Accepting each other's feelings

Clutching her heavy gown, Evelyn alighted the car keeping her gaze on the floor. She acted according just as Brandon told her and till now was successful in tricking Xander’s people who were appointed to keep a keen eye on her. A bunch of girls quickly came forward and helped her with her long flower veil. Evelyn raised her head, and a scowl appeared on her face as she expected media and hustle and bustle but the place was eerily silent. Still frowning, she lifted her head. Her jaw dropped as instead of the church, she was in front of a humongous and marvelous villa.

Frightened, she looked at the girl who was standing beside her. Her eyes lit up as she was none other than Sara.

“Sara?” she whispered, still not able to believe her eyes.

“Don’t worry Ma’am, you’re safe,” Sara chirped and pointed her finger to the front. Evelyn followed her eyes only to see Joseph climbing out of her car. He was her chauffeur and she didn’t even realize it.

A chuckle escaped her mouth which they both return with glassy eyes.

“Evie,” her ears perked hearing that voice. Evelyn immediately snapped her head to the left only to find Mr. Clarke standing there. He had tears in her eyes. She ran to him and hugged him tightly.

“Dad, oh my God. Are you okay?” She spoke hurriedly and cupped his left cheek, her eyes scanning for any injuries.

“He is perfectly fine Eve.”

Evelyn stilled; relief surged through her veins.

He really came, to save her.

With a palpitating heart, she looked behind Mr. Clarke only to see Dylan standing there with his hands dipped in the pocket of his trousers.

Tears gushed to her eyes. Her throat clogged up. Dylan smiled and opened his hands wide for her and that was enough to break her resolve. Tossing away the bouquet on the ground, Evelyn ran to him and threw herself in his arms.

“I was so scared.” She spoke in between her cries and buried her face in his chest. Dylan also tightened the hold and pecked her crown.

“Me too,” he responded and looked at Mr. Clarke who smiled at them.

Evelyn cried her eyes out. She tried to squeeze herself in his warmth, inhaling long puffs of his cedar and mint cologne that soothed her tensed muscles. Evelyn wouldn’t lie but she was dead scared of Xander. But somewhere she owed him because his madness forced her to accept her feelings for Dylan. Evelyn fell again for him. In fact, she fell harder this time and mirrored the depth of his feelings. She can’t resist him anymore. His single glance used to create tingles in her stomach, his mere presence used to turn her all jittery and she willingly welcomed his touches and her body relished all his ministrations. She was ready to give herself to him.

Dylan closed his eyes and inclined his face to the sky as he pressed her sobbing figure to his sturdy chest. He was literally scared. His ire broke down into sheer determination whenever it comes to Evelyn. Dylan knew for a fact that he would have lost his mind if Xander had married Evelyn. He was ready to fight with him until his last breath. There’s no way he could let him take away his breath.

Finally, when her sobs ceased, Dylan broke the hug and cupped her face. Evelyn like a scared child kept sticking to him, fisting the lapels of his dark grey suit in a tight grip. Dylan on the other hand wiped her tears with his bare fingers, his eyes drinking in her beauty. Her tears had wiped off her makeup yet she was the most beautiful woman in his eyes.

They both finally realized the purity of their bond. It was beyond love. Something serene, passionate, protective, and intense. For Dylan it was more than obsession, it was a need, no more a drug to sate his sanity but a cure for his survival. While for Evelyn, he was her solace. She trusted him the most because Dylan had succeeded in winning her heart.

“Don’t cry. I am here and I will never let you go,” he spoke firmly and pulled her lips in a soft kiss. Evelyn was hesitant and tried to recoil but it was just a peck. Dylan quickly pulled off. He just wanted to make her know that she was safe, away from any danger.

“How did you find me and what about Dad? And Mom?”

“He saved all of us, Evie,” Maria spoke as she strutted to her. Evelyn whipped her gaze with the speed of light to locate the owner of that voice. Fresh tears pooled in her eyes and a smile graced her lips when she found Hunter who was walking along with Maria. Evelyn detached herself from Dylan and ran to her.

“I am so sorry, Mom. It’s all because of me,” she cried and wrapped her hands around her shoulders. Maria also hugged her tightly and sobbed in her embrace.

“I was more worried about you child. I can’t believe Xander did this to you.” She whimpered and patted her head while Evelyn hiccupped.

“Evie,”

Both of them were busy consoling each other when a meek voice called Evelyn from behind. Evelyn stiffened, she blinked her eyes multiple times to accept the reality.

“Evie,”

Her heart skipped a beat hearing her again. To confirm her doubts, she craned her head and followed that voice.

“Mom?”

Her heart sank.

“Evie.” Mrs. Clarke called her as she dragged her feet to her while Aaron grabbed her shoulders helping her.

Evelyn was horrified by her state. Her hair was a mess, her lips paled, her cheeks jutted out and her clothes were all dirty. Evelyn instantly grabbed her gown and rushed to her.

“Oh my God, what happened Mom?” She cried and caressed her face. Regret clawed her heart as she analyzed her mother’s figure which was reduced to bones. She looked like a skeleton.

Dylan sighed and walked to her, “Xander had abducted her.” He answered her honestly, she needed to know. Evelyn froze, her eyes rounded in shock.

“What?”

She asked and looked at her father for an answer who nodded sadly.

