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.

error, a catastrophic misjudgment that eclipsed

even fucking love

drew in 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 the door,

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

form, his hair meticulously styled with a few rebellious strands framing his forehead, all contributing to the façade of a

knowing what I was getting after you are here...and now you are finally here," He appraised me with a lecherous gleam, his tongue darting out to moisten his

air as he turned slightly, pouring another glass of whiskey before extending it to me. "Have a drink, Evelyn. It'll help you forget about your so-called cheating boyfriend when I'm

the glass

to make contact, but before he could finish his sentence or touch

is what they call

and frustration unleashed. "Do you truly believe I'm here to bed you? Over my dead

to his feet, wiping away the whiskey with his hand. It was a sight to behold, witnessing his

you 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

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

the one to

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

a man who

staying with the man I