Poor Son-in-law

20

In Marcus’s mind, various questions surfaced. Why had she returned? What did she want to say after so long apart? Every second felt heavy, as if time slowed, waiting for answers that never came.

Outside, the wind blew fiercely, adding to the tense atmosphere. Marcus felt the cold attacking, but his heart was turbulent. Inside the room, piles of papers and documents lay scattered, waiting for attention that never came. Yet now, his focus was entirely on Evelyn.

The decision he had to make felt increasingly urgent. In this silent yet meaningful moment, Marcus knew that everything was about to change. His pause at the threshold was not just a physical action; it was a symbol of everything that would happen next. As Evelyn stepped forward, the outside world seemed to vanish, leaving only the two of them and the tension that filled the air.

"I know." Her voice was soft, almost vulnerable. She stepped forward, and for a moment, he thought she would reach for his hand, but she stopped herself. "May I come in?"

Marcus hesitated. Every muscle in his body screamed to say no, to close the door and walk away. But instead, he stepped aside, allowing her to enter.

Evelyn entered the apartment, her gaze flicking around the room. She had not been here since... yes, since before everything fell apart. The room felt both foreign and familiar, filled with painful yet beautiful memories. The aroma of coffee they had once enjoyed together still lingered, despite the passage of time.

Every corner reminded her of the happy moments they had shared—laughing on the sofa, sharing stories at the dining table. However, the atmosphere now was filled with unspoken sadness and tension. On the walls, old photos bore witness to her arrival, silent witnesses to their tumultuous journey.

Evelyn felt the emotional weight gnawing at her heart. She stood still for a moment, trying to calm her thoughts. In that silence, she could feel Marcus’s presence behind her, a energy intertwined with every breath she took. Yet, she knew there were many things unresolved between them.

Marcus stared at Evelyn, watching how the dim light illuminated her face, highlighting the vulnerability hidden behind her strong demeanor. He wanted to reach out, but doubt held him back. In this memory-filled apartment, they were both trapped in a difficult moment, waiting for the right words to break down the walls built over the years.

"This place hasn't changed much," she whispered, her fingers brushing the edge of the old leather chair. The memories that flashed through her mind momentarily engulfed her, warming her with a past that now felt distant.

Marcus stood tall, closing the door firmly before folding his arms across his chest. His voice was sharp, reflecting the tension that flowed between them. "I didn't invite you here to reminisce. What do you want, Evelyn?"

The room felt increasingly cramped, and the atmosphere grew heavy. Evelyn swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the responsibility she had to face. She knew that every word she spoke would determine the direction of this meeting.

Marcus's gaze demanded clarity, and in the profound silence, Evelyn felt her heart racing. All her fears and doubts coalesced into one moment, creating a tension that could almost be cut with a knife. She had to choose her words carefully, crafting sentences that could bridge the gap that had long formed between them.

Beneath his stern demeanor, Marcus felt uncertainty as well. He wanted to know the reason behind Evelyn's return, but every question that arose felt painful. In the silence enveloping them, the past and present collided, waiting to be unraveled in a confession that might be difficult.

Evelyn was taken aback by his words but quickly masked it with a forced small smile. "I want to talk."

Marcus raised an eyebrow, his expression showing skepticism. "Talk? About what?"

The room fell silent again, and Evelyn felt pressure in her chest. She knew that every topic they discussed would reopen old wounds, but she had to do it.

Marcus, with his defensive posture, waited attentively, as if assessing every move Evelyn made. In his heart, he hoped the answer he sought would provide adequate explanation for all that had transpired between them.

Evelyn turned her gaze to the window, watching the city lights sparkle in the night. Longing for the past and a desire to mend their relationship swirled in her mind. She took a deep breath, trying to find the courage needed to initiate the unavoidable conversation.

In this room filled with memories, they were both trapped in deep tension, waiting for the right moment to express all that lay hidden in their hearts.

"About us," she said, turning to face him. Her eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, she saw the Evelyn he once knew—the one who laughed with him under the stars, who believed in him when no one else would. It was a fleeting glance, but enough to disrupt his composure.

"There is no 'us,' Evelyn," Marcus said coldly, his voice firm. "Not anymore."

The words hung in the air, creating an ever-widening chasm between them. Evelyn felt a pain in her chest, as if she had just been slapped by a harsh reality. She wanted to retort, to explain that although much had changed, her feelings could not simply be dismissed.

The room felt increasingly silent, only the sound of the clock ticking repetitively filling the void. Evelyn tried to find the right words, but everything seemed insufficient. She knew that Marcus was hurt, just as she was, but how could they heal those wounds if no one was willing to open up?

With a heavy heart, she stepped closer, trying to bridge the distance between them. However, each step felt weighty; the fear of rejection made her cautious. In that moment, she realized they were trapped in an endless cycle of pain, and to break it, they had to bravely confront the painful truth.

"You didn't mean that," she said, stepping closer. "I know you, Marcus. I know you better than anyone, and I know you're not as cold as you pretend to be."

Marcus scoffed, shaking his head. "You don't know me anymore."

Each word exchanged created waves of tension between them. Evelyn felt how deep the chasm had become, even as she tried her hardest to reach Marcus. Her eyes searched for honesty behind his cold expression, hoping to find a glimmer of hope there.