My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 132 I Am Never Going To Be Yours

Evelyn

My hands trembled as I dialed his number, the early morning light casting a dim glow through the curtains. Jacob lay asleep, unknown of the turmoil raging inside me, cocooned beneath the duvet. I had tucked him in just moments ago, my heart heavy with the weight of what I was about to do.

I didn't know what the fuck I was doing. All I knew was that it had to be done, and it had to be done right.

The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before he finally answered, his voice thick with sleep. "Hello?"

So, the bastard was indeed sleeping. Probably in some other woman's bed, given his notorious reputation. I was sure he had different women depending on the days.

"Hello, this is Evelyn," I forced out, trying to keep my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside me.

"Evelyn?" There was a note of surprise in his groggy voice.

"Yes, it's me. Though it's a wonder you don't recognize my voice, considering your apparent obsession with the idea of sleeping with me."

"Well, it's not that I don't recognize your voice, Bella Donna. It's just that I didn't expect you to call me at this ungodly hour, especially before I've had the chance to send the bigger bombs your way," he chuckled, his cockiness oozing through the phone line, making my skin crawl. "But, pray tell, what has prompted this early morning call?"

"I don't have time to answer your questions right now. Just give me your address," I demanded, my grip on the railing tightening until my knuckles turned white. I couldn't believe I was actually going through with this. The mere thought of it made me sick to my stomach.

"Anything for you, my love," he replied smoothly. "Take note: Via del Corso, 123, 00186 Roma."

"I'll be there this evening."

"I'll be waiting," he said, his voice dripping with anticipation, a sickening smirk evident even over the phone.

***

in a paradoxical situation, wearing something intended for moments far removed from this one. Yet, necessity demanded it, pushing me into the

this? Well, I guess it was no secret I needed to

soft click of pearls settling around my neck, I grappled with the weight of my actions. Betraying Jacob's trust gnawed at my conscience,

this perilous situation. However, I doubted Tyler Ricci would let that happen. From what I had gathered about him, he wasn't the type to yield easily.

my misfortune

Tyler Ricci wanted

in his pursuit,

of the

a cruel twist of

us

the

fixated his gaze upon me. I couldn't attribute it solely to my own allure; I knew that another reason for his obsession lay in his perverse desire to strip everything away from Jacob. He derived pleasure from witnessing Jacob's destruction, and piece by piece, that's precisely what he was

would soon erode the very foundation of the relationship between Jacob and me until there was nothing left. Tyler possessed formidable power-I was acutely aware of that. To wrest that power from him, I

I stepped out of the apartment, rode the elevator down, hailed a cab, and directed the driver to Tyler's estate. As the cab pulled up to the property, I couldn't help

of thoughts and anxieties. I didn't want to

as I stood before the entrance,

his security measures rivaled those of a mafia boss. Shitty little

shot up in surprise before he reluctantly granted me entry. One of the guards escorted me inside, summoning a maid to guide me through the sprawling mansion. As we ascended the grand staircase, a looming

is waiting for you, Miss," the

sharp breath,

as my hands clenched tightly around

rising tide of nervousness threatening

despite my efforts, it was consuming me. My mind raced, unable to focus on anything other than Jacob's potential reaction if he were to discover my current predicament. I knew he would sacrifice everything, even his own safety, to spare me from

me to

dress to conceal everything, I knocked twice on the door.

pushed the

shut, and an atmosphere permeated with