Chapter 67

[Evelyn’s POV]

“Are you two really not going to let me help put this party together at all?” I asked, wistfully.

I wasn’t entirely sure what I expected when it came to experiencing a birthday party—mainly one that was meant for me.

I’d spent the majority of my life being overshadowed by Samantha and her inability to share the spotlight with anyone else, I wasn’t entirely sure how I was meant to feel. Watching the house transform from its everyday grandeur to something far more whimsical and exciting.

Nina had instructed the staff to twist and string colorful streamers all along the banisters. Wendy, on the other hand, was making sure that the kitchen staff were up to the challenge in making sure there was more than enough food and drink for anyone who came in to wish me a happy birthday.

I’d offered and asked on numerous occasions to both of them if I could help. However, I was persistently met with the same response.

“Absolutely not!”

“There’s no way that you’re going to be expected to put your own party together.”

As everyone was busy setting things up and bustling around to get things prepared, I felt useless and, frankly, uncomfortable. I wasn’t used to being given so much attention. It reminded me of when the tea mixture was first gaining popularity—everyone was showering me with praise.

I wasn’t used to it and I knew for a fact that I would never be comfortable with it. Part of me just really hoped that I would be able to overcome this weird feeling by the time the party was picking up in full swing.

I would hate to make Nina, Wendy, and Alexander feel as though none of this was appreciated. I just wished that they would have allowed me to, at least, take part in some of the work.

But once more, I was met with their firm gaze.

“Evelyn, would you please let us do this for you?” Nina asked with her usual kind smile.

Wendy stepped over from what she was doing and gently laid her hands on my shoulders. “You work hard for this pack. It’s time that you allow others to show their appreciation.”

She had a point. But I always felt the pack’s appreciation for my time and my work. I felt it in every passing smile they gave me. I felt it in every friendly wave and sweet ‘hello’.

“Alright,” I conceded. “If you need me for anything, I will be out in the greenhouse.”

The day I'd returned from the open market, Michael had somewhat remained in my thoughts. I remembered how easy it was to talk to him about my interests and was, oddly enough, missing our interaction.

I hadn’t allowed myself the time to dwell too much on our encounter. After all, it had been brief and there wasn’t much to take away from it.

I just couldn't get over how much I enjoyed speaking with someone who actually had a genuine interest in agriculture as much as I did.

I hadn’t told Alexander about it...Was that bad of me?

Truthfully, I didn’t see the need to inform him about Michael when he was already so caught up over the notion that I had been lightheaded at the market. Yes, I caved in that sense, alright?

When I had initially returned home with my hibiscus plants and seeds, he’d instantly noticed that something wasn’t right. He questioned me and I told him about my minor episode.

Needless to say, Alexander didn’t exactly take it too well.

“Oh my God! I knew I should have insisted on having someone accompany you,” he snarled in fierce concern.

“Honestly, Alexander, it’s okay. I’m fine.”

“What if you had fallen?” he questioned harshly.

“But I didn’t.” I’d closed the space between us and taken his hand into mine. “If it makes you feel better, I promise that I have no plans to leave the house any time soon.”

He closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. I felt him squeeze my hand. “You know I don’t mean to have you locked up here. It’s just...It’s clear that the poison is still trying to work its way out of your system. And I would prefer if you remained around where it was safe.”

So, I didn’t mention the fact that someone had helped me. God only knew that would have turned into a full interrogation and possibly an investigation on his end. The poor man was already at his wits end having experienced the fear and worry of me being sick.

Why bother telling him something that held no relevance? It’s not like we’re ever going to see each other again.

There again, I found myself feeling just a little bit disappointed about that. I would really have liked to have gotten more of Michael’s opinion when it came to blending certain teas. I wasn’t exactly sure how insightful he’d be but what I was looking for was a second opinion.

As the day drew on, Nina made it her job to come and collect from the tea tent. There was no containing the exuberant smile that was curled across her face. The woman was buzzing with excitement.

“Are you ready?”

Was it normal to feel a bit nervous? “As I’ll ever be.”

She linked our arms together and led us back up to the house. All the while my heart was beating frantically in my chest.

As soon as we entered the main drawing room, I noticed a large banner hanging on the wall. I stopped dead in my tracks. The room was filled with both streamers and flowers of all different varieties. It was beautiful. It was so personally inspired. And it was all dedicated to me.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” Everyone in the room cheered.

There was no stopping the tears that came rushing to my eyes, blurring my vision within seconds.

“Oh my God,” I whispered, choking back a sob. “This is so beautiful. Thank you all so much.”

I couldn’t believe that everyone had gone through all this trouble for me. Nina wrapped her arms around me and held me close while Wendy approached us with a soft-sounding tone.

“Oh, my dear. Believe me when I say that you deserve every bit of today,” she said.

I patted some of the tears away and nodded my head. When she and Nina made their way off to talk to some of the staff, I found Alexander gazing at me with a curious expression on his face.

[Third-Person’s POV]

Alexander felt his heart plummet the second he noticed Evelyn walk into the room. He knew that while everyone else was busy cheering her a happy birthday, he noticed the distinct tears in her eyes. He’d never seen her cry before.

It led to an unsettling twinge in his chest that he was eager to get rid of. He calmly made his way over to her and reached for her hand.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

Evelyn let out a shuddering breath and tried to her emotion behind a smile. “I’m fine.”

“You’re crying.”

Her smile deepened as she shook her head. “Trust me. They’re happy tears.”

Alexander wasn’t sure if he was convinced. He gestured for the two of them to move toward one of the set-up tables. He’d never heard of such a thing as ‘happy tears’. What he wanted to know was how someone could be driven to such a state.

“I know it’s your birthday and you probably don’t even want to think about this, but...I’d like to know more about how you grew up in your family.”