Fight for friend

“WHO BROUGHT HIM HERE??”

An ear-splitting scream filled with rage rang in the corridor of the hospital grabbing everyone’s attention.

Hearing the scream, Hunter who was guarding the room hurriedly rushed inside only to see Dylan standing at the foot of the bed while her mother threw objects at his way, not even caring about the blood that was trickling down her palm.

The nurses tried their best to hold back Mrs. Black who was having a fit. Her hair was a tangled mess and her angry eyes glared at her son with contempt and hatred. Hunter gulped and looked at Dylan whose eyes brimmed with endless despair. His face bore a solemn look but deep down he was dealing with an emotional upheaval by watching the state of her mother who had lost her senses only because he came to meet her.

Hunter felt bad for him. There were only two people who could understand the Mafia lord better. One was Elijah and the other was Hunter. They were aware that their Boss never unfurl his emotions. He suppresses them in his heart and prefers suffering alone. Even the news of his father’s demise couldn’t draw out his tears. Dylan was shocked, and bogged in pain but refused to cry. He was an expert in masking his pain with a cold look but despite his efforts, Hunter could decipher the melancholy hidden behind his dark eyes.

The doctor immediately filled the syringe and injected it with utmost difficulty into her swollen vein.

“Y-You killed him, hideous monster. You and your fucking bitch murdered my love, I hate you.” Mrs. Black continued screaming but soon her eyes turned droopy as the medicine spread into her body. Dylan let out a shaky breath as she collapsed on the bed. The nurses pulled the cover over her as the woman fell into a deep slumber.

The room turned silent.

With wobbly steps, Dylan stepped forward, treading over the pierces of glasses shattered all over the floor while studying her weak form that was completely sucked out of life. Huge bags under her eyes, lips chapped, gnarled fingers, and saggy skin with multiple tubes attached to her frail and skinny arms squeezed his heart brutally. His eyes turned misty but he held back his tears and raised his hand and ever so softly, caressed her head.

Her mother was so beautiful and cautious about her looks. She never compromised with her beauty and style but see how the world reversed. Mr. Black’s death had a terrible impact on her health. She even refused to see Dylan’s face but he was determined to save her. He could bear her hatred but would never abandon her again.

“Take good care of her.” He spoke dryly.

The doctor gave him a sad nod. There was nothing he could do except keep her alive on medicines because her body wasn’t willing to recover. The poor woman had lost hope but Dylan didn’t want to give her euthanasia. With Evelyn and Mr. Black leaving his side, he doesn’t want to lose his only family.

The ruthless Mafia was scared of loneliness.

*****

Hunter was worried for Dylan who hadn’t spoken a word since they returned to San Francisco. Deep down he knew that his silence had something to do with Evelyn but Dylan would never say a word against her. He had become so habituated to bearing people’s hatred and insults.

The ping of his phone grabbed his attention. Hunter checked it only to see the recording of the day that was sent by the hotel’s security team. They have mailed it only to him because Dylan hates his men prying into his matters.

Hunter earlier tried to snuff his curiosity but it’s been four days since they landed in San Francisco, four days since Dylan caged himself in his office as a pretext of work and refused to see anyone. Hunter couldn’t hold it any longer and called the manager of the hotel where Evelyn stayed to give him the clip of that day. New York was Dylan’s realm so obviously, no one possess the guts to oppose him or his men.

Hunter wasted no time and opened his laptop to download the recording. Taking a deep breath, he pressed the play button when the door burst open revealing Brandon.

“Hunter, where’s Dylan?” Brandon piped up when his eyes fell on the screen. Squinting them, he trotted towards Hunter and leaned on the table as he watched the recording along with him.

But by the end of the video, hot, red rage flooded inside his veins.

*****

Sitting on the bed with tired eyes, Evelyn adjusted her glasses before checking the presentation which her secretary had mailed to her.

“Mmm. But she hadn’t attached the reports for last month, also the charts of stock prices are missing. They have to be added to show the performance of the company or else we’ll miss this deal.”

Talking to herself, she eyed every detail carefully making sure not to leave any imperfections behind. The deal was important for her company. After all, she had waited for months to grab this opportunity. She had worked day and night just to get hold of this milestone.

Xander and she were working on opening the new hotel chain in New York for which they had scheduled a meeting tomorrow. Evelyn is going to oversee the project and she will be finalizing the blueprint in front of the two companies before contacting the best business client in New York to progress further. But before that, she needed to make sure that there were no mishaps from their side. She didn’t want a repeat of past mistakes. Once they get the clients, she will fix the deal so the construction starts in no time.

“Yup. Now it’s perfect.” Smiling proudly, she saved the files and closed all the windows. Heaving a deep breath, she turned off her Mac before placing it on the nightstand. She then took off her spectacles and grabbed a scrunchie to tie her hair.

“Tomorrow is going to be a big day.”

Stretching her arms, the girl got inside the covers and was about to turn off the lamp when her phone pinged.

