Eve had been at Anna's apartment for a week now, and the weight of her world seemed to crush her spirit more each day. The DNA results had shattered her last hope, and she couldn't face returning to the Sinclair estate. She felt betrayed by everyone, even her parents, for keeping the secret of her adoption from her. Now, she was more than embarrassed—she felt like a fraud.
Eve spent most of her time curled up on the plush couch in the living room, dressed in simple, comfortable clothes—usually a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater, her hair in a loose ponytail. Her usually vibrant hazel eyes were now dull, reflecting the sadness she felt.
Claire had been calling her non-stop, leaving voicemails and sending messages, but Eve couldn't bring herself to respond. The thought of talking to her cousin, who had unknowingly taken everything from her, was too painful. Claire's messages ranged from worried inquiries to heartfelt apologies, but Eve ignored them all.
Anna had been busy with work at the law firm, but whenever she was home, she tried to cheer Eve up. She would bring Eve her favorite comfort food—macaroni and cheese, Eve couldn't say no to pasta—and sit with her, talking about anything and everything to distract her friend. Anna was always full of energy, but even her efforts seemed to fall flat.
One evening, Anna came home from work, her smart business attire—navy slacks and a white blouse—now slightly rumpled. She found Eve in the same spot on the couch, staring blankly at the TV.
"Eve," Anna said gently, sitting down next to her. "You can't keep doing this to yourself. I know it's hard, but you have to start thinking about what's next."
Eve looked at her, her eyes welling up with tears. "What's next? Anna, I don't even know who I am anymore. Everything I thought was true is a lie. My parents, Aunt Victoria, Claire..."
Anna wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I know it feels that way now, but you're not alone. You are Evelyn Sinclair! You being adopted doesn't make you any less of a Sinclair. I don't care what the traditions say, you are your parent's daughter, they chose you! You have me, and I'm not going anywhere. We'll figure this out together."
Eve sighed, wiping her tears. "I just don't know if I can go back there. I don't feel like I belong."
"You don't have to go back," Anna said firmly. "Not until you're ready. And even then, you'll go back on your own terms. You're stronger than you think, Eve. You just need to believe in yourself."
Eve nodded slowly, trying to absorb Anna's words. Deep down, she knew she had to find a way to move forward, but the path ahead seemed so uncertain. For now, she would take it one day at a time, leaning on her friend's unwavering support.
Alexander Knight found himself in a situation he couldn't ignore. His father, Robert, had invited him to a meeting with the Sinclairs. The Knights had significant shares in the Sinclair estate, making their business relationship crucial. Robert Knight, a tall man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, was always impeccably dressed in tailored suits that screamed authority. Today, he wore a charcoal gray suit with a crisp white shirt and a navy tie, exuding confidence and control.
Alexander, with his dark hair slicked back and a sharp jawline, matched his father's formal appearance in a black suit and burgundy tie. Despite his father's constant pressure, Alex maintained a cool demeanor, his deep-set eyes reflecting a mix of determination and irritation.
Victoria Sinclair entered the room first, her presence commanding attention. She was a woman in her late fifties, with perfectly styled blonde hair and a wardrobe that always included elegant, tailored dresses. Today, she wore a deep green dress that accentuated her figure and conveyed her powerful status. Claire followed closely, looking more uncertain. She had inherited her mother's striking looks, with long blonde hair cascading in waves and blue eyes that held a hint of vulnerability. She wore a simple yet stylish light blue dress, appropriate for the business meeting.
As they exchanged pleasantries, Robert made the introductions. "Victoria, Claire, this is my son, Alexander. He's been running the show at Knight Enterprises."
Victoria smiled politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alexander. I've heard a lot about your work."
"Likewise," Alex replied, his tone respectful but distant. "I've heard much about the Sinclair legacy."
Robert then asked about Eve. Victoria's expression shifted subtly. "Eve is... taking some time for herself right now. She needed a break."
The meeting proceeded with discussions about their business interests, but Alex couldn't help but notice the tension whenever Eve was mentioned. Something was definitely off, but he decided to hold his questions for another time.
That evening, during a private dinner at the Knight mansion, Robert brought up the subject of marriage once again. The dining room, with its long mahogany table and ornate chandeliers, was set for an intimate family meal. Robert, still in his formal attire, looked at Alex across the table, his expression serious.
"Alexander, I was thinking," Robert began, cutting into his steak. "Claire Sinclair would make a suitable match. She's from a good family, well-educated, and it would strengthen our ties with the Sinclairs."
Alex, dressed down slightly in a crisp white shirt and navy slacks, sighed deeply. "Father, I appreciate your concern, but I'm not interested in a business transaction disguised as marriage. Claire seems nice, but I won't marry someone just to satisfy your business ambitions."
Robert's eyes narrowed slightly. "This isn't just about business, Alex. It's about securing our family's future."
Alex pushed his plate away, losing his appetite. "I understand, but I'll find my own way. I want a marriage based on something real, not a strategic move."
The tension hung in the air as Robert stared at his son, seeing the same stubborn determination he often displayed. "Very well," Robert said finally. "But remember, time is running out."
Eve had finally decided to return. Her time at Anna's had given her some perspective, but she knew she couldn't hide forever. Dressed in a simple yet elegant cream blouse and black tailored pants, her dark hair falling in loose waves, Eve looked every bit the determined woman she had become.
Victoria, in her usual sophisticated attire—a navy blue dress with pearl accents—summoned Eve to her study as soon as she arrived. The room, filled with dark wood furniture and shelves lined with books, felt both imposing and familiar.
"Eve, we need to talk," Victoria began, her tone softer than usual. "I know you're hurt, but I want you to understand that I love you. I've always loved you."
Eve crossed her arms, her expression cold. "I don't want to hear it, Aunt Victoria. I only came back to get my things. I can't stay where I'm not wanted."
Claire, who had been standing quietly by the window in a light pink summer dress, her blonde hair neatly braided, turned to Eve with tears in her eyes. "Please, Eve. Don't leave. This is your home too."
But Eve's resolve was firm. "No, Claire. This stopped being my home the moment I was betrayed."
Victoria sighed, her face a mask of concern. "You're being rash, Eve. You need to calm down and think this through."
Eve shook her head, her eyes steely. "I've thought about it enough. Staying here will only keep me from moving forward."
As she gathered her belongings, memories of her childhood in the estate flooded her mind. Every corner of the house held fragments of her past—the laughter she shared with her parents, the lessons she learned from her father, the bedtime stories her mother used to tell. The weight of leaving these memories behind pressed heavily on her heart.
Claire sobbed openly, trying once more to sway her. "Eve, please. We can figure this out together."
Eve paused, taking a deep breath before replying. "I love you, Claire. But I need to do this on my own. Maybe one day we can find our way back to each other, but right now, I need to find myself."
With a final look at the place she had called home for so long, Eve stepped out of the Sinclair Estate. The grand entrance, with its towering columns and manicured gardens, seemed to loom over her, a silent witness to her departure. Despite the sadness in her heart, she was resolute. She had faced betrayals and heartbreak, but now, she was determined to take on the world on her own terms.
As she walked away, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of fear and excitement. The future was uncertain, but it was hers to shape. She was ready to discover who she truly was and what she was capable of, without the shadows of the Sinclair legacy hanging over her.