Just as Evelyn was about to type a reply to the text ssage, an encrypted video call suddenly popped up on her screen.
She stared at it for a few seconds, wearing a sour little smile like the laptop had just personally offended her.
A heavy sigh slipped from her lips as she debated whether to accept.
She hardly ever had the ti or patience to confront him. Usually, they only have a video call when she is in deep trouble. And it was always her calling him, not the other way around, like this.
Before Evelyn could decide, the call connected itself, and there he was—a man in black-frad glasses, worry practically radiating from his eyes.
She chuckled miserably, amazed at how fast he’d caught wind of her latest drama, even from halfway across the world.
"You must have a ton of free ti over there, Oscar, if you’re scrolling through gossip from my side of the planet,"
Evelyn said without bothering with a hello. They had long since passed the stage of polite greetings.
"Are you alright?" He clearly ignored her jab.
She shook her head and let out a soft chuckle.
"Dang, Oscar... of course I’m fine. If I weren’t, I probably wouldn’t be talking to you right now because I’d be lying down in the ergency room."
Instead of laughing at her sarcastic answer, he smirked faintly before snapping, "What the fuck happened with you? Why did your father kick you out of the family?"
"Why ask when you can dig the info yourself? And rember, he’s no longer my father... he’s my ex-father."
Evelyn nearly burst into laughter in her head as she watched Oscar Jennings, her best friend, with his comical jaw practically hitting the floor.
She knew perfectly well that if Oscar wanted answers, he could get them in minutes.
He was still the sa formidable hacker she’d t years ago; one search, and every ugly detail of her latest scandal would be sitting neatly on his screen.
Oscar shook his head, disappointnt and sympathy flickering across his face.
"I’m sorry, Eve. You must be hurting so much you’ve forgotten my promise."
"What promise?" she asked, puzzled. He wasn’t wrong; half her mories felt hazy now. Or maybe she’d just shoved them into the ntal shredder for her own sanity.
"I promised I’d never dig any dirt on you... not on your life, your family, your friends, unless you asked to."
Evelyn let out a deep sigh, her chest tightening. It was her silent way of telling him he could dig all he wanted now. Those nas, that family... she’d erased them from her life. She didn’t care anymore.
Oscar’s gaze sharpened, a flicker of worry flashing in his eyes.
"Eve, you can trust . Just tell what really happened. I’m here to help you, my friend..."
They locked eyes like two competitors in a high-stakes staring contest; no blinks, no surrender.
After what felt like a century, Evelyn finally caved. Fine. She’d tell him.
Besides, carrying her burdens alone was really draining, and she could definitely use a little extra support to lighten her load.
"William Walters..." she said with casual nonchalance, as if she were announcing tomorrow’s weather. "He kicked out because I refused to marry the man he had selected and picked for ."
Oscar’s face shifted quickly from curiosity to a sour expression, as if he had just tasted a lemon.
It was a hilarious and relatable mont that made Evelyn stifle a smile.
"What the heck? How could he do that to his own daughter? His own bloodline. Are you sure he’s your father? Woah! What he did is fucking sick and unbelievable! William Walters is evil... no, pure villain material. He’s so fucking terrible as a human being! And a father!!"
Evelyn couldn’t help but laugh, amused at the way his face flushed crimson, looking seconds away from letting steam whistle out of his ears.
"Well, my friend," she said, a smirk tugging at her lips, "I’m starting to suspect he’s not my biological father. He’s on a whole other level of terrible. Truly shaless..."
Oscar exhaled heavily, giving her a look dripping with pity. However, with his sharp tongue, pity always ca with a side of judgnt.
"So what are you going to do now?" His voice still carried the weight of concern.
"What else? Obviously, I’ll start my new life. No rush. I’m just going to enjoy my little refresh..." she replied, flashing him a smile that was ant to ease the furrow in his brow, though judging by his expression, it wasn’t working.
He is still worried.
"Eve, co here. Dating , I’ll take care of you..." He offered.
Her brow creased.
’Oh great. Serious Oscar. Just what I needed today...’
She feels Oscar suddenly looked like a different man, like so overly responsible alter ego had body-snatched her best friend.
Typically, this guy was all jokes, no strings. Romance between them? Please. That ship had never even been built.
"I can’t. I need to stay here for now," Evelyn replied casually, keeping her tone light. "But maybe in the future, I might consider moving to your country."
Then Oscar dropped a line that nearly sent her choking on thin air.
"Seriously, Eve... co here and let’s get married."
"Cough... Cough... Excuse , what?!"
She feels like her brain short-circuited.
Instead of laughing like a normal human at her horror, Oscar’s eyes narrowed.
Was he being serious... or was this so bizarre attempt to make her smile? She honestly couldn’t tell.
"Are you crazy?"
"I’m Oscar Jennings... not crazy." His delivery was maddeningly deadpan.
"Drop it! I’m serious, Oscar. And don’t even joke about that. My heart is fragile... It might break easily."
Evelyn glared while she shook her head.
"I’ve never been this serious before, Eve. Co here... I’ll make sure you never have to worry about a thing. Just enjoy your life to the fullest. No drama, no stress, just fun." His voice still carried that unnerving sincerity.
Instead of blushing like so romance heroine, Evelyn burst out laughing.
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