My Dad's Bestfriend

Evelyn

I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, clad in a pristine white gown that hugged my figure, accentuated by matching high heels. With meticulous care, I let my hair cascade in loose curls, using the curling iron after ages. A spritz of perfume and I grabbed my purse before exiting the room. It had been ages since I wore white-I had grown accustomed to Jacob's favorite-black. Everything black. But never in my life, even for once had I thought he'd leave me in black just like that that. He tainted everything with that colour and snatched the rest of the colours away from my palette.

Descending the staircase, I treaded cautiously to avoid any mishaps. Yet, just as I thought I had navigated the last fucking step, I collided with an obstacle so solid it felt like slamming into a brick wall. A groan escaped me as pain radiated through my forehead, but before I could fully register the impact, a familiar scent enveloped me, dispelling the notion of a wall. It was him. My heartbreaker. My Ruin. Rubbing my forehead, I opened my eyes to find him standing before me.

"Are you alright, Evelyn?" His voice, warm and concerned, drew closer as he approached, clad in a simple black t-shirt and grey trousers, exuding effortless charm that only added to his allure. Despite Cameron's undeniable appeal, my mind involuntarily compared him to Jacob, finding the latter infinitely more captivating in every aspect. More tempting. More sinful. More of everything.

That was the crux of it-Jacob Adriano still held sway over me, the power to fucking ruin me completely. I would sooner allow anyone else to break me than permit him to do so again. "Not exactly fine after colliding with a solid mass," I retorted, feigning indifference as I attempted to mask the tumult of emotions swirling within me. "Perhaps watch your step next time.

I attempted to sidestep him swiftly, eager to put distance between us, but his firm grasp on my wrist halted my escape. His touch ignited a blaze along my skin, the sensation akin to fiery bands encircling my wrist, accompanied by the soft crackle of embers and the warmth of his breath against my neck. We stood too close, a proximity that I hadn't fully comprehended until that moment.

Fuck. Let me have my shit together-please god!

"Where are you off to, looking like that?" His question hung in the air, a subtle challenge beneath his words, just as my phone began to ring.

Silently I withdrew my hand from his grip, though the lingering sensation of his touch lingered, an unwelcome reminder of his presence. I answered the call without checking the caller ID.

"I'm right outside your place, beautiful," Cameron's voice filtered through the line.

Jacob's gaze narrowed as I spoke into the phone, making arrangements without acknowledging his presence, "Okay. I will be right there."

Despite his silent scrutiny, I tucked my phone away, only to be met with his voice once more, this time laced with an authoritative edge, as if he still wielded some claim over me, a claim he had long since forfeited.

"Where are you going?"

For a fleeting moment, I almost entertained the notion of disregarding him entirely, of walking out of the house and leaving him behind an unequivocal statement that he could indeed "fuck off." But that wasn't what I wanted. No, I desired something more from him. The satisfaction of seeing him unsettled, perhaps even jealous, at the prospect of my date with Cameron was far more enticing. And so, I did just that.

"On a date," I declared, crossing my arms defensively over my chest, "But I fail to see how that's any of your fucking business, Mr. Adriano."

His jaw tightened, a flicker of

jealousy dancing in his eyes before it was overshadowed by a surge of rage, intensifying the emerald hue to something darker, something that stirred a primal urge within me He advanced, closing the distance until our faces were mere inches apart, his breath mingling with mine, igniting a fierce battle against the rising desires I struggled to suppress. The sight of him was fucking intoxicating.

"Who?" Jacob's voice was low, sending a shiver down my spine, an unfamiliar thrill coursing through me, mingled with apprehension and anticipation.

"Once again, none of your concern," I countered, refusing to yield under his penetrating gaze. I wasn't one to retreat-if he expected me to fucking bend, he was sorely mistaken.

"Does Samuel know about this latest boy toy of yours?" His eyes flicked toward my father, who was engrossed in watering the flowers of the garden, oblivious to our exchange.

"And why should that matter to you?

Are you suddenly the guardian of our moral compass? What are you? My Grandpa?" I scoffed, though in truth, Dad was already informed. Clara had spilled the beans, yet his lack of interference or inquiries about Cameron signified his tacit approval of whomever I chose to spend my

time with. I needed to t

myself from the clutches of the man standing before me, and I was prepared to do whatever it took to move on from him. And Cameron was the first move-not sure if it was exactly working or not but atleast I got high hopes.

"So this is what we're going to do every time we fucking talk? Argue?" he asked, frustration seeping into his tone. "Is that what you want?"

"No, not at all. I'd rather we didn't talk at all," I replied with a shrug. "That would be preferable, if you ask me."

His jaw clenched, fists tightening at his sides. For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze locked on me as if trying to decipher my thoughts, frustration evident as he realized there was nothing to glean. I didn't offer any clues-how could he find something that wasn't there?

"You're taking it too far, Evelyn..." he muttered, his voice tinged with a mix of desperation and warning. "Don't do this."

Taking it too far? He had to be fucking joking.

"You went to a hotel and kissed your fucking ex, and now you're here lecturing me about going on a simple date being 'too far'?" I scoffed, disbelief coloring my tone. "Seriously, Jacob, have some decency. I can't believe you!" I attempted to move past him, but he grabbed my arm, halting me in my tracks.

"I fucked up. I know it but that doesn't mean you have to follow suit," he whispered, yet his voice was carrying a strength that I could never match. "You don't want to end up regretting it like I do."

"I'd rather have regrets than spend my days mourning a jerk who didn't give a damn when he broke my heart!" I wrenched my arm from his grip. "I don't know how many times have to say this, but you and I are done. So next time, don't bother asking about my life, my dates, or who I fuck." His eyes darkened at my words, as if I had struck a

nerve-which I undoubtedly had. But I didn't care. Without another glance in his direction, I stormed out of the house, feeling his gaze burning into my back with every step.

As soon as I stepped outside, I spotted Cameron's car parked in front, his windows rolled down. He removed his sunglasses, flashing a smile in my direction.

Well, a handsome distraction should better fucking work.