Broken Dreams Stories

Chapter 107

The room fell into a heavy silence as Evelyn’s words hung in the air between them. Eric stared at her, his expression hard to read somewhere between shock, hurt, and anger.

Claire looked between her husband and stepdaughter, her face pale, eyes wide with concern. “Eric now’s the time to listen. Evelyn is right. We owe her that much”

er shoulder, silently supporting her as she confronted her father.

Derek stood still beside Evelyn, his arm still gently resting on her

For a moment, no one spoke. The tension in the room was tangible. It was so thick that a knife could cut through it. Evelyn’s heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts as she waited for her father’s response

She had never spoken to him like that before, and part of her was terrified of what he might say or do. But another part of her felt a sense of liberation—a relief that she’d finally voiced her feelings after years of pent–up frustration

Eric finally took a deep breath, the sound harsh in the quiet room. His face had lost some of its earlier fury, replaced with something more complicated, almost unreadable. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again as if struggling to find the right words.

He loved his daughter, and he couldn’t help it that he felt disappointed by her choices so far. “Evelyn” he began, his voice low and strained as his

wal authoritative exterior crumbled.

have never intended to hurt you. I just..” He paused, running a hand over his face in frustration. “I feel sad. I feel your mother would be disappointed in nie and think I did a poor job raising you. I promised her I would take care of you and make sure you get only the best of

say that? What do you know about me to be disappointed! What do you think you know about my life to judge me and think my

on Evelyn’s arm, her eyes filled with understanding and sadness. “Evie, we’ve

I ever wanted was to get married to Michael. You both knew how much I loved him. Do you think I would call the wedding off without having a good reason I expected better, Dad. I expected your understanding without question I was in pain, Dad! I didn’t expect that other people’s opinions and expectations of a wedding would make you throw me out that way over a canceled

to leave, Evelyn. I tried to find you after I calmed down. I just.. I wanted the best for you, and maybe I

best for myself? I need you to understand that and respect my decisions. I’m not a child anymore.

There was a

is.” Evelyn said

aware of that? Is Sandra aware that you have a child for her boyfriend?” Claire asked with a concerned frown, worried that Derek

everything to you, and we can start to figure this out together, Evelyn said, gesturing toward

nodding as he exchanged a glance with his wife. “Alright,” he agreed, his voice softer and more resigned. “Let’s talk,” he

was over, and though there was still a long way to go, she was

her a reassuring nod, and then back at her father as she sat down,

“What happened! Why

Samantha? Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you come back home all this while?” Eric asked, the

began to beat fast. She had rehearsed this conversation a hundred times in her head, but now, seated here, with her father looking