The Ex

"No one can mess with my life, let alone dare to meddle with what's mine."

Meanwhile, on the other hand, Adrian jumped for joy when he read Lucia's reply message. The message contained a location where they would meet face-to-face to discuss their issues and possibly reconcile their relationship.

Adrian felt a pang of regret for leaving Lucia, realizing that he truly loved her, not Emily. Despite his earlier disappointment, his heart was heavy with remorse. "No, it's not just about the inheritance. I love Lucia with all my heart. It may seem naive to leave Emily in her current painful state, but I'm certain Lucia still can't move on from me and loves me. That's why she agreed to meet me so quickly after my message. She's always been too proud to admit her feelings openly. I'm sure she still loves me and that other man was just a way to cope with her disappointment in me."

Arriving at their agreed meeting place, Adrian dressed neatly and formally, hoping to mend things with Lucia. As he stepped out of the car, he was taken aback by a figure behind him. The dimly lit surroundings made it hard to see clearly. "Sorry, looks like I've got the wrong place."

The figure, whose back was turned, raised his head slightly and spoke mysteriously, "You're not in the wrong place, but you were expecting the wrong person."

"Sorry?" Adrian's confusion deepened when the man turned around, revealing himself to be none other than the person Adrian had been thinking about since yesterday. "Why are you here? Where's Lucia? Did you do something to her?"

Evan, holding a baseball bat, swung it aimlessly, reminiscent of a professional baseball player, striking Adrian's head. "You ignored one or two warnings, so let me make this strike count!" Blood gushed as Adrian collapsed to the cold floor.

"Prang!" The sound of the bat echoed as Evan's footsteps moved away. Han stood nearby, casually smoking a cigar, his legs crossed against the wall. "Did you just kill him?"

"If he dies, he was weak," Evan retorted with a grin.

"You've gone too far. Your hallucinations might have lessened since you fell in love, but your instability is increasing," Han remarked.

Evan chuckled at Han's observation. "You know how unstable I can get."

"Tsk, you could be charged with abuse of power."

"Don't worry, if I get arrested, I'll surrender myself before that happens!"

****

The next morning, I was gently awakened by a touch on my shoulder. A middle-aged maid stood beside my bed, her face adorned with a friendly smile.

"Good morning, Miss Lucia. Time to get up and get ready," she said in a soft but firm voice.

I nodded slowly, still half-asleep. She helped me out of bed and assisted with selecting clothes. Skillfully, she arranged my makeup and attire, transforming me into something akin to a princess preparing for a royal ball.

When I was ready, I stood before the mirror, hardly recognizing myself. The elegant dress draped perfectly, and the carefully applied makeup highlighted my natural beauty.

"Thank you," I whispered, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by my own reflection.

Stepping out into the corridor, I saw Evan waiting at the end. He was dressed impeccably in a suit that accentuated his handsome features and dignified demeanor. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.

"Evan, you look amazing," I blurted out spontaneously, causing him to smile shyly yet warmly at me.

He approached, his eyes reflecting admiration. "Thank you, Lucia. You look stunning yourself."

We exchanged smiles, and in that moment, all the worries and mysteries of the previous night faded away. It was just the two of us, ready to embrace the new day with enthusiasm and happiness.

The next morning, I was awakened by a gentle touch on my shoulder. A middle-aged maid stood beside my bed, a friendly smile on her face. 

"Good morning, Miss Lucia. Time to get up and get ready," he said in a soft but firm voice.

I nodded slowly, still half awake. He helped me get out of bed and prepare clothes. Deftly, she arranged makeup, clothes, and everything. I felt like a princess being prepared to attend a royal ball.

When I was done, I stood in front of the mirror, barely recognizing myself. The elegant dress draped my body perfectly, and the neatly applied makeup accentuated the natural beauty of my face.

"Thank you," I whispered, feeling unnerved by my own appearance.

I stepped out of the room, and there, at the end of the corridor, Evan was waiting. He wore a complete suit which made him look very handsome and dignified. My heart beats faster seeing him. 

"Evan, you look amazing," I said spontaneously, without realizing it made him smile shyly and excitedly at me.

He drew closer, his eyes shining with the same admiration. "Thank you, Lucia. You are very beautiful too."

We smiled at each other, and for a moment, all the worries and mysteries of the previous night were forgotten. There were just the two of us, ready to face the new day with enthusiasm and happiness.

I held Evan's hand tightly as we walked out of the house, the path adorned with blooming spring flowers. I glanced at him, curiosity written on my face, hoping for a clue about our destination.

"Evan, where are we going?" I asked gently, but he simply smiled and squeezed my hand reassuringly.

He paused, locking eyes with me, then leaned down and kissed my hand. "Trust me, Lucia," he whispered tenderly.

We continued our journey, traversing bustling city streets that gradually quieted as we walked on. A sense of purpose and gravity began to settle over us.

As we approached a familiar iron gate, my heart quickened. It was the cemetery where my mother lay at rest. Tears welled up as we entered.

Stopping before my mother's grave, Evan knelt down. He gazed at the tombstone with reverence and sorrow. "Mother, it's Evan. I promise to care for Lucia with all my heart. Please believe me."

His words unleashed my tears uncontrollably. I sobbed, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. Evan stood and embraced me tightly, offering solace and peace.

"I'll always be here for you, Lucia," he whispered in my ear. "And I promised your mother I'd cherish you and love you forever."

Those tears were tears of relief and joy. Deep down, I knew Evan's commitment was genuine. Before my mother's grave, I felt a silent blessing, granting me strength to face the future alongside Evan.

I felt a gentle vibration in my skirt pocket, alerting me to an incoming call. Retrieving my phone anxiously, my smile faded as I saw the sender's name: Adrian. The message was short but direct:

"Eva, stay away from Evan if you want to stay safe."

My heart raced as I stared at the screen, a rush of fear and confusion engulfing me. Why would Adrian send such a warning? What did he know?

Struggling to compose myself, I tried to reply, my hands trembling uncontrollably. I drafted and deleted several responses before finally managing to hit send with a gasp.

"Adrian's messages really disturb me, especially with Emily as his girlfriend. He won't let me live in peace," I murmered..

"Why, darling?" Evan asked. I lied, answering sleepily. He let me lean on his shoulder. Our car was still parked in the green cemetery area, surrounded by beautiful flowers. I felt calm and comfortable, with Evan by my side, imagining my mother might be watching us.

"I love you," I whispered.