Chapter 18
Levi and Evie
The evening was dragging. If it were any mundane celebration of love, Levi would have slipped out without his family noticing. But this wasn't just any celebration.
It felt like a funeral.
A twisted nightmare where everyone laughed, danced, and carried on their merry evening while Levi stood still in the shadows, watching Evie in Harry's arms, and feeling as if he was being buried alive. The music seemed distant and hollow, each cheerful note mocking his pain. People around him appeared as ghostly figures, their faces blurred with false joy, their laughter a haunting echo in his ears.
Levi's chest tightened with every stolen glance at Evie. Her radiant smile pierced his heart like a dagger. The way she leaned into Harry, the way they moved togetherâeach moment was a knife twist, deepening the wound he could barely endure. He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms, the physical pain a welcome distraction.
Levi wanted to look away, to escape the nightmare before him. Yet, his eyes were drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
Across the room, Evie shifted uncomfortably, her feet aching from the heels she wore. She could feel the way Levi's eyes followed her, every inch of her could feel it. She tried to focus on Harry, on the guest he introduced her to and the ease of their conversations. But Levi's silent presence loomed large, a ghost haunting the fringes of her mind.
"Hello, sunshine."
Levi tore his eyes away from Evie as Lily slipped into the seat beside him. She smiled up at him and took his hand.
"What are you doing here all by yourself?" Lily wondered.
"I could ask you the same," Levi smiled tenderly. "Enjoying yourself?"
"Not really," Lily pouted. "Zia called. They're running late."
"Rose is coming with them?" Levi asked.
"Yeah," Lily nodded.
"Why are you not out there dancing?"
"I'm not in the mood," Lily sighed.
"Something on your mind?" Pulling a chair back, Levi took a seat.
"No," Lily shook her head but he could tell she was hiding something.
"What is it?" Levi raised his brow.
"I was hoping to speak to zia about something."
"You can't share with your favorite brother?" Levi asked.
"Shhhh," Lily leaned in closer. "You're not supposed to let anyone know that."
"Mason would die," Levi shook his head.
"Maybe I should upgrade him from the bottom of the list," Lily huffed. "He was the only one who came to visit me."
"I thought you wanted your independence?" Levi asked.
"I did..." Lily shrugged. "But I missed you. And Theo. And neither one of you relied to any of the texts or calls."
"Really?Theo?" Levi leaned back in his seat. "I'm shocked."
"He's been..." Lily looked over to Theo and Daphne on the dance floor. "Busy."
Levi followed her eyes, "What's your take on her?"
"She's a hundred times better than Ava, I'll tell you that," Lily snorted. "And she's funny, too."
"She doesn't seem like his type though," Levi observed.
"Maybe she'll be the one," Lily remarked. "It's always the one who breaks a guy's type."
"Suddenly, you're an expert?" Levi teased. "Is there someone you would like to tell me about?"
Lily rolled her eyes but her flushed cheeks betrayed her, "There's no one."
"Good," Levi relaxed. "There shouldn't be. Not yet."
"Oh god, here we go," Lily groaned, moving to her feet.
"I said not yet," Levi pointed out. "I didn't object to the idea completely."
"You're so gracious," Lily snatched her phone off the table and turned to leave.
Levi wanted to call her back when suddenly he felt the back of his neck warm. Turning in his seat, Levi looked over his shoulder to where Evie stood. Their eyes met and Evie quickly looked away, sweeping her gaze around the room as if she hadn't been caught looking at Levi.
Levi sighed and leaned back in his seat, settling his eyes upon her and following her around the room. He wanted to see how long she could go pretending she wasn't looking at him too.
As the evening proceeded, much to Levi's delight, Evie's gaze kept drifting back to him. Each time her eyes met his, a jolt of electricity surged through the both of them. The polite thing to do would have been to look away. But Levi could care less about being polite. He held Evie's gaze for as long as she would allow him.
After some time, once the photos were done being taken and all the guests had been spoken to, Harry and Evie took a moment to share a dance. Evie leaned her head against Harry's shoulder and closed her eyes.
