Fulfilling her Dream

“These are perfect. I give it a pass.” Evelyn spoke while leafing through the interior designs of the hotel. They were apt and flawless. Contended, Evelyn then turned to Grace, Theodore’s assistant, and snuck a glance at Dylan who was already staring at her, smiling like a love-struck fool.

“Get the approval of Mr. Black.” She said and gestured to Grace who was exhilarated with her response. She immediately snatched the file from her hands even took Evelyn off guard and dashed to Dylan. Evelyn cocked a brow as the girl rounded to the table and strutted near his chair to show him the designs. She was shocked at her bold move.

Dylan who had his elbows resting on the armrests of the chair while twirling the pen between his fingers smirked at Grace’s crappy attempt to lure him. He was aware of the effect he had on people, especially females.

Grace bent much lower on her knees to reveal her cleavage before handing him the file.

“Please take a look, Mr. Black.” She spoke in a saccharine tone while battling her fake lashes. Dylan noticed the way she deliberately stepped forward and touched his leg with her thigh.

“I approve it.” He clipped without looking her way. His eyes were fixed on Evelyn the whole time. Grace’s smile faltered.

“At least check it once,” Evelyn spoke, disconcerted by him ogling at her from head to toe. He had no qualms that he was making her uncomfortable.

“You did, didn’t you? And I checked it.” Dylan spoke.

Evelyn clenched her fists. He was smirking a lot today and that was only getting under her skin.

“You checked it from here. What you have the eyes of an Eagle?” She mocked him earning a chuckle.

“You can say I am fast on my feet.” He rasped. Grace on the other hand turned red as they both were bantering right in front of her. She felt like a third wheel.

“But Sir, I think there is some fault. You should check once,” she deliberately chimed in and placed the file on the desk, brushing his arm with her fingers in the process.

His jaw ticked. Dylan gave her a sharp look that left her flustered. Her cheeks turned red as she felt a bit intimidated by the way he was glaring at her. She found it hot.

“I said I approved it. Now fuck off.” He gritted with clenched teeth bursting her bubble. His blare caught her off guard but eventually, she backed down and lowered her head, feeling utterly humiliated.

Nodding, she quickly grabbed the file and scurried away with teary eyes.

“Was that necessary?” Evelyn rebuked him once Grace left. Dylan reverted his gaze, she was astonished to see how his eyes immediately softened. Instead of responding to her, he stood up and started heading in her direction. Evelyn instantly turned alarmed.

“You know Eve, I am thinking something.” He initiated.

She frowned upon his words, “I am asking you a question-”

“We should spend some time together.” Dylan completed his sentence ignoring her.

Her face scrunched in confusion but she immediately scrapped her chair back when he approached her and sat on her desk.

“What are you doing?” Evelyn shouted fearing he would break her laptop as the bulk of the man sprawled on her neatly organized desk but Dylan wasn’t a bit concerned. He just pushed her laptop and stuff to the side before settling on it. Baffled, Evelyn tried pushing him away but was startled when he grabbed the armrests of her chair and pulled her forward with a jerk.

“What are you doing?”

“Shush.” Evelyn chided him but instantly recoiled when he placed his index finger on her lips while hovering over her.

“I told you I want a chance to clear the misunderstanding between us so let it be today. Be ready at 7, I will take you out.” He said with a smile hanging on his lips.

Evelyn slapped his hand away, “What do you mean? I ain’t going anywhere with you.”

Her harsh rejection stabbed his heart. But Dylan was in a jolly mood. He had expected that.

“How will we work together Eve if we don’t iron out our issues? Tell me.” He spoke, leaving the humor aside.

Evelyn turned silent. She looked away in frustration.

Dylan heaved a deep sigh, “Listen, Eve, just spend one day with me like normal human beings. No fights, no hard feelings, just two friends hanging out. I assure you that the deep-seated hatred you have in your heart,” he said and poked her chest with his index finger. Evelyn jolted and immediately moved away but not before shooting him a glare.

