Chapter 38
Everybody
Daphne's eyes sparkled with excitement as the group arrived at the ski cabin. She couldn't help but take in the grandeurâthe soaring vaulted ceilings, the massive stone fireplace crackling warmly, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. Her fingers itched to run over the soft leather couches and rustic wooden beams. She grinned, feeling a childlike wonder come over her as she stared out into the winter wonderland they'd landed in.
"You like it?" Theo's deep voice broke her trance as he came up behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her waist. The warmth of his body against her back made her shiver, but it wasn't from the cold.
"I feel like I'm at the North Pole," Daphne laughed softly, shaking her head as she leaned into him, her gaze still fixed on the glistening snow outside.
"That would make you Mrs. Claus," Theo teased, lowering his head to gently nibble at her ear.
She tilted her head back slightly, a playful spark in her eyes. "So, does that mean I get to sit on your lap and read you my Christmas wishlist, Santa?" Turning in his arms, she wrapped her arms around his neck, her dark lashes casting soft shadows on her cheeks as she looked up at him. Her voice dropped to a whisper, "Am I on the naughty list or the nice list?"
Theo's eyes narrowed, but a slow, mischievous grin appeared on his face. "Definitely, naughty."
Daphne pouted, her lips barely brushing his. "But you call me your good girl," she murmured, her voice laced with sweetness. "And I'm such a good girl."
Theo's eyes darkened with desire as he tightened his hold around her, their foreheads touching. "You're my good girl," he breathed, his voice low and rough. "But that doesn't mean you don't love being a little bit bad."
"Hmm," Daphne laughed, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Only for you."
Before Theo could reply, a loud clap interrupted the moment.
"Hey, hey, hey," Mason's voice echoed from the doorway. "Six feet apart, you two. Leave space for Jesus."
Theo rolled his eyes but didn't let go of Daphne, who hid her grin in his chest. Behind Mason, Wendy shot him a scathing glare, her eyes narrowing as she looked him up and down. Without a word, she pushed him aside and walked away, her annoyance palpable.
"Your room is on the other side of the property. Feel free to start heading there now." Theo picked up one of the decorative pillows from the couch and hurled it toward his brother.
Mason caught it effortlessly, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, thank God," he said, clutching his chest in mock relief. "I don't know if I could handle any more of you two. Save something for the bedroom, please."
Daphne's laughter rang out, her eyes sparkling as she looked back at Theo. He shook his head, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Don't worry," he said. "We'll make sure you hear every moment of it."
Mason gagged dramatically, earning a laugh from Daphne, just as Lily rushed up the stairs, her excitement evident in her wide eyes.
"What's going on?" she asked, looking around curiously at her brothers.
"Not for your ears to hear," Mason replied, swooping in to cover Lily's ears with his hands despite her protests. "Look away, Lil!"
"Mace!" Lily struggled, swatting at his hands with a mix of irritation and amusement. "Let go of me!"
"Mason," Levi's calm but stern voice carried down the hallway, his brows furrowed in disapproval. "Let her go. You're going to hurt her."
Mason rolled his eyes, releasing Lily with exaggerated care. "Have some respect for the children, you two," he said, turning his mock disgust toward Theo and Daphne, who were still wrapped in each other's arms. He pointed a finger at them accusingly. "You're corrupting innocent minds."
Lily rolled her eyes, straightening her hair. "You tangled my hair!."
"Also," Mason continued, ignoring her, "Ava called everyone downstairs, and I am not going down there alone. So, stop kissing and come downstairs. Now." He pointed towards the stairs like a drill sergeant, barely suppressing a grin.
Daphne smiled, pulling away from Theo slightly but not letting go of his hand. "Guess we better listen to the boss," she teased.
Theo sighed dramatically, shooting Mason a look. "You owe me for this."
"Put it on my tab," Mason replied with a wink, already heading back toward the stairs. "But hurry upâif I get stuck waiting with Ava, I'm blaming both of you."
Theo shoved Mason's shoulder, pushing him back into the wall as he followed Daphne out of the room. They all walked downstairs in a straight line as if scared to make eye contact with Ava. As they passed Wendy's room, she stepped out and fell in line beside Lily.
Downstairs, the scent of pine from the towering Christmas tree mixed with the warmth of the crackling fire. Daphne descended the stairs with Theo, their hands intertwined, while Mason trailed behind. Lily, Wendy and Levi followed, their soft chatter blending with the clinking of glassware as the group gathered in front of the beautifully set livingroom. The cabin staff moved gracefully through the room, offering glasses of sparkling champagne on silver trays. Daphne accepted one, the bubbles fizzing gently as she held it.
