Chapter 74: She is Alive
The next day held a mixture of hope and apprehension for everyone While Annabelle’s pregnancy wreaked havoc on Sophia’s life, Evelyn was on her way to uncover the truth about her real parents—or so she believed.
Damien parked the car in a narrow alley, with John pulling up their car right behind him. They all stepped out onto the damp, grimy street, where the smell hit them immediately. Avery wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Are you sure it’s here?" she muttered, earning a sharp look from Damien and his assistant, who had worked their ass off tracking down this place.
Zevian squeezed Evelyn’s hand reassuringly. "I’m right here with you," he whispered, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Evelyn clung to his arm, her heart pounding as Damien’s assistant led them through the narrow, crowded street. Small, single-story houses lined the alley, and the buzz of the crowd mixed with the occasional bark of a stray dog or the oinking of a pig.
"Oh look, Damien! We found your twin!" Avery quipped, pointing at a large pig snuffling its way down the road.
Damien’s assistant snorted out loud, only to shut up when Damien shot him a glare. "That looks more like your husband from a past life," Damien retorted, his tone dry but tinged with a smirk.
Their banter brought a fleeting smile to Evelyn’s lips. Seeing the tension ease in her friend, Avery continued teasing Damien, pointing out a dog and claiming it must be one of his ancestors. The lighthearted exchange continued until they reached an old brick house at the end of the street, beside a small, cluttered bookstore.
Damien’s assistant stepped forward and greeted the middle-aged woman behind the counter. The woman quickly rose, her gaze darting to Evelyn as Griffin explained their visit from the night before.
"Yes, please, come inside!" Reema said, leading them through the store and into the house. The main door creaked as she opened it, revealing a small, worn-out living room. Griffin and John stayed outside to guard the entrance while the others filed in, settling on the tattered couch. Damien opted to stand, his presence looming protectively over the group.