“will deplete. And soon I will work on eradicating it.” He rumbled out.

Evelyn licked her lips and cast her eyes down. Deep down she also knew that Dylan was right. Her hatred, her past, and Xander had forced her to look him through the blue glasses. The insurmountable fear that his heinous acts had rooted in her heart didn’t let her see his good side even if she wanted to. But she wanted to become the bigger person. She was successful in her life and wanted to move on. She can’t just live in the constant fear of Dylan.

Maybe this jaunt would help drift her mind away from everything. Also, with Xander and her family not at her side, she would be able to face her biggest fear and could catch him if it was a ruse.

Evelyn slowly lifted her head and looked at him with furrowed brows, “Fine but only this once.”

A broad smile etched on his face. She kept staring at him with narrowed eyes when all of a sudden, he grabbed her face in his palms and pecked the tip of her nose.

“Thank you so much.” He grinned and pecked her again.

Evelyn pushed him away, “But I will kill you if you do anything. Maintain your distance.”

Dylan nodded and placed his fist on his chest, “Aye aye Captain.”

He said and let out a giggle. Evelyn rolled her eyes.

*****

Evelyn chose an off-shoulder dark green colored gown for the night. She styled her waist-length brown locks into wavy curls and left them open behind her back.

Her ears sparkled with diamond studs and she was wearing a beautiful silver necklace with a dazzling green-coloured stone in the middle. Evelyn was busy applying blush on her cheeks when the door of her room creaked open revealing Dylan. Her hand froze as she took in his features. The man for sure could own hearts just by a mere glance.

His crisp blue shirt that was hidden beneath his expensive suit strained against his buff chest. A silver broach was pinned on his left breast pocket and his black pants were sticking on his legs like a second skin revealing his thick, muscular thighs. He was just smoking hot.

Evelyn hurriedly lowered her gaze when she realized that she was gawking at him for a longer time. But she didn’t realize that it was him who was gazing at her while licking his lips. Her creamy white skin and the slight blush on her cheeks turned him hard as a rock. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life.

Evelyn put the brush aside and placed her hands on the lap. She didn’t expect to get cold feet but his intense gaze had left her breathless. His footsteps bounced off the empty room as he made his way toward his dolled-up wife.

“You look ethereal,” Dylan appraised her. Evelyn bit her lips, blood crept on her cheeks.

“T-Thanks. You also look good.” She commented and tried to get up when he placed his hands on her shoulder. Her heart skipped a beat feeling his ring-cladded fingers gliding smoothly over her skin.

“Only good?” Dylan teased her while rubbing his thumb over the side of her neck. Evelyn jerked away and stood up.

“Don’t touch me.” She raged and shot him a glare. Dylan raised his hands in surrender.

“Sorry, but your skin was glowing and looked so supple and milky that my fingers couldn’t resist feeling them.” He drawled out sensually and approached her.

“Then learn to behave. Don’t give me any reason to cancel the date.” Evelyn snapped but her words did not affect him. Instead, he ducked forward and grabbed the lipstick from the dressing table.

“You forgot to paint them.” He replied and removed the cap before raising his hand to color her lips. Evelyn instantly grabbed his wrist.

“No need I will do that-”

She tried to push him away but was startled when Dylan lifted her from the ground and placed her on the table. Grabbing her face, he then puckered her lips and started painting them.

“Tonight is mine and I demand no objection. Okay, Princess?” He spoke and finally applied the lipstick while Evelyn stared at him baffled.

“Done.” He said and flashed her a smile before putting her on the ground.

Intertwining their fingers, he then took her out while Evelyn followed him who was still reeling from the shock.

*****

Scintillating lights illuminating the ceiling, the floor draped with silk carpets, a round table placed in the middle with two chairs, and the dulcet tone of the romantic music in the background left Evelyn awestruck. The aroma of the scented candles dotting the corners gave the perfect ambiance for a romantic night.

