Vivian POV
I sat at the desk in my guest room, Bella's pink hair clip pinched between my fingers. The sparkly heart caught the lamplight, worn from years of me carrying it like a talisman. Ten years since I'd failed her at the pool, and it was all I had left of her. I slipped it into my pocket, my chest tight. Tomorrow was Evans' birthday, and I was done hiding how I felt. He'd been coming to my bar for months, sipping whiskey, asking about my day like he cared. When I'd finally told him about Bella, about running away, he'd listened, and then saved me from eviction. If that wasn't worth risking my heart for, what was?
"Stop overthinking this," I muttered to myself, standing up abruptly. "You deserve something good for once."
I paced the room, nervous energy making it impossible to sit still. The dress for tomorrow's party hung in the closet, a navy blue number Clara, the maid, had lent me. I pulled it out, holding it against my body as I faced the mirror.
"Way too fancy," I said, studying my reflection. The silky fabric felt foreign in my hands, I was more used to jeans and t-shirts, the uniform of a bartender who blended into the background. "But maybe that's the point."
It was fancier than anything I'd ever worn, but I needed to look like I belonged at a high-society bash. I grabbed my phone and texted Clara, who'd become my only ally here.
Can you help me with makeup tomorrow? Want to look decent for the party.
Her reply came fast: Girl, you'll look like a queen. Come by my room at 4. And don't worry about Madeline, that woman was born with a lemon in her mouth.
I laughed out loud, typing back: Thanks, Clara. You're a lifesaver.
I set the phone down, tapping my fingers against the dresser. I needed to get Evans a gift, something small but personal. My wallet was nearly empty, but I'd saved a few bucks from tips before I lost my job. I grabbed my jacket and headed downstairs, hoping to slip out to a nearby shop before dinner.
In the foyer, I nearly collided with Nate, who was carrying a stack of folders. "Whoa, Vivian," he said, steadying the pile. "Where's the fire?"
"Just running an errand," I said, adjusting my jacket. "Need anything while I'm out?"
He raised an eyebrow, his usual reserved look softening. "You're settling in fast. Nah, I'm good. Be back for dinner, Madeline's in a mood."
"When is she not?" I asked, rolling my eyes.
Nate's mouth twitched with a suppressed smile. "Fair point. Just... tread carefully. She's been talking to Evans about you."
"What's she saying?" I asked, my guard instantly up.
"What do you think?" He shrugged. "That you're taking advantage of his generosity. That you're... a distraction."
I crossed my arms. "And what do you think?"
"I think," he said carefully, "that Evans is a grown man who can make his own decisions. But I also think Madeline is a force to be reckoned with."
"Great," I muttered, heading out. "Thanks for the warning."
The warning stuck with me as I walked to a small gift shop a few blocks away. The air was crisp, the city humming with evening traffic. Inside the shop, I browsed, my budget screaming cheap.
"Can I help you find something?" asked the clerk, an older woman with kind eyes.
"I need a gift," I explained. "For someone who has everything. But I'm on a budget."
She nodded knowingly. "Something meaningful, then. Not expensive, but thoughtful."
After showing me several options, I settled on a sleek silver pen, simple, but classy enough for a guy like Evans.
"He's special to you?" the woman asked as she wrapped it.
"Yeah," I admitted. "But it's complicated."
"Isn't it always?" She handed me the small box with a wink. "Good luck, dear."
I paid, tucking the box into my pocket next to Bella's clip, and hurried back. The mansion loomed ahead, imposing against the darkening sky. My temporary home, though it never felt that way. Not with Madeline watching my every move.
Dinner was already underway when I slipped into the dining room. Evans sat at the head, Madeline to his left, Nate across from her. I took the empty seat beside Nate, feeling Madeline's eyes on me like lasers.
"Late again, Vivian," she said, cutting her salmon with surgical precision. "Punctuality isn't your strength, is it?"
"Sorry," I said, grabbing a roll. "Had to run an errand."
"An errand?" Her tone was all fake curiosity. "Do share."
"Just picking up something for tomorrow," I said, keeping it vague. Evans glanced up, but his phone buzzed, and he looked down, typing quickly.
"For my birthday?" he asked, not lifting his eyes. His voice was light, but the distraction stung.
"Maybe," I said, forcing a smile. "You'll see."
Madeline snorted softly. "How thoughtful. I'm sure it's... charming."
"At least it's from the heart," I shot back before I could stop myself. "Not from a catalog."
The table went silent. Madeline's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Nate cleared his throat, steering the conversation. "Big day tomorrow, Evans. You ready for the circus?"
Evans set his phone down, but his jaw was tight. "As ready as I'll be. Guest list is a nightmare, but it's good for business."
"Business," Madeline echoed, sipping her wine. "That's what matters. Not distractions." Her gaze flicked to me, and I gripped my fork, biting back a reply.
I turned to Evans, determined to get his attention. "I was thinking I could help tomorrow. Greet guests, keep things organized. I'm good at that."
He nodded, but his eyes were on his phone again. "Sure, Vivian. Talk to Clara, she'll set you up."
"You could at least look at me when I'm talking to you," I said quietly, frustration bubbling over.
Evans finally looked up, surprised. "I'm sorry, what?"
"Nothing," I mumbled, embarrassed by my outburst. "It wasn't important."
It wasn't the enthusiasm I'd hoped for, but it was something. I pushed on, leaning closer. "You've been so kind to me, Evans. I just want to show I'm grateful."
He looked at me then, his smile brief but warm. "You don't owe me anything. Just enjoy the party."
"I want to do more than just enjoy it," I insisted. "Let me help. Please."
Madeline's knife scraped her plate, loud enough to make me flinch. "Enjoyment is earned, Vivian. This isn't a free ride."
"Mother," Evans said sharply, finally putting his phone down. "Enough."
"I'm simply stating facts," she replied coolly. "Our guest seems to have forgotten that charity has its limits."
"I haven't forgotten anything," I said, meeting her gaze. "Including how to recognize when I'm not wanted."
She raised an eyebrow but didn't push. I focused on my food, my appetite fading. Why was Evans so distracted? He'd been different at the bar, attentive, almost flirty. Now he felt miles away.
After dinner, I offered to help clear the table, but Clara waved me off. "Go rest, girl. Big day tomorrow."
"Thanks, Clara," I said, squeezing her hand. "For everything."
"That dress is going to look stunning on you," she whispered. "Trust me, even Mr. Newton won't be able to keep his eyes off you."
I nodded, heading upstairs but pausing in the hallway. Voices came from Evans' study, the door cracked open. I slowed, catching Nate's low tone. "You sure about this deal? It's risky."
"Eavesdropping, Vivian?" she said, her voice icy.
I spun around, heart pounding. "Just heading to my room."
"Of course," she said, her smile venomous. "But do be careful. Curiosity can be... dangerous."
"So can threats," I replied evenly. "Goodnight, Madeline."
I mumbled a goodnight and hurried off, her words echoing. Back in my room, I pulled out Bella's clip, rubbing it as I sat on the bed. Tomorrow's party would be a zoo, rich people, fake smiles, me sticking out like a sore thumb. But it was my chance to tell Evans how I felt, to see if he could feel the same.
"Come on, Viv," I whispered to myself. "You can do this."
I practiced the words again: You're the first person who's made me feel safe since I lost everything. I think I'm falling for you.
My stomach fluttered, but doubt crept in. Madeline's disdain, Evans' distraction, they gnawed at me. And that conversation with Nate... what was Evans hiding? I tucked the clip and pen box into my dresser, trying to shake it off.
"Just focus on tomorrow," I told myself, staring at the blue dress hanging on the closet door. "One step at a time."