Theo, Daphne, Lily, Mason, and Levi exchanged quick glances as they settled into their places around the room, their smiles carefully composed, hiding the flickers of discomfort behind practiced charm. Each of them held their champagne glasses with a casual elegance, the warmth of the room doing little to soften the icy undertones of their collective sentiment toward Ava.
Ava stood at the center, radiant in her poise, her polished presence dominating the room. James stood beside her, his arm wrapped around her waist, the perfect picture of a couple in control. Ava's smile seemed almost too perfect, a mask of effortless grace, as she raised her glass to toast Evie and Harry.
"To love," Ava began, her voice warm and steady, though to them it felt rehearsed, almost theatrical. "And to new beginnings. We're here to celebrate Evie and Harry, two people who remind us all what it means to find your personâthe one who makes every moment unforgettable."
Daphne's grip on her glass tightened, the corners of her mouth lifting in a polite smile that didn't reach her eyes. Beside her, Theo's expression remained neutral, his dark gaze locked on Ava with a cool detachment.
Lily forced a cheerful grin, her eyes darting to Mason and Levi, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder, their smiles rigid and identical. Mason's brow twitched, the flicker of an eye-roll barely suppressed, while Levi's jaw clenched almost imperceptibly.
Evie, avoiding everyone's eyes, clinked her glass against Harry's, her movements graceful but reserved. Around the room, glasses met with soft, melodic clinks, the sound filling the silence that stretched just a bit too long. The champagne's crispness lingered on their tongues, an almost bitter reminder of the charade they were all playing.
"Thank you, Ava," Evie said, walking up to her cousin and pressing a quick kiss on her cheek. "Thank you for organizing all this and getting all my favorite people together under one roof."
Ava's smile widened, her eyes glinting. "Don't thank me just yet," she said, holding up a manicured finger. "The party hasn't even started yet. The real fun begins tonight."
Levi exhaled through his nose, barely masking his exasperation as Ava's words hung in the air. His eyes flicked to Harry, standing beside Evie, a smug grin plastered on his face.
Mason, catching the storm brewing in his twin's expression, nudged him sharply with his elbow.
"Get that look off your face," he whispered, his voice low.
Levi's jaw tightened. "I can't," he hissed back, the words barely audible but laced with frustration. His eyes never left Harry. "Look at him. A complete moron. What does Evelyn see in him?"
Mason glanced at Harry, then back at Levi.
"I don't know, man," he murmured. "But you've got to let it go. She's... happy. At least she looks it."
Levi's eyes darkened, his grip on his champagne glass tightening. "You really believe that?" he muttered, his voice edged with bitterness. "She's putting on a show. She's better than this. Better than him."
Mason sighed, casting a quick glance around the room to make sure no one was paying attention. "You're only torturing yourself. Let it go."
Levi's eyes softened briefly, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. "I can't just stand here and watch this," he whispered, the words heavy with unspoken pain.
Mason's expression grew serious, his voice low but firm. "Then don't watch her. Watch yourself, Levi. If you blow up now, Ava's going to have a field day with it."
Levi swallowed hard, his gaze dropping for a moment before returning to Evie, her laugh ringing out softly as she spoke with Harry.
"She deserves better," he said quietly, almost to himself.
Mason placed a steadying hand on Levi's shoulder, "Shut the fuck up and do somethign about it then."
"You're going to let him talk to you like that."
Mason and Levi jumped as Wendy whispered from behind them. They looked over their shoulder to find her watching them with her dark brow raised.
Levi narrowed his eyes, "Are you eavesdropping on us? How much of our conversation did you hear?"
"How long have you been in love with the bride to be?" Wendy simply raised an eyebrow, not even fazed by his sudden annoyance. Her lips curled into a half-smile, and she leaned casually against the sofa, arms folded, her posture relaxed as if she were entirely unfazed by the tension in the air.
Mason grinned from ear to ear, utterly impressed with the girl.
Levi's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Wendy cut him off with a casual wave of her hand. "If you really want her to have better, you could stop sulking about it and make something happen. But I guess that's too complicated for you, huh?"
Levi stiffened, his face darkening as he shot her a glare. "What are youâ"
"Don't get all grumpy with me," Wendy interrupted smoothly, her tone not even the slightest bit affected. "It's cute, but it's not going to change anything."
Mason, observing the exchange with an amused grin, chuckled softly. "Looks like she's got you figured out."
