^^^EVIE'S OUTFIT ❤

Elo Smurflettes!

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Onwards

***

"Where have you been?"

I'm pretty sure if I was a cartoon, I would've jumped out of my skin. I turned to find my fiancé behind me, looking furious as hell. I wasn't particularly sure why, and I was even more confused about why he was here since he was a whole four days early.

"You're back?" was my response.

"You would've known that if you checked your phone. I've been back for a day now, except I arrived to surprise you, only to find out that you're not here, and no-one knew where you were. Now here you are, coming in after midnight, and you're dressed in another man's clothes. You even smell like a man and your car is in the parking lot, so he must've brought you home. Who is it?" he asked, obviously pissed off.

I wasn't even sure whether to respond, but lying wasn't an option. "It's Aramis, but it's not what you think."

I watched as confusion settled on his face, except, the longer he stared at me, the more his expressions changed. They moved from confusion, to shock, to anger, before settling on the one I hated most- disappointment and hurt.

"Cain..." I trailed off.

"Even after I told you what he did to me?" he asked lowly.

"It's not what you think Cain," I repeated.

And that was true.

Yes, Aramis and I kissed, but that's as far as it went. After he'd put me to bed, I eventually fell asleep before waking up later in the day. We kept our space from each other and instead treated each other as friends. It was a complete one eighty from the two people who had shared a fervent kiss.

It was purely platonic.

"I need some air," he said before storming past me.

I didn't bother following after him because he needed to take in my words, but also because I knew that he'd already reached his own conclusions and that nothing I said would change his mind about anything.

I headed up to our room. I didn't have it in me to fight as my phone started vibrating in my clutch bag. The battery was almost dead as I took it out. I headed over to the charger and plugged it in before answering. "Hey."

"I just saw Bingham leave. He doesn't look happy," he said.

"Why are you still around here?" I asked.

"I was getting ice-cream across the street. I saw him drive out," he replied.

I sighed. "You're right that he's not happy. He came back yesterday wanting to surprise me, except I wasn't here and I didn't pay attention to my phone the entire time I was there. Apparently everyone was looking for me, and I guess the last place they would've all looked is at your place. Anyway, he's not impressed with me walking in after midnight dressed in another man's clothes and smelling like him."

"It's more than that. You told him you were with me, didn't you?" he asked.

"I wasn't about to lie about that. We kissed, but that's it. We both know it's not right for as long as he's in the picture," I replied.

"For as long as he's in the picture? Is this you giving me hope Miss Nutify?" he asked.

"Yes? No? I don't know. I'm very confused right now," I admitted.

"I'm going to Sweden for a while," he said suddenly.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"Trent needs me to do something for him there, and I guess it came at the right time. I can be away from you and give you time to think," he pointed out.

"I don't want you to leave," I said lowly.

"I don't want to leave, but you need me to, just for a little while. You need to figure out what you want without me in the way," he said.

"When do you leave?" I asked.

"Around three this afternoon," he informed.

"So soon?" I remarked.

"What Trent needs done is urgent, and I also can't bear to be so close to you without being able to be with you, especially after the past two days," he confessed.

It was harder than I expected to hear his words. "How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know; maybe two weeks or more," he replied.

"Zayn's in New York," I suddenly blurted.

I was worried when I was met by silence. "For a moment I thought you said Zayn is in New York."

"That's exactly what I said," I said nervously.

I was stunned when I was met by the dialling tone. He'd hung up on me after I told him that my crazy 'husband' is in town, and I wasn't sure how to feel about that. Before I could even think about it, there was a knock at the door downstairs, and I was bowled over to open the door to find the brute looking furious.

"We spent three days together and you failed to mention that your crazy illegal husband is in town?" he asked, sounding slightly breathless.

"Did you run here?" I asked.

"Evie," he said in warning, walking right in.

"Cain could come back any moment now," I pointed out.

"And I couldn't care less. Does he know that the man who tried to kill you is here?" he asked.

Well this is about to take a turn.

"Uh, how do I say this...?" I trailed off.

He narrowed his eyes at me. "Spit it out woman."

"Ok fine! About two years ago, Zayn approached Cain, asking him to be his lawyer, but Cain refused, even though his father wasn't pleased about that decision. Four months back, Zayn tried his luck again, but since his image has changed and he's more influential now, Cain was pressured to take him as a client by the board. He didn't want to, and was willing to give it all up just to make me happy, but I told him that it isn't necessary, and that he can take Zayn on as a client. I guess he and Zoey are enjoying New York," I explained.

