Bittersweet Love

Chapter Eight: The Past Revealed

Evelynn

I had my air pods in, listening to some old school Linkin Park and Shinedown as I continued to finalize some details for June’s bridal shower and her wedding, which was taking place in two weeks. Her and Travis decided to do a combined bachelor bachelorette party at our local bar, which they were both excited about but I wasn’t. I'm not going. I am hurt, very hurt by everything that happened two weeks ago and it's been on a consistent replay.

It's been two long weeks of avoiding everything. I avoided mom and dad. I leave the office as soon as mom walks in. I refused to let dad get Aless from school. I avoided June and Travis even though they drive to my house every day to try to talk to me and ask for forgiveness. I avoided Zander even though he kept sending me messages and pictures of our time together and things he claimed he did over the years to show that he loves me. Am I being childish? Yes. But right now what I needed was space. Evan hasn't said a thing since the divorce was finalized. Thank god for that.

Part of me wanted to forgive them. I missed my mom and dad and Aless asked about them all the time. She has never gone this long without seeing them. I miss June and Travis. They were the family I picked and have been there for me for as long as I could remember. A part of me missed Zander but I don't even know why. I mean, we haven't talked in years yet he is insistent that he was there the entire time.

Maybe more lies?

I had a hard time believing the words that were coming out of their mouths. Nothing made sense but at the same time. Evan was there when I woke up even though I remember us breaking up, but he said some things and they agreed. But the words that came out of their mouths killed me. They all knew what happened. They were all lying to me.

My mother knew what happened and made the decision to not tell me.

June, my best friend, Aless’ godmother, knew the truth about Zander and I.

Travis knew.

Dad.

Evan. He was using me, but for what? If he didn’t have those feelings for me, then why not just let me go?

When I woke up Sunday morning, I went downstairs from the barn we were sleeping in and noticed he was laying on the couch with his legs hanging off the side. I paused my step when I heard him mumble my name.

“Evelynn, please, wake up. I love you.” he thrashed in his sleep. I wanted to go over and wake him up, but I couldn’t. I needed space from everyone and he told me when things settle, he would tell me the whole truth. And it was about time this happened.

With one final glance at him, I left the room and made my way to the front of the first house, waiting for my uber to pick me up. My phone had dozens of messages from Evan, but I ignored them all, knowing that he was actually home for the first time in over a week.

“Running off so soon deary?” I heard the old lady say, “It’s not like you to do that. You two always left together.”

“You said I would come here all the time with him and we looked in love.”

She nodded, “Oh yes. You two reminded me of me and my late husband. I can sense the goodness from you both.”

“How did you know it was the real thing with your husband?”

She smiled and sat up as straight as she could, “It was that can’t eat, can’t sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series kind of love.” I looked at her and just smiled.

“It takes Two, huh?” and she nodded.

“One of my favorites.” She sighed out, “But the heart knows when it’s the right time. Tell me, why haven’t you two been here together in years?”

“I…I don’t know. All I really remember from back then was waking up in the hospital one day and I couldn’t remember the prior eight months of my life. I was told I lost my baby…and everyone acted weird. The story they told me didn’t really make sense but they all said the same thing.”

“And what story was that?”

“Evan and I broke up because he cheated on me. He came to my mom and dad when I was unconscious and asked for him to explain his feelings for me but she was hesitant. He wasn’t allowed to come in the room but they didn’t have a chance to stop him. I guess they got together and decided that they would wait and see what I wanted.”

“And they never told you what happened?” I shook my head, “Did you ask?”

“I did but every time I brought it up, Evan would always step in and then he would make the others be quiet. I didn’t think much of it. I thought he just didn't want to bring up painful memories. I figured if they didn’t tell me, it must have not been important.”

“Sweetie, the past is always important. Learning what happened in your past can help you have a better tomorrow. Try to figure it out.” She patted my hand as the Uber pulled up, "Don't be a stranger." Without a second glance, I got in the car and headed to Evan’s with her words echoing in my head. She was right, I knew it but what if I couldn't handle the past? I asked the driver to wait a bit while I went inside and handled things with him.