Wendy shot Mason a pointed look, silencing him with a raised finger. "Quiet, you. I'm talking to the grumpy one."
"The grumpy one?" Levi scowled, his eyes darkening.
"Oh, boy," Mason whistled. He stepped forward and placed a polite hand on Wendy's back. "Let's go, sunshine. He's about to blow."
"Sunshine?" Wendy clicked her tongue, her scrutinizing eyes on Mason. "Again?"
"Sorry, sorry," Mason smiled. "Firecracker."
"I thought about it last night," Wendy said, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't like it. Think harder."
"You thought about me last night?" Mason grinned. "I thought about you too, cupcake."
"Shoot me," Levi said with disgust.
His scowl deepened as he walked away from Mason and Wendy, their banter grating on his nerves. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, his jaw tight as he strode toward the bar, the only refuge in the room that wasn't soaked in sickening affection.
As he settled onto a stool, his eyes darted around the room, narrowing at the cozy little pockets of laughter and intimacy. His leg bounced restlessly, the tension in his chest building like a storm. Evie's soft laughter with Harry grated on him, but what annoyed him more was his older brother Theo, lost in his own world with Daphne.
Theo stood across the room, his hand resting on the small of Daphne's back, their heads close together as if sharing secrets. Levi watched as Theo leaned down to whisper something in Daphne's ear, and she laughed, her eyes lighting up.
"Ridiculous," Levi muttered under his breath, drumming his fingers against the bar.
He couldn't understand it. Theo, the once stoic and calculating one, had turned into a complete sap. Lost, distractedâutterly consumed by Daphne. His brother used to be the sharp one, the one who never let emotions cloud his judgment. Now, he was practically a shell of his former self, orbiting around Daphne like she was his sun.
Levi took a sip from the glass in front of him, the burn of the liquor doing little to ease his irritation. Every moment Theo spent mooning over Daphne felt like a reminder of everything Levi was tryingâand failingâto suppress.
He scoffed, his voice low. "He's whipped."
"Talking to yourself now, Levi?" Wendy's voice broke through his brooding. She perched herself on the barstool next to him, her eyes sharp and knowing.
He shot her a glare and groaned, "Shouldn't you be terrorizing Mason?"
Wendy shrugged, a sly smile playing at her lips. "He's too easy. I threw him a bone and he disappeared. Besides, you're more fun when you're brooding."
"I'm not brooding."
"Of course not." Wendy's eyes followed his gaze to Theo and Daphne. "It's hard, isn't it? Watching someone lose themselves in love like that."
Levi's jaw clenched. "He's not lost. He's... distracted."
Wendy raised an eyebrow. "Distracted? He looks pretty happy to me."
Levi didn't respond, his gaze fixed on Theo's hand as it gently brushed a strand of hair from Daphne's face.
"Why does it bother you so much?" Wendy asked, her voice curious as if she was trying to dissect Levi.
Levi exhaled sharply, the weight in his chest pressing harder. "He's supposed to be better than this. More focused."
Wendy tilted her head, studying him. "Or maybe he just found something worth softening for."
Levi didn't answer, the words hitting too close. He looked away, the restlessness inside him coiling tighter. He couldn't shake the feeling that everything was slipping out of control and he was the only one left standing still.
Levi's eyes drifted back to Evie, as if pulled by an invisible force. She sat across the room beside Harry, her head tilted back slightly as she laughed at something Ava had said. The sound, so familiar yet distant, cut through him like a knife. Her blue eyes sparkled, but not for him. Her hand rested lightly on Harry's arm, her smile soft, genuineâa smile Levi used to think belonged to him alone.
A sharp, hollow ache spread through his chest, tightening like a vice. It felt as if his heart might explode, each beat a painful reminder of what he couldn't have. The room seemed to shrink around him, the air growing thick and suffocating. Conversations blurred into a distant hum, the warmth and cheer around him turning cold and oppressive.
His jaw clenched, and he forced himself to look away, but it didn't help. The image of Evie with Harry was seared into his mind. Every laugh, every glance, felt like a weight pressing harder against his ribs, making it impossible to breathe.
He needed to get out.
Pushing himself off the barstool, Levi strode toward the door, his movements stiff and deliberate. The noise and heat of the room receded as he stepped outside, the cold air hitting him like a slap. He inhaled deeply, the icy wind filling his lungs, but it did little to ease the suffocating tightness inside.
Levi ran a hand through his hair, his breaths uneven. The quiet of the mountains felt deafening, the contrast only amplifying the chaos in his mind. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the image of Evie's smile, the sound of her laughter, but it was etched into him, impossible to escape.