Dylan noticed how Evelyn was praising the arrangements silently so he didn’t interfere and quietly led her to the table. He knew she would immediately pull on her guard if he teased her so he stayed quiet. It hurts him to see the change that he had brought in her. Earlier she used to be so clingy and he found it irritating but not he could do anything to earn a single glance from her.

Evelyn silently sat as Dylan scraped the chair for her like a perfect gentleman and then sat across her. He could see the nervousness in her gestures as she looked around the dim room.

“I had booked the whole restaurant.”

Evelyn snapped her head as Dylan answered her unsaid questions. She cleared her throat while slightly shifting in her chair.

“Why? I mean it wasn’t required.”

“Yes, it was.” He cut her words. Evelyn looked up but her core dried watching his jaw that was dead set.

“You don’t like attention and it’s for the best. We are here for business purposes so don’t you think the media would twist our little meeting and present it in front of the grieving family? That would hurt Theodore,” he said silencing her. Evelyn looked down, giving her tacit approval.

He sensed her sour mood and decided to cheer her up.

“All right, so what will you eat?”

*****

As the evening headed to its end, the tension slowly simmered down between the duo. Dylan ordered her favorite dishes and she happily guzzled them. Evelyn had expected the date to be a disaster but that didn’t happen as Dylan kept her engaged in small talk throughout. Though she hardly graced him with any response, she didn’t keep mum but only answered the questions that were business-related.

“I am full. Let’s head out now.” Evelyn spoke as she dabbed the tissue across her lips and grabbed her purse when Dylan stopped her.

“No need. I will be picking up the tab.” He mused and fished out his black card. After paying for the food, they both stood up. Evelyn quickly rushed to exit the room as it was suffocating her but Dylan didn’t let her escape. Her feet halted when he clasped her wrist and pulled her back.

“The night hasn’t ended Eve.” He rasped and took her to the balcony. Irritation pricked her. She was done now.

“It’s enough Dylan. I don’t want to-Wow!!”

Her lips parted open in shock as soon as the surreal scenery unfolded. Her eyes misted over watching the sparkling Eiffel Tower right in front of her. Dylan had especially booked the floor which could give her the perfect view.

Smiling at her astonished face, he pulled her to his front and wrapped his hands around her waist. Dylan pulled her closer to his chest and rested his chin on her exposed shoulder.

“You always wanted to come here, don’t you?” He husked near her ear. Evelyn was stupified but his words revived some blurred memories.

A tear immediately rolled down her cheek.

Flashback

“For sure love. I have booked the tickets for Paris. Make sure to keep your bags ready. You know I don’t like waiting.”

Dylan’s deep voice resounded in the four walls as he purposely conversed with Sophia near Evelyn who was in his office, working on the new project.

Evelyn on the other hand tried her best to fight the tears. Her fingers ached due to the constant typing but she didn’t stop. Tears kept clouding her vision, her throat clogging up as it took her everything not to digress but failed.

Dylan on the other hand, was enjoying her depressed state. The man had a fetish for reveling in her tears. They brought him sadistic pleasure.

“Love you, babe.” He finally ended the torturous call and diverted his attention to Evelyn. His face instantly morphed in disgust.

“Is the work done? I can’t wait. Make it fast will ya?” He hollered. Evelyn clenched her jaw, rage bubbled inside her.

She lifted her teary eyes and glared at him, “Why don’t you do it then? Or wait, you can’t because for that you need a brain.” She spat. His red eyes brought her some relief. She was sick of him bossing her around.

Enraged, Dylan marched towards her and gripped her forearm before pulling her up.

“YOU DON’T GET TO TALK TO ME LIKE THAT, UNDERSTOOD??” his roar shook the walls.

“WHY NOT?” Evelyn screamed back and pushed him away making him stumble. Dylan looked at her in shock.

