Novel Palace
Chapter 45
As Evelyn arrived at her father's house, she stood outside for a while, nostalgia enveloping her. It had been six years since she had left this house, and now, standing there, a wave of emotion washed over her
Memories of her time living there, the happy
uppy moments with her father and stepmother, surged through her mind. However, Sandra's presence in
those memories dampened the warmth.
That sly bitch! She cursed inwardly, knowing she was going to see her there.
Taking a deep breath, Evelyn reminded herself to stay as far away from Sandra as possible. She couldn't afford to lose her cool, especially since she was already in a bad mood.
She stepped inside the living room, the familiar scent of home greeting her instantly. Even with the decorations hanging around the house, she could still see that the house hadn't changed much, and a pang of sadness mixed with comfort filled her.
She could hear the music coming from the backyard where guests who had arrived for the anniversary party were already flocking around.
She took a deep breath as she made her way to the backyard, and the moment she got there, the first person her eyes landed on was
Sandra.
Thankfully, Sandra was engrossed in a conversation with someone so she averted her gaze quickly only for her eyes to meet her father who seemed to have seen her the moment she walked in.
They both locked gazes, but neither of them made any move to approach the other since they were still mad at each other and waiting for who to apologize first. Claire who had been talking to her husband but noticed he was no longer listening to her, followed his gaze and her face split in a smile when she saw Evelyn. "She made it," Claire said happily and Eric scoffed.
"As what? A guest? She doesn't even have regard for her parents enough to come say hello," Eric muttered with displeasure as he looked away from Evelyn. Without a second thought, Claire ignored her husband and walked over to Evelyn to welcome her. I'm glad you made it!" Claire said as she hugged Evelyn "Isn't that your sister?" Sandra's companion asked, and she turned in time to see her mom and Evelyn embracing.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
Sandra's brows pulled together when she observed how they both seemed happy to see each other, unlike the way Evelyn had treated her so coldly. "Happy Anniversary, Mom," Evelyn said as she hugged Claire back, a genuine smile playing on her lips.
"Thank you, darling. Why haven't you come to say hello to your father? And what is that about Derek Stone? Did you release that news?" Claire asked with a frown. While they were still talking. Sandra observed them with a frown. Something about their body language gave her a feeling that this wasn't a six-year-long reunion.
Was there something she was missing! Had Evelyn seen her mom since she came back? But if so, how? And why didn't her mother mention it? Sandra mused as she decided to go join them, but when she saw them heading towards her father, she headed there instead.
She got there in time to hear Evelyn congratulating their father. "Hello, Dad. Congratulations on your anniversary
"Am I still your father? I don't think so considering your actions. As far as I'm concerned, you're here as a guest, so I will treat you as one. When you recognize me as your father and do the right thing, I will acknowledge you then," he said and without waiting for her response, he turned away from her and walked away.
was happy to hear d
hear she was attending the party frowned. "I will go talk to him" Claire said and
Seeing this, Claire who had told Evelyn her father was h hurried after her husband.
Sandra turned to Evelyn after their parents left and smiled at her. "Hey, Evie. I'm so glad you made it. I was scared you wouldn't show up" she said, trying to Lake Evelyn's hand.
Evelyn palled her hand away. She hated the fact that Sandra could still pretend to be a good sister to her after betraying her the way she did. "Why won't I show up? It's my parents' anniversary after all," she said, smiling back at Sandra
Sandra modded, her gaze darting to the entrance to see if Michael and Derek had arrived. Earlier, Michael had texted to let her know he would be