As they continue hugging, the door creaked open silently, revealing Vincent, whose gaze landed on them. The scene stirred something deep inside him as he silently watched. He decided not to disturb them.
Exhaling, he closed the door softly and stepped away from the room. He met his mother’s worried look.
“They’re fine. Morticia is taking care of him,” Vincent smiled and walked away before she could reply.
Ava’s mouth hung open; it seemed Vincent knew what was going on between Klaus and Morticia.
Light sobs caught her attention, and she traced the sound to find Evie crying silently in an empty ward room.
Spotting Ava, Evie quickly wiped her tears and greeted her. “Hi.”
Ava let out a small smile. “Are you okay?”
Evie stayed silent for a moment before shaking her head. “No, I’m not. But I will be once she’s awake.”
Ava nodded and sat beside her. “She’s the strongest woman I know. She’s going to make it.”
Evie nodded, wiping the tears that fell freely down her cheeks. “Thanks a lot for saying that,” she croaked. “I want to be close to her again. I can’t believe I, her little sister, had no idea she was sick. The guilt is gnawing at my soul.”
Ava reached for Evie’s shoulder and caressed it gently.
“I’ve done so many things, Mrs. Ava. So many things I’m not proud of… I should have helped her that night, but I stood still, watching that bastard hit her. Klaus begged me, you know,” Evie’s lips and voice trembled. “But I shrugged him off and ran out in shame. I’m the worst.”
Ava nodded. “Yes, you are,” Evie looked at her in surprise. “But not anymore. You’ve changed now, and you should make it up to her once she’s awake.”
Evie nodded. “I can’t believe she actually forgave me. Now that I know why she did… it makes me feel even more guilty.”
Ava sighed, reaching for Evie’s hand and holding it tight.
“I’m scared,” Evie muttered, locking her gaze with Ava.
“Me too,” Ava whispered.
–
Vincent stepped into the store but frowned when he saw a strange person in uniform at the counter.
His steps slowed, and his brow furrowed.
“Hello, sir. How may I help you?” the strange girl at the counter gave him a smile.
“Who… who are you? Where’s Nica?” Vincent asked.
“I’m new here. I started three days ago, sir. Nica must have been the person who worked here before me, but I have no idea who she is. I’m sorry,” she responded politely.
“Oh,” Vincent blinked. Nica quit her job? Why? He had actually come to talk to her about how harshly he treated her that night. He thought he might run into her at school, but there was no sign of her.
“Punk!” Old Evan emerged. “How’ve you been?”
“I’m good, Uncle Evan,” Vincent replied, clearing his throat. “Where is Nica?”
“Oh, she left. This is Emily, my new worker. She’s cool, but not like Nica, though.”
Emily’s smile disappeared. One thing about Old Evan-he said whatever was on his mind, even if it hurt someone’s feelings.
“One Americano, please,” Vincent said to Emily, who blushed under his gaze and quickly went to prepare his drink.
“Why did she quit? I hope nothing’s wrong with her,” Vincent asked Old Evan.
“She left the country,” Old Evan responded, and Vincent frowned hard. “Her biological parents found her, and she left with them.”
Vincent stayed silent, processing Old Evan’s words. Nica’s biological parents? That was shocking.
“Biological… parents?” he stuttered.
“Yeah, I saw them myself, and I could tell they were good people. It’s a great thing-Nica finally found the happiness she’s been looking for,” Old Evan’s voice was soft, filled with admiration. “Don’t you think, Vincent?”
Vincent nodded, though he didn’t know how to feel about the sudden news. Still, he was strangely happy for her.
“That’s great. I’m glad she’ll finally be happy.”
Old Evan smiled. Punk, he thought to himself, recalling what Nica had said to him the day she left…
–
“Don’t I deserve to know the father of your child before you leave?” Old Evan had asked, pouring herbal tea for her.
“You already know,” Nica guessed right. Old Evan had figured out who the father was through her body language. He just didn’t want to jump to conclusions and wanted Nica to say it herself.
“Hm,” Old Evan admitted, then watched Nica drink the herbal tea to the last drop.
“I tried telling him, but he made it clear he doesn’t want me,” Nica stated. “I know this might be selfish, but I need to find myself first. I’m going to do that with my parents. I need to give him time to completely seal the hole in his broken heart.
I need him to realize what he truly wants. Because no matter what I do now, he won’t accept me, and that’s going to affect the baby. I definitely don’t want that. If fate truly wants us together, then… we’ll be together. I love him, and I always will,” she said with a pained smile. “Please don’t tell him.”
Old Evan nodded. “Do whatever you want, Nica. Like I said, I’ll always support you.”
Nica’s eyes teared up. “Can I call you father?”
Old Evan’s face turned pale. Her words came so suddenly; they lit a dead fire in him.
Nica chuckled. “There’s no need to ask permission. You’re my father already.”
She moved closer and hugged the old man. Old Evan remained frozen. For the first time in many years, tears welled up in his eyes.
He slowly hugged her back, letting the familiar sense of tranquility surge through him.
“Thank you, Father,” she whispered.
Old Evan chuckled. “Oh dear. My daughter.”
–
As the memory ended, Old Evan stared at Vincent, who was explaining all about Josephine’s surgery, but Old Evan’s mind was mostly on Nica.
That sweet little angel. Oh, he’d miss her.
Perhaps she was right about the fate stuff. He understood Vincent was still trying to heal-his definition of love was still in a mess.
If Nica had told him about the pregnancy, Vincent might not see her the way she wanted him to.
Heaven knows what Vincent had said to her that night, but the main thing was…
If they were meant to be, fate would definitely bring them together.