04:

EVELYN

One year later

Dave and I shared a bond that went beyond what most couples experience. Every day with him was a dance of passion and intimacy, a connection so intense that felt as though nothing else mattered. We indulged in each other in ways that defied the ordinary, finding solace and ecstasy in every moment we spent together.

That afternoon, I lay on his chest, my bare skin brushing against his warmth. The cool breath of his nose kissed my exposed breasts, with his hand cupping one of my boobs, shielding me from the world. His steady heartbeat beneath my ear was a melody I never wanted to stop hearing.

“Evelyn!” My dad’s voice startled me, breaking the tranquil silence.

“Yes, Daddy, I’m coming!” I called back, running to grab the tank top lying next to Dave. I slipped it on hastily, my hands trembling as I adjusted it.

I walked to the door, pulling the fabric down properly to make myself presentable. Dad stood there, his expression unreadable but calm.

“Let’s go to my study, angel,” he said, his tone soft yet commanding.

He had always called me “angel” since I was a little girl, an endearment that made me feel special, as though I was the center of his world. It was a nickname that carried a warmth I cherished, even as I grew older.

But whenever Dad invited me to his study, it meant only one thing—a serious conversation was coming. My chest tightened with nerves as memories of our last discussion resurfaced. Back then, it had been about my poor academic performance, a time when Sam’s betrayal still stung. He had cheated on me, seeking fantasies I couldn’t fulfill, and Dad’s words about my studies had cut deep. This time, though, I had no idea what he wanted to discuss. The uncertainty gnawed at me.

Once inside his study, Dad leaned back in his chair, his eyes softening as he began to speak. “My angel, the day you were born was the happiest day of my life. I finally had a child of my own, someone to love and cherish forever. You’ve always been my pride, Evelyn.” He paused, his gaze turning thoughtful. “You know, Dave doesn’t share my blood. He’s your mom’s son, not mine.”

“Yes, Dad,” I nodded, trying to gauge where this conversation was heading.

My mind raced, wishing he would just get to the point. The suspense was tormenting, and my heart pounded in my chest. What could he possibly be leading up to? Was this about school again? He often sweet-talked me into focusing on my studies, reminding me of Dave’s achievements.

Dave never struggled academically. From the start of college, he had excelled on a full scholarship, effortlessly maintaining top grades. I envied his discipline and intelligence, though I admired him even more. Girls flocked to him, some going as far as buying me gifts in the hope I’d convince him to date them.

But Dave never wavered. His loyalty to me was unwavering, and in moments like these, I wished I could emulate his focus and confidence. Still, as Dad continued to speak, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this conversation wasn’t about school at all.

“Are you still a virgin, angel?” Dad’s voice was calm but carried an undertone of seriousness that made my chest tighten.

“Yes, Dad, I’m still a virgin,” I replied, my voice steady though my hands fidgeted nervously.

“You don’t have to lie to me, Evelyn. Tell me the truth,” he pressed, his gaze piercing.

My mind curled into panic. Had he heard my moans at night? Did he somehow know what Dave and I have been up to? Thousands of thoughts raced through my head, but I forced myself to stay composed. I had never lied to my parents before, not about anything. I was raised with love and honesty, and the thought of betraying their trust was unbearable.

“I’ll never lie to you, Dad,” I said firmly, meeting his eyes.

He sighed, his expression softening. “Of course, I believe you, angel. I’m so proud of you. You have no idea how rare this is. Most girls your age aren’t virgins anymore. But you, you’ve held on to something so special. You’ve made me proud.”

The pressure in my chest eased, and my heart began to settle. Maybe this was just an innocent question after all. “Yes, Dad, I’m aware,” I replied, relief washing over me.

He nodded, his demeanor shifting. “That’s very good of you, Evelyn,” he said before clearing his throat. “You know how things have been with my business lately, don’t you?”

Of course, everyone in the house was aware. Dad had been selling off properties to keep the company afloat. We all knew things were bad, but why he was discussing this with me specifically, I didn’t understand.

