Chapter 32. Aching Hearts

Evelyn

Dad’s idea of the picnic to lighten the mood was a total flop. After my conversations with Jacob and Cameron, not a single part of me felt light. I felt heavy—really heavy. It was as if a crushing weight was pressing down on my heart, threatening to tear it apart from within. Throughout the picnic, even though I managed to force a smile, I couldn’t genuinely enjoy or feel happy, even for a moment. That was just it—I am not gonna lie—my mental state was getting worse.

After Cameron’s comforting words, I hoped I could relax and enjoy this mini vacation with my friends and family. But that sense of ease, which Cameron had offered me on a silver platter, vanished quickly. With each passing second, and with Jacob’s presence in front of me, I was starkly reminded that the person I might end up hurting could be… Cameron.

But I didn’t want it to be this way.

I’d do everything fucking possible to ensure I didn’t return to Jacob.

As beautiful as the