Chapter 4 Life Is Chaos

Evelyn's POV

After two weeks of nonstop talking, lengthy sessions discussing "how to do this and that," and all the drama, there was finally some calm.

Everyone left the house to give us privacy because we just had one night left before the wedding reception, which would be a lavish event.

This wedding celebration was not your typical one. Evelyn Richard was getting married to a billionaire. The reception for the wedding had to be one to remember.

Even though it was a little late, we had to follow tradition and formally open the books in front of everyone.

My mother insisted that I learn everything from the beginning since she didn't want me to look foolish in front of all the respectable people who would be there.

Frederick had appeared to me a few times in the corridors and downstairs. He had not given me even a sidelong glance, and each time I attempted to talk to him, he would only stare at me dumbly.

He had a lot on his plate with the planning. Everyone was. How he maintained the secrecy of his relationship with Aria for two years is a mystery to me.

I was so bored.

Life is so unjust.

When will I ever get to experience happiness and be valued for who I am? Frederick and I needed to speak before the reception. I had to explain everything to him and reassure him that I wasn't against him.

I gave it a lot of thinking before deciding that he may be in a relationship with Aria. I would not obstruct him. I had no right to barge into his life and take the love of his life away from him.

It was not my place to make him adore me either. I just wanted to make a positive start and have a tranquil life for the first time in a long time.

I tiptoed out from under my cozy covers and made my way to the door. Suddenly my heart was thumping loudly. I suppose it wouldn't be that simple in the end.

With all the bravery I had, I unlocked the door and stepped outside. My thinking was as tumultuous as my face appeared serene.

The corridor was deserted and silent. I paused to admire this mansion's intricate detailing. Everything about the state-of-the-art home cried luxury and money.

Down the corridor, I went by a familiar bedroom that brought back unpleasant memories. I had gotten up to go downstairs and get some water the night before our wedding.

The sounds I heard inside will follow me for the rest of my life. Aria was undoubtedly groaning with passion each time he struck the correct note.

The repeated, unfathomable moans suggested that whatever they were doing had to be extraordinary.

Before my tears betrayed me and spilled out, I hurriedly pulled myself together and headed downstairs.

They would spoil the whole scheme. I didn't want to appear helpless. I wanted to show him that I was not just a fearless but strong person.

After arriving at the lounge, I saw all of my vigor evaporate. Suddenly, the lines I had spent the entire week practicing disappeared, and terror covered my mouth and nose like a pillow.

Frederick had Aria securely nestled in his arms as he sat on a loveseat. With their identical sweaters on, they appeared cozy.

With her head resting on Frederick's chest, Aria was staring up at him as he grinned and told her something that made her laugh, giving him a chance to plant a kiss. They were so adorable that I nearly started crying. She was quite fortunate.

I swallowed a lump that had developed in my throat and balled my fists.

Evelyn, you can do this.

I walked shakily over to stand in front of them. Their cries of love subsided as their focus gradually turned to me.

I was unable to see the hatred in their eyes when I looked at them. I was already a jumble of emotions. I would be crushed under their wrath.

I stumbled out, rubbing my feverish fists together. "H-hello," I said.

"Hi, Evelyn," Aria answered. I felt her eyes focusing on me.

Frederick didn't say anything, so I had to look up. His icy eyes were on me.

How could his mood swing so abruptly?

"Uh, so I- I-I...."

"Is I your favorite word?" Frederick surprised me by interrupting me.

"No, no, no. Not at all.

"So get to the point and stop wasting our time."

"All right. I desired to speak with you."

"You wanted which means you no longer want to so why are you here?"

Please save me.

"I would like to speak with you. Is it feasible?"

"As you can see, I'm busy right now," he said, caressing Aria's hair.

Aria softly squeezed his hand and whispered, "Baby."

"I won't take much of your time."

He abruptly asked, "Which part of I'm busy don't you get?" which made me flinch a little.

"Please," I tried once more, my voice nearly breaking.

"I stated," "Fred." Honey, please calm down. Unwind. Don't terrify her in that way," Aria comforted him by caressing his chest with her fingers before kissing him on the jaw.

"Evelyn, Fred's not feeling well at the moment. Try again at a later time.

"Yes," I tremblingly answered.

