Chapter 397
Evelyn's tear-filled eyes widened in disbelief. That voice—she couldn't have imagined it.
Lifting her gaze, she met Olivia's mischievous grin, those bright eyes blinking playfully at her.
Olivia was alive.
Evelyn's heart twisted with conflicting emotions—frustration warring with overwhelming relief.
Olivia sprang up energetically, studying Evelyn's stunned expression.
She arched an eyebrow triumphantly. "So you finally admit I'm your best friend, Miss Vivian Prescott?"
Evelyn stood speechless.
The silence was broken by approaching footsteps.
Turning, Evelyn saw Nathaniel enter the room. His usually composed features were tinged with emotion, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
The realization hit Evelyn like a wave—this had all been a test.
Despite her suspicions, she'd chosen to trust them in the end.
Because the thought of truly losing them had terrified her.
"You've finally admitted it, Evie." Nathaniel's voice trembled as he stepped closer, his Adam's apple bobbing. "It's so good to see you again."
His hand reached slowly toward her cheek.
Evelyn swatted it away sharply. "Do you think this is funny?" Her icy tone carried unmistakable reproach.
Both Olivia and Nathaniel froze, unprepared for her anger.
"Evelyn—"
"Evie, I—"
"Mocking death is your idea of a joke?" Evelyn spun on her heel to leave.
Realizing their prank had gone too far, Olivia shot Nathaniel a panicked look, urging him to stop her.
"Evelyn!" Nathaniel caught her arm before she could storm out. "We went too far, I know. But you understand why we did this."
His grip tightened slightly, his eyes brimming with raw emotion.
"Do you have any idea how devastated we were when you disappeared three years ago? Olivia and I refused to accept you were gone."
"And when we finally found you again? You insisted you weren't Evelyn. Wouldn't even look at us properly."
Nathaniel's voice thickened as he studied her vulnerable expression. Gently, he brushed his fingers against her cheek.
The warmth of her skin beneath his touch made his eyes water.
"We missed you so much, Evelyn."
Tears began streaming silently down Evelyn's face.
Olivia limped forward, her own cheeks wet. "Don't be mad, Evie. The car accident wasn't a complete lie—I really did hurt my leg."
Sniffling, she tugged at Evelyn's sleeve.
"You lied to us too, remember? Consider us even now, okay?"
Though they'd done nothing wrong, both were apologizing profusely.
Evelyn bit her quivering lip, her vision blurred by tears.
She could no longer contain her emotions seeing Olivia's tear-streaked face. Reaching out, she pulled her friend into a fierce embrace.
"Olivia—"
"Evie—"
Olivia clung to Evelyn, overwhelmed by the joy of their reunion after so many years apart.
'Thank heavens.'