Now You Want Me? Too Late

Ian came home early and started preparing dinner.

He had decided to make a simple but carefully prepared meal—her favorite creamy chicken pasta, a fresh garden salad, and a light chocolate dessert. He had also prepared a generous serving of crispy fries, knowing they were Leo’s favorite.

He had never been particularly interested in cooking, but tonight he wanted everything to be perfect.

Once he finished cooking, he turned his attention to the dining table.

He covered the table with a crisp, white tablecloth, while two elegant candles stood in the center beside a small vase of fresh flowers. The plates and cutlery were neatly arranged. Two wine glasses stood beside them. A smaller plate of fries sat at one end of the table, ready for Leo.

Ian stepped back and looked over the arrangement.

It was a simple dinner, but every little detail showed how much thought he had put into it.

A smile curled his lips.

He couldn’t remember the last time he had made such an effort for Evelyn and Leo.

"Tonight, I’ll make them happy," he whispered.

Then he reached into his pocket and took out a small box.

He opened it.

Inside lay a delicate necklace with a sparkling diamond pendant.

Ian gently brushed his thumb over the pendant, his gaze softening.

"I’m not as wealthy as your brother," he murmured. "But I poured all my love into this gift. I hope you’ll like it."

He carefully placed the box on the table.

The doorbell rang in the meantime.

His eyes lit up instantly. "They must be here."

He hurried to the door, his heart filling with anticipation at the thought of seeing Evelyn and Leo. But when he opened it, his smile faded.

A delivery boy stood outside.

"Sir, your parcel."

The man extended a box toward him.

Ian immediately remembered the wristwatch he had ordered for Leo.

"Thank you."

He accepted the package and closed the door.

After unwrapping it, he opened the box and took out the watch.

It was a sleek, sporty watch with a dark blue dial and a sturdy black strap. It looked stylish, perfect for a young boy.

A smile spread across Ian’s face as he remembered Leo mentioning that he wanted a watch the last time they had met.

"He will love it," he said with confidence.

He carried the watch back to the dining table and placed the box beside the necklace. Then he sat down and checked the time.

It was almost half past eight.

His brows furrowed slightly. "Why aren’t they here yet?" he wondered.

Uneasiness crept into his heart, but he quickly pushed it aside.

"Maybe she is still in her office. After all, she just started her business here."

He stood up. "I’ll go freshen up first."

He strode toward his room.

Several minutes later, he emerged wearing a tailored navy-blue suit. He looked handsome and impeccably groomed, but there was something boyish in the anticipation shining in his gray eyes as he glanced toward the door.

"They will be here in a while." He poured the wine into the glasses.

Then he poured a glass of fresh orange juice for Leo.

Sitting down, he drummed his fingers lightly against the table.

Five minutes passed, then ten.

His impatience grew. His gaze returned to the door, then to the wall clock.

9:00 p.m.

"Where are they? Why are they taking so long?" He stood up, walking up to the door.

Ian pushed his chair back and stood. He walked to the door and opened it, half hoping to see Evelyn’s car approaching the house.

But the driveway remained empty.

He stood there for a moment, staring toward the gate. He waited impatiently.

There was no movement.

Finally, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He dialed her.

The call went straight to voicemail.

A frown appeared between his brows.

He dialed again. This time, the call connected.

"Hello?"

Ian’s frown deepened the moment he heard music and laughter in the background.

"Where are you?" he asked, unable to hide the irritation in his voice.

He had invited her to dinner, yet she had gone somewhere else.

"Oh... I’m at Elias’s place," replied Evelyn.

Ian’s mouth fell open. "What are you doing there? You promised to bring Leo to my place and have dinner with me. Have you forgotten that?"

"Uh, I’m so sorry, Ian. Actually, Elena and Elias told me something that completely surprised me. Elena is carrying twins. She is pregnant..."

Her voice rose with delight.

"What?" Ian was speechless.

"When they asked me to have dinner with them, I couldn’t say no. I thought I’d call you and cancel, but then I completely forgot. I got busy with them."

Ian opened his mouth to respond, but no words came.

He didn’t know whether he should congratulate Elena or complain to Evelyn for not showing up.

"I am sorry. You are not mad at me, are you?"

"Evelyn... I cooked tonight," he rasped, his throat tightening.

He glanced toward the dining table.

The candles were still burning. The food was untouched. The necklace and Leo’s watch sat beside each other on the table.

"I thought we would spend the evening together. I waited for you and Leo."

"Oh, come on, Ian. Don’t be petty. It’s just one dinner. We can have it another time, can’t we? Elena and Elias are going to welcome their children. They are so happy, and I wanted to be here with them."

She paused briefly. "Now put the phone down. They are calling me."

"Wait..."

The line went dead.

"What?" Ian looked at the phone in disbelief.

It was the first time Evelyn had ever hung up on him.

For years, Evelyn had never stopped texting him. She would check on him every hour, asking what he was doing and whether he had eaten. She would remind him to rest after surgery and not immediately return to his rounds to check on his patients.

If he didn’t answer her messages, she would call.

And he...

He had never cared about her texts or calls.

He used to dismiss her impatiently, telling her to put the phone down. Back then, he had thought she was bothering him.

Now, he missed those calls. He missed those messages. His mind drifted back to all the nights he had returned home late.

Every time, Evelyn had waited for him. She had waited with dinner on the table, wondering when he would come home.

Back then, he had never stopped to think about what she felt—the disappointment, loneliness, and hurt. He had ignored her countless times and made her wait for him over and over again.

And tonight...

Tonight, he had experienced only a glimpse of what Evelyn had endured for years. Yet even that small glimpse was enough to make his chest ache.

He finally understood how unbearable that pain must have been.

Ian lowered his head.

"I now know what she went through," he mumbled under his breath.

A bitter smile curled his lips. "You deserve it, Ian. You are an idiot. You hurt her for years, and now you expect her to forget everything and take you back?"

He shrugged. "She is not forgiving you. She won’t..."