“You are so shameless. I am your wife yet you are going to honeymoon with someone else. You even chose my favorite destination.” Finally, a sob escaped her lips as she couldn’t bite down her emotions.

It hurts, it hurts her so badly watching him loving another woman. But she was helpless, it was her fault for trusting this deceiver. Dylan on the other hand simply stared at her.

Evelyn wobbled toward him and grabbed the lapels of his suit.

“Why are you doing this to me, Dan? You loved me and I still love you. Are you angry at me? Are you punishing me? If that’s the case then please elaborate and I promise you I will work on it. I won’t let you down I promise.” She begged him helplessly while looking into his empty dark pools trying to find any traces of love for her in them.

Evelyn wasn’t ready to accept the fact that he tricked her. She wasn’t willing to accept the truth that he didn’t love her. Despite the truth in front of her, she was still refusing to believe it. She was blinded by his love.

Dylan on the other hand smirked at her vulnerable state. He just liked watching her craving for his affection.

“Tsk tsk. See how pathetic you are. Yearning for my love.” He snickered and cupped her chin. Evelyn was shook to see the coldness in his eyes but a hiss escaped her mouth when he rubbed his thumb harshly over her lips. Twirling his finger around the rogue strand of her hair, he roughly tugged it to pull her face forward.

“You are only a key to my success. Nothing more. It will be better if you accept it as soon as possible because you know I don’t like repeating myself.” Saying that he harshly pushed her back and dusted his palms while looking straight into her dampened pools breaking her already broken heart.

Evelyn burst into loud sobs. That memory was still fresh in her mind. She hated herself for being so lovesick in the past, so deplorable. She wanted to burn those memories which kept reminding her how she was jilted.

Dylan on the other hand couldn’t bear the gut-wrenching sight. He immediately grabbed her shoulders when her figure started swaying in the air. But he didn’t expect Evelyn to harshly push him away.

“Stay away from me. You destroyed me, Dylan.” Evelyn cried and cried. She was feeling miserable. Dylan watched her sadly. His chest turned heavy while the guilt like a scorching lava burned every inch of his skin. Why did he disappoint her? How come he failed to see her devotion?

“I gave you my heart Dylan and you crushed it like a piece of dirt, not once but so many times. You showcased my weakness to the world then why this act now huh?” She snarled while hiccupping loudly. Dylan lowered his head, his fists clenching and unclenching.

“What are you trying to prove now? You brought Sophia here, don’t you? Though it’s vague I still remember how you kept telling me about your honeymoon despite knowing how hurt I was. When you didn’t care about my feelings then tell me why should I care about you now?”

“I lied.”

Dylan finally said and looked at her. Evelyn stilled; her brows creased.

“You’re lying.”

“No, I am not,” Dylan spoke as he took a step in her direction.

“I never talked to her, I was faking it because I was a bastard who loved breaking your hopes that you had from me. Neither did I talk to her that day, nor did I book a flight. I faked everything because I loved hurting you. There’s no doubt that I have betrayed you and I am willing to accept your every punishment but please Eve, give me a chance. I swear to God I never brought Sophia here. This arrangement, this evening, everything is new and fresh.” He explained to her. Evelyn stared at him. His eyes bore the truth and there was no hesitation, no wavering in his voice. It was firm, steady, and polite.

She watched him with squinted eyes as he gripped her hands and planted a kiss on them before hugging them closer to his chest.

“I know the wounds are deep, and won’t heal in a day. But I just wanted to fulfill the dream that you had told me once. That’s it.” He said and flashed her a strained smile.

Evelyn froze.

That’s when it struck her. She hastily reverted her gaze to the restaurant where they dined. The entire setup was just the way she had told to Dylan once.

“A candlelight dinner in front of the Eifel Tower and-” she murmured but swallowed the rest. Heat crept on her neck but Dylan smirked and pulled her forward.

“A kiss in front of it.” He completed her words making her go scarlet.