But he was undeterred.
“ALL I WANT IS A MOMENT TO SPEAK WITH YOU, THEN I SHALL GLADLY LEAVE!” he shouted, looking pointedly at the window.
He watched as the curtains closed, but there was no movement beyond.
William knew that he might not get an audience with her soon. Therefore, he decided to make himself more comfortable by sitting on a low wall in front of the house.
Eveline had been absolutely furious when the butler announced William’s arrival, and she had been all too grateful for her sisters, who quickly kicked him out of the house.
However, it was now late at night, and her anger had slowly ebbed, now replaced with concern for him.
She moved to her window, and her heart skipped a beat when she spotted him sitting outside, in the dark.
Since it was so late at night, Eveline could only imagine how cold he must be at that moment. Despite everything, she could not help but pity him.
The door to her room opened, and Ava entered.
Ava frowned when she saw her standing by the window, with the curtain drawn. “Eveline, do not tell me you feel any pity for him.”
“Not quite,” Eveline lied. “I am only concerned for him. Sitting in the cold for so long could cause him to fall sick.”
Ava shrugged. “If he falls sick, then perhaps he would know just a little of the pain you have endured.”
“Even if I despise him, I would not wish for him to catch a cold and fall sick,” Eveline insisted.
“It is his choice to stand outside the house.”
“He said he only wants to talk to me and he shall leave. Perhaps he might listen to me if I go outside and tell him to leave?”
Ava looked doubtful.
“All I will do is tell him to leave,” Eveline promised.
“Fine! But Stella and I will be right behind you,” Ava warned. “We must ensure that he doesn’t try to convince you.”
Eveline was relieved that Ava approved.
She soon made her way downstairs, and as she stepped outside, she could see William scrambling to his feet and approaching her with a bouquet in his hands.
He looked defeated, and yet there was a smile on his face.
“Eveline,” he called.
Despite her anger, her heart clenched at the sight of him.
She stopped just a few feet away from him and stared pointedly at his left side. She was determined not to meet his eyes.
“William, you must leave,” she said.
“Eveline, I am sorry. I should never have…”
“I do not care what you have to say. Leave me alone,” she insisted, her voice breaking just slightly.
“Eveline, look at me,” he pleaded.
She shook her head as she felt tears well up in her eyes. “I want you to leave me alone and never come back. Go back to your home.”
“Eveline, look at me.” William cradled her chin and turned it so that she was forced to look him in the eyes.