Eleven Years All to the Wrong Man novel Chapter 267

After dropping off Emma and Mrs. Hayes, Evan didn't head straight back to Kingsbridge Park. He went to the office first.

By the time he finished up his work, he was surprised to see it was already past midnight. His call log showed three missed calls, and he had two unread messages.

One was from three hours ago, the other from half an hour ago. Both were from Melissa, asking if he was still coming home for dinner.

Evan shot up from his chair. He had completely forgotten telling Melissa that morning that he’d be home for dinner.

He checked the time: 12:03 AM.

Evan shut down his computer and left the office. While waiting for the elevator, he dialed Melissa's number.

“I’m so sorry, Melissa. Something came up at work, and I had to stay late. I’m on my way back now.”

“Okay…”

After hanging up, Evan stepped into the elevator. As it descended to the parking garage, a female employee who had also been working late rushed back toward the elevator, having forgotten her keys. She bumped right into him.

A strong wave of perfume washed over him, and her hair brushed against his shoulder.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Cooper.”

“It’s fine.”

Evan thought nothing of it, stepped out of the elevator, and got into his car.

It was nearly one in the morning by the time he reached Kingsbridge Park. A police checkpoint on the freeway had caused some delays.

Ever since she had truly angered Evan with a petty tantrum, Melissa had become much more cautious. She was always a bit timid and eager to please around him, especially when they were on the verge of an argument.

“You’re not angry?”

Evan leaned down, bringing his face close to hers, and looked into her eyes. “If you’re not angry, why do you look like you’re about to cry?” he asked, his voice soft and indulgent.

Melissa had wanted to keep up the act, to avoid crying in front of him and annoying him again, but she couldn’t control it. Her lower lip trembled, and a tear silently escaped, tracing a path down her cheek.

“I… I thought… you weren’t coming back…” she murmured, her head bowed, her voice choked with emotion.

Her words softened him. Evan reached out and pulled her into his arms. “Shh, it’s okay. Of course I was coming back. You’re here waiting for me. I’ll always come back…”

As he said those words, Evan suddenly froze. Something flashed in his mind, and a wave of familiarity washed over him.