My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 138 An Ending, A Start

Evelyn

"Yes, Dad, I've boarded the flight," I reassured, sinking into the seat, the hum of the plane a comforting backdrop. "Don't worry about me-I'm fine."

The quiet on the other end spoke volumes. Dad had a thousand words bottled up, I could tell. But he held back, reserving them for our reunion, whenever that might be. His reluctant response was a single, "Okay."

God. I wish I could just give him a hug.

"I'll hang up now, Dad, alright?" I offered, understanding his concern all too well. I knew the weight of his worry, the whispers from Clara beside him urging him to ask more, to probe deeper. They were both anxious beyond measure. And I didn't like it—I hated watching them concerned.

But, I didn't know what to do.

I wanted desperately to offer reassurance, to ease their worry, but the words eluded me. To claim 'I am not in pain' or 'I am totally fine' would be a falsehood, transparent to them given how well they knew me they'd catch my lie in a single blink. Therefore....Dishonesty wasn't an option, yet admitting the brutal truth-that I was in excruciating pain-was equally daunting. The agony transcended mere emotional anguish; it manifested physically, rending me apart in every sense. Despite my efforts to evade it, the pain clung to me, unyielding and merciless, a relentless force tearing me asunder without respite.

I was sick and tired of it but there was no escape too....

I felt stuck. So stuck.

"Okay. I'll be waiting at the airport," he murmured softly, as though promising to whisk away all my pain. But deep down, I knew better. This pain was mine to bear alone. None could ever take it away from me— it'd clung to me. Forever. Constantly. Relentlessly. Endlessly.

"Goodbye, Dad," I said softly, ending the call.

Opening one of my social media apps, I saw messages flooding in from friends. Despite having sent just one text to Jennie, news had spread like wildfire to others like Mason and Nancy, bombarding my inbox. Among them, Mason's messages came in a flurry.

formed to keep tabs on Jacob's life in

secret video clip I'd taken of Tyler and his

I frantically checked other channels, all reporting the same news. A weight lifted from my chest. So, the video clip

still concerned. Knowing he'd reclaim his former life, free from Tyler's grasp, eased my mind. I could leave him knowing he was in a better place. That was my own kind of peace-one

I did the

escaped me as I exited the

leaving him. For

my breathing, refusing to let more tears fall-I'd shed enough already. Crying for someone who didn't deserve

message broke through the silence-the last person I expected:

might be over for now, but not forever. One way or another,

powered off my phone and gazed out the window as the

marked the end of

***

Bestfriend: Book 3: Healing Hearts, Renewed Love Sneak

closer to mine, his eyes ablaze with lust, sending electric currents down my spine. My nipples tightened against the fabric of my dress as I watched him,

so

against mine, his fingers slipping beneath the hem of my short dress, toying

God....

in my throat. "It's irrelevant," I countered, my gaze defiant. "You're my past,

tugged at the

really think I'll stand by and watch that happen,, sweetheart?" His voice dripped with determination. "I'd fucking tear down this whole world to have you back with me. So what if

just...did he

fabric of my panties, making contact with my bare pussy. My eyes widened, my body jerking at the sudden sensation, but before I could fully comprehend what was happening, he