Chapter 2

Ivy was about to speak when Evelyn changed the subject. "It's nothing. You're back, Cameron." Cameron faltered when he heard her address him by his full first name, which she hadn't done in a long time. He couldn't help appraising her. He couldn't remember when she'd started calling him "Cam" instead of "Cameron." Was it when she was 18? 15? Or earlier? At the time, he thought it was because they were starting to drift apart as she grew older. Later, he found out it was because she'd fallen for him. His gaze darkened at her reverting to calling him by his full first name. He stared at her for a while. There seemed to be something different about her. After a while, he retracted his gaze and lowered his eyes. Then, he approached Evelyn and his parents before putting a gift on the table. He said, "These are gifts Jocelyn bought for you guys, Mom and Dad. She said they're just little trinkets and hopes you'll like them." Ivy beamed at that. "Of course we will! Josie's gifts are always great. Did you thank her for us?" James got up, and a small smile lit up his usually stern face. "Remember to bring those coffee beans to Josie's family the next time you visit her." He and Ivy were very satisfied with Jocelyn, who was soon to be their daughter-in-law. They chatted for a while longer and mentioned that they would like to invite her parents over on the weekend if they had the time. It was clear they wanted to discuss wedding details. Evelyn sat there and watched the three of them chat happily. A wave of loneliness washed over her. She clenched her fists but soon released them. At this moment, she clearly sensed that she was only an outsider in this family. Then again, she wouldn't need to be plagued by these matters in the future. With that thought in mind, she got up and returned to her room. Cameron looked up mid-conversation when he noticed this. All he saw was Evelyn's figure disappearing around the corner. Was he imagining things? She'd only said one sentence since his return. This wasn't like her at all. … That afternoon, Evelyn prepared to leave the house and head to the authorities to update her identification. When she headed downstairs, she saw Jocelyn seated beside Cameron. She was smiling as she watched him peel an orange. He deftly peeled it and removed the pith. Then, he held a slice to Jocelyn's lips. She blushed and glanced at him before biting it. Her lips brushed against his fingers. He chuckled and wiped her mouth with a paper towel. "Is it sweet?" She nodded before holding a slice to his lips. "Why don't you try it?" Evelyn silently retracted her gaze when she saw how intimate and affectionate they were with each other. She walked down the stairs and headed straight for the door. "Evelyn!" Jocelyn suddenly called out to her. She turned to see the former beckon to her. "It's Cameron's off day, and we're going to a park. Do you want to join us?" Evelyn shook her head. "I wouldn't want to disturb you two on your date." Jocelyn smiled. "You're my sister-in-law. How would you be disturbing us?" She emphasized "sister-in-law," seemingly wanting to remind Evelyn of her place. In the past, this would've hurt Evelyn so much that she would feel out of breath. Now that she only thought of Cameron as her brother, it didn't faze her. She was calm and collected. "I have something to do. Maybe we can do this next time." Jocelyn's smile stiffened at the repeated rejection. Her tone immediately turned aggrieved as she asked, "Are you still mad at me for taking your brother away from you, Evelyn? Is that why you don't want to come with us?" Cameron hurriedly held her and frowned. "You've always been the one I've liked. How can you say that you took me from her?" This made her ears turn red. She gave him a chiding glance as she thumped his chest. He chuckled and pulled her closer. Then, he pressed a kiss to her hair. "Leave her be if she doesn't want to come." Evelyn forced a smile. They did indeed have to leave her be. It wouldn't be long before their paths diverged. They would live on separate sides of the world soon. She politely bid them goodbye before leaving.