Levi leaned against the wooden railing of the cabin's porch, staring into the white expanse of snow-covered trees. The chill in the air did nothing to numb the storm raging inside him. He ran a hand through his hair again, his breath fogging in the crisp night as he struggled to steady himself.
The soft creak of the door opening behind him broke the silence. Footsteps approached, light and hesitant. He didn't need to turn around to know who it wasâthe familiar scent of lavender and vanilla reached him before her voice did.
"Levi?" Evie's voice was gentle, threaded with concern. She stood a few steps behind him, arms wrapped around herself against the cold. "What are you doing out here? It's freezing."
He stayed silent for a moment, staring straight ahead. Finally, he said, his voice rough, "Needed some air."
Evie stepped closer, her gaze searching his face. "What's wrong?," she asked softly, concern etched in her features.
Levi let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Wrong? No. Everything's perfect, isn't it?" He glanced at her, his eyes dark, filled with emotions he couldn't voice.
Evie frowned, confusion clouding her expression. "You don't have to be such an asshole," she said. "I was just asking."
His jaw clenched, and he looked away, struggling to keep his composure. "You wouldn't understand."
"Find me someone who understands you better than me." Her voice was quiet but firm, the sincerity in it cutting through his defenses.
For a moment, their eyes met, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Levi's chest tightened, the ache in his heart almost unbearable.
"I just... I needed to get away from everyone," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Evie stepped closer, her eyes searching his. "Can I stay?"
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Levi swallowed hard, his gaze on Evie. "Please." he murmured, his voice raw.
Evie smiled and settled beside Levi on the wooden bench. Both of them faced the sprawling view of snow-capped mountains under a sky filled with gray snow clouds. The silence stretched between them, but it wasn't emptyâit was charged with the weight of things unsaid, emotions too fragile to name.
The cold wind rustled through the trees, sending a shiver through Evie. Without a word, Levi shrugged off his jacket, draping it around her shoulders. The warmth of it, the scent of him, enveloped her, and she glanced over, offering a small, grateful smile.
He didn't meet her eyes, his jaw still tight, muscles working as he stared ahead, lost in thought. His hands clasped together, knuckles white. Evie didn't push for words. She simply sat, their shared silence more comforting than any conversation could have been.
The soft crunch of snow underfoot and the distant whistle of the wind filled the quiet. Their breath fogged in the cold air, mingling with the crisp scent of pine.
"I like how quiet it is here," Evie finally whispered, her voice barely audible over the wind.
Levi's eyes flickered to her, the intensity in them softening for a moment before he looked away again. "Me too."
Evie shook her head, pulling the jacket tighter around her as she shivered.
"Cold?" Levi asked.
"A bit," Evie laughed.
"Come closer."
ââWithout hesitation, Evie scooted closer, the space between them narrowing until their shoulders touched. The warmth of his presence seeped through, chasing away the chill of the mountain air. Levi's arm instinctively draped over her, pulling her closer, his hand resting gently on her arm.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Evie looked up at Levi, her breath catching slightly.
"Better?" Levi asked softly, his voice rough but tender.
Evie nodded, her gaze searching his face, finding a vulnerability there he rarely showed.
"I'm glad you came on this trip," she whispered.
Levi's eyes softened, a flicker of something deep and unspoken passing through them. "I wasn't sure I should," he admitted, his voice low, almost carried away by the wind.
Evie tilted her head slightly, her eyes never leaving his. "Why?"
He hesitated, his jaw tensing as he looked out at the snow-capped mountains, the weight of his thoughts heavy in the silence.
"Because... seeing you with himâ" He stopped himself, shaking his head. "It's complicated."
Evie's heart tightened, her gaze gentle yet probing. "You've always made things complicated, Levi. And now our whole lives are tangled and knotted."
For a moment, the silence stretched again. Levi lowered his head, his gaze on the ice forming by the deck.
"Why do I feel like you're hiding something from me, Evelyn?" He asked after a long pause. "Talk to me. Tell me what you're hiding." Levi turned his head slowly, meeting her eyes, the vulnerability Evie saw there made her breath catch.
"I've never hidden from you," She whispered, her eyes growing sad. "You've just never looked close enough."
Levi's brow furrowed, the weight of her words sinking in, heavy and sharp. His eyes searched hers, a flicker of frustration mingling with something deeper.
"What does that mean, Evelyn?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, rough with emotion.