As I walked in through the front door, I was greeted with an unforgivable sight. Patricia was straddling Evan’s lap, wearing her short dress from last night, moaning as she rode him. I could see his uncovered d**k slipping in and out of her nasty p***y. I wanted to barf.

Not even twelve hours ago he was arguing with Zander and wanted to take me home and he’s here, with her, in the house that was supposed to be ours, f*****g her on our couch. I coughed to get their attention and quickly took a picture of them in the act.

“Ev…Evelynn…it’s not…it’s not…” and he pushed her off him as he quickly tucked himself back in and zipped up his pants.

“It’s not what it looks like? I swear, it looked like she was riding your d**k but I guess she could have been helping you dust the corners of the room, slipped and accidently fell on your already hard d**k. Tell me, how long has this exactly been going on?”

“I’m just…I’m going to go.” She whispered but I grabbed her arm as she tried to get around me.

“Nah, I think you better stay and witness this because this is also going to Zander.” I shook my head and looked back at Evan, “We’re done. Tomorrow you’re getting served with divorce papers. Sign them. This is over. I want nothing from you. I don’t want any possessions. I don’t want the house. I don’t want any spousal support. I don’t want anything. The only communication we will have is about Aless and…”

“No! You can’t leave me!” he begged, “You can’t! You made a commitment when you married me!”

“And you made a commitment to be faithful so don’t use that s**t on me.” I glared, “Something happened during those eight months I don’t remember and I will find out what it was and when I do…”

“You’re going to do what?” He laughed. It was like a switch flipped, “I already have almost everything I was promised. I have the business and the money thanks to you.” He grinned, “Do you really think I married you out of love?”

“Nope.” I crossed my arms over my chest, “Of course not because if you did love me you never would have cheated but I was too goddamn stupid.”

“You have no idea.” He laughed, “Ask Travis and June what really happened. Ask Zander about the fight between our parents. When you find out the truth, you’re going to be in for the shock of your life.”

“No matter what happened I know for sure that it would have been better than this.” I glared.

“Then you better find out what Zander did with the money he inherited from my uncle.” He grinned, “Because the only way he was going to get that money is to marry someone and have a child. Why do you think you got pregnant so soon? Huh? Why do you think he proposed to you?”

“No…” I whispered, not believing him, “You’re lying. I…I know Zander…he wouldn’t…”

“Believe what you want sweetheart but you don't know him, not anymore.” He grinned, “So, of course I will sign the divorce papers. I got what I needed and I don’t need you anymore.”

I looked up at my now ex-husband and took my fist and punched him right in the eye, right where there was already a bruise from what I assume was a fight he was in last night with Zander. Patricia screamed and ran to him as I walked away, slamming the door behind me and going to the waiting Uber driver to drive me to my place.

When I got there, there was a mass number of cars in my driveway. I recognized mom, dads, June’s, Travis’ and Zanders. They were all here. I got out of the car and stalked my way into my home only to freeze. They were all sitting in the living room. Mom and June were crying and being held by dad and Travis. Zander was sitting there with his head down, not looking up at all as I walked in. It was like they knew I was coming here and this was ending today.

“Where’s Aless?”

“In her room, sleeping. I have the baby monitor here.” June sniffled, “Can we talk…please?”

“Everything. Right now. Because I just got back from seeing Evan and he said some interesting things.” I crossed my arms over my chest, pissed off. I’m tired of the lies. I’m tired of everything.

“You are going to hate me.” June cried.

“I would rather hate you all and know the truth than live my life with a bunch of lies.” I turned to Zander, “Starting with you.”

He looked up at me with red eyes. “What do you want to know?”

“Your dad and Evan’s.”

“Evan and I are cousins. My dad kept the family name but his dad took my aunt’s last name, wanting to make a name for himself in this world. It was known in our family that who ever married first and bears a child would get the family inheritance, along with the business. Stupid family rules.” He mumbled and I furrowed my brows, “I always hated the game they played. They always put Evan and I against each other and this was just the top. Evan always tried to find someone easy and willing but I wanted to marry for the real reasons, love.”

