Chapter 185

The hospital visit with Scarlett had been a difficult, emotional experience for both Olive and me. As we left the hospital and made

our way back to the apartment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. Guilt for how Stella had reacted.

It was clear that Stella was going through a difficult time, and I had seen a side of her that was vulnerable and torn. As much as I

had my own reasons to be angry and hurt by her, there was a part of me that feared what would happen if things didn’t turn out

the way she hoped. Her unpredictability was a source of concern, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that she might become even

more unstable.

Olive, too, had a lot to process. Her visit with her mother had been intense, and the emotions she had experienced were

undoubtedly overwhelming. I was grateful that she had agreed to take a nap when we returned home, knowing that she needed

some time to rest and collect her thoughts.

With Olive settled down for her nap, I decided to take a walk. My thoughts were racing, and I needed some space to sort through

everything that had surfaced. I also had an itch to check on Timothy, to see how he was doing after last night.

I made my way to Timothy’s apartment and knocked on his door. Part of me hoped he wouldn’t be home, forcing me to retreat.

The seconds that passed felt like an eternity before the door finally opened.

Timothy stood in the doorway, his expression slightly frantic, as if he had been in the midst of something important. His eyes

widened with surprise when he saw me. “Evie,” he said, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and worry. “What's wrong?”

I hesitated for a moment, then forced a smile. “We just got back from the hospital,” I began. “Olive wanted to see her mother, and

Scarlett is... well, she’s in stable condition, so that’s good.”

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“It is.” Timothy’s brow furrowed, and he seemed somewhat distracted. “Is Olive okay?”

I nodded. “She’s fine, physically. But the visit was a lot for her to handle emotionally. And Stella was there.”

“How was that?”

“It went about as well as expected,” I told him. “I’m concerned about what might happen if things don’t turn out the way she

wants.”

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Timothy's expression grew even more serious. “We should keep an eye on the situation,” he said. “Stella has a history of

unpredictability, and we need. to ensure Olive’s safety.”

I couldn’t agree more. The priority was Olive’s well-being. “You're right. We should tread carefully with Stella”

Timothy nodded, his gaze locked on mine. “We'll figure this out together, Evie.”

As we stood in the doorway of Timothy's apartment, I could help but observe the way his bangs clung to his sweat-beaded

forehead, and his skin had a pale pallor. He was shifting along, as if time were of the essence.

“Are you okay?” I finally asked. “You look a little flushed?”

Timothy took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging as he tried to find the right words. “My mother,” he began. “I just got word

from her doctor. Her cancer is getting worse, and they don’t think she has much time left.”

The news hit me like a ton of bricks, and my heart ached for Timothy. I took a step closer to him. “I’m so sorry, Timothy. That's...

that’s heartbreaking.”

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Timothy nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I just don’t want her to die disappointed in me,” he admitted, his voice

raw with emotion. spent so long trying to make amends, to be a better son. I just want her to find some peace.”

I reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, offering what little comfort I could. “Timothy, you’re a good person,” I reassured

him. “I’m sure your mother knows that. You’ve come a long way, and I’m sure she’s proud of you.”

Timothy's gaze remained fixed on the floor, his thoughts heavy. “I know, but there’s something else,” he said, his voice barely

above a whisper.

I urged him to explain, to share the burden that weighed on his shoulders. “What is it, Timothy?”

He finally looked up at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and sadness. “My mother just doesn’t want me to marry the

wrong girl,” he confessed.

The revelation took me by surprise, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of confusion. “The wrong girl?” I echoed. So his own

mother never approved of

Stella.

Timothy's expression grew even more pained, and he shook his head. “I don’t want to disappoint her. I want to take her on a trip

to the beach so she can find some peace. But she doesn’t want me to make the same mistakes my dad and her did.”

Before I could press further and ask who the “right girl

glad Scarlett’s okay. Some good news is nice.”

was, Timothy changed the subject, his voice heavy with emotion. “I’m

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, not wanting to kill the mood. I actually came over to ask about the issue with you and

Stella,” I admitted. “You don’t have to answer, of course, but I want to understand what happened that started all of this.”

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Chapter 185

Timothy ran a hand through his hair, his eyes widening. “I don’t know where to begin.”

“Start from the beginning.” I urged him. “I want to know the truth.”

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He began to speak, his words filled with raw emotion. “It all seemed to spiral after one night, and I'll never forget it. I was at the

club with some friends, and everything seemed fine.”

I held my breath, waiting for his to continue. His eyes shifted, like he expected her to emerge at any moment.

“I guess I got a little drunk, but it was nothing compared to how I felt after that one drink,” he continued. “I started feeling dizzy

and a little ill, and 1 got up to leave. Some woman came up to me and started leading me to the entrance.”

“Oh, no...” I cupped a hand over my mouth, already anticipating what was to come.

“She drugged me, and when I was barely conscious, and I hope I’m wrong, but I think she slept with me non—consensually. I

woke up naked that morning, and she was laying right beside me like it was the most natural thing.”

My heart ached as I listened, and it was almost too much to bear. I couldn’t imagine Timothy so vulnerable that night, and Stella

swooping in to take advantage. It was horrific, and it left me reelin

“Timothy.” I began, stepping closer. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”

He clenched his jaw. “I thought she got pregnant that night, and I didn’t know what to do.”

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“But now?” I asked, seeking clarity.

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Timothy's shoulders slumped, and he shook his head. “Now, I’m not even sure if the baby is mine since there were... other men

involved during that

time

I nodded slowly. “Your brother.”

We sat in silence for a while, then I urged myself to step closer to him. My gaze locked with his and I gave him a stern look.

“We'll figure this out,” I assured him. “I know it’s a lot to process, but we'll take it one step at a time.”

He looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and pain. “You're right. And thank you for listening. I’ve been carrying that around for

so long, and it's a relief to finally share it with someone that cares.”

I sighed, trying my best not to tear up. “You don’t have to carry it alone anymore.”

Timothy nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. “Thank you.”

I smiled back. “Stay strong. Timothy. And together, we'll figure things out.”

With those words, I returned to my apartment, knowing that I needed time to process the revelations that had come to light. I

couldn’t help but feel at sense of concem for Timothy, who had bared his soul to me. Evidently, I was the one person he knew

that cared.

He had faith in me. That would make my next move a whole lot easier.

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