Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 59 – A Shift in the Air

Evelyn sat on the rooftop of the dorm building, her legs crossed as she gazed out at the city skyline. The lights flickered in the distance, mirroring the thoughts racing in her mind. The phone call from her mother still lingered, tugging at the fragile balance she had carefully built for herself.

A familiar presence settled beside her.

Adrian didn't say anything at first. He simply handed her a warm cup of coffee—her usual, the way she liked it. No words were needed. Just the steady warmth of his presence.

After a few moments, he finally spoke.

"Still thinking about it?"

Evelyn nodded, her fingers wrapping around the cup.

"Yeah."

Adrian leaned back on his palms, exhaling slowly.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

She appreciated that about him. He never pushed. Never pried. But tonight, she wanted to talk.

"She said she wants to visit,"

Evelyn admitted.

"That she wants to see me."

Adrian raised an eyebrow.

"After how long?"

"Two years."

His jaw tightened slightly, but he kept his voice even.

"And how do you feel about that?"

Evelyn let out a breath, watching it curl into the cold night air.

"I don't know. I want to believe she's changed, that things will be different. But part of me is terrified she'll just... undo everything I've worked for."

Adrian shifted closer, his shoulder brushing against hers.

"No one can undo what you've built, Evie. You did that. You. Not her."

She turned to him, searching his expression. He was serious, unwavering in his belief in her. It was comforting in a way she hadn't expected.

"Thanks,"

she murmured.

He smirked.

"For what?"

"For always knowing what to say."

Adrian shrugged.

"I just know you."

Evelyn's chest tightened at that. He did. More than anyone else. And it was terrifying and comforting all at once.

A breeze rolled through, and she shivered involuntarily. Before she could react, Adrian reached out, tugging the sleeve of his hoodie over her hand, effectively sharing the warmth with her.

She glanced at their intertwined hands—his grip firm and steady. Her heart stuttered. He had touched her before, in casual, fleeting moments, but this felt different. It was a quiet, deliberate gesture, a choice.

She swallowed.

"Adrian—"

The rooftop door creaked open, cutting through the moment.

Mia poked her head out.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt whatever brooding moment this is, but I come bearing news."

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

Adrian exhaled through his nose, clearly annoyed.

"This better be good."

Mia wiggled her phone.

"Evelyn, the gallery just posted a feature about you on their official page."

Evelyn's eyes widened.

"What?"

Mia hurried over, shoving the screen in front of them. Sure enough, the gallery had shared a beautifully worded post about 'rising artist Evelyn Carter,' with photos of her work and an announcement about the upcoming exhibit.

Evelyn's breath hitched. This was real. Her name. Her art. Out there for the world to see.

Adrian nudged her shoulder.

"Told you. The world is catching on."

Evelyn bit her lip, a slow smile spreading across her face.

"Yeah. I guess it is."

She allowed herself to believe it for the first time in a long time.

And as she sat there, fingers still wrapped in the warmth of Adrian's sleeve, she realized—maybe she wasn't so scared of the future after all.