He ran his hand through his hair. "Have you seen them?"

"I have, but Zoey doesn't seem to know it's me. I've seen her twice and she treats me like Evie Bingham. They were in a meeting with Cain when I saw them the first time, and we went with the whole Evie Bingham thing. Zayn recognized me, but I pretended not to know him, but I don't think he bought it. I haven't seen him since," I replied.

"For goodness sake Evie! Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" he asked.

"I didn't think it was important, especially since Zayn hasn't actually reached out since," I said.

"And you let her just leave this alone?" he asked. It took me a few seconds to realize that he wasn't talking to me.

"What are you doing here?" Cain asked him.

"How could you take that man on as a client when he tried to kill the very woman you claim to love?" Aramis asked him.

Cool, calm and collected Aramis was long gone to be replaced by Brute Aramis 2.0.

"She was fine with it, and he hasn't posed a threat to her," Cain said, deadpan. It unsettled me to see him so emotionless.

"Yet; he hasn't posed a threat to her yet. The fact that he didn't believe the stunt you both pulled should've been warning enough. I watched him about to kill her without so much as a second thought. Zayn Blandel is a dangerous man and Evie is his number one target," Aramis said angrily.

"Why did you do it?" Cain asked randomly.

"We're not doing this right now Bingham. Evie's life is in danger and that's all that matters right now," Aramis told him.

"When do you see fit to do this because you've basically run from me all these years, and now history is repeating itself? Explain to me what the hell I did to you for you to keep coming after me like this," Cain shouted.

"Calm down," I told him.

"I need to understand Evie. I need to understand why Aramis just feels that I don't deserve to be happy at all," Cain said dejectedly. It was obvious to Aramis and I then that he wasn't angry anymore.

He was just hurting.

"She was pregnant with someone else's baby," Aramis finally said.

WHAT?

"What?" Cain whispered my very sentiments.

"I found out that she cheated on you with a very dangerous man, and that was the same day she found out that she was pregnant with this man's child. She aborted the baby, and I told her that she should do the right thing and tell you about the baby and the affair, but her family and this man had different plans altogether. They have something against me, on top of threatening to kill you and I, so I had to do what they wanted. I very quickly learnt that her plan always was not to just come between us, but to make sure that we became enemies," Aramis explained.

"Both of your lives were threatened?" I was the one to ask.

He nodded. "I'm a shitty person, that much I know, but I wasn't going to let them kill my best friend, so I did everything they wanted, losing him in the process. I know I hurt you Cain, but I would do it all over again, not just to save your life, but to save you from that snake. You deserve better than Emily."

"Who is the man?" Cain asked.

"Roscoe Delatorre," Aramis replied.

"The drug lord?" I asked in shock. He's one of, if not the most wanted criminal in the country.

Again, Aramis nodded. "It's how the Blunts became so wealthy so quickly. They got in good with Roscoe, and he shared his profits with them. He has them under his rule, and they have access to some high people and information."

"All those times she disappeared..." Cain trailed off, scowling.

"I suspected that something was going on with her when you mentioned that she seemed distracted. I noticed that she was starting to dress differently, and that all the little things you did for her that used to make her happy, weren't making her happy anymore, so I followed her and that's when I found out about Roscoe. I followed her again for two weeks, wanting to gain evidence to show you first, but once I'd been caught by them, they made me destroy everything," Aramis said.

"I need air," Cain said for the second time that night.

I tried to go after him, but Aramis stopped me. "Stay here, and I mean it Evie. Don't go anywhere."

"We can't just let him go out there; not in the state he's in right now," I argued.

"I'll go handle him, but I need to know that I don't have to worry about you too. Promise me you'll stay here and not do anything stupid," he said.

"Fine. I won't do anything stupid," I said reluctantly.

"Keep the door locked at all times," he said before kissing my forehead and leaving.

I decided to call it a day and headed straight to bed. I was worried about both the men I have come to care so greatly for, and I had to put my trust in Aramis to find Cain and for them to both be ok. I wouldn't be able to handle losing either one of them.

By the time I woke up, it was late in the morning, and I was still alone in the apartment. I checked my phone for any messages or calls from either Cain or Aramis, but there was nothing. I tried to not panic as I got ready to face the day.

