Chapter 10 Celebration
It shocked Eva to notice the door locked.
She tried to unlock it using all of her tiny strength, but nothing worked.
She kicked the door in her sleepy eyes, which instead hurt her toe.
Eva cried out in pain and then got settled on her bed.
She was trying to find out a way when her eyes spotted something new in the room: it was a basket.
Eva picked it up and opened it to see what was in it; her eyes gleamed at the things as the basket was full of all snacks. Some muffin packets, some chip packets, roasted nuts, and lots of chocolate.
Eva thought maybe Rose arranged it for her, and she was glad about that, as at least it saved her from another encounter with the devil.
After eating some snacks, she laid down to sleep, but one thing was still troubling her: why did Rose lock her door? Is it a necessary thing to do?
She didn't realize when she fell asleep amidst all her worries.
The same night when Stephen reached his house, his secretary already arranged a basket of food as he ordered and put it in his car.
After reaching the first floor, Stephen took out the master key of the house, which he had to carry because of his unplanned schedule.
He opened the guest room first, where he found his precious in deep slumber. He didn’t want to disturb her sleep, as it was never his intention. Steven kept the basket on the cabinet of the room. He wanted Eva to spot it easily, and the chest of drawers cabinet was the best place for it.
After placing the basket, he left the room, making no noise, and then he locked the door. Stephen was a very possessive and overprotective man, and after he decided on Eva, he didn’t want her to be in any danger.
In this matter, he even doesn’t want to trust his brother too. What if Eva fell for his cheesy talks as Stephen is poor in talking skills, or better say flirting skills? So, avoiding any intolerable situation, he locked Eva’s door. So that he could also have a peaceful sleep
The next morning Eva reached the dining room for breakfast already in her college wear and greeted the Smith couple, who replied with a smile.
Steve was more than thrilled to see her, so he again started, “Good morning, dear, so how was your day? I mean the first day in your classes."
“Good, “Eva answers in one word to avoid further conversation with Steve
“So, did you meet someone special? I mean some boy. I just want to remind you that if you need any boyfriend, then I am always free for you. Do Tell me,”"
“No thanks; I am happy as a single soul.'
"Ooh, you just broke my heart, “Steve kept his palm on his heart in dramatic way
"Ooh, just started spreading some butter on her toast, listening to his blabbering. Whereas Rose and William were enjoying their bantering
Eva felt the same thickness in the air. She didn’t turn around to notice who the footsteps belonged to; it was none other than the devil, Stephen.
Stephen suited his chair and started with his breakfast. Eva noticed the time and just ate breakfast in a rush while booking a cab on her phone.
The moment she finished the breakfast, she bid goodbye to the smith couple, whereas Steve didn’t waste time to tease her
“Goodbye, dear; miss me. “
'"You wish,” Eva retorted back and left the house. Steve chuckled at her irritation.
Stephen liked the way Eva gave a cold shoulder to his brother, as he deserves it, but he couldn’t understand why she was so scared of him.
When Stephen left his home, he again saw all the cars were present on the lawn, so he asked his chauffeur.
“Who drops Eva Mam to her classes?”
“Sir, she didn’t take any cars; she booked a cab for herself."
“Cab!”
Stephen intends to engage in a discussion regarding this matter with his mother; therefore, he proceeds back inside the residence.
“Mom “
Rose thought maybe he forgot“ something
“ What happened? Did you forget something?”?“
"No. Eva is traveling from a cab. Why? I mean, we have many cars and chauffeurs, too. She could use it. There was no need for a cab."
“. I know, I told her the same, but she didn’t budge. Maybe she didn’t want to trouble us."
“You know, mom, that’s not a problem, but her traveling in the cab is a worrisome issue.”,
"Hmm, I didn’t understand?” Rose asked in confusion.
“Mom Eva’s father gave you responsibility for Eva, and what if something bad happened to her just because of this cab service?”
They left Rose in thoughts so she tried to explain, “but I don’t think she will agree.” “
“Do you know at what time her class will be over? Just send me the address. I will arrange her pickup, and don’t worry, I know how to convince her, OK?”
“Okay “
That day, Eva befriended more classmates who were equally focused on their work, just like she was. She was glad that at least she knew some more people in this new city.
When the class ended, she got a message from Rose, who ordered her not to book a cab. Eva didn’t understand at first, but soon she spotted a chauffeur with a car waiting for her. She recognised the chauffeur
Eva didn’t want to create a scene when she reached near the car.
““Mam sir has ordered me to drive you home.”
“You mean William, sir?”
“No, mam Stephen, sir.”
Eva was stunned on this new information
So she tried to deny
“ No thanks, but this is not needed.”
The chauffeur didn’t reply. He? just took out his phone and started searching for a number.
“What are you doing? Whom are you calling?"
“Stephen, sir, told me that if you deny, then call him and he will talk to you."
Eva‘s jaws dropped on the ground. Talk with Stephen; it’s like a daunting task to her
“Wait! No need to call your sir; I am coming with you."
The chauffeur quickly opened the car door. Eva settled in the car, muttering some curses for Stephen
When she reached home, she found Rose waiting for her in the living room
She flashed a smile at Eva and reached near her. ‘ I know, dear, you don’t enjoy using our car, but please try to understand this is for your safety only.
Eva just gave an assuring nod at her and left her room.
She was upset by the way Stephen forced her into all this.
