My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 33 Flames Of The Old Friend

Evelyn

These past few minutes had to be the most excruciatingly awkward moments of my life. The room fell into a deafening silence, and the intense eye contact between Jacob and this woman named Chloe Spoke volumes and yet revealed nothing at the same time. There was an undeniable tension, evident from the way his jaw clenched and anger flickered in his darkened green eyes while he stared at her. Could she be an ex-lover? A relationship gone sour, perhaps? That seemed like a plausible explanation.

For the briefest moment, Jacob looked at Dad, raising his eyebrow in a way that felt almost threatening. I noticed Dad awkwardly shifting in his spot, shooting a glare at Clara, who still appeared clueless. So, was it true that Dad hadn't invited Chole? Most likely, yes.

Since Clara and I handled most of the invitations using Dad's old diary, which contained the names and numbers of his old friends and colleagues, Dad probably had only a faint idea of the guests we'd invited. "Jacob..." A sigh escaped Chole's lips. Unlike him, her eyes were soft, almost affectionate, as she gazed at him. "It's been a long time."

She released her hold on the suitcase and took a step toward him, her arms extended as if to hug him, but Jacob moved away, gesturing for her to stop.

"Don't pretend we're friends, Chole," he added, his face stern, though bitterness seeped through every word.

She stopped, the smile on her face fading. "I know," she said, clearing her throat as she stepped back. "I was just surprised to see you. That's all."

"Well, I'm surprised too that you showed up," he replied, walking past her. "And even more surprised that my so-called friend decided to invite you, knowing how much you screwed up. Pretty fucking ironic, isn't it?" He shot another bitter stare in Dad's direction as he ascended the stairs.

I witnessed Dad exhaling a defeated sigh, clearly unsure of what to do next.

"I have known him for a long time too, Jacob," Chole's voice trembled as she spoke, and Jacob came to a halt.

"Oh, really?" he replied, emitting a low chuckle as he looked back, leaning against the stairway. "I suppose that's convenient. You can fill in for me at Samuel's wedding now because I'm done. I didn't come all the way here, leaving my work and duties on hold, to attend his wedding and functions he decides to arrange on his own whims, just to deal with this mess."

My eyes widened, and I held my breath. It was almost impossible to keep quiet and not shout-Why the hell would you go?

I knew, it wasn't my place

curtains separating us, nor were we behind closed doors. And god, it hurt

asked, shock written all over his face-perhaps,

it's because of me that you're leaving, then don't..." Chloespoke, her voice quivering. "I can leave

you're the reason?" Jacob's expression contorted with incredulity, "Why ask when you already know? And don't even try to put on that act. You wouldn't have come in the first place if you actually wanted to leave- you made the choice to be here, fully aware of everything. Don't tell

knew you'd be here, yet I came, but I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable.

caring about what you ruin or not? That's new. Anyways, you don't need to leave, Chloe. You were invited, so you should stay here," he

room, and not a single word was

But I couldn't... because what existed between us was wrong. Yet, why did it feel so right

hurt him deeply, and the guilt in her eyes remained persistent. "I'm sorry, guys. I didn't know this would happen," she choked out. "I wouldn't have come if I had any idea. I should

would she look at him that way? "No, Chole. Wait," my mother intervened, reaching

my mother and her habit of

Chloe let out a quiet sigh. "It'll

it might be uncomfortable for him, but you should stay. After a while, you two might become friends again, who knows? Everything takes time to heal, so give it some time. Everything will be alright. Besides, it's

"I understand, but..."

to handle this, and to be honest, I never wanted to put you two together because I knew it could be a

come with me, Chloe. I will show you your room," Clara offered,

"Okay, fine."

them, heading to her room, leaving only Dad and me alone in the

ex?" I blurted out the

replied, dropping onto the couch with a

He's only dated once in

in that way. She was the