Poor Son-in-law

19

Night had fallen heavily over the city, the dim streetlights casting long, distorted shadows along the narrow alley. Marcus Carter stood by the window of his dimly lit apartment, his usually steady hands clenched into fists as he gazed at the world below. The cold glass beneath his palm seemed to seep into his skin, but it was not enough to calm the storm raging within him.

Outside, the cacophony of traffic and the footsteps of passersby felt trivial compared to the emotional turmoil he was experiencing. Every passing second intensified the tension in Marcus's heart. He knew the decision he had to make would not only affect him but also those around him. The Moore family secret that had been hidden for so long was beginning to unravel, and the burning sense of justice within him was becoming harder to contain.

In the silence of the night, Marcus's thoughts drifted back to Evelyn, the one who always made him feel both awake and submerged. He imagined her hopeful smile, but also the tears he had seen. All of this added weight to the burden he already carried. He felt the pull between the desire to protect and the urge to confront the truth.

Marcus knew he was at a crossroads. He had to choose between stepping back to protect himself and his loved ones or moving forward to face the truth, even if it could shatter everything. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm his mind, determined to find the answers he had been seeking.

His plan was simple—clear, calculated, and perfectly prepared. Revenge was the dish he intended to serve cold, and it had been years in the making. Every step was meticulously arranged, every detail accounted for. Yet now, Evelyn's face—her eyes filled with something he couldn’t place—haunted him. Doubt, like an uninvited guest, began to root itself in his mind.

Marcus had always believed that justice must be served, and there was nothing more fundamental than avenging those who had ruined his life. However, as he thought of Evelyn, his heart trembled. He remembered her cheerful laughter, how her smile could light up a dark room. The loss felt deeper than mere revenge. He began to question whether it was all worth it.

Each time he devised a plan, Evelyn's shadow appeared, disrupting his focus. He recalled the precious moments they shared, times when the world felt brighter and full of hope. In his mind, he struggled against the growing feelings, a sense that revenge might not be the right path. The curiosity about how Evelyn was living now, and whether she was happy, began to gnaw at his intentions.

Marcus felt the tension in his chest. He wanted to believe that the path he had chosen was the best, but doubt lingered like a shadow, always following his every step. In that suffocating silence, he knew he had to make a decision—whether to continue with the established plan or to let love and memories change the course of his life.

Why did she come back?

The thought lingered as he turned away from the window, his jaw tightening. He walked across the room, his steps muffled by the old carpet. On the table lay a stack of papers—documents, photos, maps—his plan laid wide open. But amidst all the chaos was a photo of Evelyn, from years ago, hidden beneath the corner of a file.

When Marcus picked up the photo, memories flooded back clearly. Evelyn with her bright smile, her hair flowing gracefully in the sunlight. It felt as if time had never passed, and that moment was woven into his memory. Yet, as he stared at the photo, mixed emotions overwhelmed him. The revenge plan he had crafted felt increasingly fragile, as if the photo was a reminder that there was something more important than mere power.

He set the photo down again, but Evelyn's shadow continued to haunt him. Why had she returned to his life after all this time? Was it coincidence, or was there something deeper driving her? Marcus felt trapped between the desire to understand the reason behind Evelyn's return and the urge to stay focused on his plan.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to divert his thoughts from the gnawing doubts. Every time he recalled the past, pain and love blended into one. However, the question remained, demanding an answer. Marcus knew he had to confront his feelings and discover why Evelyn's presence could change everything. In the darkness of the night, he felt the weight growing heavier, and the decision he had to make became increasingly urgent.

He stared at it for a long time, feeling the heaviness of a past that wouldn't fade. Memories with Evelyn seemed to press against his chest, forcing him to confront his buried emotions.

A sharp knock at the door broke his reverie. Marcus glanced at the clock. 10:47 PM. Too late for anyone to come uninvited—except her. In an instant, his heart raced. He hesitated, his body stiff as he moved toward the door, each step feeling like swimming against the tide.

Before opening the door, Marcus took a deep breath, trying to calm his mind. What would he say if it was her? Was he ready to face everything that might arise from this meeting? His curiosity battled with his fear, creating tension that was almost unbearable.

With a gentle push, he opened the door. Evelyn stood there, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, her coat offering little protection from the cold winter air. Her hair fell messily over her shoulders, a stark contrast to the polished image she had always presented. Marcus felt the sadness and vulnerability radiating from her.

"Evelyn," Marcus said, his voice flat but sharp. His dark eyes swept over her face, trying to read her intentions. "It's late."

His dark eyes swept over her face, trying to read her intentions. He paused for a moment, observing how the cold dew formed droplets at the ends of Evelyn's hair. In the piercing silence of the night, anxiety began to gnaw at his mind. Late at night was supposed to be a time for rest, but Evelyn's presence brought back memories long buried.