“But yet…”

“You and Evan started dating when we were all in school. I fell in love with you Elle. I loved you for as long as I could remember but you picked him. He sweet talked you that night of the party and I was pissed. We were friends and I was planning on asking you out that night even though we haven't talked because of my ex. I wanted you. When the douchebag tried touching you after we won that game, at the party, I saw red and pulled him away but you ran off before I could catch you. Evan took that chance and ran after you and when I ran outside, you two were walking away, laughing. You two were always together, but nothing was offical.”

“That’s when you pulled me aside and tried to ask me out. That caused a fight between you and Evan.”

“He was planning on using you to get the money. He was doing it for all the wrong reasons. Before he walked in on us, I told him I would give up everything and he could have it, if I could have you. He laughed and told me to f**k off so I went to you and well...the fight...”

“How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

“Because he is.” Travis said, making me look over at him, “I was there when he talked to Evan. But Evan just laughed and told him to f**k off and they got into the fight.”

“What happened that year?”

“You went to the office to see Evan. He was there with someone on his desk doing gross things. He had his face between her legs.” June shivered.

"You ran to our place and collapsed on the floor. I was on my way out to meet June and Zander but you needed us so I brought you to the couch and called them. I took care of you until they got there and that is when we learned everything that happened." Travis said

“Zander was pissed and rushed to you to make sure you were okay. He took care of you, every day and soon, you two were inseparable. You stayed with him so Evan wouldn't find you because last he knew you two weren't speaking. You secluded yourself in his place but Evie, I've never seen you happier. You avoided everything that had to do with Evan, you evan abandoned your things. You bought a whole new wardrobe so you didn’t have to go back to Evan’s. Zander was there, everyday making sure he put a smile on your face and hear your laughter and then, soon, you were official. You two were so in love it was almost sickening, but you guys were goals.”

“I went to your dad a few months later and asked for your hand in marriage.” Zander whispered, “He knew of my past with Evan. He knew about the family inheritance. I told him I didn’t care about it and I loved you so much I would give it all up. I would give everything up just to see you smile and he gave me his blessing. The night I proposed you told me you were pregnant.” He whispered.

“I was pregnant…with your baby?” and he nodded and that brought me back to what Evan said in the hospital.

“You just found out you were going to have a baby and you were so happy.” He started to tear up a bit while my hand went to my stomach, “You unfortunately lost the baby but I still love you…” He never said we...

“I just…” he stuttered as a tear slipped from his eyes, "That was the happiest I've been in a long time. We were starting our life together. We were gonna get married and have children. I was over the moon."

“What happened…the accident…” I whispered out, trying to hold in my own tears as my hand flew to my stomach.

“It was right after our special night. We went to Evan’s so you could get more of the things you left behind. I begged you not to, that we would replace anything you left but you insisted and made me stay in the car. Evan ran out of the house, screaming for you while you got in the car with me. We were driving back to my place when a car sped up behind us.” He closed his eyes as his body started to shake, “It rammed into us…over and over until we spun around and ran straight into a light pole. I was conscious and remember looking up at you, making sure you were okay. You were bleeding, so much and I remember looking down and saw blood between your legs…and then…he drove into the back of our car. The next thing I knew, I was waking up a week later in the hospital.”

“He did it…” I whispered.

He nodded his head, “They wouldn’t let me out of bed to see you but June kept me updated. Her, Travis and your parents kept Evan out of the room but no one saw what happened. His car conveniently disappeared so there was never any proof that he did it but I know it was him.”

“How did he get to me before you guys?”

“He was stalking your room.” June whispered, “I pulled the boys out of there to get something to eat. We didn’t know you were going to wake up. I guess when the nurse called for the doctor to come in, Evan heard and rushed right in.”

“Why did you let him convince me…”

“You didn’t remember anything. We wanted to tell you but the loss of the baby and your memory was already too much on you. I was going to but then…” June was cut off by Travis.

