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Before Diana could finish speaking, a young voice interrupted from behind her. “Mom.”
Diana’s smug expression softened instantly at the sound of her daughter’s tender voice, and Eva’s eyes turned toward the source of the sound. It was Paula Robinson, Diana’s daughter, who emerged from the examination room with a medical report in hand. Paula looked pale, a sign that she might not be feeling well.
Diana’s demeanor changed dramatically as she quickly turned and pulled Paula away, her steps hurried as she led her daughter out of sight. The suddenness of their departure left Eva feeling oddly detached, as if the tension in the air had dissipated for a moment.
Eva wasn’t one to pry into other people’s lives. She had enough of her own struggles to focus on, and Diana’s sudden shift in behavior barely registered with her. Yet, within moments, Diana returned alone, likely having arranged care for her daughter elsewhere. But the malice on her face hadn’t softened.
She approached Eva with an expression that didn’t belong on her otherwise well-maintained face, the bitterness evident in her every movement. “Ms. Hansen, I think you should know when to speak and when to stay quiet,” Diana said, her tone dripping with disdain.
Eva wasn’t surprised by Diana’s return. She raised a brow, a faint smile curling at the corner of her lips as she calmly tossed her hair. “It depends, Mrs. Robinson. If someone makes me uncomfortable, it may lead to mental confusion. And when my mind is muddled, my tongue isn’t so easily tamed.”
Diana’s eyes narrowed as she processed Eva’s words. She had already figured out that Paula was likely at the clinic for an abortion, and now it seemed Eva had just implied she knew more than she should.
The words hung in the air, and Diana’s lips pressed into a tight line, her teeth gritting with rage. “Eva, how dare you threaten me!” she spat, the venom in her voice unmistakable.
Eva’s voice remained steady, her calmness betraying the tension. “Not at all. It’s just an exchange,” she said, her gaze unwavering.
Diana’s glare could have burned through the floor. “The trouble you’re in is far greater than Paula’s.”
Eva’s response was casual, as if Diana’s threats didn’t faze her. “Are you sure? If I’m not mistaken, Paula isn’t of age yet, right?”
The words struck Diana like a slap to the face. She clenched her fists, her body trembling with fury as she glared at Eva, wishing she could do something—anything—to break the calm façade in front of her.
Eva could see the internal battle raging within Diana. The power she thought she had gained by learning a damaging secret had just unraveled. Eva, unphased, couldn’t help but feel a faint sense of satisfaction. She wasn’t afraid of this woman and wouldn’t let her manipulate her.
“You!” Diana barked in frustration, but Eva simply closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh.
“I’m tired, Mrs. Robinson,” Eva said in a voice cold enough to send chills down anyone’s spine. “Please, go ahead with your business. I’ve had enough of this.”
She didn’t wait for Diana to respond. Whether Diana was fuming, grinding her teeth, or plotting her next move didn’t matter. Eva had said what she needed to.
Seconds later, Diana stormed off, her heels clicking sharply against the tile floor, and Eva exhaled in relief. That brief exchange had been nothing more than a deterrent. Even if Diana exposed her secret, Eva had no intention of revealing anything about Paula’s situation. She wasn’t about to add to the young girl’s pain. There were enough broken hearts already.
Two minutes later, Emily returned, holding a small bag of food. “I got sandwiches, oat milk, and some candy. Not much in the vending machine, but I hope this helps.”
Eva looked at the thoughtful gesture and smiled, feeling warmth fill her chest. “Thank you.”
Emily shot her a teasing glance, her tone sharper than usual. “We’re best friends. No need for thanks. But if anyone should be grateful, it’s me. Without you, I might have never made it to college.”
Eva’s heart swelled as she glanced at Emily, the memories flooding back. They had been through so much together. Their bond began in high school, and they both found their way to the same university. But things hadn’t been easy for Emily—her father’s gambling debts nearly forced her to give up her education.
Eva had stepped in, settled the debts, and made sure Emily could attend university without a second thought. The thought of what she’d done for Emily, of being there when it mattered most, made her feel as if their friendship had a deeper purpose.
As she reflected, Emily fell into her own thoughts, her gaze distant. Then, with a serious tone, she broke the silence. “Do you know how much I appreciate you? Without your help, I don’t know where I’d be. Probably drowning in debt, surrounded by collectors. You’re not just my best friend, Eva. You’re my savior. I’ll never forget that.”
The words should have brought Eva comfort, but instead, they twisted something deep inside her. Perhaps Adrian feels the same about Vivian. Her mind flickered briefly to thoughts of Adrian and his connection with Vivian. Did he see her the way Emily saw Eva? As someone who had saved him?
“Would you marry me if I were a man?” Eva asked, her voice a bit too soft.
Emily blinked, then blurted out without hesitation, “Of course, I would! If you were a man, I’d definitely pursue you. But you’re a woman, so we can only be friends.”
Eva lowered her gaze, a hint of melancholy crossing her features as she absorbed Emily’s words. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting to hear, but the weight of it settled in her chest.
Emily’s eyes widened in realization, her face shifting from playful to apologetic. “Wait! I didn’t mean it that way, Eva. You know I don’t see you like that! I just meant that I think you’re a wonderful person, and—”
Eva held up a hand, silencing her gently. “It’s okay, Emily. I understand.”
The weight of the moment lingered, and Emily’s expression softened in concern. She hadn’t meant to hurt Eva, but it seemed she had.
Eva gave a small, sad smile. “He probably feels the same way about Vivian. She’s just someone he feels grateful for… someone who helped him when he needed it.”
Emily was at a loss for words, her heart heavy with the realization that she had inadvertently stirred up old wounds. She had only meant to offer comfort, but it seemed she had unintentionally struck a nerve.