“Ahh!! What is it now”, Evelyn groaned and reached out to her phone before turning it on but her eyes bulged out of her sockets when she checked the message.

“Close your windows sleepyhead before I do the honors for you.”

Her breath hitched. With the speed of light, she turned her neck to check the windows only to find the glass panes open.

“What the hell?”

Tossing the blanket with her legs, Evelyn jogged to the window and peeked outside. A gasp escaped her mouth as soon as her gaze landed on the brown-haired man who was staring at her with a wide smile etched on his handsome face.

“Brandon?”

Wearing the slippers, Evelyn hurriedly ran outside the house. Catching her breath, her eyes scanned the area before stopping at the man who was leaning over the bonnet of his Porsche. Brandon was dressed in casuals, with a white tee and black joggers.

Sensing her presence, he raised his head and waved at Evelyn enthusiastically as she walked towards him with a scowl.

“What are you doing at this hour?” Ignoring the pleasantries, Evelyn snapped at him. His lips crimped and hurt flickered across his eyes.

“What a great way to treat your friend, Chubby cheeks! Is your softness limited to Xander only?” Brandon made no move to hide his jealousy.

Evelyn sighed and rubbed her face with her palms, “No it’s not like that. You don’t even talk to me so obviously I will be surprised with your unannounced arrival.”

Brandon cocked his brow. Straightening his spine, he walked closer to her, “I don’t talk to you? The last time I checked you hated me so I simply distanced myself.”

Evelyn’s eyes softened. She shook her head and grabbed his hand which came as another shock for him.

“I don’t hate you, I was just angry but I decided to let go of the past. What’s done is been done and I am tired of dragging this fight. Just forget everything, I don’t even want to talk about it.” She stated.

Brandon was stunned but soon a smile spread on his lips. He immediately pulled her in his arms and hugged her tightly. Evelyn chuckled and returned the hug.

“That’s great to hear.”

He spoke but his voice was laced with derision.

Breaking the hug, Brandon looked at Evelyn and spoke, “I heard you brought your Dad back.”

Evelyn bobbed her head and beamed, “Yeah I did. My purpose to visit New York was to bring Dad along with me. I don’t want to abandon him in his old age. He needs me right now.” She asserted.

“What about your Mom?” Brandon inquired despite knowing the answer.

Her smile wavered. Evelyn turned uptight. The least she wanted right now was to highlight that matter.

She cleared her throat before replying, “She doesn’t want to come.”

Brandon noticed how she was avoiding his eyes. He chuckled mentally, it was the perfect time to get on her wick.

“Why?”

Evelyn couldn’t hide her annoyance at his continuous interrogation.

“I don’t want to talk about her. You must be cold, come inside.” She tried avoiding the subject and leaped to grab his hand but Brandon stepped back much to her dismay.

“But why you didn’t bring your Mom? She also must have grown old. Why the partiality Evelyn?”

Evelyn froze as she didn’t expect that question.

“What if something happens to your mother? You’ll be solely responsible for it.” Brandon spoke in a scathing tone, but not before passing her a glare.

Evelyn blistered, “What do you mean huh? Don’t you know what she has done? She sold me to Dylan when she was cognizant of his devious plans. She knew he had a girlfriend; she knew he only wanted my brain not me but to save her company she sold me and-”

“But that doesn’t give you the right to leave her in the lurch.” Brandon rudely cut her off and raged.

“Even if she is cruel and an obnoxious woman, she is your mother. Wasn’t your father equally guilty but you put all the blame on woman to get rid of your responsibility? You failed as a daughter. You’re a stigma in the name of a woman. Mrs. Clarke is not in the state to bear any heartbreaks but you kicked her off when she needed support. If she becomes mad, then you will be responsible for it. People will spit on you and hate you forever-”

*Slap*

Her hand contacted his cheek as she slapped him hard. His every word impaled her soul.

With angry tears gushing down her eyes, Evelyn grabbed his tee and screamed in his face.

“How dare you wish me ill? How could you? Despite knowing everything, you’re considering me responsible for leaving my mother? She was still justifying herself and her cruel deeds, Brandon. Tell me what should have I done? How could you think so low of me? I am not happy after leaving her, why can’t you understand?”

“Did you understand?”

Brandon spoke in a terse tone. Evelyn stilled; her eyes turned round in surprise.

“What?”

She tried removing her hand but Brandon gripped it firmly and pulled her close. Her heart coiled in dread as he pinned her down with a glare.

“Did it hurt to be accused of your mother’s condition when you have no hand in it? Will it kill you when your mother suffers a setback and loses sanity and people blame you for abandoning her?”

Evelyn clenched her jaw, “Didn’t she bring it upon herself? Didn’t she also ruin my life?”

“WILL THAT FUCKING MATTER IF SHE DIES IN GRIEF WITH HAVING NO ONE TO CALL FOR HELP??”

Brandon yelled making her jump on the spot. Evelyn gasped, a tear tumbled down her cheek as she cowered back in dread.