“Evan threatened all of us.” Travis whispered, “We are not proud of it. Evan knew things about all of us and was going to use it to destroy our reputations and our lives if we didn’t go with it.”

I furrowed my brows and looked at all of them, “What did he know?”

June tensed and looked over at Travis as he nodded his head, “Travis’ family is a huge partner to Prescott Agency so Travis was being watched by a lot of people because he was supposed to take over soon for his dad. Evan knew about what happened in college…the one night where we experiment with drugs and Tavis and I were, well, involved in that…orgy.” She blushed. I knew about that night. I was supposed to be with her but I ended up getting sick and I was forever happy I wasn’t there.

After that night, they participated in some willingly. I don’t judge. Whatever makes them happy.

“Mom…dad…what about you?”

Mom’s head dropped and dad looked flushed, “You didn’t have insurance.” Dad whispered, “They cut my position at the school months before and I lost all my benefits. Evan offered to pay your medical bills…in exchange for silence.”

“He should have anyways! He caused the accident!” I cried out, looking at all of them before turning to Zander. I walked over and stood in front of him. He looked up at me and stood up. I could see the pain in his eyes, “And you…why didn’t you tell me?”

“You didn’t remember me Elle. You didn’t remember the seven months we were together. You didn’t remember the way I made love to you. You didn’t remember you were pregnant with our baby and you didn’t remember my proposal to you. You looked right at me and called for Evan. What was I supposed to do? My heart shattered that day more than it was before. I was devistated over the loss of our baby but I couldn't function with the loss of you as well.”

“Fight for me!” I screamed, “If you loved me the way you said you did, you should have fought for me! You should have told me the truth instead of letting me live a lie with Evan! I thought it was his baby we lost! I thought it was him who wanted to be with me and loved me! He was there when I woke up! How the hell was I supposed to know if you guys didn’t tell me the truth! I lived years in misery, unhappy with my life and only stayed with him because of Aless.”

“Elle…I…”

“Patricia…” I whispered and his face dropped, “How the hell did that happen? If you loved me so much, how?”

“I got in a fight with Evan and June one night. I wanted to tell you. It was when Aless was three and seeing you three together hurt. That should have been us. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed you in my life. I was willing to give up everything and even adopt Aless as my own, treat her like my own daughter, hell, I still am. But after we fought, I had a work event at a hotel and went to the bar. Dad's business partner was there and so was his daughter, Patricia. I knew of her but I never spent time with her. I didn't care to. Mom and dad wanted us to marry but I denied her, causing more tension in the family. Well, while I was drowning my sorrows in alcohol, she sat next to me and we were doing shots. I didn’t know…”

“You don’t have to…” June said and I looked at her.

“Yes. Yes he does.” I snapped, “Tell me…now.”

“She drugged my drink and helped me into a room where we ended up sleeping together. I don’t remember that night, honest. I wish I could but I don't.”

“How did you know she drugged you?”

“Travis had them pull the footage and the caught her on camera.” He sighed, “I was going to press charges for r**e but I found out she was pregnant. Dad forced me to marry her because a Prescott heir coulnd't be born out of wedlock and then a month after we were married, she lost the baby.”

“I don’t even think she was ever pregnant.” June scoffed and crossed her arms.

“Probably not but it was done. The marriage was legal and a business transaction between her family and mine. Dad took ownership of fifty one percent of the hotels in exchange for our financial contribution and her fidelity. Ever since that night, I never touched her.”

“You expect me to believe that two years married, the billionaire heir didn’t touch his wife?” I laughed and shook my head, “please.”

“It’s true.” He whispered, “I hate her so much. Looking at her made me sick. She wasn't you. Everyday, I looked for you. Everyday, I wished you would remember and come back to me.”

“You know what makes me sick?” I whispered as I tried to hold back the tears in my eyes, but failing miserably, “All of you.”

“You don’t mean that.” Mom said and I stopped her.

