” He chuckled, “I am sorry if you get overwhelmed by my emotions or lovemaking. I promise we would take it slow. At your pace. But please don’t jilt me without knowing me.”

When I stayed quiet, he became somewhat frustrated, “I am not a stalker, Eve. I promise if you say no, I will not follow you. But please… don’t say no, yet.” “I appreciate your honesty,” I finally said, my voice soft. “And I can see that you mean what you say. But I need some time to think things over. I can’t make any promises right now.”

Adonis’s face fell, and I felt a pang of guilt. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I couldn’t ignore my own feelings.

“Please,” he said, his voice pleading. “Just give me a chance. I promise I won’t let you down.”

I looked into his green eyes, searching for any sign of insincerity. But all I saw were raw emotions, and I knew that he was telling the truth.

“I… I am sorry,” I said finally, before turning to walk away.

As I walked back to my friends, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was making the right decision. But deep down, I knew that there was no space for another Elijah in my life.

There was only one. I could still feel his eyes burning holes in my back.

Just then he called me from behind, “Evelyne! I hope our paths cross again soon. There’s still so much left unsaid between us.”

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words, but I tried to play it cool. Turning to him, I kept walking back, “Who knows what the future holds, Adonis? Maybe our paths will never cross again?” “I won’t give up, Eve.” He said, “I won’t give up on us!” his voice held a promise. Did he mean he would not let me go?

He would keep stalking me?

No! My heart wasn’t convinced. Nopes! If he was planning to be a stalker, then that would be a bummer. Isn’t it?