“I-I did nothing wrong. The world doesn’t know my story but how can you blame me when you know everything?” She cried while looking at him with desperation.

But what left her shook when Brandon flashed her a knowing smirk.

“Why? You did the same with Dylan. Does it ring a bell?” he ground out.

Silence fell upon them.

Evelyn didn’t see that coming. Her breath got stuck in her lungs while tears not stopped for once.

Brandon on the other hand wasn’t a bit moved by her broken state. He released her and dipped his hands in the pocket and let out a bitter chuckle.

“You know how much Mrs. Black brainwashed Dylan. I am not saying that he was a saint either but right now she is at her lowest point. Karma punished her turning her deranged but unlike you, Dylan didn’t abandon his mother. Yes, he wronged you he deserves to suffer but you have no right to call him a monster, blame him for his father’s death, and his mother’s mental illness when you’re no less the same.” He spat, his eyes narrowed at her in disdain.

Anger pricked at her spine.

How dare he?

Squaring her shoulders, Evelyn shot back, “Oh, so you’re here to advocate the devil? Of course, he must have stuffed your mouth with money besides he had turned more powerful now. I and Xander are nothing in front of him so for sure you would favor him.”

Brandon’s gaze turned dark with ire. But he didn’t his anger overpower him and maintained his composure.

Scoffing, he shook his head, “You have changed Evelyn. Xander whom you are praising so much now chased you because he didn’t give a damn about Dylan who was grieving his father and handling his sick mother.”

Brandon then looked at her and shot her a baleful glare, “Don’t fool me Evelyn but it’s the fact that if I hadn’t told you about Mr. Black’s demise, you wouldn’t have gone to see your parents so don’t give me this crap that you were missing them. You just remembered them when the thought of losing them scared you to the bone. But still, you chose one of them who always spoke in your favor and kicked out the one who was still not on your side. You’re also selfish, Evie.”

“DON’T COMPARE ME WITH HIM!!!”

Evelyn shrieked and marched forward before leveling him with a fierce glare.

“How can you even compare me with a man who is fanatic for bloodlust and tortures an innocent for his greed? I don’t know what turned you into his devotee but I am not like him. Yes, I humiliated him and maybe I am wrong but-”

“You are wrong this time, Evelyn.” Brandon snarled in a menacing tone. Evelyn was appalled by the murderous glare that was directed at her.

“Who said he kills an innocent? Yes, he is a Mafia but he has never killed an innocent. He is a Mafia lord Evelyn with unparalleled power and a sky-high reputation. His men were stationed outside Evelyn and they would have snapped your throat for daring to slap their Boss but they didn’t. Dylan isn’t someone whom you can tramp on. His love for you had changed him completely. He doesn’t give two flying fucks about the society but your opinions mattered to him.”

His voice turned soft as he grabbed her shoulders gently. Evelyn kept staring at him, not a but convinced by his words.

“He was with his mother, Evelyn before he came to meet you.” He confessed the truth.

Her jaw dropped, “W-What?”

“He wanted to meet you to take the edge off. He has no one at his side and despite your rejection, he keeps coming to you with hope that one day you will look at his efforts. I am not saying he doesn’t deserve your hatred, he is solely responsible but you shouldn’t have involved his parents in between. You touched his raw nerve by blaming him for his father’s death because Dylan also considers him responsible for it. I didn’t expect this from you Evelyn. I have been with Dylan since you left. I have seen him burning in the fire of anguish and redemption. He has changed Evie but you have also changed. Because the Evelyn I know is so blinded in wealth and fame that she doesn’t think before tearing one’s soul.”

Evelyn was rendered speechless. The disappointment in his eyes shattered her. She was never at the receiving end of Brandon’s anger but today even her tears didn’t deter him from criticizing her.

Brandon removed his hands and turned around to get to his car. Evelyn watched him with pained eyes. His words worked on her making her guilty. She hated Dylan but no one deserves this. She was so blinded in rage that she sputtered rubbish.

Evelyn jogged to him and held his hand when Brandon tried to slip inside his car.

“I-I am sorry Brandon. I didn’t realize it but you can’t blame me. Dylan was forcing me and I lost my calm.”

Brandon felt a bit bad as she explained to him while sobbing like a child. He turned around and wiped her tear with his thumb before cradling her face in his palm.

“I know you didn’t do it intentionally but you did hurt Dylan and I can’t help but detest it. Don’t forgive him but you need to apologize Evelyn. Dylan would never say that to you nor did he send me here. He would kill me when he comes to know that I reprimanded you.”

Evelyn slipped into a quietude. Brandon noticed how the mention of Dylan always threw her in turmoil.

“I know I have no right to interfere but mark my words, Evelyn. No one can love you more than him. Remain stubble as a mule but your beliefs would change soon, I can guarantee you that. That man can move heaven and earth to win you back. Don’t believe me but you will see that yourself.”

Saying that, he climbed into his car and drove away eventually leaving Evelyn in a dilemma.