“Yes, Daddy,” I said gently. “How’s it going now?” My voice was laced with concern, hoping he had good news for a change.

His expression darkened. “We haven’t gotten far,” he admitted. “I was only able to pay a few staff, but I had to lay off many others. The company is on the verge of collapse, Evelyn. I’ve worked so hard for it. This was your grandfather’s legacy.”

“I know, Dad,” I said softly, my heart sinking as I saw the pain etched into his face. I hated the look on my dad’s face. He looked like he was going to be in a pool of tears any moment from now.

He exhaled deeply and looked at me intently. “I don’t want this to affect your education. I want to give you everything, Evelyn. But to do that, I need your help.”

“How, Dad?” I asked eagerly, leaning forward. “You know I’ll do anything for you. Just tell me.”

“I want you to marry Charles,” he said finally, the words landing like a bombshell.

I stared at him, stunned. “You want me to marry Charles?” I repeated, my voice rising. The thought alone was revolting. Charles was dull, overly serious, and completely uninspiring. He lacked the charm or excitement I was drawn to, and worse, he seemed oblivious to anything beyond books and business deals. The idea of spending my life with him felt suffocating.

“Dad!” I yelled, unable to contain my frustration. “How could you even ask that of me? You’re not being fair! You want me to marry someone I don’t even like!”

He stood up, moving behind me. I felt his hands rest gently but firmly on my shoulders. “Evelyn,” he began, his voice steady yet tinged with urgency, “You can't like someone if you don't give it a trial. I would never do anything to hurt you, but this is important. This union will save the company. It’s everything I’ve worked for, everything my father built. And Mike’s family—they have a tradition. Their sons only marry virgins. You’re our saving grace, Evelyn. The future of the company depends on you.”

Seeing my dad begging, with tears silently streaming down his face, broke something deep inside of me. I had never seen him cry before. Mom once told me that the only time he ever shed tears was the day I was born when he held me in his arms for the first time. The memory of that story only deepened the ache in my chest.

I loved my dad with every part of me, but this… this was too much. He was asking me to give up my dreams, my fantasies of what marriage and sex life should be. I had always imagined a future filled with passion and a love that consumed me like Dave’s. Dad’s request would close that door forever, locking me in a life I didn’t want.

“Dad,” I whispered, my voice trembling as tears welled up in my eyes. “I’m not happy about this, but if it’s the only way to save your company, I’ll do it.” The words felt like poison, and as they left my lips, I couldn’t hold back anymore. I broke into sobs, the weight of the decision crushing me.

Dad fell on his knees in front of me, his hands trembling as they reached for mine. “Evelyn,” he said, his voice cracking under the weight of his guilt. “I’m so sorry. I never thought I’d be this kind of father. I never realized how selfish I was until now.” His tears fell freely, each one a testament to his pain. “Please, forgive me. I don’t deserve your sacrifice, but I will forever owe you for this. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you.”

His words were fucking hard on me. Seeing my strong and stoic father broken like this was almost too much to bear, it was obvious he desperately need the company to stand back on its feet. I didn’t know what to say, so I just nodded, tears streaming down my face as his hands gripped mine tightly.

All I could feel was the suffocating numbness of duty and love, pulling me in opposite directions, a bitter weight settling in my chest as I left his study. As I walked back to my room, the disappointment was too much to mask. Dave, who had been waiting anxiously for me by the door caught sight of me. His brows furrowed with concern as he took one look at me.

“Evie, what’s wrong? What did he say?” he asked, stepping closer.

Everyone knew how much Dad loved me. He’d never raised his voice at me, never hit me. But how could I tell Dave the truth? That Dad wanted to trade my future for the company’s survival? For the first time in years, I lied.

“Nothing,” I said, avoiding his gaze. “Dad just talked to me about my performance in school. He said I’ve been improving.” The words felt foreign on my tongue, but I kept my face neutral.

Dave’s expression shifted, with his voice laced with frustration. “Come here,” he said sharply. Before I could react, he grabbed me by my hair and pulled me into the room.