My Dad's Bestfriend novel Chapter 48

Evelyn

"It's better if we talk inside," she suggested; the look on her face hinted at a revelation, and possibly a barrage of lectures. I had no idea what was going through her mind, but the closest assumption I could muster was that her boyfriend, who'd seen me last night during the entire incident with Chloe, had spilled the beans.

"Well, of course. I know you have a lot to say. Come in." I stepped aside to let her enter, and she walked inside. I shut the door.

"Tell me what you have to say; I have work to do." I spoke up, walking past her and sitting on the bed.

"Is that...is that Jacob's portrait, Evelyn?" She glanced at the painting before shifting her gaze to me, her voice filled with disbelief and disappointment, “And what are you wearing? His shirt?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Is this how you're rediscovering your passion, huh? Is this what you plan to do?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

God, I already despised this conversation.

"Well, I don't see anything wrong with it. I'm painting the man I love, while you, my mother, pushed your own daughter's dreams aside because of your selfishness," I shrugged, nonchalantly.

"The man you love? Are you out of your mind, Evelyn?! He's your father's friend. You can’t love him. There can be nothing between you two that will last long. It's simply wrong. What the hell are you thinking? Making him the reason why you've picked up your brushes after years? You're ruining everything for yourself! You'll be the one who ends up getting hurt in this!"

"Enough, Mom," I stood up, barely able to maintain my calm, “Tell me, what exactly have I done wrong if I've found my passion again because of a man who cares for me, who fulfils my wishes, heals the wounds from my past, makes me happy, and encourages me to pursue my dreams? Most importantly, he loves me. Tell me, what's wrong with wanting to be with him?"

"What's wrong? Can't you see that everything you two have is wrong! Beyond wrong," she raised her voice, appearing angry. Well, I couldn't care less about that. "You don't love him, Evelyn. It's just a momentary attraction. When it fades, you'll regret the damage you've done. So, take a step back before it's too late!"

Okay, that was enough.

"Who the hell are you to dictate whether I love him or not? It's my life, Mom. You don't get to control it. In fact, no one does. And why do you think everyone will experience that momentary attraction you had with Dad? Not everyone is like you. Your attraction faded, and when Dad's pockets went empty, you packed your bags and left. But I am not like you! I will never be someone like you!"

"Evelyn!" She raised her hand, and I flinched, my eyebrows rising as I looked at her hand.

Wow. This was the only thing left for her to do. After everything she'd done, this was the last resort—hitting me.

She seemed to realize what she was about to do and quickly moved her hand away, hesitation seeping into her gaze, cracks becoming evident in her demeanor.

"No, no. Why did you stop? I guess this is the only thing left for you to do. So, why don't you just raise your hand and slap me? Complete the cycle, come on!" My words trembled, “What are you thinking? Just do it!"

Don't cry, Evelyn. She doesn't deserve your tears.

"Evelyn, listen...."

"No, you listen to me, Mom! I love that man. I love Jacob to the point where I would fucking die for him. I don't care what anyone else thinks of me or what the consequences of this forbidden relationship might be. All I care about is that I want to be with him. I can't imagine my life without him," I spoke up, struggling to hold back my sobs, “So, I beg you. Please don't ruin this for me. Please, for once, think about what I want instead of what you think is right. It might bruise your ego, but it would spare me a lot of pain and heartache."

"Evelyn... Why can't you understand? He's not right for you," she sighed, her gaze softening as she watched my eyes fill with unshed tears, "I'm saying this for your own good, not for mine. Do you think everything I do is bad for you? I don't want you to end up heartbroken because, in the end, you and Jacob, you two will have to be separated. It's going to end badly. Jacob loves Chloe, and she loves him. Coming between the two of them will only hurt you."