Jinhai didn't smile as he kept her trapped there. He did however hear her sharp intake of breath and it made his heart began to beat faster.
He knew he was taking advantage of her, being that she was emotionally vulnerable, but he couldn't help it.
After seeing her up close, he was mesmerized. He hadn't seen her in five years. He smiled inwardly remembering her from all those years ago. She was never afraid to fight with him or tell him he was wrong. But she was always the happiest for him whenever he did well in school, or achieved something personally.
"Wha-what do you mean?" Evelyn stuttered, suddenly not feeling so brave.
"You told me you were happy, Xiaoli." He said, his voice was low. She didn't say anything to him, just continued staring.
"That night before you got married. I asked if you were really happy with him." He continued. Evelyn stayed silent, leaning heavily on the door behind her.
"Your smile, it was so sweet." He said. He bent down further.
"I never saw you smile like that." He said with a small smile. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something.
"But- that doesn't explain why you stayed away." Evelyn said in a small voice. Her heart was beating so fast. He was invading her senses and she couldn't think.
"Because I like you," he said pushing away from the door and turning from her. The second he did she tipped her head back and silently blew out a breath. She finally took some breaths without smelling his cologne.
Wait...did he say he liked her?
"Wait, what?" Evelyn asked. Did he really just confess to her?
He turned back to her. He looked her in the eye, like he didn't just admit his feelings. He wasn't flustered, he was just as serious as he normally was.
"You like me?" Evelyn said the words slowly. He nodded his head slowly.
Evelyn laughed awkwardly. She waved her hand.
"No, you're joking right?" She continued to laugh. He huffed.
"Evelyn," he said and grabbed her hand. She instantly stopped laughing, looking at where his hand was on her.
"Why, why now?" Evelyn asked.
"Evelyn," he tried to take a step closer but she held her hand out to stop him.
"Stop. I can't." She said. She turned from him.
"I won't force you. But I'm not going to stay away from you anymore." He said.
"I just didn't want to interrupt your happiness with him. I didn't trust myself not to make a move. I'm sorry, Evelyn." Jinhai said.
"I don't forgive you." She said.
"I'll do anything to make it up to you." He said without hesitation.
"Take care of me tonight." She blurted. Her eyes widened as if she was surprised she said that.
"What?" Jinhai asked.
"Never mind," Evelyn said, realizing how weird that must have sounded.
"Of course I would. I just want to know why do you need me to." He said, his eyebrows furrowed. Evelyn sighed.
"I want to get drunk tonight. I want you to make sure I make it back safely." Evelyn said. He didn't say anything.
"It's been a long day. I'm sure Zain told you. I just want to forget-" Evelyn said but got cut off.
"I'll do it." Jinhai said effectively cutting her off.
"You will?" Evelyn asked. He bent down until they were eye level.
"Haven't I always taken care of you?" He asked. She raised an eyebrow. Didn't they just discuss how he wasn't there for her for five years?
She took a look at the clock. Only ten minutes had passed during their interaction. It felt like so much more.
"Wait here." Without waiting for a reply she dashed up the stairs.
When she got up the stairs she went to quickly dig the keycard out of the pocket of the pants she wore earlier. She put it into the back pocket of the jeans she was wearing.
She went into the bathroom to do a last minute fix. She then pulled out her phone and sent two messages.
Evelyn to Phoenix: I'm bringing a friend tonight.
Evelyn to Driver Chung: are you at the hotel?
She set her phone down to wash her hands. When she was drying her hands her phone chimed.
Driver Chung: I am at the back entrance, Young Miss.
He always called her Young Miss. Even on the occasions when she needed him to drive her after she was married.
Evelyn to Driver Chung: I will be down soon.
Driver Chung: Okay.
Phoenix: A friend? Who?
Evelyn to Phoenix: You'll see.
Phoenix: Well you better hurry. I heard there's traffic.
Evelyn quickly took a look at her phone and there was indeed traffic. It estimated a fifteen minute delay to the restaurant.
Seeing that Evelyn grabbed the key card and went back down stairs. She was surprised that he was indeed where she left him by the door.
She went to her suitcase and grabbed her flats. Since she planned on being drunk she didn't want to risk breaking her ankle.
She grabbed her purse from the couch then headed to the door. She paused and thought for a second. She then fished the key card out of her back pocket and held it out to him.
"The key card to my room. It's the only one so you have to give it back." He took it from her gently. He took out his wallet and put it inside.
"Ready?" He asked. She nodded. He grabbed the door handle and held the door open for her.
"Thank you," she murmured as she was liked passed him.
She went to the elevator and pressed the button. It took about twenty seconds for the elevator to arrive. She got in and he followed, pressing the button for the ground floor.
They rode the last twenty seconds down in silence. All of a sudden she felt shy.
In truth, she liked him too. He was the handsome guy that always looked after her. Even when they were kids, he always took her side. He was always there for her on her worst days.
But Jinhai was four years her elder, so it was never appropriate to be in a relationship with him. Therefore she settled for being his friend. He had a cold exterior, he didn't say much. Well, it would be more accurate to say that he didn't waste words. They always had their desired effect.
He said he liked her? Since five years ago? No, she couldn't think about that now. Her divorce hasn't even been finalized. However aren't they separated now? Shawn was even dating. Doesn't that mean she could?
Where did that thought come from. 'Stupid' she thought about herself.
The doors opened interrupting her thoughts. He moved to the side to let her out first. As soon as the door opened, Manager Lau came rushing over.
"Mrs. Cheng, your car is waiting outside. A Mr. Chung?" Manger Lau said.
"Yes, he's my personal driver. You can give him clearance." Evelyn answered.
"Enjoy your evening!" He was so enthusiastic.
When she stepped outside, Driver Chung was standing next to a black luxury car with his hands clasped. he greeted her and got the door for her.
She told him that Jinhai was with her. Jinhai offered her a hand to help her into the car. He got in after her. Driver Chung shut the door behind them before walking around the hood of the car to get in. Once he did he turned to ask for a location.
Please leave comments! I'd really like to know what you guys think as you read. Thank you for the massive support. You guys are awesome!