Evelyn held his gaze,her heart pushing into her throat, "It means..." she trailed off, biting her lip. Her eyes glistened, a storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface. "I've been right here. Always. You just chose not to see me."
Levi's jaw clenched, and a hint of desperation washed over his face. "I see you now," he said, his words almost painful. "But it's too late, isn't it?"
Evie took in a shaky breath, her insides swelling up as if absorbing all the emotions Levi's words brought up in her. She nodded silently, her eyes growing sad and dim.
"Every time I see you with him, it's like..." Levi looked over toward her and shook his head, his voice trailing off. "It's like I'm losing something I never even had."
The tightness in Evie's chest pushed it's way up to her throat. She felt her head begin to spin as her eyes filled with tears.
"Evie," Levi let out a deep sigh, his chest contracting at the sight of her tears.
"Stop talking," Evie said, her voice breaking. "Not another word."
Despite her protest, Levi pushed his hand into her hair and leaned his forehead against her, "I don't want to," he whispered, his voice breaking.
"You can't do this to me," Evie shook her head. "Not now. I'm going to marry him."
"No."
Levi's voice was firm, an edge of defiance cutting through the vulnerability. He pulled back slightly, his hands still cradling her face, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch.
"No," he repeated, softer this time but no less resolute. "I won't let you marry him."
Evie's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and disbelief flashing across her face. "Leviâ"
"You're not going to marry him," he interrupted, his voice low but unyielding. His thumb traced her cheek, wiping away the tear that had slipped free. "I'm not letting you go."
Evie's heart pounded in her chest, the weight of his words crashing over her like a tidal wave.
"You can't just decide that now," she whispered, her voice trembling. "It's not that simple."
Levi's jaw tightened, his eyes burning with a fierce determination. "I don't care how complicated it is. I should've said this a long time ago, but I was too stupid." He took a deep breath, his voice softening. "You're everything to me, Evelyn. I won't stand by and watch you marry someone who doesn't see you the way I do."
Tears welled in Evie's eyes again, and she shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because I can't keep it in anymore," he confessed, his voice raw. "Watching you with him... it's killing me. I thought I could let you go, let you be happy, but I can't. I won't."
Their eyes met and for a moment, the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them standing on the edge of something that felt both terrifying and inevitable.
Evie pulled back slightly, her eyes searching Levi's, her expression a mix of confusion and anguish. "You're being crazy," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm marrying someone else, Levi. I made my choice."
Levi's grip on her loosened, but he didn't step away. His eyes darkened, frustration flickering across his face. "Is it really your choice? Or are you just trying to convince yourself it is?"
She shook her head, tears threatening to spill over. "You don't understand. You saying these thingsâit's going to mess everything up."
Levi's jaw clenched, his voice low but intense. "Maybe it needs to be messed up. Maybe this isn't the life you're supposed to have."
Evie's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger breaking through the hurt. "You don't get to decide that. This can't happen. This will ruin everything."
"Evie," he breathed, his voice softening, the pain in his eyes almost unbearable. "I'm not trying to ruin your life. I'm trying to show you there's another wayâa better way."
She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a shaky breath before meeting his gaze again. "This is the path I need to take, and you're just making it harder."
Levi swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper, "How?"
A tear slipped down Evie's cheek, and she quickly wiped it away, her voice breaking. "You can't say these things now. Not when I've spent so long convincing myself that I could live without you."
Levi's breath caught in his throat as her words sank in. His eyes widened, the weight of her confession hitting him like a punch to the gut. All the moments they'd shared, their childhood, the quiet conversationsâthey replayed in his mind like pieces of a puzzle he should have put together long ago.
"Evie..." His voice trailed off, filled with disbelief. His jaw tightened, a flicker of regret shadowing his face. "I should have seen it. I should have known."
She shook her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It doesn't matter now."
Levi's voice broke, frustration and self-loathing mingling inside his chest. He raked a hand through his hair, his frustration boiling over. "God, I was an idiot."
Levi's eyes searched hers, the depth of her words cutting deeper than he expected. The realization of how much he'd missed, how much he'd ignored, made him feel hollow.
"I wasted so much time," he whispered, his voice thick with regret.
Her eyes flickered with sadness. "We both did."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Levi's heart clenched, a desperate need to bridge the distance between them fighting against the weight of reality.
"I'm so sorry, Evie," he murmured, his voice raw.
Evie took a deep breath, tears threatening to spill again. She stood up slowly and took a step back.
"Some things... we can't take back," she said before turning and walking back into the cabin.
Levi messed up, but is he too late?