Chapter 56 Her thoughts
The ride from the airport to home was mostly silent except Steve, who kept asking questions about their trip, and the couple kept giving one-word answers. In yes or no.
Steve assumed they must be worn out from a long trip. After reaching home, Eva received a warm hug from Rose, who was pacing in the living room, eagerly waiting for them.
Eva greeted her with a smile on her face, then William also met Eva and asked her about the trip. After replying to their questions, Eva‘s eyes searched for his dad
Rose noticed her expression and notified her
"is attending the physiotherapy session. He will be here soon.
"Ooh, ok, he is doing fine, right?”
“Yes, he is. I think you both should get freshen up first. Till then, I will arrange the dinner.”
Eva gave a nod and started climbing the stairs. Her heart was going through an emotional ride. First she was a guest in this house, and now she has become a family member carrying the last name of Smiths.
In her thoughts, she reached near the room door, and before she could unlock the door, Steve's voice halted her.
“Where do you think you are going, sweetheart? I hope you didn’t forget that you have to shift in Stephen’s room now.”
Stephen was also observing Eva’s expression. Eva gave a nod to Steve and turned towards Stephen’s room. The moment she entered the room, her eyes got wide in surprise as there were many fresh flower bouquets arranged beautifully in the room.
“Mom, did this for you both? Isn’t it awesome?”
Eva nodded with a smile on her face.
Stephen, who was following them, just looked at the flowers and excused himself to use the washroom.
Once Steve exited the room, Eva noticed the environment. She noticed several alterations in the bedroom, including a transformation in the wall color from plain gray to soothing pastel shades, providing visual comfort.
They installed a compact refrigerator in the room. Eva approached the fridge and opened it.
To her surprise, it stuffed all her favorites in the fridge
“I arranged this for your midnight cravings, so you don’t have to bother to leave this room at midnight.”
Stephen’s voice stunned her, but she just gave a nod and entered the washroom to get a relaxing shower.
With each breath of the lingering cologne on her body, she couldn't help but reminisce about the passionate encounter she had with Stephen.
However, during those moments of weakness, he treated Eva as if she were fragile
Eva released a sigh to dispel those thoughts, concluded her shower, and readied herself for the dinner.
Eva, when exiting the washroom, was glad to notice that Stephen had already left for the dining room. Eva also reached the dining room; she glowed when she spotted her dad present in the dining room.
Eva quickly reached to him and bent down to hug Michael, who was sitting in the wheelchair. Eva kneeled in front of him and asked him
“How are you, dad?’”
“What happened to me? I am fine, dear, just put on some weight as Rose is making me eat so much food. “
Eva beamed at his words. She always admired how his dad keeps himself cheerful, no matter how hard the circumstances are.
“Now you tell me, how was your trip? I know you always love beaches. I am sure you will have a wonderful time.”
“It was nice, “Eva replied with a smile. Michael noticed how the smile didn’t reach her eyes. He knew her daughter very well, so it’s easy for him to conclude that something is bothering his daughter.
Soon they all get seated for dinner all the time. Stephen kept his silence and Eva just gave the answer to the questions in yes or no.
“Eva, tomorrow morning the designer will be here with your dress that you have worn in the evening for the reception party, so try it and tell her if any alteration is required. “
Eva gave a nod in agreement. After finishing the dinner, Eva and Stephen left for their room.
Rose remarked, “Why are they not looking pleased together? Did something happen between them?” pleased
“You are worrying unnecessary. This trip must wear them out. They will be fine after taking some rest.” William commented
Rose then asked Michael, "You understand nothing. What do you think, Michael? Don’t you notice their dull faces?
“I did, but I think they must have had an argument. After all, Eva is just like her mother. You know your dear friend was fighting with me on the last day of our honeymoon. That too, for a silly reason.”
“What reason?” Rose inquired
“Actually, she somehow lost her matching footwear and blamed me for losing it.
Trust me, Eva must have followed in her mother’s footsteps. As far as I know, Stephen is a mature man; he will do nothing to hurt her. Didn’t you notice his face? Poor man just tasted the perks of being married."
William and Michael shared a laugh at this, whereas Rose just shook her head.
“No, I don’t agree. Eva is a na?ve and sweet girl, but my son is a very demanding man. I am sure he must have done something wrong
Should I scold him?”
“Rose sweetheart, they are now husbands, and I don’t think it’s appropriate to meddle in their matters. Let them learn to sort out their issues; give them some privacy. Ok “
Rose sighed and left for her room, whereas William dropped Michael in his room and had left for his bedroom.
In Stephen’s bedroom
Stephen quickly changed into his nightwear and left for the attached balcony to make some important calls. Eva also changed into her nightdress, which was a Mickey Mouse-printed loose t-shirt and lower
When Eva arrived in the room, she found Stephen standing near the bed doing something on the phone. Listening to the door sound, he gazes at her
“I was waiting for you.”
Eva got nervous at his words. She held her t-shirt in a soft grip. Stephen was quick to note her discomfort, so he added,
“I mean waiting to ask you which side you will prefer.”
“Hmm. “ Eva gave a confused look at him.
“On which side you would like to sleep, left or right?”
“I am fine with both. “
"Ok, then I will take the left; is it ok for you?”
“Hmm “
“Good night, Eva."
“Good.. Night."
Stephen got settled on his side and covered himself with the comforter. Eva sighed the moment she noticed his eyes were closed. In slow steps, she reached to her side and slept, adjusting with the comforter.
Stephen opened his eyes and saw her sleeping beside him at a safe distance. He sighed as he wanted to talk to her since morning, but she refused to do any dialogue.
Tomorrow is an important day for them. Stephen wishes to have a conversation with Eva after the reception party. As for him, it’s becoming unbearable to bear her unfamiliarity and silence.
The next morning, Eva woke up and found herself alone in the She checked the time and realized that she was late today. So she quickly completed her mooring routine and reached the dining room for breakfast.
Stephen, Steve, and William already left for their respective works. Rose joined her at the breakfast table, and, after finishing with her breakfast, Rose was notified about the designer arriving in the afternoon, so Eva spent some time with her father.
Michael smiled at the sight of his daughter. Eva reached near his bed and got settled on the chair present near the bed.
“So how is my princess doing today?”
“Good dad."
“Well, just good. I thought it must excite you for the reception party tonight. You know many prestigious guests, business tycoons, and celebrities are going to attend tonight’s party.
I denied Rose's request to invite your friends and opted to restrict the party to the guests of the Smith family.
However, they already have a long guest list."
Eva gave a weak smile at his statement. Michael caught there was no excitement on her face for the coming event.
“What’s bothering you, dear? Tell me.”
"Nothing, dad."
“You can’t lie with me. Just let it out. Is it something related to Stephen?”
Tears brimmed in Eva’s eyes. She tried to control her cries, but tears started falling from her eyes.
"Hey, what happened? Tell me, sweetheart.”
“I don’t know what exactly pains me. It’s not his fault either. Stephen was always taking care of me and was concerned about my comfort. Everything is fine, but I don’t understand why my heart is not acknowledging him. I don’t know what stops me from falling for him .“