“That’s why you-”

“I had no option child,” the old man replied in a regretful tone. “You were right Eve. No father would side with the man who releases scandalous snaps of his daughter and mocks her in front of the whole world. I did the same. I pitched a fit and so do Maria. We were even ready to lodge a complaint against him when he told me that he had captured Olivia. I was scared Evie and to save her life, I ended up making the same mistake twice.” Mr. Clarke couldn’t meet her eyes anymore and cast his gaze downward. Evelyn’s heart clenched watching the tears rolling down his cheeks.

“Why you didn’t tell me, Dad?”

“We had no option, child,” Maria told her with a heavy heart. “We were under his watch. You saw what he did to me. But I am glad Dylan saved Mrs. Clarke while Brandon saved us. You don’t need to worry now.” She assured her.

Evelyn nodded and looked at her mother who was watching her with hooded eyes. A strained smile rolled on her chapped lips.

“Forgive me, Evie. I deserve it.” She managed to utter those words and started to wheeze. Evelyn panicked. Dylan approached her and grabbed Olivia.

“Calm down. Aaron take her to the hospital. She needs medication.” He instructed Aaron who nodded and quickly took Olivia to his car. Maria and Mr. Clarke also followed them and got inside the car. Evelyn also tried to follow them when Dylan grabbed her hand.

“I also want to go.”

“Don’t worry. She was admitted to the hospital but she wanted to see you so I brought her here. She’ll be fine I promise.” Dylan told her as he grabbed her small face in his palms. A tear slid down her cheek which he wiped off gently.

“Thanks for everything,” Evelyn spoke genuinely. She was indeed indebted to him. She had no idea what she would have done if Dylan hadn’t come to her rescue.

Dylan smiled and pressed his lips on her forehead before looking down at her.

“You’re my responsibility and so is your family. I love you Eve and will forever do.” He rasped and leaned closer to her face. Evelyn closed her eyes, tears rolled down her cheeks, as she surrendered when he took her lips in a fervent kiss. She responded with equal zeal inflaming his desire. Gliding his hand down feeling the softness of her flesh, Dylan coiled it around her waist and squeezed her petite figure. Overwhelmed, Evelyn opened her mouth welcoming his hot tongue to ravage her mouth. She leaned onto him for support and he gathered her protectively in his arms while sucking her mouth. Both felt the fire and let themselves burn in it. While Evelyn burned her hatred and embraced her feelings, Dylan burned his obsession and embraced her. He abandoned that monster who chased her for his greed and tormented her. Mocked her selfless love and trampled her feelings.

His lust rose to new peaks as he broke the kiss and journeyed to her jaw leaving feathery kisses all the way. Evelyn moaned in approval when it hit her. She quickly peeled herself away earning a growl.

“Wait, what about Xander?” She was so busy celebrating the family reunion that the thought of Xander waiting for her at the altar completely slipped her mind.

“If I am here then who is the bride?” She queried and looked at Dylan for an answer. Dylan on the other hand smirked, his dark eyes sparkled with a malicious glint as he caressed her cheek.

“Someone whom he deserves.”

*****

Dressed in a black tuxedo, Xander was standing near the altar, his almond eyes fixated on the entrance waiting for his bride. The silver brooch was pinned neatly on his left breast pocket, and his bouncy charcoal mane was combed back revealing his broad forehead. His regal bearing won many hearts the moment he graced the magnificent church with his exotic features.

Xander didn’t inform his parents because he planned to surprise them. While waiting for Evelyn, he smiled at his future plans. He had decided that he will settle in Europe forever after marrying Evelyn and would never come back to America. The first thing he had planned was to apologize to her and was willing to go to any extent to win her trust back, the same which he has broken heartlessly. He would give her the freedom, let her do whatever she wants, and in the meantime color her life with joy and happiness. Xander was optimistic that she would forgive him. He would give her so much love that she wouldn’t be able to resist and would fall for him hard.

Hard work always pays off. He might have to strive harder because he had hurt her badly but he stayed positive about the results. Hoping they will be in his favor.

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Xander lifted his dreamy eyes and looked at the divine statue. Guilt crossed his eyes.

‘I am sorry God for being really selfish. All my life I have been searching for one true love. I committed a sin by falling for my best friend’s bride. You know how many times I had refrained myself, even tried to murder my feelings but I failed. I have traveled miles wishing to see a day when my dreams will turn into reality and finally, it did so I can’t afford to turn back. But I promise I will keep her happy. I know I am doing wrong by forcing her into this marriage but I will make things right. Just give me one chance and fulfill my wish. I swear I won’t ask for anything else.’

Xander closed his eyes to suppress the tears. Suddenly a pin drop silence fell in the room. His heart raced. Xander scolded himself for getting nervous but he was. Today was a big day and finally, it was the time when he will get the girl of his dreams.

But he didn’t turn around because he didn’t have the courage to face Evelyn who will be crying under the veil. Her tears would be hidden from the world but not from him. Xander curled his fingers into a fist as he anticipated her arrival with a wildly beating heart. His bride reached the staircase and finally took her position that was beside him. Where she should be.

Xander inhaled her rich yet delicate fragrance. Not able to hold on for long, he turned to face her. Evelyn had her head down. A frown settled on his brows as he felt something off. But he quickly brushed away those negative thoughts.

Beaming, he clasped her veil and removed it only to freeze in shock.