They were picture perfect, dancing in the middle of the room in each other's arms when Harry leaned in and whispered into Evie's ear. Her eyes opened and her expression shifted immediately. The small smile on her lips faltered and she swallowed slowly, her shoulders stiff when tension. As the song came to an end, Evie pulled away and turned toward the exit.
Levi was on his feet at once, following her through the crowd and out the ballroom. As he emerged into the empty foyer, he caught sight of Evie, slipping into the bridal suit. He loosened the icy blue tie around his neck and followed.
Entering the bridal suite, Levi found Evie standing before the mirror in the small powder room. The glowing light from the vanity made her dark blonde hair lighter as she stared at her own reflection. She watched as Levi entered the small vanity room and closed the door with his feet. Her heart hummed inside her chest as he leaned back and folded his arms over his chest.
"You have to stop looking at me like that," Evie said, her gaze locked with Levi's. "Harry is starting to notice."
"Looking at you how?" Levi arched his brow.
"Like..." Evie struggled to find words. "Like you're angry with me-"
"I am."
"Why?" Evie turned to face him. "What have I do?"
"Wrong question," Levi shook his head and pushed away from the door. He stepped closer and lowered his arms. "I have a better question. Why is he holding you like that?"
"Like what?" Evie asked, looking up at him through her lashes.
"Like he's afraid you will run away if he lets go of your hand."
Evie felt a pang in her chest at his words. She looked away, unable to hold his intense gaze.
"Harry cares about me," she said softly.
"I didn't ask if he cared about you," Levi said, his voice smooth and controlled.
Evie's breath caught at the intensity in his tone. She looked back at him, trying to read the emotions flickering in his eyes. "Then what are you asking?"
Levi stepped closer, closing the distance between them. "I'm asking why he feels the need to hold on to you so tightly."
Evie leaned back, trying to create some space between them as Levi placed his hands on either side of her and caged her between himself and the sink behind her.
"What is he afraid of?" Levi asked, searching her eyes as if the answer was there.
Evie swallowed hard. "He's not afraid," she said, though her voice wavered. "He's just...protective."
"Protective?" Levi echoed a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Or possessive?"
"Maybe both," Evie said, her voice tinged with frustration.
Levi's eyes narrowed. "That's not an answer."
Evie sighed, her eyes drained. "What do you want from me, Levi? What do you want to know?"
"Do you love him?"
Evie's eyes narrowed. Her mouth twitched with anger as she glared at the man before her. "Yes."
"Liar."
Evie's hands clenched into fists at her sides, "Who the hell do you think you ar-"
"I know you," Levi shot back before Evie could finish, his voice growing more intense. "I know when you're lying."
"I'm not," Evie said stubbornly. "I love him."
"You don't," Levi chuckled, shaking his head.
Anger radiated off of Evie like heat waves from asphalt. Her cheeks grew hotter and hotter, making Levi's hand itch to reach out and touch her. But when he tried to, she swatted his hand away.
"Cut it out," Evie warned.
"Or what?" Levi stepped closer, towering over her, his presence imposing.
Evie's brows furrowed, "Or I'll kick your ass."
Levi's grin widened, a mix of amusement and challenge in his eyes. "I'd like to see you try."
Evie's frustration boiled over, her fists trembling at her sides. "You're impossible."
"And you're beautiful when you're angry," Levi's expression softened slightly, though the teasing glint in his eyes remained.
Evie's eyes widened in surprise, her anger momentarily eclipsed by confusion. "What?"
Levi leaned closer, his face inches from hers. "You heard me."
She swallowed hard. She stared at him in confusion and disbelief for a few seconds before shoving him back.
"You've lost your mind," she said, reaching for the door. "I'm going to go back to the party. And you're going to stay in here until you are back to your senses."
Levi watched her with a bemused expression. He pushed his hands into his pockets and leaned back against the sink, his eyes swimming with amusement.
"Alright," he said with a chuckle. "Go ahead. But don't think this is over."
Evie shot him one last frustrated glance before yanking the door open and stepping out.
