I sighed for the umpteenth time today, as I finally got to update my novel anonymously after a long period of time. Every time I felt so filled up, my mind was always wandering.
Being a writer wasn't easy for me because my personal life interfered with my writing. I've been emotionally down, with different thoughts waging me day and night. It felt like my peace of mind was being thwarted. I wasn't happy.
Ryan wasn't doing a good job either. He avoids me, and it only makes my heart ache. Even when I made the decision to keep him at arm's length, I felt it was a wrong move, so I will keep enduring, at least for the moment.
I checked the comment section after I had pointed out the love story of Ryan and I will be ending in a sequel. The comments were lovely, as most encouraged me to upload on time.
I was delighted and appreciated them. Readers who comment are the best.
Kathleen and Eva are still the set of individuals who uplifted my spirit almost every time. They still try to convince me to be calm, as Ryan would definitely make the right choice soon.
They believe Ryan loves me, but still finds it difficult to confess to me because of his ego.
In my mind, I was hoping he really makes the appropriate decision soon before I make a conclusion on mine….
My mental health was suffering.
My phone rang as I gazed at my phone screen showing an unknown number. I picked it up, as the voice I disliked hearing came through.
"Ariel, dear, It's been a while. How are you doing?”
Her voice tickled down my receptors, and it was enough to remind me of how she pulled off her tricks in the hospital.
“Why are you calling me?”I retorted, hoping the phone call would end.
"Are you still angry at me?”Her sober or pretentious voice came through, prompting me to roll my eyes.
"I should be the one angry, Ariel.You attempted to kill me, remember? That day, I thought I would die. Why do you hate me so much?”
At that, I burst into laughter. It was really weird she still had the confidence to spill those words. I could even hear her sniffing. Was she crying? She deserves an Oscar award for the most beautiful pretender.
"Drop the act already, Evelyn. It seems you still struggle with amnesia. You should have a check-up, naysayer. You have just five seconds to spill those right words of yours, or I am hanging up the call.”I threatened, as I began the countdown.
She finally spoke.
"Fine, I want to invite you to a restaurant. There is something important I would like to tell you in person.”
She finally voiced out, and as sweet as her voice was, I should still be conscious of her, but this time, I really looked forward to seeing her.
I mean, what could be the worst that could happen?
I just had to be careful and who knows if this might help me in discovering something about Evelyn. She seemed to be hiding a lot from Ryan.
"I agree. Send the address of the place. Meanwhile, it should be an open place.”Saying that, I hung up the call, ready to see Evelyn.
**********
I stopped at a distance, staring at the one who had been behind my sadness for the past weeks. The one who framed me, almost making Ryan not to trust me. Just because of her, Ryan seemed to be torn between two women.
I breathed out slowly, taking in her elegant features. She was sitting, her legs crossed, her face with light makeup. She had her hair in a bun, her lips plastered with pink lipstick.
She really obeyed, finding a private arrangement that was in an open place.
As if noticing someone was gazing at her, her eyes met mine, as her lips wore a wide smile.
I decided to take steps closer, my motion slow and steady, with calculated moves. I was cautious of my environment, my gaze lingered around until I reached where Evelyn was seated.
At that moment, I blamed myself for not telling anyone about my movements. It wasn't a good thing on my part.
"Welcome, please sit.”
I sat, as I folded my arms against my chest, the smile on her lips still visible to my sight.
It was as if she were indirectly mocking me. It is what it is. 'I am a wall.' I chanted inwardly, my face deadpanned.
"What is this about Evelyn?”I inquired, as she adjusted to her seat.
"You seem to be in a haste, Ariel, what would you like to have?” She asked, as I simply looked sideways.
"Thank you. I'm fine. Can we be fast here?”
I really blamed myself for coming to meet her. It was a waste of time.
"You really love Ryan, don't you?”She swooned, as I felt my hand shake a bit.
"It is just sad he doesn't love you. He loves me.”
I broke into laughter. Well, at least because of two things.
To cover up for her half discovered truth that Ryan does not love me. The other because it was hilarious on her part to think Ryan loved her.
"My bad. Apologies.”I cleared my throat, as dismay was the bodly written on her face.
"Ryan doesn't love you. The earlier you let go of that illusion, the better for you. You are beginning to go far, Evelyn Armstrong.”I stated calmly, hoping it would get stuck in her memory.
"Really? Are you afraid, dear?”She replied, her voice pulling out a taunting mockery.
"You really think too much of yourselves, Evelyn. I love Ryan, and you can't take him away from me. No matter what, he will always come back to me.”
There was an ounce of confidence in me as I spoke, and I was pleased I spoke.
She slammed her fist on the table, her face concocting in anger.
"You are just a second wife. Don't worry, I promise to make a move on Ryan soon.”
I felt irritated by her words. Should I say she was shameless? Nah, at least she was still Ryan's wife, especially now that she was alive.
It is just weird that the current Evelyn was having a memory loss. Then why is he so interested in Ryan if she can't remember anything about her past.
"You know, for someone who had a memory loss, I don't think you should ogle at someone's husband, since you don't know him. Or are you pretending, Evelyn.”I enunciated each word slowly, taking delight in how her face was priceless, dismay boldly written on her.
She tensed slightly.
"Ryan mentioned how close we were in the past. I think I am falling for him. Who do you think you are? Why do you even feel you are special to Ryan?”She seethed, her voice suddenly becoming enraged.
It was my clue to prepare to take my leave, as soon as possible. She is a maniac and could pull off anything as soon as possible.
"I heard a rumor that you are in pain.”I teased further, as her face wore fury. She was quiet.
“News flash, Ryan doesn't find it comfortable eating other meals except mine. Can you cook a perfect meal for him? Oh, I can even calm him down easily when angry with others. Do you have that superpower? This shows clearly how special I am in Ryan's life.”I explained, as I winked at her.
I felt a taint of guilt flood through me. Not only that, but I think I gave too many details out. But I really felt this woman needed to be put in her place.
"But, you are not pregnant. What sheer audacity and bad luck. With time, Ryan will lie down with me, and I will bore him a child.”
I felt a wave of sadness instantly. But she wasn't right about something. Ryan would never lie down with her, not to mention another woman. I trust him.
"Who knows if I am pregnant? Time will tell. Meanwhile, be careful, your secret will be out very soon.”I grinned, leaning closer as we stared at each other, her eyes beaming with fury.
"I still have to prepare lunch for my husband, I would like to take my leave now.”
I stood, peeking at her one last time as I made to leave.
"Are you looking forward to a happy anniversary between you, two?“ Her words were able to stop my forward movement as I turned abruptly.
"Aren't you interested in finding out what I intend to do on your anniversary?” She said, as I simply smiled.
It was her sheer audacity for me.
"Who knows? You might be getting a surprise package instead.”
I watched as her smile slowly slowly dimmed.
"Have it at the back of your mind that what goes around comes around. You will reap what you sow. Goodbye Evelyn."
I left with just one thought in mind:' to see Damien'.