Chapter 20
Ilis voice was so faint, like a whisper lost in the wind. Before she could catch the rest, the roar of passing cars drowned him
out.
She wanted to hear more, but the driver cut in, announcing their arrival.
Reluctantly, she paid and helped Steve out of the car.
Steve and Evelyn lived close by, and thankfully, their building had an elevator.
Otherwise, she wasn’t sure she could’ve dragged his drunk self all the way up.
Seeing him stumble, Evelyn knew he couldn’t handle washing up alone. At least he seemed aware enough to find his way to the bedroom.
Recognizing the familiar room, he collapsed onto the bed.
Evelyn sighed in relief, but before she could fully exhale, a muffled sound of “dong” came from the bedroom.
Her heart skipped a beat as she rushed in, only to find Steve sprawled on the floor, looking oddly peaceful. It was unclear whether he had fallen asleep or just passed out.
Worried he might’ve hurt himself, she checked him over. Turns out, he’d fallen onto the bed first, then rolled off.
With a resigned sigh, Evelyn hauled him back onto the bed. Just as she was about to tuck him in, his arm shot out, pulling her into his chest.
She froze, then struggled to break free, but he only held her tighter.
Her hands pressed against his firm chest, his alcohol–laced breath brushing her ear, sending a flush of heat through her.
Then, the words she hadn’t caught earlier became crystal clear.
“Evelyn… I like you…”
Her face burned. She tried to wriggle free, but it was no use. Exhaustion took over, and before she knew it, she’d fallen asleep
in his arms.
That night, both slept soundly.
The trouble came the next morning when Steve woke up, sober and horrified.
He stared down at Evelyn, still asleep in his arms, replaying the previous night’s blunders. His face turned crimson, his body stiffening with embarrassment.
Evelyn stirred, discomforted by the now–rigid “pillow.” She shifted, then froze as realization hit.
Her eyes snapped open, meeting Steve’s flushed face inches away. Her cheeks burned as she scrambled out of his embrace, running a hand through her messy hair.
12:15
Cleared for Departure: So Is My Love
62.9%
12:15 Sat, 17 May 0
How had she ended up sleeping like that? And so soundly?
82%
“I… I just brought you back. You’re the one who…” She trailed off, unable to finish. Steve, still red–faced, mumbled something but stayed silent.
Seeing his lack of response, Evelyn felt a chill. She bolted for the door, desperate to escape the awkwardness.
But just as her hand touched the handle, Steve’s hand covered hers.
The door was in front of her; Steve was behind her.
The door wouldn’t budge, and Steve wasn’t backing down.
Trapped, Evelyn’s mind raced, her body stiffening as if fireworks were exploding in her head.
O(2)
(0)
63.4%
14.10 Sat, 17 May
82%
Chapter 21
