My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 179 Go Away

Evelyn

The party felt nothing like a party. At least, not to me.

I used to love parties, always in the thick of it, laughing and dancing-but tonight, I was just a shadow. A fucking sad shadow. Sitting in a corner, scrolling through my phone, pretending to be present. Pretending to listen to conversations when my mind was elsewhere. And it was no secret where it had wandered.

Forget about me. I was stressed, sad, emotionally wrecked-so many things I couldn't even find the right word for it. Everyone around me could sense it, too. Not a single person was unaware. Even Cameron, on his own birthday, didn't seem to be having much fun. Sure, he was laughing, dancing, making jokes like he always did, but something about him seemed off. Distant. Uncharacteristic.

He'd asked me a few times before the party if something was wrong, and I shrugged it off. But then he spoke to Mason for a second, and I had a hunch. That piece of garbage must have spilled the beans-told him about Jacob leaving tonight. Told him that 'Jacob's departure' was the reason for my mood. Maybe that explained Cameron's shift.

I felt like such a bitch, ruining his day like this. I wanted to act normal, to put on a smile, but I couldn't. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't even manage that. Every chuckle at Cameron's jokes felt forced, hollow.

But what could I fucking do? My heart wasn't here. It was with Jacob, and he was taking it with him.

It was just one flight, but it felt like everything would change if I let him get on that plane. Yet, I was the one who pushed him away, wasn't I? Built walls so thick I could barely breathe behind them.

Wasn't I killing myself in this process?

every passing second. And deep down, I knew the reason was me. As guilty as I felt, as much as I wanted to stop Jacob

myself knowing I'd caused him pain? Yet, staying

fuck was I supposed to

after what felt like five

about?" I forced a laugh-so obviously fake, I almost winced. "I know you're thinking that because Mason told you something stupid, which-yeah-is true. But it doesn't actually mean anything to me.

his drink. He was drinking a lot tonight, and even though I was distracted, I noticed. It wasn't the usual birthday kind of drinking. It was the kind of

to admit it, I knew I was the one putting Cameron through

didn't want to say it aloud. I couldn't admit it, not to him, and

he said, setting his glass down and looking at me. Despite the loud music and the crowd of friends on the dance floor, it felt like we were in our own little bubble. The chaotic atmosphere didn't touch us. Somehow, we could

suddenly felt the need to choose my words carefully. Why was I so nervous? Maybe because I knew the truth, and

Jacob," he leaned in, his eyes locked on mine. "Louder this time.

Ket

to deflect. "Cameron, think you've had too much to drink. You should stop." reached for his half-finished glass of whiskey, but before I could take it, his

it." There was something raw in his tone.

the words wouldn't come. I couldn't say it. I couldn't

have no problem saying it," he pressed, his voice firmer now. "So why can't you? It's kinda sus, isn't

words failed me. The silence between us stretched on, heavy and suffocating. I could feel Cameron's

stood up, pulling me with him.