At that point, I turned around and moved out of sight. I wanted the earth would split open and engulf me at that precise moment. I felt awful about that, and it was embarrassing.

Aria has never treated me badly. She was a pleasant lady overall; she just didn't care about me.

I simply kept walking till I came to a room that was probably another lounge and had a big-screen TV.

I was about to let go of everything when I noticed a man curled up on a couch, engrossed in a video game. I was surprised to see him as I hadn't expected to see anyone there.

"Well, I apologize. I had no idea you were inside. I turned to go with a hesitant apology. "I'll go," I said.

"Not at all. Evelyn, please come in," he said, pausing his game.

He got up and led the way inside, then patted the person next to him and motioned for me to take a seat. I made sure there was a good distance between us as I sat next to him because he seemed kind and inviting.

I looked away from him and began fidgeting with my fingers.

"Oh my. He gushed, tucking loose strands of my hair behind my ear, "You are so shy it's cute."

My cheeks started to flush instantly, and I started to smile foolishly and sheepishly. He paused dramatically, his elbows resting on his thighs as he looked at me.

As I turned to face him, I noticed a playful twinkle in his cozy, chocolate-brown eyes, and he immediately smiled.

"What?" I asked, making every effort not to make eye contact.

Who the hell was he?

"You are so beautiful and cute. He said, "I think I'm falling," in a sing-song accent that made me giggle a little.

"Oh my. My smile brightened as he mocked, "Even your smile is quite a killer."

It gave him a laugh. Whoa.

You must be curious about my identity. "Well, allow me to present this divine work of art to you," he said, tilting his head and raking his fingers over his hair.

"I am Jasper Reynolds aka your husband's best friend or like others calling me his brother from another mother," he said.

"Well, Jasper, good to meet you. You probably already know who I am, I tried to say with a bit too much volume.

"Evelyn, of course I do. Prepare to be amazed over the entire year as we will be spending a lot of time together shortly."

"I am excited," I exclaimed, beaming broadly.

He was very unique. He was funny, easygoing, vivacious, and all-around the lighted sort. I could see after a short while that he looked like the previous Evelyn. The actual Evelyn.

"Let me start by saying that I'm sorry on behalf of Frederick for treating you like a jerk. Even if I wasn't present, I am aware that he has been unkind to you from the beginning."

"He despises me," I moaned.

Jasper moved to stand by me and put his hand lightly on my shoulder.

"He doesn't. Fred is an incredible person. He's not some stiff, aloof billionaire. He is a fantastic human being overall, joyful, and free. Acquire it from the beginning."

"I guess I'm just the unlucky one then."

"Not at all. Simply put, you entered his life at the wrong moment."

"I didn't know he had a girlfriend."

"Well, there must have been some miscommunication but we told your family about this and they said you agreed to it Olivia knows that Fred has been in love with Aria for like two years now."

"Nevertheless. I'm not sure why he despises me. I mean, I'm not interfering with their relationship, am I? They can do whatever they want, after all."

I had finally met someone with whom I could have a conversation, at last, after five long years.

It's just a difficult time, so relax. He will soon turn around.

"Well, if you say so," I shot him a cold smile as I looked at him.

He was a die-hard beauty.

And Evelyn, I want you to know that I'm always here for you if you need anything. I will stand beside you.

"My husband's closest friend says. You'll always side with him, of course."

"Yes, you are correct, but if he is in the right, I will support him; if not, I will pull him back to the right. Thus, this appears to be a win-win scenario."

"So you like to cover for him all the time?"

"If you'd like to phrase it that way then yes."

"How do you phrase it?" My curiosity sparked, so I inquired.

"I'd normally say he is a lost cause without me."

"Whoa. That is the kind of friend I wish I had."

"I'm always up for sharing, you guys. You understand that I'm unique. Verify."

Verified. I turned to face him and said, "You know I wish I was like you.

Suddenly, I felt secure and my voice stopped bothering me.

"Well. In what way?"

"You are an independent individual with remarkable social skills. I make an effort, but I find it difficult to avoid interacting with others."

"Perhaps you ought to begin by addressing your inner self. He urged, "Have confidence in yourself and believe in yourself.

I paid close attention as he continued to share his insights on self-belief.

Rest easy, Evelyn. We'll get to it.

"Many thanks, Jasper. It was a pleasure to meet you. I'm excited for an incredible year ahead of us."

