My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 126 It's About To Go South

Evelyn

A week had passed since Jacob and I had our fight, and to put it mildlyâ€"and bluntlyâ€"things were far from okay.

Againâ€" To put everything plainly and emphaticallyâ€"The issue didn't lie solely between us; rather, it was the turbulent circumstances enveloping us. Every effort Jacob made to restore order seemed to slip through his fingers, leaving him increasingly disheartened. It was evident, we were far from okay.

Nothing was becoming any better.

While we managed to avoid bickering, I couldn't shake the sense of hesitation emanating from Jacob. Our conversations had dwindled this week, a casualty of his relentless pursuit to mend what was broken, leaving little room for anything else. Our relationship, it was not as before nowâ€"the spark, it was withering away.

A peculiar unease crept over me, a lingering suspicion that Jacob still harbored doubts, unspoken but deeply felt.

But for now, the pressing concern was the duration of our journey back to normalcy. Were we ever going to have that life back? I didn't know. The timeline remained uncertain, and I was prepared to stand by Jacob's side for as long as it took. Leaving him wasn't an option, and I doubted it was one he desired either.

I'd rather die than let him go.

Oh, and I forgot to mention somethingâ€"Recently, I noticed a hip flask with him, a rarity that hinted at recent liking to alcohol. Though tempted to inquire, I restrained myself. If alcohol offered him solace in these tough times, I was willing to turn a blind eye. Besides, I trusted myself to recognize if his drinking became excessive. That was a bridge we could cross if needed.

"Things are slipping out of hand, Clara," I exhaled into the phone, running my hand down to my mouth, "The media's filled with unfounded rumours about Jacob, each one worse than the last. It's unbearable to see him like this. They are fucking ruining his image."

"Take a breath, Evelyn," Clara's voice soothed. "We're coming back to America, and then we'll head to Italy next week. Hang in there, sweetheart. We know it's tough seeing Jacob struggle, but shit happens, we can't stop the problems and I believe in youâ€" you both can weather this storm together."

"I'm trying, Clara," I confessed. "But I fear Jacob will push me away. He doesn't want me to shoulder his burdens; he wants me to have the best, but in doing so, he forgets I want to be there for him. If I walk away during this crisis, I'll never forgive myself."

other's faces, and sometimes you'd even want to walk away but that doesn't mean love has faded. Exercise patience, and handle things delicately. Don't rush into decisions. Give it time, and if necessary, give Jacob space to find his footing. Men aren't infallible,

just hope everything returns to how it once was. I can't bear to see Jacob endure this turmoil any longer. I just hopeâ€TM" The sound of the door creaking interrupted me, prompting me to halt. "Clara, I think Jacob's here. I'll

take care too. We'll be there

swung open, revealing Jacob. He looked drained, and weary, his disheveled hair and somber gaze telling a

hadn't gone

coat and greeted me with a

a word, I crossed the room and enveloped him in a hug, my hand soothingly tracing

I murmured, knowing all too well from his expression that his meeting

face into my neck, his arms encircling my waist and drawing me

hair, offering reassurance. "It's

if things don't

heart, the pain of

building his dreams, only to have them dashed

shit had done to him, but what could I do for Jacob? My hands were tied. He refused even a loan from his father, let alone mine, and I couldn't push

fragile state

I knew I had to tread carefully, as delicately as

will improve," I

tenderly combing through

not a bed

We'll find

again ever

just a matter of time. So, keep pushing forward. We know what we're capable of if

what I'd do without you," he murmured, placing another kiss on my temple.