53 Chapter 4 (2/2)

Eric knew at first glance that it somehow had shattered and was put together again. He didn't know why Evangeline had it protected with tempered gla.s.s like it was the most valuable thing inside her room, yet she didn't even bother to ask a professional to fix the pot. The various visible crack lines all over the stoneware was an eyesore and definitely out of place inside her well maintained room.

Eric didn't know anything about teas nor pottery. But he could tell that the teapot was expensive just from its unusual shape and ancient looking unglazed material.

”Well?”

Eric's eyes darted towards the woman sitting opposite him while his face remained as static as ever.

Evangeline was tilting her head against her arm while her other hand was resting on top of her crossing knees, emanating pride and arrogance. While Eric was sitting with iron straight back, legs apart, fingers interlocking on top of his limbs, stipulating indifference as his eyes intently stared at the beautiful woman.

Evangeline continued when Eric didn't say anything. ”Aren't you going to explain yourself why you're avoiding me the past few days?”

Eric didn't answer.

”Is it because of what I said that night?”

”…..”

”Is it because you feel that I depended on you or that you feel that there are feelings that started to blossom that's why you got scared and wanted to put distance between us?”

”.….”

Evangeline's temper was gradually bursting out when the man remained calm and indifference still.

”Don't overthink too much about it, Eric. The atmosphere and mood brought that event.” Evangeline slightly leaned towards the silent man and looked at him seriously in the eyes. ”I a.s.sure you, there were no feelings at all.”

Her voice was soothing yet cold at the same time. Her face still held arrogance and haughtiness yet her eyes where glazy as it shone and shivered, trying to contain the emotions hidden within.

Eric couldn't keep looking at those eyes and immediately shifted his gaze.

”You seem to be the one who is overthinking things.” He said after a while, keeping his voice low and even.

Then he looked at Evangeline with indifference while his voice cold and taunting yet his knuckles were turning white brought by the pressure from his interlocking fingers.

”I already told you, I'm busy with work. Nothing more.”

”…..”

”…..”

Evangeline bit her lip while she secretly pinched the back of her palm to held herself.

”You… why are you lying?! You are clearly avoiding me!”

”Eva!”

The interlocking tension and pressure from the two people were abruptly disrupted by the opening of the door and the coming in of Asher, tray in hand.

”Are you hungry? I've brought you some snacks!” Asher smiled from ear to ear, but amidst his attractive friendly exterior hid impure motives as he walked towards his target. HMP! As if I'll allow you two to be alone! Under my dead body! I may not lay a hand on you punk, but it's not my fault if I accidentally slip this boiling teapot all over your face. Heh! See if you still have the guts to bring your hideous appearance out in the pu— h-hoi!

Before Asher could finish his thoughts, Eric had abruptly stood up and walked towards the door. He paused when he reached the handle, yet he didn't turn back for the reason that he didn't want Evangeline to see the conflicting emotions on his face that he could no longer hide and that he didn't want to see the hurt in the woman's eyes for another second more.

”It's getting late and I'm overstepping my stay. I have to go. You don't have to see me out.” Then without another word, he left.

”…..”

”…..”

Asher was still left hanging, feeling irritated that his plans were thwarted without even entering the initial stage. Forget it! I have plenty of time to deal with him.

Then his personality shifted 180° as he kindly smiled towards Evangeline, his voice cooing and much, much softer. ”Eva, are you hungry? I've prepared your favorite tea for you….”

However, his enthusiastic voice gradually dimmed when he noticed that his beautiful cousin was staring blankly at the door. Her eyes were misty while her lips were quivering, being pressed into one line as if trying to fight the tears from falling that were br.i.m.m.i.n.g in her eyes.

Asher was dumbstruck at this sudden expression of his cousin that his mind blanked out. For the life of him, he didn't know what to do! Evangeline had always been arrogant and proud and strong. She rarely— no! In fact, this was the first time that Asher saw her in such a vulnerable state.

Asher's face turned solemn while his fingers holding the tray gradually turned white by the amount of force he was inserting against that piece of metal.

Evangeline… You like him that much?