Eva talked with Sara, as she was the only one who would help her calm her anger. Moreover, she wanted to share her worries with someone, and Sara is the best option to share.
When Sara picked up her call, Eva didn’t waste time and started a conversation about all-day happenings.
Sara kept listening to her first, after Eva finished his long talk along with some curses to Stephen. in the end.
“Why are you cursing him? How thoughtful of him. He arranged for your comfort. How caring he is. In fact, thank him. “
“Shut the hell up. Can. you please imagine keeping your crush for him aside for sometime?".
“Ok, calm down, but if you think practically, it’s a beneficial thing."
“What do you think is beneficial in it?"
“Come on, it will save you a lot of money that you were going to spend on a cab."
“I still don’t believe it! This is why I called you.”
“Because we are friends, dear."
"Ooh, shut up.”
A sudden knock disturbs their talk; to Eva‘s surprise, it was Rose who was standing at the door."
“Eva dear, I just came to tell you we are going for dinner tonight. Steve was working on a deal and he got it.
So William wanted to celebrate with our family, so get ready till 7 as the hotel is a little far from the city.”
“Rose, why don’t you all carry on with the dinner plans? I will be fine here.”
“No excuses; you are also coming with us.”
Rose patted her cheek and left the room.
Whereas Sara heard all this on the call, she squealed from the other side, which startled Eva
“What the hell, Sara?”
""What is wrong with you? You are going to dinner with the Smiths. Don’t be a spoilsport and wear that dress that I gave to you."
"Yes, yes, now goodnight."
“And don’t forget to wear those matching heels.”
Sara kept shouting from the other side, but Eva hung the call up and collapsed on the bed thinking about the dinner, which was going to be torture for her as the presence of the Smith brothers was enough to make her uncomfortable.
Still, she got ready in the dress that Sara suggested for her and applied a little makeup. At the end, she wore the heels. Kathey informed her about the family who was waiting downstairs for her.
Eva took a deep breath, picked up her clutch, and left for the living room.
When she reached the living room, she found Rose, who was looking pretty in a beautiful dress, which was designer. Of course
William and Steve were already in their customized suits. Rose complimented her look, as did William
Steve was looking at her with mouth agape.
“You still didn’t congratulate me, Eva."
Rose shook her head and stood beside William, whereas Eva came forward and congratulated Steve by forwarding her hand for a handshake
But Steve has other plans. He pulled Eva in a tight hug. Eva got shocked by his act, but she knows how to deal with it, so she stomped her pointed heel on his shoes.
Steve broke the hug and winced. " Damn girl ‘
“Oops, sorry, did it hurt?”
Rose and William snickers at her, but there was someone else who was feeling proud of Eva. When Stephen reached the living room, he saw how Steve pulled her in a hug. He so much wanted to punch his brother in the face for this behavior, but before he could do anything, Eva dealt with it cleverly.
Soon they all get started for the hotel
Stephen was once again mesmerized by her beauty. The dress was revealing her curves, which she always hide behind her loose clothes
When they reached the respective hotel, Eva was awestruck by the interiors of the hotel, but she hid her excitement as to what else she could expect from the Smith family.
Soon they all get suited to their reserved table.
Willian started a conversation about some upcoming deals with his sons, whereas Rose was busy in chatting with Eva
Soon the dinner was served. Stephen already ordered the famous dishes of this hotel.
All the dinner time, Stephen kept stealing glances of Eva. He noticed her choice in the food, but what bothered him was her small appetite.
She eats very little food, and that’s why she used to get unexpected hunger. Steve kept teasing Eva now and then, but now he knew his limits
It was a three-course meal, so at last the desserts were served.
And that was the favorite meal for Eva, as she always likes to taste it first and tries to guess the ingredients of the recipe.
So she took a bite and started guessing the ingredients with her eyes closed to feel the flavor.
Steve noticed this and asked her in curiosity, “Up, “what are you doing, dear? reading some prayers “and started laughing at her
“Shut up Steve “ Rose scolded him
Eva got embarrassed at his mocking. She muttered a small apology with a sad face. She cursed herself for her harmful habit. As she used to start doing it when she was just a teenager, her interest in cooking more precisely and baking resulted in doing this.
And today she makes a fool of herself in front of others
Stephen noticed her glistening eyes. He so much wanted to take her in a hug and console her by saying sweet things.
This is the second time in a day that something badly pissed him off on his own brother.
Stephen wishes to give him some good preaching to his brother later but without showing his interest in Eva.
William also noticed Eva‘s sad face since interfering
“Tell me, Eva, how did you get interested in this field? I mean, no, but I would like to know more about your interest.”
Eva gave a small smile at William. She was fighting with her fingers, quite nervous to answer William, but Rose patted her back so Eva started in a slow tone
“My mom was a skilled cook. She loves baking. Dad declares I took it from my mom. “
“That’s sweet, but what were you doing with your closed eyes? “
"I was just guessing the ingredients of the desert.”
“With closed eyes? “
“ Hmm. “ Eva just hummed in response, and it still scared her that William will also mock at her
“That’s great. I like to see it. “
Rose patted her back, so she took a bite and started taking names of the ingredients with her closed eyes
The whole Smith family was looking at Eva in awe as she completed her list of ingredients.
A powerful voice from behind surprised Eva
“Quite impressive."
Eva‘s heartbeat sped up as she knew to whom this voice belonged. It was her mentor, her inspiration and also her only crush
Richard Paul