My Dad's Bestfriend novel Chapter 21

Evelyn

"You're thoughtful," I remarked, my gaze fixed on Jacob who lay beside me.

"I don't deserve all the credit," he replied, adjusting his position by propping his head on his arm, "Most people know beaches look even better at night. The sea's beauty is unmatched."

A smile appeared on my lips, for reasons unknown.

This moment with Jacob was beautiful. Our fingers intertwined, his eyes meeting mine, our breathing in sync, and the sky blending into the endless blue sea.

The gentle waves brushed against our feet, filling me with bliss.

"Not everyone," I sighed, gazing at the star-filled sky, like a magnificent, glittering veil. "Many fail to see its magnificence, finding it boring."

He remained silent, his eyes fixed on me.

I pulled Jacob's hand closer, tracing my fingers over its back as I admired the sky.

"Tell me something, Jacob," I turned my head to face him, "How many relationships have you had?"

A flicker passed through his eyes, a hint of hesitation evident. He seemed slightly uncomfortable.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about--" I couldn't finish my sentence because he spoke up .

"Not many," he sighed, "I never really sought long-term commitments. Most of the time, it was more casual. Though I did have a few relationships in the past."

"How did they end? On a good note or..." I left the question hanging, letting him fill in the rest.

"Mutually," he responded, "There were no strings attached, so it was always easy to break free and move on."

"This is why you don't want to settle down?" I asked, intrigued. "Did you fear it would restrict your freedom?

"Not really. We all have our reasons, some of which we prefer to keep hidden," he said, his voice softening. "My life has been complicated, Evelyn. I didn't want further complications. That's why I chose to live this way."

"So, that's why you're not married? Because you don't want a conventional relationship?" I probed.

"Kind of, yes," he admitted. "And I believe it was the right choice. There's nothing inherently special about it. You fall in love, spend more and more time together, expectations rise, your life revolves around your partner, and eventually, love fades—either from one side or both. It's all just a temporary attraction, a trap."

His belief actually surprised me, revealing that there were hidden depths beneath his exterior. I realised that there might be mysteries, secrets, or perhaps even traumas he carried within. Unlike me, he was not an open book, there was so much yet to unfold.

I hadn't heard such a range of emotions in his voice before.

"You're right, but there's another side to the story," I began, "It's true that love can sometimes fade between two people. But have you ever considered the bright side? The part where you learn to heal, live for yourself, and discover a new purpose?" I smiled gently, "Take my dad as an example. When my mother left him, he was devastated. His smiles were rare. But as time went on, he transformed. And you know what? My dad often tells me that I'm his reason for living, and I never doubt it because I've seen how much I mean to him. He found his happiness in me. And now that Clara has come into our lives, everything is even better than before. She loves my dad unconditionally, flaws and all, and cares for me as if I were her own daughter. My dad has never been happier."

He simply looked at me, his gaze searching and contemplative.

"So, just because love failed us once doesn't mean it will always be that way," I smiled, "Life has so much more to offer if we're willing to embrace it." I leaned closer, pressing my forehead against his.

I closed my eyes, basking in his warmth. Shortly after, I felt him close his eyes too. "Will you tell me something, Jacob?" I asked.

He hummed softly, his nose gently brushing against mine.

"Do you think a relationship would complicate your life, or is it love itself that scares you?"

He remained silent. Yet, in his silence and the soft sigh that escaped his lips, I found my answer.

It was love.

Pulling back slightly, I lifted my hand to caress his cheek, tracing his stubble with my thumb. "Have you ever been in love before?" I inquired, searching his eyes. The brilliant green in them could rival the beauty of the sea.

Nonetheless, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something about Jacob that I didn't know.