Chapter 4The Years I Lost Without You

That night, Madison called me.

“Evie, stop hiding in that little market. Come work at my dad’s hotel.”

I hesitated, feeling a mix of apprehension and disbelief. “Are you sure? I don’t want to cause any trouble.”

Madison dismissed my concerns. “It’s fine! Just a temporary job as a guest room attendant. You won’t have to deal with people much, and you’ll make way more than you do selling plush toys.”

For once, I decided to take a chance.

On my third day, there was a birthday party being held in the main hall. It had nothing to do with me—until my manager called me down to help serve drinks.

When I entered the hall, I froze.

The party was for Silas Peyton.

I’d completely forgotten.

The place was packed with college friends and influential people he’d befriended in Manhattan. I scanned the room, desperate to spot Madison. I wanted nothing more than to stay out of sight.

“What are you staring at? You’re here to work, not gawk!” barked the floor supervisor.

She shoved a tray of drinks into my hands and pointed to the main table. “Hurry up! They’ve been waiting.”

Before I could protest, she pushed me forward. Like a zombie, I carried the tray toward the crowd.

As I approached the main table, Serena suddenly turned, bumping into my arm.

The tray slipped, crashing to the floor. Glasses shattered, and wine splattered everywhere—right onto Serena’s expensive heels and dress.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” she snapped.

“I’m sorry.” My apology was automatic as I fumbled to clean up the mess.

Serena wasn’t satisfied. “Sorry? Do you have any idea how much these shoes cost? Get down and clean them properly!”

I hesitated, glancing at Silas. His brow furrowed slightly, but he said nothing.

That was answer enough. He wasn’t going to step in.

“Hello? Are you deaf? Is this how your staff handles mistakes?” Serena pressed.

Fine.

I pulled out a handkerchief, knelt down, and began wiping her shoes.

I could feel the weight of every gaze in the room pressing down on me.

Before I was done, Serena let out a cold laugh.

“Ladies and gentlemen, doesn’t this face look familiar? Anyone know where our dear Evelyn Langston has been all these years?”

My mind went blank.

She planned this.

Her voice dripped with mockery. “Evelyn, should I tell everyone where you disappeared to, or would you like the honor?”

I finally understood—she’d dug into my past. For reasons I couldn’t fathom, she was determined to expose me.

The crowd buzzed with whispers, like a swarm of flies.

I looked up, meeting Serena’s triumphant gaze.

At that moment, I felt like a cornered animal, surrounded by predators waiting for me to crumble.

If I was going to fall, I’d do it on my own terms.

Straightening up, I turned to the crowd. My voice was steady.

“No need. I’ll tell them myself.”

“Years ago, I killed someone. I spent those missing years in prison.”

The truth wasn’t for them. It was for me.

All I wanted was to live without hiding.

“What did you say?” Silas shot to his feet, staring at me in disbelief. His eyes burned with intensity, like a fire that couldn’t be extinguished.