______________________
Theo and Daphne
"This is me, officially cutting you off," Theo said as he genatly took the drink out of Daphne's hand and set it aside. "You've had way to much to drink too night."
"They barely have any alchone in them," Daphne complained.
Theo raised an eyebrow and held up his hand. "How many fingers am I holding?"
Daphne tried to focus, but her vision was hazy. She tilted her head and hiccuped. "Does the thumb count as a finger?"
Theo chuckled softly and shook his head, "I'm going to go say bye to my parents and to Evie. Then I'm driving you home. Can you sit tight for me while I do that?"
"Sit tight and look pretty?" Daphne giggled, leaning forward and placing her chin on her hand.
"Yes," Theo chuckled again. "I'll be right back. Be good."
"Yes, sir captain highness," Daphne placed her hand over her heart and bowed.
Theo grabbed her before she fell off the chair and sat her back, "On a second note. I'll just text them. Come on, let's go."
"Do you want to dance?" Daphne sat up.
"No, I don't want to dance," Theo tugged at her hand. "I have an early meeting tomorrow morning. Come on. I need to drop you off home."
"Why are you so mean to me?" Daphne frowned.
"I'm not being mean, Daphne," Theo rolled his eyes.
"Yes, you are," Daphne hiccuped once again and folded her arms over her chest. "I don't like it when you are mean. You have to be nice to me."
"Oh yeah?" Theo chuckled. Stepping forward, he scooped her up from the hair and pulled her closer to his chest. "What are you going to do if I'm not nice to you?"
"I will tell you mom," Daphne threatened.
"You're too chicken," Theo said, walking to the elevator. "Do me a favor, sweetheart. Reach down and press the button for me."
"Chicken?" Daphne gasped, ignoring his request. "I'm not a chicken. I'm a mermaid."
"You're a mermaid?" Theo leaned forward carefully and pressed the elevator button himself.
"Do you want to play mermaid with me?" Daphne asked.
"No."
"What?" Daphne grabbed Theo's face and squeezed his cheeks. "Say yes."
"Daphne, you're hurting me," Theo shook his head until she let go of his face.
"Can I kiss it better?"
Theo stilled, caught off guard by Daphne's words. He looked down at her as she smiled up at him, looking at him through her hazy eyes.
"You're one kisser of a heller," Daphne grinned.
"Thank you," Theo rolled his eyes and remarked darly. "Biggest compliment of my life."
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open with a soft whoosh. Theo guided Daphne out into the empty lobby, the space echoing with their footsteps. He gently placed her on her feet, making sure she was steady before he spoke to the valet at the desk.
"Could you please bring my car around?" he asked, his tone polite but firm.
As he waited, Theo kept a steadying hand on Daphne's arm, ensuring she didn't sway or lose her balance. He could feel her leaning slightly into him, her head resting against his shoulder. The faint glow of the lobby lights cast a warm sheen over the space, adding to the quiet calm of the night.
Theo's eyes darted around, and he noticed one of the men from the party glancing over at Daphne. The man's gaze lingered a moment too long, and Theo's expression darkened into a scowl. Without hesitation, he shifted Daphne to his other side, putting himself squarely between her and the unwanted attention. He kept his body angled protectively toward her, his arm firmly around her shoulder to keep her close and secure.
"Theo," Daphne said suddenly, her voice full of wonder, "Do you think fish get thirsty?"
Theo raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so. I think they're pretty well-hydrated."
Daphne pondered this for a moment before giggling. "But what if they want to drink lemonade? Do you think they'd like it?"
Theo chuckled softly. Reaching out, he pushed back a few of her stray hair strands. "I guess they'd have to figure out a way to drink it without getting caught in a net."
Daphne burst into a fit of giggles. The sound of her laughter filled the lobby and bounced off of every wall.
"What's so funny?" Theo asked, unable to stop himself from laughing along with her.
"You're crazy," Daphne pushed his arm. "But do you know what's crazier?"
"What?" Theo asked.
"Aliens," Daphne whispered. "Do you think they are real?"