“I do.” I cried, “I really do. Looking at you all hurts. I can’t look at you and dad because you sold me out for payments on my medical bills. Guess what, I, we, would have figured it out if you would have told me and told me the truth. Hell, I would have sold everything I had just for you two to be honest. You are my parents and you’re supposed to be there for me but instead, you hurt me in the worst way possible.”

I turned to Travis, “You were like my brother. I trusted you with so much. You came to me when you wanted to ask June for her hand in marriage. I confided in you with secrets that no one knows and you broke that trust. I just want to walk over to you and punch you in the throat.”

“Evie…” he whispered and I shook my head.

“You.” I pointed to June, “You were my best friend.”

“Were?” She squeaked, “No, we still are!”

“No! Best friends don’t lie to each other about this! You should have had my back! You should have been there for me! I would have supported you if that asshole would have said anything about you and Travis because guess what, he’s not so innocent either! You held me when I cried when I was told about losing the baby! You were there when I took the pregnancy test with Aless! You were in the room with me when she was born because Evan was too busy traveling for work! I loved you like a sister and you hurt me! For that, I don’t know if I could ever forgive you.”

“Don’t do this please” she cried, “I love you and you’re my best friend, my maid of honor, my other half.”

I shook my head, “I will still be your maid of honor and stand with you but I will not be participating in any wedding events. I won’t be at the bachelorette/bachelor party. I won’t be at the bridal shower. I won’t take part of the rehearsal. Once you two say I do, I’m leaving. Mom can help you finish the planning. You are no longer my friend June. You are no longer part of my life. I can’t…I can’t trust you.” and she started to cry and beg for forgiveness, standing up and dropping to the floor holding my hand but I just pulled it away.

“And you.” I said and pointed to Zander, “You claimed to have loved me…”

“I still do…” he whispered.

“If you did, you would have fought.”

And that made him glare and stand up, “The hell! I did fight! I fought for you every goddamn day! You know nothing of what I went through to try to get to you!”

“It wasn’t good enough because at the end of the day, you knew the truth. You knew about our past and you married someone else and walked away from me. For years Zander, years you avoided me! You never called! You never texted! You never visited when Aless was born! You never did anything!” I screamed.

“You know nothing!” he glared, “I will prove to you that everything you just said was bullshit.”

“Mommy?” I heard from the stairs as Aless was standing there, rubbing her eyes, “Why are you guys yelling?”

I started to walk over to her, “I want you all gone. I want you all out of my house. I’m done. I can’t do this right now. I need space. I need time.”

“How long?” mom asked with tears in her eyes as dad held her.

“I don’t know. You guys had six years to wrap your head around everything and all this just became real to me. I need time to process so I ask, if you really care about me like you said, do not contact me unless it’s an emergency. Leave.”

And without a final word, they all left the house except for Zander. I looked over my shoulder as I started up the stairs and looked at him, “I will prove everything to you Elle. I love you and that hasn’t changed.” And with that, he left the house while I tried my hardest to hold back the tears.

While I shook my head and finalized the menu for June and Travis’ wedding, my phone started to ring. I know I said mom would do this, but a part of me felt guilty putting it all on her, so I took it back over but only mom knew. I picked it up and furrowed my brow at the name. It was June.

“I told you not to call me.”

“I…I…I…need…you…” she slurred and cried out, “Please…help…”

I groaned and looked at the clock. I still had two hours before I had to get Aless from school. I looked at the email from my lawyer, pissed off at what I was reading and shut it, “Where are you?”

“M…M…Macs.” f**k. She’s drunk, “Tra…Travis is here too but…”

I ran my hand over my face and grabbed my keys, “Stay there.” I groaned and hung up. I still may be pissed off at her but I can’t leave her like that.

I got in my car and started to drive. I was fifteen minutes away from Mac's when my phone slipped between the seats. I tried to reach for it. Mac’s was about forty five minutes from the office and I needed mom or dad to get Aless from school. I thought I was going to make it in time, but I was wrong. As I turned my head to get my phone, the sound of screeching tires echoed around me, the sound of metal crunching and glass shattering exploded and I was out cold.