The Game of Pretence

Evelyn was roused with the most heartbreaking news that someone had shot Dominique Blanchett. It was a deadly attack.

Evelyn was shocked out of her wits. She wasted no time and rushed to the hospital where she was met with a sobbing wife who was crying helplessly in her son’s embrace. They were no other than Mrs. Blanchett and Theodore. Theodore was fighting hard to control his tears while consoling his broken mother.

Evelyn took baby steps in their direction, her eyes turning misty.

“What happened, Theo?” She asked Theodore who immediately turned stiff as a board as soon as he heard her. Fear crept in his eyes but he pushed it back and turned to face her.

“I-I don’t know. Someone shot him last night. Dylan was the one who took him to the hospital.” He replied to her. Evelyn furrowed her brows. But then it hit her.

“Was that why he was calling me yes-”

“Yeah,” Theodore answered her query. Evelyn cast her eyes down. Guilt jabbed her hard.

“But I don’t blame you, Evelyn. It’s fine-”

“It’s not fucking fine.”

Both were startled when Mrs. Blanchett screamed out of nowhere. Evelyn bit her lips, she couldn’t bring herself out of that guilt trap as some part of her was blaming her for this mishappening. But a yelp escaped her mouth when Mrs. Blanchett pounced on her and gripped her shoulders tightly.

Evelyn hissed in pain as she dug her nails into her skin, her eyes turned red in anger.

“Dylan was calling you nonstop but you kept dodging his calls and kept my son engaged. Don’t you realize what you have done?” Her tears had now dried and the only thing she wanted was to punish her.

But rather she knew that whom she was defending was the one who shoved the bullet in her husband’s chest.

Dylan on the other had no regrets. It was because he knew that even though Theodore agreed to become his puppet, he was faking it to save his ass. The moment he would escape his clutches, he would rat out everything to Evelyn. That’s why Dylan told Hunter to give him a good reason to stay scared of him.

Hunter shot Dominique but made sure it wasn’t fatal. Because they were just the pawns to catch the big fish.

“Leave her Mom. Evelyn is innocent.” Theodore tried to pull his mother back but she had lost her sanity.

Evelyn let out a choked cry when she gripped her throat.

“It’s your fault and YOU NEED TO DIE!!”

“Mrs. Blanchett”

Suddenly a raging growl resounded in the hallway. Evelyn looked up with teary eyes only to find Dylan.

He harshly peeled the crazy woman away from her and pulled Evelyn into his arms, “You okay?” He asked her softly while his thumb rubbed her neck.

His jaw clenched watching the red imprints of fingers on her skin. Evelyn was horrified but still she nodded at Dylan.

Dylan noticed the way her chin was wobbling and her whole body was trembling like a leaf. She was dead scared. So, he immediately pulled her in a tight hug.

Evelyn was too scared to react but he cooed soft words in her ears which let her damn break. The poor thing was terrified. She was also having a hard time digesting the fact that Dominique was shot. It was a huge loss for not only his family but for her too.

*****

“I am so sorry Evelyn. Dad is in the hospital and without him, it will be difficult for us to proceed.” Theodore said to Evelyn who was staring at the floor. She was still on a guilt trip.

Tomorrow she was leaving for San Francisco, her home but this devastating news had put her in a quandary.

Heaving a deep sigh, Evelyn lifted her head and looked at him.

“You don’t have to explain yourself, Theo. I am your friend and there’s nothing more important than your father.”

Theodore nervously smiled but flinched when she stepped forward and grabbed her hands. Giving them a gentle squeeze, she exhaled a deep sigh.

“Your priority should be your Dad right now not the project. It can wait. Don’t worry about it.” Saying that she smiled but a crease formed on her forehead when Theodore gently pulled out his hands and stepped back.

Hurt flickered through her eyes.

“Thank you for understanding but Evelyn, the project can’t wait. We have a slew of popular businessmen and media personnel waiting for us in the office. I can’t cancel the conference no matter what happens. Dad is shot and if this goes out in public, I will be risking his safety and I don’t want to bother Mom. You know how these people are. They would come at our throats to catch something spicy for their headlines. Our rivals are looking for this opportunity to strike us. So, it will be good if we carry on things slickly but with Dad not at my side and you and Dylan leaving, I will be left all alone. People would hound me for getting the answers and I am not in the state. I might explode. So, it would be better if someone handles my business until things get on the right track. But the problem is I don’t have anyone whom I can rely on.” He said and grabbed his forehead.