"Maybe," Theo replied, keeping his tone light. "It's a big universe."
Daphne's eyes widened even more. "What if aliens are just fish that live in space? Like, intergalactic fish?"
Theo laughed, shaking his head. "Who knew you were so creative?"
"Oh!" Daphne held up her hand. "And do you think there are starfish in space?"
Theo grinned, playing along. "Absolutely. They're probably floating around, sparkling with the constellations."
Daphne sighed as if that was the best news she had ever heard. "I want to be a starfish when I grow up."
Theo tried to stifle a laugh. He pulled her into his arms and cupped her face.
"You know," he began, looking into her eyes. "I think you'd make a great starfish."
"Thank you!" Daphne said, leaning into his hand.
"Ready to go home?" Theo asked as the vale pulled up.
"I'm starving!" Daphne sighed. "I don't remember the last time I ate."
"You've been drinking on an empty stomach?" Theo frowned as he helped her into the car.
"Yeah..." Daphne said quietly.
"I'll lecture you about this when you are sober."
"You're hot."
Theo burst into laughter as he reached across to fasten her seatbelt. But suddenly, Daphne grabbed his suit jacket and pulled him closer with surprising strength for someone in her state. Her eyes were half-closed, but her expression was one of contentedness as she buried her nose in the crook of his neck.
"And you smell so good," Daphne murmured, inhaling deeply, her breath warm against his skin. "You're my favorite scent."
Theo's head spun for a moment as he felt the soft, intoxicating warmth of her proximity. Her head rested against him, and he could feel her delicate, slightly shaky breaths against his neck. He was momentarily overwhelmed by the sensation, a wave of need hitting him hard. He had to remind himself that Daphne was drunk and that her affection was likely fueled by the alcohol.
Forcing himself to focus, Theo cleared his throat and gently pulled Daphne's hands away from his suit. He closed the door and rubbed the back of his neck. Standing outside the car, he took a second to catch his breath and gather his thoughts before walking to the driver's side and getting into the car.
Despite his best efforts to stay focused, the warmth of Daphne's touch and her words lingered in his mind. Theo kept his eyes glued to the road as he merged into traffic and headed for her apartment, his hand resting on top of the steering wheel.
"Theodore," Daphne called to him in the darkness of the car.
"Yes?"
"Are you in love with Ava?"
"What?" Theo chuckled. "No."
"Are you in love with anybody?" Daphne opened her eyes.
"No," Theo said. "I'm not in love with anybody."
"Do you want to be in love with somebody?"
"Why? Are you volunteering?" Theo questioned.
Daphne giggled. She leaned back against the seat and sighed. Her eyes began to close and she reached for Theo's hand.
"You have very big hands," she commented. "Bet you can hold a lot of stuff in your big hands."
Theo's jaw clenched as Daphne placed his hand against her face. She turned her head slightly, placing a warm kiss on his palm, her lips soft and delicate. She began to trail kisses up his finger, each touch sending a jolt through him.
"Daphne," Theo suppressed a groan, his voice strained. "Please. Stop."
Daphne giggled and let go of his hand abruptly, causing his fingers to brush against the front of her dress and the exposed skin behind the neckline.
She was so warm and so soft. Theo clenched his jaw harder and pulled away. His gripped the steering wheel as he focused on the road ahead, trying to shake off the lingering sensation of her touch. When they finally arrived to Daphne's apartment, Theo quickly unbuckled her and led her to the door.
"You're going to make me walk?" Daphne complained, pausing and looking down at her shoes. "I can't walk."
"If I carry you, will you behave?" Theo asked, holding her clutch and her hand while trying to gauge her stability.
"Have I been misbehaving?" Daphne scowled, her inebriated state making her more dramatic. "Fine. So be it. I'll make it on my own."
She pushed away from him, wobbling unsteadily.
"Daphneâ" Theo started, but she cut him off.
"Don't make me cry," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You're going to make me cry."
Theo couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I'm sorry," he said, pulling her back and lifting her into his arms with ease. "Better?"
Daphne hummed contentedly, a smile spreading across her face as she closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I feel light as a feather when you carry me."