I had my breakfast and decided to entertain myself by watching TV. I landed on one of these gossip channels and they were covering the fundraiser still. It was apparently a big deal that Aramis had revealed himself as the mysterious co-founder.

I was interested in what they had to say. I learnt that it was a big deal because Aramis is the only Van de Woodsen who is in the media because of his appearances and nothing else. He's never been interviewed or anything like that. They only take photos of him, and not much is known about him besides anything associated with Emily or the Van de Woodsen family as a whole.

It's always intriguing when you learn such things about people from other people. I mean, I knew that he hadn't been in the media at his own accord, but I had no idea that he was so evasive. The fact that the media only has pictures of him and not any interviews or the likes was somewhat impressive.

When I'd eaten and the show had ended, I was bored out of my mind since there was nothing else interesting on. I considered going over to any of my best friends, but I'd have to answer a whole load of questions if I did, so it was a case of choosing the best friend who would ask the least questions.

"You were so with Aramis, weren't you?" he said.

Make that the best friend who just guesses everything.

"Why didn't you tell Cain that?" I asked him once we were settled in his lounge.

"I told you before; you're my little sister, and I want you to be happy. I don't know what the hell is going on with you and Aramis, and I know for a fact that neither do you, so I figured you should at least be given the space to find out," he replied.

I sighed. "Except now the both of them are missing."

"Missing? What do you mean they're missing?" he asked.

"I came back early this morning and I was basically caught out, so I admitted to have been with Aramis, and Cain didn't take it well. I told Aramis about Zayn and Zoey being in New York and it became this big thing because Cain is Zayn's lawyer. Before I know it, Cain is asking why Aramis enjoys seeing him miserable, and that's when Aramis finally tells him the truth about the whole Emily thing. Cain left, and Aramis followed after him, after telling me to stay put in the apartment that is," I explained.

He was frowning. "It's only twelve o'clock woman. How much drama can one go through before the halfway point of the day?"

"Trust me, a lot," I responded.

"So you were left alone and I take it you got bored and that's why you're here?" he asked.

I nodded. "Right you are."

"Are you ready to talk about Trent being alive?" he asked.

"You know?" I asked, surprised.

"I found out just before your dad died, but he made me promise not to tell you unless it was absolutely necessary to," he said.

I didn't even have it in me to be upset anymore.

Before I could respond, my phone rang. "Hey."

"Where are you?" he asked.

"I'm at Bernard's place. Why?" I replied.

"We're outside your apartment," he informed.

"We? He's out?" I asked excitedly.

He laughed. "Come and see him for yourself."

"What was that about?" Bernard asked after I'd hung up the phone. I stood up to put on my shoes.

"That was Greg. They're here and Trent's out of hospital. Come with me," I requested.

"Ok, but who on earth is Greg?" he asked.

"My brother in law," I replied before walking out of the apartment. I could see Gregory and Trent down the hallway.

"How?" I asked as I approached them.

"My doctor figures I'm good to heal at home," Trent said, smiling in Gregory's way.

"Well thank you kind doctor. Guys, this is my best friend Bernard Wellington. Bernie, this is my brother Trent Mathers, and his husband and my brother in law Gregory Mathers," I introduced.

I learnt that while Trent is the one who proposed, he took up Gregory's surname. I also learnt that it's one of the reasons why Gregory was so upset about the whole lying about the past thing. It finally dawned on him that part of the reason Trent had taken his last name was to hide his identity.

But my brother managed to convince him that it was about a whole lot more than that.

"It's lovely to finally meet you. She holds you in the highest regard," Gregory told Bernard.

"Pardon my cluelessness here but Evie and I haven't quite been in touch for the past two weeks," Bernard excused.

"And that's my fault. I'm sorry Bernie," I apologized.

"It's ok Evie. You're still finding your feet and you were spending time with your brother," he replied.

"Yeah, but I ignored my other brother in the process," I pointed out.

He smiled at my words. "Well I forgive you."

"Good! Well, let's head inside. Would you guys like some coffee?" I offered.

"Yes please," Trent said eagerly.

"Still addicted to caffeine?" I asked amusedly.

Gregory rolled his eyes. "You don't even know the half of it. He refuses to follow doctor's orders."

"You're a doctor?" Bernard asked Gregory.

"Yeah, even though I probably don't look like it," Gregory replied.

"I would've easily mistaken you for a model," Bernard said in agreement as I made everyone coffee.