"I promise you won't be let down. It was pleasant to meet you as well. At least a little optimism.

I went upstairs to get ready after Jasper told me we were going to a restaurant for supper. I had lain in bed the entire day. A little outside air might be beneficial.

All I could manage was a lovely white pullover and pants. I needed to update my wardrobe because most of the items I owned were inappropriate for public events. It wasn't my fault because I didn't spend much time outside at home.

After descending the steps, I met Frederick, Jasper, and Aria. They were all dressed casually. In any case.

Jasper smiled at me, telling me I looked okay, at least. None of the others acknowledged me.

Aria was riding next to Frederick in the passenger seat of his car. The whole journey, his hand was resting on her thigh.

After a long journey during which I watched cute couples argue about ridiculous things as Jasper tried to divert my attention, we eventually arrived at the restaurant.

There was nobody in the restaurant at all. I assumed they had reserved the entire space. Jasper and I were seated at our table, facing Frederick and Aria. I was starting to grow tired of how adorable they were.

We heard heels clicking as we were browsing through the menus and the others were drinking the red wine that had been handed to us.

A brunette paraded towards us as I looked up. There was trouble in everything about her.

I saw that everyone was muttering softly, and the atmosphere as a whole turned 360 degrees. She quickly sat down at the table beside Frederick, holding onto his arm before scowling at me.

"Fred, my dear. "How are you doing?" Her tone was unsettling.

"Natasha, what are you doing here?" His brows knitted as Frederick questioned.

She scowled and rolled her eyes at me as if they would burst from their sockets. "Are you giving me a cold shoulder because of her?" she asked.

You don't need to be here. "Natasha, get out," he warned.

His neck chord tension was very noticeable. He had an angry expression.

"Fred..."

He yelled, "I said leave!" and released his arm, making Natasha leap back.

With a violent stance, she grabbed Frederick's glass of red wine. Something unexpected took place. She mercilessly poured the glass's contents onto my face, letting the liquid drip down and smearow my sweatshirt.

I instantly closed my eyes. I wished to keep my face hidden from view. The stillness was killing me, and the shame was just too much.

Suddenly, I got up and rushed outside as quickly as my legs would let. All I wanted to do was flee from everything. Take off running from the world.

I took every precaution to ensure that no one was tracking me and that, even if they were, they would never be able to apprehend me.

After a long day of running, I arrived at a park. It was deserted and silent. Perfect.

I collapsed into a rumpled mess and felt hot tears well up in my eyes. Just when I was about to cry, there was a voice that stopped me.

"Are you okay?" questioned a strange voice.

"Just- just leave me alone please."

I resisted the urge to turn to face him.

"Do you need a hug?"

"I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!" I yelled.

My voice always came back to me when I was angry. I would have preferred to say nothing when I was angry because I couldn't control it.

I felt a quick embrace from behind. The hug was warm and unexpected. Something for which I had been longing for years.

Tears welled up instinctively down my cheeks like little streams. I sobbed uncontrollably like an unrestrained infant. I required it.

I started sniffling and crying after a while. I was feeling better. Both the stranger and I got to our feet. I glanced at him. He had magnificent features and was taller than me.

"I wanted to help when I saw you rushing across the street. Are you feeling alright now?"

Indeed. I'm grateful.

"Hey, sometimes life is a mess. We need to cry; it's completely normal," he remarked, staring up at the stars.

He took off his coat and extended it to me because I was freezing. He insisted, but I said no.

"Who are you?" I was curious, so I inquired.

"Never fear. Evelyn, we'll see you again soon. Evelyn Richard William "With a casual reply, he walked out the same way he had arrived. Unknown.

Strange.

A well-known vehicle passed by, and Frederick and Jasper got out without incident. They both had worried looks. I felt significant.

"Evelyn! Are you alright?" Jasper took hold of my shoulders and questioned in a frightened manner.

"How'd you find me?"

I had taken care to travel along convoluted paths that would be challenging for them to locate. It impressed me.

"An anonymous message informed Fred that you were present. Are you alright?" There was concern on his otherwise nice face.

Is it possible for us to return home? Right now, I don't feel like chatting."

Jasper said, "Sure, Evelyn," and then he opened the door for me.

I turned to go when Frederick took a gentle hold of my arm.

"I apologize. I do."