44 Chapter 42 (1/2)

”Did you ever like me?”

This was a question that had been weighing in his mind for months. This was the question that made him feel anxious and less than a man. This was the question for her appearing every time in his mind even though he was together with Sisley. This was the question that made him blame her for everything. Justifying his actions for betraying her. Comparing her every chances he got. Pointing at her character every time they were together. Ridiculing every little actions she took.

He was bitter.

He was angry.

He was sad.

He was… hurt.

Hurt since he had truly liked her. Had given his attention and affection to her only to feel that the affection wasn't mutual.

Evangeline's icy countenance somewhat wavered as the coldness in her gaze cracked. Her eyes stung and slightly moistened… or was it the effects of the light?

Her lips curved in a smile. This time, the smile didn't contain anything, it was just purely…. a smile. A sad smile – from the bottom of her heart.

”I never would have said yes if there was no feeling involved.”

”…...”

”...”

Aghh…. So that's how it was….

Daniel's eyes dropped. His eyelids grew heavy while he smiled sadly at himself…. I….

….screwed up.

He raised his head and looked at the woman seriously. His eyes, unwavering and remorseful.

”Evangeline… I'm sorry.” With this, let us end our chapter together.

Evangeline remained silent, yet beneath her gaze held complicated emotions as she watched the man that she once liked finally ending things between them. Her feelings were in a complete mess!

However….. she felt relieved….

Was it because she no longer had any resentment towards the man or was it because she felt relieved that the man didn't hate her despite everything else?

She herself didn't know the answer.

…..

…..

After a while of silence, Daniel grabbed something inside his pocket and handed it out to Evangeline.

The light atmosphere brought by their reconciliation instantly turned heavy the instant Evangeline laid eyes on that thick brown envelop.

Her eyes revert to its usual coldness, even more freezing than before as she asked in a soft voice laced in frozen ice dripped in scorn. ”What is this?”

Daniel instantly regretted his rash actions, but it was too late to back out now. ”I heard that you're in a tight spot... Let me help you.”

Daniel's tone was soft and pleasing, yet Evangeline didn't hear any of that as she sarcastically smiled without any intention of taking that envelope.

”Looks like you believe the rumors.”

Daniel frowned and sighed. Still, he didn't lose his patience. Though they had broken up officially and now settled everything, he wanted to help her as a friend.

But he did regret his impulsive actions. He admitted that he was too thoughtless just handing the envelope like that. He should have asked about it first before he acted.

He brushed his hand through his hair as he retracted his gaze from hers. For a time, he didn't know how to explain himself.

”It's not because I believe it... It's just that… I'm worried about you.”