Evelyn felt a pang in her chest. His disconsolate state brought tears to her eyes.

“Theo, please. You need to stay strong.” She said and rubbed his back. But Theodore kept shying away from her touch.

Evelyn couldn’t handle his fishy behavior anymore and decided to confront him.

“What’s the matter, Theo? Are you also holding me responsible for Mr. Blanchett’s state?” She asked him. His behavior was suspicious and it was clear that he was trying to avoid her.

Theodore instantly whipped his head toward her, “No, not at all. But I want your help, Evelyn.”

“I told you I am ready to do anything. Just say it.”

“Cancel your flight.” He spoke gravely.

Evelyn stared at him. She knew it, his intentions were crystal clear that he was looking for an opportunity to impose his duties on her shoulders. She had sensed it the moment he took her to a corner and began discussing the press conference which was scheduled for today. But Evelyn stayed calm because deep down she knew that it was the only option.

The project needed her or Dylan’s presence. It was too important and the team that was selected for the project required continuous guidance. One wrong move could cost billions. But then what about her company? She can’t rely on Xander to take care of her business for this long? It wasn’t right but she couldn’t also leave everything on Theodore who was already grief-stricken.

Theodore stared at her tensed face. Evelyn licked her lips and looked at him hesitantly.

“Theo, I-”

“Don’t worry.”

She was cut off by a deep voice. The duo turned around only to Dylan walking towards them.

“I will take care of everything. You can head back home.” Dylan told her. Evelyn instantly denied it.

“No, I will stay.”

“But Evelyn, you also have a company to run. I can handle the project.” Dylan tried to coax her but her resolve didn’t budge.

“No, this was our project. We all are going through a rough phase and require each other’s support. Mr. Blanchett is injured and Dylan, you would also be requiring my help. Moreover, I started this project for my company only. And no need to worry about Maria Estates, my trustworthy people will handle the company on my behalf.” She said and turned to Theodore.

Dylan’s jaw ticked as he knew who that trustworthy person she was referring to. Her credibility with Xander was commendable but frustrating. Still, he kept mum as her answer brought him immense satisfaction.

Theodore on the other hand was delighted by their decision.

“Thank you, Evelyn.” He said while a single tear rolled down his cheek. Evelyn shook her head, smiling, and stepped forward. Dylan glared at the friends but his gaze hardened when she raised her hand and wiped the tear from his cheek.

“I am your friend and I don’t go back on words. Neither my promises are empty nor my relationship is.” She spoke.

Her words were a sharp attack on the man who was standing behind her.

Dylan clenched his fists. She insulted him and even Theodore deciphered the tenor of her bitter remark.

“I-I’ll look for Mom,” he said and quietly took his leave.

Evelyn nodded and watched his retreating figure. She knew that Dylan was behind her but still, she didn’t grace him with any response and was about to leave when he gripped her hand. Evelyn halted but didn’t turn around. She knew that he was looking for an opportunity to corner her and deride her.

“Eve, listen-”

“What huh?” She snapped at him and jerked his hand away before turning around to face him.

“You want to make me feel bad. Just like everyone else. Well, they don’t know who you are and what you have done to me.” Venom dripped from her voice.

Dylan quietly watched her.

“You know what Dylan? I have no regrets about dodging your calls. Because it wasn’t something that you should tell on the phone. You were there in the restaurant, making both of me and Theodore uncomfortable with your jealous, rage-filled eyes yet you didn’t approach us when you found out that his father was shot. You can fool the world Dylan, not me. You were following me and threatening me to cancel my date just to make it clear that I belong to you.”

Evelyn continued lashing at him, “This act of being a savior is all a farce. I know the truth. I know what kind of a manipulative psychopath you are and I-”

Her words were cut off when Dylan grabbed her and before she could understand dragged her to a vacant room. Her eyes rounded to the size of saucers when he pushed her inside and locked the door.

“HEY, WHAT ARE YOU-”

“Sshh.”