"So sis, I hear you were out committing sins the past three days," Trent commented, making me choke on air.

"You told him?" I shouted at Gregory.

The stupid doctor just shrugged. "He's my husband. I couldn't very well hide it from him. We agreed that we'll no longer have secrets."

"This wasn't your secret to tell," I exclaimed.

"Huh, I guess you're right. Well, he knows now," he said casually.

No regret whatsoever, let alone fucks given.

"What exactly did you get up to with Aramis?" Bernard asked me.

"Nothing much, but we did kiss and now I'm confused about who I want to be with," I stated.

"There's no such thing. You want to be with Aramis. You just don't want to hurt Cain's feelings," Bernard said the very words I'd heard so much already.

"I very much agree with that statement. You can't carry on with your relationship with Cain princess. It wouldn't be fair to him," my brother said, almost scolding me.

"I know, but can I have one with Aramis? I mean with Cain it's so easy. With Aramis everything is so complicated except when we're together," I argued.

"You can't stay with someone because they're a safe option Evie. You will never be happy if you don't listen to your heart," Bernard commented.

"What is your heart saying love?" Gregory asked me as I joined them.

"It says I belong with Aramis," I said lowly.

"Then listen to it. The thing about the heart is that it eventually rules out the mind, so do the right thing now rather than prolonging the heartbreak," my brother advised.

"I guess I see what you're saying. Anyway, enough about me. What's going on with you guys?" I asked them.

"Well, nothing has changed with me. I'm still working at the hospital," Gregory replied.

"Boring human being," I teased, making Bernard and Trent laugh while a lovely glare came my way from the good doctor.

"I'm finally settled into my new office here, and I've processed everything of yours to do with Beautiful Sunshine. My relationship is going well, so I guess it's safe to say that life is good," Bernard informed.

He finally made the move and asked Onyx out. She said yes so quickly that he realized that he had her on edge- something we had a good laugh about. She's liked him since the day she met him, and he was afraid she'd say no the entire time.

"I don't know when I'm going to get back to work," my brother admitted.

Trent works as a movie producer and director. He hasn't worked on anything all that big, but that's only because he didn't want to bring any attention to himself. He's good at what he does, but his opportunities were limited to the small jobs he could take that would make him money while keeping him under the radar.

"Why? What's up?" I asked.

"I'm just not ready to get back at it. I think I want to take some time off," he said, but I knew there was something more to it.

I just wasn't about to grill him about it right now.

"Well, I'll be here for you until you're ready," I told him.

"What about you? Weren't you supposed to have launched your label into the fashion industry? I saw what that woman said about you," Trent questioned.

He saw Altor Corp's press conference.

Apparently, Vivienne caught word that there was a new designer on the block who was planning to sink her, and she's basically called me out, without really calling me out. She managed to turn a whole lot of people in the industry against me, and I haven't even stepped onto the scene yet.

She told the media that I didn't deserve any attention from anyone considering how 'underhanded' I was already coming across as for trying to steal her shine with designs 'no-one knows'. All I could think was how it's possible that she made it so far in the industry.

"I'm not sure about things on that front anymore," I confessed.

"You're not serious right? You're letting her win?" Gregory asked.

"I'm not letting her win, but she may have a point about my trying to steal her shine. If I want to do this right, I have to do it at my own time," I argued.

"And you're ok with waiting?" Gregory questioned.

I nodded. "I prefer to. This way, we're not in a rush and everything can come together nicely."

"Well, you know that I'm already on board with any decision you make. Just tell me what I need to do and it will be done," Bernard said.

"Thanks Bernie!" I thanked with a bright smile.

"I don't know how much help I'll be, but I can definitely offer moral support," Gregory offered.

"And I can help with directing the whole thing, even though it's a new territory for me," my brother added.

"You guys are amazing," I said gratefully.

They stayed with me the whole afternoon, with me cooking as it got closer to dinner time. We had dinner together and when Trent started complaining about his chest, I knew it was time for them to head back home.

Bernard didn't want to leave me alone, but he hadn't seen Onyx the whole day, so I wanted him to go to her. When I'd done the dishes, I headed to my room and changed into my pyjamas before deciding to read a book, something I hadn't had the time to do in a while.

I finished the book and when I looked at the clock, it was two in the morning. My sleeping patterns were definitely off by now. I got up to go downstairs for a glass of water, only to have Cain walk in. He looked tired, but as soon as he saw me, something in his eyes changed.

