Chapter 44: The Hidden Truth
JULIA
The party was in full swing, but my thoughts were a million miles away.
Evan looked like he really meant it when he told me to leave. However, how could I when he didn’t even give me a chance to say what was on my mind?
Still, I had a bad feeling about it. I had a hunch; it was about what his father had told him, but I had no clue what
that was.
I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on the present.
Just then, the lights became brighter, focusing on the door of the house. The music changed into an RnB song that I heard endlessly on the radio. Gianna and Harper scrambled to film the entire thing, amazed at the scale of her
entrance.
Then, the door opened, revealing Heather. Gasps rippled through the crowd as she stepped forward, sweeping into the garden in a gown of deep, fiery red, just as Sarah had predicted.
The color suited her–bold, attention–grabbing, and a little dangerous. 1 stifled a laugh, remembering how Sarah had teased me earlier.
“She’ll show up in red,” Sarah had said, “just to remind everyone that she’s the center of the universe.”
It seemed she wasn’t wrong.
Heather was flanked by her parents, who looked every bit the picture–perfect family. And, of course, Evan’s parents were standing nearby with their usual air of superiority.
I tried to avoid looking at them for too long. I was afraid they would notice my presence if my eyes lingered for a second longer.
The party continued, and I nibbled on the food that was served. Harper had been right. The food was tasteless. To put it to good terms, it tasted healthy.
However, because they were in an expensive party, it seemed like most people enjoyed it more.
I moved through the crowd like a ghost, dodging familiar faces.
Evan’s aunts. Evan’s uncles. It was a shame that Ellie wasn’t here. At least she would join me in such a two–faced party. Well, this used to be her house before she moved out so I wondered if the memories were too much for her.
Evan’s cousins were also scattered throughout the garden, their judgmental eyes scanning the room. Most of them loathed me, a fact they never bothered to hide.
Not all of them, though.
I scanned the garden, my eyes searching for Evan, but he was nowhere to be found. My stomach twisted and grumbled with frustration.
If I didn’t tell him tonight, I might lose the courage altogether. And most importantly, Andy would be devastated. Although he hadn’t said it out loud for the past few days, I knew he was most looking forward to finally meeting
his dad.
“Julia?”
I turned at the sound of the familiar voice and came face–to–face with Lucas, one of Evan’s cousins.
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Chapter 44: The Hidden Truth
Unlike the others, Lucas had always been more playful than hostile, though his brand of friendliness often came with a side of flirtation.
I turned around, but I instantly regretted it when I saw how his eyes glazed over my body before settling on my face.
“Well, you’ve gotten sexier,” he said, smirking, “Prettier, too. But, you’ve always been pretty.” I rolled my eyes. “Nice to see you again, Lucas.”
“It’s my pleasure,” he winked. “Now, what is the precious Julia Johnson doing at this party?”
I ignored his question and asked one of mine instead. “Have you seen Evan?”
He raised an eyebrow. “I thought you two broke up.”
“We did,” I casually said.
“Then why are you looking for him?”
“It’s not like that,” I said quickly. “I need to tell him something important.”
Η
Lucas tilted his head, studying me with a knowing glint in his eye. “Something important, huh? Sounds intriguing. Are you sure you’re not trying to win him back?
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Can you help me or not?”
He chuckled, clearly enjoying my irritation, but nodded. “Alright, follow me. I’m doing you a very special favor, you know. Evan should be preparing now.”
“Preparing?” I asked.
“Don’t bother asking,” he said, turning around for a second “I’m doing this because the party is getting boring,
I trailed behind him as he led me toward the stage at the far end of the garden. The area was mostly hidden from view, blocked off by thick velvet curtains.
Lucas stopped just short of the curtain and turned to me, his smirk still firmly in place. “Good luck, Julia. You’re going to need it.”
Before I could respond, he stepped aside, leaving me alone. I hesitated for a moment before walking further backstage.
Evan was there, standing in the shadows with a microphone in hand. His posture was tense, and he let out the deepest breath known to man.
I cleared my throat, and that was when he turned his head to the side.
His eyes widened. “What are you still doing here?”
I stepped closer, determined not to let his mood deter me. promise, after this, I’ll leave.”
“No, Julia,” he said firmly, massaging his knuckles. “You have to leave now. I told you to leave.
My eyes drifted to the microphone in his hand. “Why is there a mic here? What are you doing?”
He stiffened. “Just leave.”
I crossed my arms, my patience wearing thin. “Are you free tomorrow? At lunchtime, perhaps?”
Evan frowned in confusion. “Are you asking me out?”
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Chapter 44: The Hidden Truth
“No,” I denied quickly, shaking my head. “Just answer the question.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Julia, why are you asking this question?”
“Just answer,” I sighed. “The faster you answer, the faster I’ll get out of here.”
Fortunately, he answered this time.
“I’m bu
“I’m busy with work,” he said.
“But it’s important,” I pressed.
He met my gaze
his expression hardening. “How important, Julia? Important enough for me to miss work?”
My frustration bubbled over. Before I could respond, the lights dimmed, casting the stage in darkness. Murmurs were heard from the crowd outside.
However, nothing could stop me now.
And then, the words spilled out.
“We have a son, and it’s his birthday tomorrow.”
The microphone in Evan’s hand crackled to life, amplifying my voice for everyone to hear.
And along with that, the curtains fell, revealing the two of us to the entirety of the guests.