"You are light as a feather," Theo replied, a tender smile playing on his lips as he brushed his lips against her forehead.
Daphne sighed happily. "Such a good kisser."
Theo laughed quietly to himself as he carried her through the lobby and up to her apartment. Her warmth and the softness of her touch made it hard to keep his thoughts straight, but he reminded himself of her condition. She nestled closer to him, her head resting on his shoulder, and he felt a mix of affection and protectiveness take over.
As they reached her door, Theo fumbled for the keys in her clutch. Daphne's contented hums and occasional giggles made the task a bit challenging, but he managed to unlock the door and carry her inside. Pausing at the door, Theo removed his shoes and carried her to the bedroom.
"Will you be okay?," he whispered, his voice soft.
Daphne smiled up at him, her eyes half-closed. "Stay with me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"I can't," Theo shook his head, pulling a blanket over her and sitting down beside the bed. "But I'll stay until you fall asleep."
"I need to take off this dress," Daphne turned and sat up, her hair falling around her as she removed the pins.
Theo cleared his throat and rose to his feet. "I'll be outside," he said, walking out of the room to give her privacy.
Theo stood outside Daphne's door, taking a moment to appreciate the mini rainforest she had created within her apartment. Lush greenery spilled from every corner, with hanging plants swaying gently and potted ferns lining the windowsills. The air was filled with a faint, fresh scent, mingled with the soft aroma of various candles scattered around the space.
As he walked further inside, his eyes roamed over the stacks of books piled on shelves and tables. Some were neatly arranged, while others seemed to be left wherever Daphne had last been reading. He could feel her presence in every corner of the home.
He could almost picture Daphne lying on her front on the sofa with a book in her hands. Her feet crossed at the ankles as she idly swung them back and forth. Her hair twisted up but the few stubborn strays brushing against the curve of her neck. The white sweater she wore would have been falling off of her shoulder and she wouldn't even know because she would be so lost in her book. Her brows would be furrowed and she could occasionally put her bottom lip in between her teeth.
Theo smiled to himself, imagining the scene. He could see her glancing up, eyes bright with excitement or curiosity, ready to read to him. The thought of her laughter, the way it filled the room with warmth, made his chest tighten. He shook his head slightly, trying to clear the daydream from his mind, but the image of Daphne lingered.
Clearing his throat, Theo turned toward the kitchen. He switched on the light and reached for a glass when suddenly, he noticed the papers and journals scattered across the countertops. Curious, he picked one up and began to leaf through it.
Egg = 71 calories
Half an avocado = 160 calories
Two tea spoon of honey = 43 calories
Four ounces of watermelon = 8.5 calories
1 cup of mix berries = 65 calories
Half a cup of brown rice = 107 calories
One ounce of grapes = 20 calories
Theo's brow furrowed as he saw all of the scribblings. Each page was filled with meticulous notes, tracking every bite she took. The sheer volume of the entries and the obsessive detail made his insides churn and his heart sink to the pit of his stomach.
Theo set the journal down, feeling a wave of concern for Daphne. He looked around the apartment, his thoughts racing. There was a neat stack of journals on top of her fridge. Theo was almost afraid to look at them. Feeling sick to his core, he pulled them down and began to fliped through the pages.
April 8th = 135 pounds
April 28th = 120 pounds
May 6th = 124 pounds
June 5th = 110 pounds
Theo's hands shook as he read the entries, the steady decline in weight a stark and terrifying indicator of her struggle. Theo felt disbelief washing over him as he tried to process the extent of Daphne's condition. He sat staring at the notes, feeling a deep sense of helplessness take over.
Theo set the journals back down, his mind in turmoil. He looked around the apartment, seeing the space with new eyes, understanding that the plants, books, and candles were part of a world where Daphne sought control and comfort amidst her internal battles.
Walking back to the bedroom, he saw that she had changed and was now lying down, her breathing slow and steady. He sat back down beside her, watching over her as she slept. The weight of what he had discovered lingered in his mind, and he knew that he couldn't ignore it.