Chapter 167: Chapter 167: One Month Under the Same Roof
~Zayn’s POV~
Evans tilted his head, eyes narrowing in quiet thought. "But what makes you think that telling me is any different from telling him?"
My head snapped up. "What do you mean?"
For a second, I thought he was being serious but then Evans chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Relax, I’m just joking."
Then he looked at me and asked, "So, what did you decide?"
I looked at him and said softly, "I don’t know." Then I explained further, "Evric’s father and I agreed that I would have three months to decide. But now, he says he can’t wait that long anymore. He told me that Evric’s journey in life right now requires a good woman beside him, not a man. So, he gave me two options, either I leave Evric, or I lose everything I’ve built with my sweat. And now he’s only giving me two weeks to decide."
I paused, staring at Evans. "Just two weeks!"
Evans chuckled and shook his head. "Why are you so worried about that? You could just ask your man for money."
I gave a faint smile. "You’re right, but he already gave me enough. But I can’t do anything with it."
"Why not?" Evans asked, frowning.
"Because his father wants my name erased," I said bitterly. "He wants me forgotten as a chef. He wants me to disappear, like I never even owned a restaurant. And he made it clear, I shouldn’t bother starting any new branch because he’ll have it shut down before it even begins."
Evans leaned back, stunned. "Wow... this is serious."
"I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am today," I said, my voice trembling. "Even though people enunciate my restaurant only became popular because of my looks, maybe they’re right— but to me, it’s my hard work that got me here." I smile after saying that.
Evans studied me. "You’re still smiling... What’s funny? You don’t look sad."
I sighed, meeting his eyes. "I’ve cried so many nights about this. There’s nothing left to cry about anymore."
Then Evans asked quietly, "Do you regret meeting Evric?"
I shook my head firmly. "No... I don’t regret meeting him. Meeting Evric was like discovering a part of my soul I never knew existed. He changed everything, my heart, my world and I can’t imagine life without him."
Evans smirked, teasing gently. "You’re so in love."
I smiled softly, admitting, "Yes. I love Evric more than I could ever put into words."
Evans looked at me with calm seriousness and said, "Love is beautiful, Zayn, but sometimes it’s not enough to make us lose the most important parts of ourselves. Sit well, think well, and make your decision. Whatever you choose, I’ll be here to support you, bro."
I gave him a little smile. "Thank you, Evans."
Evans leaned back and added with a smirk, "Don’t let this weigh too heavily on you. Your man is filthy rich, in case you’ve forgotten. Even if you don’t work, he could provide you with anything you want."
I chuckled faintly and shook my head. "I know... but I love depending on myself."
"I get it," Evans said, nodding. "That’s who you are. But take it easy, man. Don’t think too much or you’ll burn yourself out."
After that, our conversation shifted to lighter topics. We talked and talked until eventually the evening slipped into night. By the time we finally parted ways, the city was already dark.
I drove home straight away, not bothering to stop anywhere. The moment I stepped into the living room, I collapsed onto the chair, exhausted. I winced immediately, forgetting about the soreness in my bottom, and let out a low groan.
Just as I was trying to relax, the doorbell rang. My brows furrowed in surprise, I wasn’t expecting anyone.
Dragging myself up, I went to open the door.
And there he was—Evric.
He waved casually, flashing me that smug smile. "Hi, babe."
But it wasn’t just him.
Beside him stood his driver, one maid, and several others carrying luggage and boxes so many that for a moment, I thought I was hallucinating. His expression was calm, but there was something playful and mischievous in his eyes.
I blinked at the scene. "Evric... did you run away from home?"
"Not entirely," he replied smoothly. He pointed at a stack of boxes. "These are your birthday gifts. I asked my workers to bring them along. And these..." he patted three suitcases stacked neatly, "belong to me. Don’t worry, I didn’t bring all my staff. Just one maid and my driver will stay here with me, oh— with us for one month."
I stood there, trying to catch my breath, completely stunned. Before I could even form words, he leaned in closer, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret.
"You said you wouldn’t come to my house for one month," he reminded me with a sly grin, "but you never said I couldn’t come to yours."
"What?" I stared at him in disbelief.
"I asked you if there were any additions to the punishment, and you confirmed there weren’t. So you can’t break it now."
I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could say a word, he cut me off with a smooth, "Excuse me, baby."
He gently shifted me aside, then snapped his fingers. Instantly, his workers began carrying everything inside like it was already decided.
I just froze, utterly speechless, watching the parade of boxes and suitcases roll past me into my own house. For several minutes, I couldn’t think, couldn’t move, couldn’t even process what was happening.
By the time I came back to my senses, Evric had closed the door, dismissed the extra workers, and told them to wait outside until he called them back.
Then he turned to me, his grin playful but his eyes soft.
Before I could say anything, he wrapped his arms around my waist and said softly, "I’ve come to stay with you for the whole one-month punishment. You don’t have to come to me, I’m already here."
"What?" I blurted out, staring at him. For a second, I didn’t even know how to react. Then laughter burst out of me, because honestly, this was pure madness.
I looked at him and said, "I wanted to punish you, and instead, you come here to stay with me?"
"Evric, what part of your body needs treatment?" I asked, half-annoyed, half-amused.
He pointed to his chest, right over his heart, and smiled. "This place... touch it, baby."
I rolled my eyes and pulled my hand away from him immediately.
"You left your mansion to come and stay with me here," I said between chuckles, "after I made it clear I wanted to punish you?"
"Yes," he replied without hesitation, his voice carrying the stubborn innocence of a child. "That’s why I came. You don’t have to come to me, because I’m already here with you."
"God..." I muttered, running a hand through my hair. How did I end up with this man? I paused, then sighed. "You really want to stay here, right?"
He nodded eagerly. "Yes."
"Fine," I said, pointing at him. "Then tell your maid to head back home. I don’t want them here."
He pouted, defensively. "But baby, I didn’t want to stress you. Who will do the cleaning and the dishes?"
I didn’t even let the question finish. I shot back quickly, "You."
His eyes went wide. "What?!"