My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 128 I Am Staying

Evelyn

It turned out that the address Tyler had given me led to a hotel, though a different one from where I'd stumbled upon my boyfriend locking lips with his ex-a sight as sweet as a lemon wedge in an open wound. Very very sweet indeed.

Life seemed to have a knack for fucking with me from every angle, but hey, at least I was getting a firsthand tour of Rome's swanky hotels and a crash course in Italian social dynamics.

So far, the three Italians I'd encountered-Jacob Adriano, Tyler Ricci, and Chloe the bitch-had left me less than impressed. Not that I was painting all Italians with the same tainted brush, but were they all cut from the same dysfunctional cloth? Hard to say. And frankly, I wasn't sure I cared to find out.

My experiences with Italians thus far had been nothing short of nightmarish and weirdly fucked-up. So, forgive me if I wasn't exactly eager to cozy up to another Italian male, especially not the innocent, put- together types like Jacob, or the ones whose corruption oozed from their pores like Tyler. Rotten to the fucking core.

Approaching the receptionist, I plastered on my best fake smile. "Hi there, could you please tell me the room number for Mister Ricci?"

"Tyler, ma'am?" Her surprise was evident, and I could almost see the gears turning in her head. "Are you Evelyn?"

Ah, so that slimy bastard had even managed to rope the receptionist into his little game.

"Let me guess, this is his hotel?" I inquired dryly, and she nodded, her smile unwavering, as if thrilled to be the bearer of such invaluable information.

"Yes, ma'am. This is his hotel, and you are most welcome here," she chirped, handing over a keycard with practiced efficiency. "He left this for you. The suite's on the tenth floor. Enjoy your stay, ma'am." "Thank you," I muttered, snatching the keycard and making a beeline for the elevator. With each passing floor, my anxiety skyrocketed. People entered and exited, oblivious to the turmoil churning inside me. Meanwhile, I stood there alone, having watched my world crumble, piece by agonizing piece, in someone else's embrace.

Regrets flooded my mind like a torrential downpour.

a catastrophic misjudgment that eclipsed all other

I even fucking

a steadying breath, feeling the clammy sheen on my palms. I approached suite number 837 with a head swirling with conflicting thoughts. Swiping the keycard, I pushed open

finally here..." His words slithered out without a glance backward. "Come, Bella Donna,

day I laid eyes on him-his shirt tailored to accentuate his muscles and lean form, his hair meticulously styled with a few rebellious strands framing his forehead, all contributing to the façade of a charming, attractive, and well-mannered man. Yet, it wasn't his outward perfection that seized my attention; it was the reality lurking beneath-a grotesque visage, concealed beneath layers of deception. This

raising the glass to his lips, his gaze unwavering. "And it was damn difficult to wait knowing what I was getting after you

day has finally arrived..." His chuckle danced through the air as he turned slightly, pouring another glass of whiskey before extending it to me. "Have a

I could use one," I chuckled, accepting the glass from his outstretched hand,

always here to-" His hand lifted, perhaps to make contact, but before he could finish his sentence or touch me, I raised the glass

is

unleashed. "Do you truly believe

whiskey with his hand. It was a sight to behold, witnessing his facade of gentility dissolve along with the whiskey, staining his pristine white shirt and disheveling his meticulously styled

are one who

Did you think I'd witness Jacob and Chloe kissing, and then willingly fall into bed with you for some twisted revenge scheme? I'm not a child, Tyler. And this little game you've started only proves that you're nothing but a coward-a pathetic, desperate, vile excuse for a human being who deserves

as he wiped the content from his face with his hand. "So you're justifying his actions. Remarkable. I didn't take you for such a naive woman, Evelyn. But you've proven me wrong-quite foolish, aren't you? Your boyfriend sneaks behind your back to kiss his ex, yet you're finding ways to

the

you and Chloe are scheming to tear Jacob and me apart, and won't be fooled. I won't believe you're some knight in shining armor, the savior I need from the messJacob created," I declared loudly. "Listen to me I'm not leaving Jacob until my last breath-I'll stand by him until he sorts everything out and gets back on his feet. So quit these games,

you're going to stay with a man who cheated on

should fucking know is that even if I am staying,I am staying with the man I fucking. love. And I've already figured out why he ended up with Chloe and kissed her I