"We need to talk."

I hate that line more than probably any line you could ever say. Nonetheless, I nodded and we headed to the lounge. I thought he'd want to sit as far away from me as possible, but instead he sat next to me, taking my hand in his.

"I never got the closure I needed with Emily and what I thought Aramis had done to me, but now that I have, it's put some things into perspective for me," he started off.

"Things like what?" I asked.

"Us..." he trailed off.

"What's going on Cain?" I asked.

"Aramis told me about Greece," he replied.

"What did he tell you about Greece exactly?" I asked sceptically.

"Probably everything, and again, I gained perspective from that," he said.

"You're speaking in riddles," I stated.

He surprised me by smiling. "Ever so impatient."

"Well, you're making me nervous here," I admitted.

"You have nothing to be nervous about Evie. You'll be in good hands," he said.

I blinked a couple of times, confused. "I'm lost here."

"Beautiful, you're my best friend and I'd do anything for you in a heartbeat, but you are not mine to have. I was so sure that I loved you wholeheartedly, but after everything that has gone down in the past twenty-four hours, I realize that you are loved even more by someone else, and knowing you, you've probably found every reason to convince yourself that it isn't true, but trust me when I say that it is," he explained.

"You mean Aramis?" I asked lowly.

He nodded. "Like I said, I never found the closure I needed from the whole Emily situation, and now that I have, I realize that I jumped into this as quickly as I did because I was afraid that I would never find someone else that I clicked with. However, I cannot make you a replacement. You deserve better than that."

"And you're suggesting that Aramis is the better that you speak of?" I asked.

He caressed my cheek, and I let myself get lost in the feeling, knowing that this was probably the last time I would ever feel it. "I know you're afraid, and I know that Aramis' record doesn't speak much for him, but I've already spoken to him."

"What exactly did the two of you speak about?" I asked curiously.

"Everything; we caught up on each other's lives and I asked him to be honest with me about where he stands with you. Evie, he's in love with you, dangers and all. You're the only thing that makes sense to him right now, and I know what it's like to feel that way. I know you're afraid, but I promise that if you jump, he will catch you. I don't know how rough your fall will be, but he will catch you for sure. I wouldn't trust anyone else with you," he replied.

I sat in silence, processing his words. "So this is it?"

"It's not the end for us. Like I said, you're my best friend, and I'll always be here for you, but you deserve to find out if Aramis is your happily ever after, and I deserve to figure out my life now that the truth has been revealed to me. We both deserve happiness," he said softly.

The first tear slipped down my cheek, landing on my arm. "I'm going to miss you."

"I know beautiful. I'm going to miss you too."

He gathered me in his arms and I breathed him in, willing myself not to break down and completely fall apart. Goodbyes are never easy, and yet this wonderful man was letting me go so that I could see if my happiness was on the other side of the door.

I have never met anyone more selfless than Cain Bingham.

"Now go downstairs and go start your new life. He needs to leave in the next hour. He thinks I'm fetching something important to give him, and I guess I technically am," he said.

I laughed a little. "Sounds like something you'd do. I love you Cain."

"I love you Evie," he said before kissing me softly.

After that last kiss, I headed up to grab my phone and my bag. I was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt so I put on my sneakers and grabbed a jacket too. Cain gave me one last hug and said we'd work everything else out over email and phone. I left and headed down, and when I got outside, Aramis was leaning on his car, looking at his phone.

"Got space for one more on your trip?" I asked.

His head shot up. "What?"

"I hear Sweden is lovely this time of year," I commented.

"What are you saying Evie?" he asked unsurely.

"I'm coming with you, if you'll have me that is," I said, walking closer to him.

"What about Cain?" he asked.

"It was his idea actually. He's found peace in the truth, but now he wants to find himself. Plus, he figures you need me more than he does," I teased.

"Does that mean...?" he trailed off.

I took a risk and wrapped my arms around his neck. "It means, my dear brute, that you don't have to run away from me."

"I wasn't running away from you," he defended, making me laugh a little as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"I know you weren't. I'm terrified Aramis. I'm afraid of so many things, but I'm mostly afraid of this not working out. Please don't break my heart," I implored apprehensively.

He caressed my cheek. "I told you before; if you're mine, I'll never want anyone else."

"Then I'm yours," I whispered.

"And I'll never want anyone else."

|p8iK