Chapter 292

His invitation caught me off guard, the implications of such a gesture weighed heavily upon me. I found myself at a loss for words.

"I... I don't know," I stammered. "Going to Stella’s funeral just seems odd."

Timothy nodded understandingly, a flicker of disappointment fleeting across his features. "Take your time. I'll understand whatever you decide."

My mind reeled at the suggestion. The idea of being in the presence of Stella's family, of mingling with the Fitzgeralds amidst the cloud of suspicion hanging over Timothy, sent shivers down my spine.

"But the media... they could twist this against you," I warned, my voice filled with concern.

Timothy let out a defeated sigh. "I'm running out of options, Evie," he admitted, his shoulders slumping. "I don't know what else to do."

Tears welled up in my eyes as a sense of hopelessness engulfed me. "This is all so unfair," I whispered, my voice quivering.

Timothy pulled me into a gentle embrace. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this," he murmured, his voice laced with regret.

"You're not dragging me into anything," I replied, my words muffled against his chest. "I just wish things were different."

As I wept into Timothy's chest, a sense of helplessness came over me. Attending Stella's funeral felt like walking into a potential trap.

We stood there for a while, basking in each other’s warmth. It scared me how relaxed he was being. He could wind up behind bars, yet I was the one losing my mind. I should’ve been his rock during all of this, his shoulder to lean on.

“I’m sorry,” I said, placing a hand on his chest. “I’m making it all about me when you’re the one in danger.”

He tugged a loose hair behind my ear and leaned closer, the tip of his nose touching mine. “I’m just as worried about you. I heard them out there screaming you down, claiming you were guilty by association.”

“Still…” I huffed and buried myself back in his chest, soaking his shirt through with tears.

"It's okay," Timothy said, his voice oddly soothing. "I understand if you don't want any part of this."

The conflict within me raged on. I wanted to stand by Timothy, to offer support, but the thought of facing Stella's family and navigating the storm of media scrutiny seemed unbearable.

"I'll come," I said finally, my voice barely audible through the tears. "But I can't promise I'll be okay."

Timothy held me tighter. "Thank you, Evie," he whispered.

As we made our way back to where our friends were gathered, the atmosphere was somber. It didn’t seem like Timothy got to stay long at all before detaching himself not moments later. He checked his watch and sighed.

"Sorry, guys. I have to leave before curfew," he said solemnly.

Aria pouted. “So early?”

I nodded. At this point, it couldn’t be helped. "We understand."

“Try to enjoy the game for me, okay?” He gave me a tender kiss on the forehead, a fleeting gesture laden with unspoken emotions. With a reluctant glance, he departed.

As the others gathered around me, their expressions filled with concern and empathy, I struggled to contain my unrest. It felt like I’d suffocate at any minute.

"I can't be here," I confessed, my voice trembling. "I need to get out of here."

Aria placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and guided me to the exit. "That’s okay. We can leave right now."

They brought me back downstairs and out the back doors. Quinton was parked at the curb when we arrived. He rolled down the window and peeked out at us.

Lucas leaned down. “We’re gonna get her out of here.”

Without question, Quinton nodded and unlocked the doors.

The bar's ambiance, usually a haven of mellow emotions, felt suffocatingly loud and crowded tonight. Aria and Lucas had brought me here in an attempt to soothe my nerves with a drink or two, but my mind was restless. Even after two shots of tequila.

The pulsating lights and echoing chatter of the bar just felt like extra noise. I didn’t want to just numb myself to the issue at hand. I should’ve been staying diligent.

"Come on, Evie, try to relax," Aria said, handing me another drink.

I attempted to focus on the glass in my hand, but my attention was quickly drawn to the television screens adorning the bar. The images playing out before me froze me in place. The screens flashed Timothy's arrest, each replay piercing through my already fragile composure.

"They need to just cut those off,” I groaned. “Shouldn’t they have football playing or something?”

"Everyone’s obsessed with it," Lucas muttered. "Just ignore them. Take deep breaths, okay?"

I nodded and took a swig of my drink, hissing as it burned my throat on the way down. I almost didn’t notice when a stranger approached, a glint of malice in her eyes. "You're Evie, aren't you?" she spat out.

I nodded, taken aback by the sudden aggression. "Yes, I am. Do I know you?" I asked, confusion clouding my thoughts.

Before I could comprehend it, the woman threw her drink at me, the liquid dousing my clothes as she tossed the glass at my feet.

It shattered, glass and liquid spreading everywhere. I nearly slipped as I stepped backward.

"You're nothing but a whore, supporting a murderer!" the woman cried, jamming a finger into my chest.

The shock of her words sent a surge of rage coursing through me. I clenched my fists.

"You have no idea what you're talking about!" I shot back. "Timothy is innocent, and I won't rest until the real killer is behind bars!"

"Evie, don't," Aria clung to my side, her voice urgent.

"Let's just walk away," Lucas urged. “She’s not worth it.”

But I couldn't let the woman's slander go unanswered. I stood my ground, ready to confront her, to defend my integrity and Timothy's innocence.

The commotion caught the attention of the bar patrons. Murmurs spread like wildfire, and curious glances turned in our direction. The woman's friends joined her soon after.

"You're delusional if you think your psycho boyfriend is innocent!" one of them spat out. “There’s no way Stella just threw herself out of that building.”

Aria stepped in, her voice firm. "Back off! Leave her alone!" she demanded. “No one has all the information right now.”

"Let's get out of here, Evie," Lucas said, pulling at my other arm.

"Let me go!" I protested, my voice shaking with fury. "She’s wrong about him. They’re all wrong."

"Evie, calm down," Aria urged, her voice strained as she tried to restrain me.

"Take it easy, Evie. They’re just insane fans of Stella," Lucas added, his grip firm but gentle.

"That woman has no idea what she's talking about," Aria said, her voice filled with reassurance. "We know the truth, and so does Timothy."

"But how can people be so cruel?" I exclaimed, my voice quivering with disbelief.

Lucas sighed. "It's not fair, but we have to stay calm for now. Come on."

Reluctantly, I allowed Aria and Lucas to guide me away from the hostile crowd but glared at the onlookers as I passed. Their venomous words and unjust accusations would haunt me alongside the others.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Aria said as we passed through the doors.

"It’s fine," I murmured, rubbing my eyes. “I’m just so tired.”

"We know the truth, Evie," Lucas reassured, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "That's what matters."

"I just want to help Timothy," I said, spotting Quinton’s car as it slowly pulled over to where we were. I hugged my torso, suddenly feeling shameful at how much I was losing myself in so little time. I couldn’t be Timothy’s hope in the state I was in.

"We'll find a way," Aria promised, squeezing my arm. “We always do.”

Unfortunately, I wasn’t so sure this time around.