Chapter 21: The Weight of Unspoken Truths
The grand corridors of the Ainsley estate felt colder lately. Eva could sense it, the unease in the air, like the calm before a storm. Every room seemed to echo with an unsettling silence, and she found herself walking through them, unsure of her place. The light from the setting sun streamed through the windows, casting long, soft shadows, but even the beauty of the estate couldn't distract her from the quiet distance that had crept into her family.
Eva had been feeling it for days now—the subtle shift in the atmosphere around her. Her father had been distant for days now. At first, she thought it was just the usual business, the weight of responsibilities keeping him busy. But it wasn't just that. There was something in his eyes, something that made her stomach twist. When he looked at her, it wasn't the warmth that had always been there before. It was cold, guarded—almost as though she were a stranger to him.
He had grown distant, but he still lingered. He would watch her from across the room, his gaze lingering just long enough to make her feel his presence, but then he'd quickly turn away, absorbed in his own thoughts. Eva didn't know what to make of it, but it made her feel as though she were at the edge of something she couldn't quite reach..
Her mama, on the other hand, had been her unwavering support. "Mama" Evelyn had always been the steady anchor in her life. She'd comforted Eva during sleepless nights, held her close after bad dreams, and given her gentle words of encouragement when she felt uncertain. Yet, even she seemed weighed down by something these past few days. There was an air of tension between her and her father, though she never spoke of it aloud. But Eva noticed. She noticed how "mama" Evelyn's eyes seemed tired, how her smile didn't reach her eyes as it once did.
And Aunt Vivienne, Eva's constant companion, was the one who noticed the change in her most. She had seen the hesitation in Eva's eyes and the quiet way she kept to herself, as if she were carrying a burden too heavy for her young shoulders. It wasn't lost on Vivienne that Eva was growing up, but there was something else… something Eva didn't fully understand yet.
One evening, after a quiet dinner, Eva found herself standing outside Vivienne's room. The house was still, save for the soft murmur of the wind outside. She stood there for a long moment, her hand resting on the doorframe, before finally gathering the courage to knock.
Vivienne opened the door, her face lighting up with a soft, knowing smile when she saw Eva. But that smile faltered slightly when she noticed the way Eva was standing—slightly hunched, eyes downcast, her lips pressed together in an uncharacteristic frown.
"Eva?" Vivienne's voice was gentle, filled with concern. "Come in, darling."
Eva stepped inside, her small frame seeming even smaller in the expansive room. She didn't speak right away, instead walking over to the bed and sitting down slowly. Vivienne sat beside her, concern etched into her features. She reached out, brushing a lock of Eva's dark hair behind her ear, a familiar gesture that always made Eva feel safe.
"I couldn't sleep," Eva admitted, her voice quiet. She stepped closer to Vivienne, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "I don't think I can anymore."
Eva climbed onto the couch beside her aunt, curling up next to her, feeling the familiar warmth of Vivienne's presence. She rested her head on her aunt's shoulder, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade. But the unease still lingered, gnawing at her.
"I don't understand, Aunt Vivi," Eva said finally, her voice small, almost lost. "I don't understand why Papa… why he doesn't want to be around me anymore. Did I do something wrong? Is it because I'm different?"
Vivienne's heart broke at the sight of her daughter—her real daughter, her flesh and blood—feeling so lost. She had tried so hard to protect Eva from the truth, but there were things that even a mother couldn't shield her child from forever.
"Oh, Eva," Vivienne murmured softly, wrapping her arms around her tightly. "You did nothing wrong. Nothing at all."
Eva clung to her, her small body shaking slightly, as if she were trying to hold on to Vivienne for dear life. "But why? Why does Papa act so… distant? I don't know what I've done. I just want things to be like they were."
Vivienne held her close, rubbing her back in slow, comforting circles. "There are things in life, my love, that you're not ready to understand yet. There are reasons for your papa's actions, but they are not because of anything you've done. You are perfect just as you are. Your papa… he has his own struggles, and they have nothing to do with you."
Eva sniffled, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. "But why won't he talk to me? Why does he keep looking at me like I'm not… his daughter?"
Vivienne's heart clenched with a sorrow she couldn't quite express. It pained her to know that Eva, at such a young age, was already shouldering these heavy emotions.
"It's complicated, Eva. And there are things you'll learn when you're older—things about our family and about your papa. But for now, know this: Your mama and I love you with all our hearts. You are ours, and we are yours. And that will never change."
Eva looked up at her aunt, her eyes wide and full of confusion. "But… I don't understand. Why does it feel like everything is falling apart?"
Vivienne wiped away a stray tear from Eva's cheek, her own heart aching. "It's not falling apart, darling. It's just… changing. Life has a way of throwing us into difficult situations, but we face them together, as a family. You're not alone."
There was a long silence between them, the weight of unspoken truths hanging in the air. Vivienne didn't want to burden Eva with everything she knew, not yet—not until the time was right. But Eva's questions, the depth of her confusion, made it harder to keep the truth hidden.
After a moment, Vivienne kissed the top of Eva's head. "You are special, Eva. You have always been special, and no one—no matter what they say—will ever change that. You don't need to be anything other than yourself."
Eva's eyes softened at Vivienne's words, the weight on her chest lightening just a little. "I love you, Aunt Vivi," she whispered, her voice breaking with emotion.
Vivienne smiled through her own tears, holding Eva even tighter. "And I love you, my darling girl."
Just then, there was a soft knock on the door, and before either of them could speak, it cracked open. Evelyn stood there, her expression unreadable, though there was a softness in her eyes as she looked at the two of them.
Eva saw her mama and immediately felt a wave of relief wash over her, as if everything would be okay as long as her mama was there. Without thinking, she slid off the bed and walked toward Evelyn, her arms outstretched.
"Mama," Eva said, her voice trembling. "Can I… Can I stay here with Aunt Vivi tonight?"
Evelyn's heart swelled with emotion, and she walked into the room, kneeling down to Eva's level. "Of course, darling," she said softly, brushing a lock of hair behind Eva's ear. "You can stay here as long as you like."
Vivienne's heart ached as she watched the exchange between mother and daughter. She knew Evelyn felt the weight of the growing tension between herself and Reginald, but she also saw the strength of the bond between Evelyn and Eva. No matter what else was happening, that bond would always be unbreakable.
Eva looked up at her mother, then at Vivienne, and her lips curled into a small, tentative smile. "I just… I just want to be with you both."
Evelyn smiled back, a warmth in her eyes that melted Eva's worries. "You're always with us, my love. Always."
And as the night drew on, the three of them settled into Vivienne's bed, the soft sounds of their quiet conversation filling the room. Eva nestled between them, feeling a sense of security and comfort she hadn't known in days.
But even as she drifted off to sleep, the unease that had lingered in her heart didn't fade entirely. There were still questions she couldn't answer, feelings she couldn't explain. But for now, she would hold on to the warmth of her family, the love that was wrapped around her like a protective blanket.
For now, it was enough.