Later that afternoon, Vincente sat propped up on the bed, his laptop open in front of him. Evangeline sat in front of the mirror brushing her long hair.
His phone rang, shrill in the quiet room. Vincente answered it, speaking to who Evangeline assumed was Chris again. When he hung up, he turned to her.
"My aunt is coming tomorrow," he said, his blue gaze locked on hers in the mirror.
Evangeline's eyes met his, her hand stilled in her hair. "What?"
Vincente nodded, his lips curling into a sneer. "She'll be staying here for the time being. She wants to meet you."
Evangeline's gaze dropped to the brush in her hands. "I'll make sure everything is ready for her." Her voice was low.
Vincente said nothing in response, turning his attention back to his laptop. Evangeline went back to brushing her hair.
The next day, Vincente's aunt arrived with her niece and nephew , Ana and Mike.
The twenty-three-year-old was the daughter of Vincente's uncle's sister. Both her parents had died in a car accident fifteen years ago and his aunt had adopted her.
The same went for her twenty-one-year-old brother, Mike. Both of them were Victoria's niece and nephew by marriage.
Evangeline had been waiting for them to arrive. They had flown in last night and were staying at a local hotel until today.
Evangeline stood at the front door, a warm smile on her face as Victoria stepped through the doorway.
The older woman smiled, her face softening. She was a stunning beauty, her black hair graying at the temples.
Her dark eyes were warm and kind, her features gentle. She looked nothing like Vincente, but more like her sister.
She stepped through the door, opening her arms to Evangeline. She pulled her into a warm hug, her perfume filling Evangeline's nose. It smelled of vanilla and amber.
"It's so nice to finally meet you, I'mVictoria, Vincente'smaternal aunt," Victoria said softly.
Evangeline smiled back at her, giving her a hug. "I've heard a lot about you." The older woman chuckled, pulling back from the hug.
"I've heard quite a bit about you too," she said with a grin. Her dark gaze roamed over Evangeline's face. "Vincente told me you're very kind and soft hearted." She nodded, as if confirming it for herself. "I can see that." Her smile was warm.
Evangeline blushed, her hands tightening around her dress. "It's very nice to meet you, Aunt Victoria," she murmured.
Victoria's nephew and niece followed behind her.
Ana was a few years older than Evangeline, with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was pretty and sweet. Mike was a little older with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He was tall and lean, with a nice smile.
Evangeline greeted them warmly, welcoming them to her home. They were both very nice and Evangeline liked them immediately.
Mike's blue gaze looked at her with something dark in his eyes.
It was a look Evangeline couldn't place, but it made her uncomfortable. No one seemed to notice, though.
"Nice to meet you, sister in law," he said softly, coming forward to kiss her hand.
Evangeline felt something shiver down her spine at his words. She pulled her hand from him, a blush rising up her neck.
Before Mike could do anything else, Vincente stepped into the foyer. He came forward to greet his aunt, his gaze hot with possession.
"Evangeline," he said curtly, reaching for her hand. Evangeline let him take it, stepping forward to stand beside him.
His gaze cut to Mike, his blue gaze dark with warning. The blonde man took a step back, his hands coming up.
Vincente glared at him, his lips curled in a sneer. "Never...DARE to touch my wife," he bit out coldly. "Let alone look at her with your eyes..it wont end well for you, boy!"
Mike nodded, his eyes dropping swallowing his lump feeling intimidated by his cold threat.
Vincente turned back to Victoria, a cold smile on his lips. "I trust you had a pleasant trip, aunt." He leaned down to kiss her cheek.
Victoria nodded, her dark eyes warm. "Yes, dear. I did." She smiled up at him.
Vincente nodded, his arm snaking around Evangeline's waist. "The maids will show you to your rooms. Have some rest and get settled before dinner." He then turned them all away.
The maids came forward to take their bags, leading them upstairs to their rooms.
Evangeline walked back downstairs to the kitchen. Clara was already making dinner, her brow furrowed in concentration.
Evangeline smiled at her and asked if she needed any help. Clara shook her head, her smile soft.
Evangeline then went to check on Vincente in his study. He sat behind his desk, his back to her.
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. The sound made him turn around. He looked up, his blue gaze heated. Evangeline came forward, her steps slow.
"Do you need anything?" she asked softly.
Vincente shook his head, his smile cold. "No, doll. I'm good." He turned back to the laptop screen in front of him.
Evangeline watched him for a second.
Then..
She left him to whatever he was doing and went back upstairs to get ready for dinner.
The next morning, Evangeline was enjoying tea with Victoria in the garden.
They chatted softly, their laughter floating on the air. The older woman was sweet and kind, her words gentle and warm.
Evangeline asked her about Vincente's mother when there was a lull in the conversation.
Victoria looked down, her lips pressed into a tight line. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before answering.
"His mother ran away with another man when Vincente was only nine years old," she whispered. "She cheated on his father." Her dark gaze lifted to meet Evangeline's. "She left him without caring about Vincente..."
Evangeline frowned, her hands tightening on her cup. "That's awful," she whispered.
Victoria nodded, the corner of her mouth dropping. "Yes. Vincente has always been cold after that." A sigh escaped her. "So, sometimes used to visit him...I love him." Her eyes filled with unshed tears. "It's why I worry for him." She looked down at Evangeline. "He's been through a lot, even since he was young. I hope you can help heal him."
Evangeline looked away, her eyes tearing. She knew what the older woman meant.
Vincente may have been a monster, but he had been hurt.