My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 126 It's About To Go South

Evelyn

A week had passed since Jacob and I had our fight, and to put it mildly—and bluntlyâ€"things were far from okay.

Again—To put everything plainly and emphatically—The issue didn't lie solely between us; rather, it was the turbulent circumstances enveloping us. Every effort Jacob made to restore order seemed to slip through his fingers, leaving him increasingly disheartened. It was evident, we were far from okay.

Nothing was becoming any better.

While we managed to avoid bickering, I couldn't shake the sense of hesitation emanating from Jacob. Our conversations had dwindled this week, a casualty of his relentless pursuit to mend what was broken, leaving little room for anything else. Our relationship, it was not as before nowâ€"the spark, it was withering away.

A peculiar unease crept over me, a lingering suspicion that Jacob still harbored doubts, unspoken but deeply felt.

But for now, the pressing concern was the duration of our journey back to normalcy. Were we ever going to have that life back? I didn't know. The timeline remained uncertain, and I was prepared to stand by Jacob's side for as long as it took. Leaving him wasn't an option, and I doubted it was one he desired either.

I'd rather die than let him go.

Oh, and I forgot to mention somethingâ€" Recently, I noticed a hip flask with him, a rarity that hinted at recent liking to alcohol. Though tempted to inquire, I restrained myself. If alcohol offered him solace in these tough times, I was willing to turn a blind eye. Besides, I trusted myself to recognize if his drinking became excessive. That was a bridge we could cross if needed.

"Things are slipping out of hand, Clara," I exhaled into the phone, running my hand down to my mouth, "The media's filled with unfounded rumours about Jacob, each one worse than the last. It's unbearable to see him like this. They are fucking ruining his image."

"Take a breath, Evelyn," Clara's voice soothed. "We're coming back to America, and then we'll head to Italy next week. Hang in there, sweetheart. We know it's tough seeing Jacob struggle, but shit happens, we can't stop the problems and I believe in youâ€" you both can weather this storm together."

"I'm trying, Clara," I confessed. "But I fear Jacob will push me away. He doesn't want me to shoulder his burdens; he wants me to have the best, but in doing so, he forgets I want to be there for him. If I walk away during this crisis, I'll never forgive myself."

"I understand, darling," Clara murmured, her tone gentle. "But keep calm. Relationships aren't smooth sailing, Evie. Doubts will arise, problems will surface, sometimes, you might even hate seeing each other's faces, and sometimes you'd even want to walk away but that doesn't mean love has faded. Exercise patience, and handle things delicately. Don't rush into decisions. Give it time, and if necessary, give Jacob space to find his footing. Men aren't infallible, Evie. They're most vulnerable in their weakest moments. Approach everything with care, alright?"

"I'm trying my best, Clara. Believe me, I am," I confessed, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. "I just hope everything returns to how it once was. I can't bear to see Jacob endure this turmoil any longer. I just hopeâ€"" The sound of the door creaking interrupted me, prompting me to halt. "Clara, I think Jacob's here. I'll catch up with you later. Take care."

"Goodbye, Evie. You take care too. We'll be there soon."

With that, I ended the call, setting the phone down just as the door swung open, revealing Jacob. He looked drained, and weary, his disheveled hair and somber gaze telling a tale of disappointment.

My face fell.

Clearly, things hadn't gone well.

Forcing a smile, he shrugged off his coat and greeted me with a subdued "Hey."

My heart softened at his effort, and without a word, I crossed the room and enveloped him in a hug, my hand soothingly tracing circles on his back. My poor Jacob….

"It's alright..." I murmured, knowing all too well from his expression that his meeting with the lawyers hadn't yielded positive outcomes.

He returned the embrace, his tense frame gradually relaxing as he nestled his face into my neck, his arms encircling my waist and drawing me closer. "I'm sorry..." His voice was heavy with guilt. "I'm failing."

"You're not failing," I countered softly, my fingers gently stroking his hair, offering reassurance. "It's just a rough patch, and it'll pass. Don't worry."

"What if things don't improve?" His

question pierced my heart, the pain of witnessing his struggle

el

unbearable. He had poured his heart and soul into building his dreams, only to have them dashed in a matter of days. I despised what that despicable piece of shit had done to him, but what could I do for Jacob? My hands were tied. He refused even a loan from his father, let alone mine, and I couldn't push him, knowing his fragile state of mind.

He was incredibly fragile at the moment, and I knew I had to tread carefully, as delicately as one would on eggshells.

"Things will improve," I asserted,

pulling back to meet his gaze, my fingers tenderly combing through his hair. "Life isn't a bed of roses,

Jacob, but it's not a bed of thornset

either. We'll find our happiness again, even

even if we have to build it from scratch. You have the résilience to rebuild tenfold what you've lost. It's just a matter of time. So, keep pushing forward. We know what we're capable of if reclaiming it isn't an option."

He sighed, leaning in to press a kiss on my forehead. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he murmured, placing another kiss on my temple. "Have you eaten anything yet?"

"No, I was waiting forâ€""

Before I could finish, his phone rang. An unknown caller ID flashed on the screen, and I noticed the slightest hesitation in his movements before he glanced at me. "Give me a second, baby."

He disappeared onto the balcony, his conversation veiled in secrecy, his demeanor composed, revealing little to me. These unknown calls had begun to unnerve me after what happened last time.

After a brief exchange, he returned,Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

his eyes meeting mine. "I have something urgent at work, baby. I need to go," he announced, and my heart sank. I struggled to believe his explanation. "Please, have your dinner, alright?" He crossed the room to press a kiss on my lips.

Was it really work or something else?

It might not be….

"Do you really have to leave?" My words faltered.

I had a sinking feeling this wasn't just about work.

"Yes, I do, baby," he replied, sounding slightly hesitant. "But I'll try to return soon. Take care of yourself while I'm gone, okay?" With one last smile, he exited the apartment, slipping on his coat.

Without a second thought, I grabbed my own over-coat and hurried after him.

Call me foolish, but after what transpired last time, I couldn't take any chances. I needed to check on him myself.

As I reached the street, I spotted his car pulling onto the main road. I hailed a cab, urgency coursing through me.

"Follow that car."