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A wave of pity washed over Sebastian.
The site visit and negotiations went smoothly; The Wolfe Corporation decided to donate one million annually, starting next month, requiring all students to attend university, whether undergraduate or vocational. If, for three consecutive years, students dropped out for reasons other than health, or if the matriculation rate dropped, the funding would cease immediately.
The contract was signed. Robert and the accompanying teachers warmly invited them to the newly built school cafeteria.
Sebastian hesitated, finally prompting Robert to speak.
“Mr. Wolfe, you’re here to ask about Evie, aren’t you?”
Sebastian’s eyes lit up. Before he could speak, Robert continued.
“Evie mentioned you. I know where she is, but she won’t see you.”
Sebastian’s fingers clenched spasmodically, his nails digging into his palm, causing sharp pain, but it couldn’t alleviate the excruciating agony in his chest.
The same words Eleanor had used. Why wouldn’t she see him? She loved him so much.
Robert, as if understanding Sebastian’s question, looked at the distant mountains shrouded in mist, recalling the past.
“Evie’s parents died when she was young. I took her in…I was always busy with school matters, but Evie was so well–behaved, never causing trouble, even helping me…”
Robert’s voice seemed distant. Sebastian saw a small figure, quietly following Robert, doing what she could.
That’s how Evie developed her resilience. Nothing could break her, nothing could drive her away, unless she was deeply disappointed. You must have done something like that.”
Though Evelyn hadn’t detailed their relationship to Robert, he’d guessed.
He turned to Sebastian, his weathered eyes gazing into his soul.
Sebastian saw himself reflected in those eyes: pained, remorseful, speechless. His throat felt choked, only managing a syllable.
‘‘I…”
That’s why she won’t return. Mr. Wolfe, feelings can’t be forced; both parties will be hurt.”
Robert turned away, walking towards the distance. Sebastian stood alone,
a silent statue.
Late that night, Evelyn returned with the other teachers. She’d assumed even a long visit would end the same day.
Stepping out of the van, she saw Sebastian’s Maybach.
She knew that car too well.
He had taken her across Northgate in that car, prepared surprises, made love in it.
Later, the same car was used with another woman.
As Evelyn turned to go back to the school, the driver’s side door opened.
Without warning, two people who thought they’d never meet again, suddenly found themselves face–to–face.
Time froze. The smell of mud after the rain disappeared, the distant sounds of children playing faded, leaving only Sebastian’s wildly beating heart and rapid breathing.
“Evie.”
Sebastian hadn’t expected to see her here.
Due to the darkness and winding roads, Sebastian and his team planned to stay overnight at the school.
With pending company matters, he returned to his car.
Preparing to go out for a cigarette, he saw Evelyn.
Three months apart, she was transformed.
Her long hair was now a shoulder–length bob; her white dresses replaced by faded shirts and jeans.
Her smooth skin, once carefully nurtured by Sebastian, was now rough.
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He almost didn’t recognize her.
Evelyn looked at him too, never expecting to see him here.
The buried grief surged, constricting her throat; her vision blurred; memories replayed.
After a long silence, the wind carried Evelyn’s voice to Sebastian’s ears, into his heart.
“Sebastian, why are you here?”
No sadness, no excitement, just a calm tone, her calmness cut deeper than any accusation, the pain spreading through his stomach, making the world spin. He staggered, bracing himself against the cold metal. The pain spread along his spine, strangely unable to awaken his numb senses.
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