CHAPTER 190: CHAPTER 190: AFTER EVERYTHING, STILL HIM

~Evric’s POV~

"Babe," I said, turning to Zayn, my voice barely a whisper. "Did I just see Vanya kiss Nuala?"

Zayn looked at me, his gaze avoiding a direct confirmation, though his expression said it all. "Yes, I guess it just happened."

I covered my mouth with my hand, struggling to process the image. I turned back to him, the surprise overriding my filter. "Is Nuala... a lesbian?"

Zayn didn’t answer directly, throwing my own question back at me. "Is Evric gay?"

I sighed, shaking my head. "Babe, I’m not trying to judge her, but I am utterly surprised."

"I understand you are," he replied calmly. "But what are you going to do now? Are you getting out of the car to question Vanya and Nuala, or..."

I quickly cut in, already formulating a plan. "No. I can’t let her know I found out about them now. I need to pretend I didn’t see anything. Nuala must have her reasons for keeping this quiet, and if I let her know I found out, she won’t be able to sleep tonight, even if I tell her it’s okay."

"Alright," Zayn said simply.

I waited until Vanya’s car pulled away, leaving the entrance clear. After a long moment of stunned silence, I drove inside the gate and parked. We stayed in the car for a short while longer, allowing the shock to subside, before finally stepping outside.

My workers, sensing our arrival, quickly materialized. Those who were still awake came running, efficiently taking our bags and carrying them inside.

As we entered the living room, Nuala was halfway to the hallway leading to her room. She stopped, turning back, and spotted me. She instantly rushed toward me. "Evric! You’re back!"

"Yes," I confirmed, bracing myself. "I’m back."

She hugged me tightly, then greeted Zayn, before immediately pouting at me. "Bro, you just left me alone in this huge house! I was so bored, I went to Chrisly’s, then we argued and fought, so I left his place, and then you made me go to the wrong place."

I laughed and walked her to the sofa. We both sat, and Zayn took a seat nearby.

"Where is this ’wrong place’ you went?" I prompted, though I already had a terrible feeling I knew the answer.

She threw her hands up dramatically. "Evric, I went to the worst place of my life!"

"You went to Evans’ house," I stated, cutting to the chase.

"Yes," she confirmed, her tone shifting to one of genuine outrage. "And that man is too strict! Evric, can you believe Evans lectured me for four hours? And when he asked me a question about what he had been saying, I couldn’t answer, so he gave me punishment: I had to feed the horses."

I burst out laughing, unable to control myself.

She glared at me. "Evric, it’s not funny!"

Even Zayn was chuckling softly under his breath.

"Okay, okay," I said, calming down. "I’m listening. So, you have to feed the horses?"

"Feed the horses before he gets back from work," she emphasized. She gave me a small, devilish smile. "But do you know what I did, Evric?"

"What did you do?" I asked, leaning in.

"I ran away instead!" she announced, dissolving into laughter. "I packed my bags and ran away before he could come back from work!"

"You did well," I complimented her.

She quickly wiped her smile away, suddenly acting as if she were about to cry. "But do you know what Evans said now? He said I’m ’wanted,’ and wherever he finds me, I will serve the punishment! Evric, I just need you to know, Evans is after my life!"

"It’s okay," I assured her, stroking her hair. "Evans can’t do anything. He’s just trying to scare you so you’ll learn."

"Are you sure?" she asked, her eyes still wide.

"Yes," I confirmed.

Zayn rose to his feet, brushing his hand over my shoulder. "I’ll head inside first."

"Okay, baby," I told him, giving him a quick, grateful smile. "I’ll join you shortly."

Nuala didn’t pause for a breath. Sensing she had a captive audience, she launched into a detailed, dramatic monologue covering everything I had missed. She spoke with wild gestures and theatrical sighs, occasionally leaning in to ensure I appreciated the full gravity of her boredom and subsequent adventures.

I listened patiently, occasionally throwing in a necessary nod or laugh, letting the sound of her voice wash over me. I glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece. It was late, much later than I realized, and I needed to wake up very early for my client.

I gently cut into her monologue. "Nuala, I’ve loved hearing all of this, but I have to stop you there." I pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. "I have a big client meeting first thing in the morning, and I need to get some sleep now."

She accepted the dismissal with a final, exaggerated sigh. "Fine. But we’re continuing this tomorrow!"

"Absolutely," I promised.

I stood up and quickly climbed the stairs. When I entered the bedroom, the lamp was dimmed. Zayn had already showered and was curled up under the duvet, his back facing the door.

I took a quick, hot shower, the water washing away the remaining tension of the day. Then I climbed into the enormous bed and slid under the duvet, pulling it up to my chin.

"Baby," I whispered, reaching out to him.

"Baby."

He answered with a low, sleepy "Hmm."

"Turn here," I instructed gently. I helped him roll over until he was facing me and comfortably resting his head on my arm. I pulled him close, spooning him securely against my body. I held him, cuddling him tightly until, finally, exhaustion claimed us both, and we fell fast asleep.

I woke up first, the early morning light barely filtering through the thick curtains. The immediate urgency of my appointment yanked me out of the peaceful stillness. Just then, my phone buzzed: a text from James, my assistant, confirming he was downstairs and ready.

I quickly leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Zayn’s temple. "Good morning, baby," I murmured.

I entered the bathroom, took a lightning-fast shower, and was dressed minutes later.

Zayn was still deep in sleep, curled into the warm spot I’d left. I didn’t disturb him, only pausing beside the bed to press another kiss to his cheek and whisper, "I love you," before slipping quietly out of the room.

Downstairs, I had a quick breakfast. I offered James a plate, but he politely declined, stating he was fine. Soon after, we left the house to meet the client.

*****************

The meeting was sharp and brief; the client was, as expected.

I was technically still "attending to my client" by wrapping up final details, my thoughts immediately snapped back to Zayn. I texted him, eager to check on him. He didn’t reply immediately. I waited, and after a few unanswered minutes, I was just about to text Nuala to check on him for me when his reply finally came through.

"Babe, I’ve been texting you," I messaged back instantly, worried by the delay.

His reply was brief: he was sorry, but his body felt weak.

A familiar rush of guilt and concern washed over me, the intense night had taken its toll. I typed quickly. I’m almost done here. In a moment, I will be there to take you for a massage, I offered.

His reply was simple: "Yes, please, baby. That sounds perfect."

I quickly rounded up the final details of the meeting, ensuring James had all the necessary documents and files secured. I allowed the client the courtesy of departing first, then followed.

We headed straight to the parking lot where my driver was waiting patiently. Just as I reached the door of the car, my name was called out sharply.

"Evric!"

I turned. Standing a few yards away, looking professional and slightly frazzled, was Thorley.