Between Responsibility and Desire

Chapter 1

As Evelyn Wren stared at the sleek Audi pulling up in front of her house, a wave of despair washed over her. Percival Hart was here to pick her up again!

Since he had promised to take responsibility for her future, he had made it a point to come by almost every day. This all began one fateful night when her brother returned home from abroad. That evening, in a drunken haze, she had been sent home by Percival, and when she woke up the next day, whispers of a tangled relationship between her and Percival filled the air.

She was certain that nothing had actually happened between them, but no matter how fast she ran to dispel the growing rumors, her efforts seemed futile; she was simply too exhausted to clarify the situation. Part of her reluctance to speak out stemmed from a vivid dream she'd had that night—a dream in which Percival was the leading man. What exactly had transpired that night had slipped from her memory, but she was sure of one thing: she hadn’t taken advantage of him.

In public, Percival was polite and formal, and given the rumors swirling around, he confidently declared that he would be responsible for her from now on. Today marked the third time in a row he had shown up at her doorstep to fulfill that promise. Evelyn felt as though she had been struck by lightning, rendering her unable to move as she watched the unmistakably luxurious car pace itself in front of her.

As Percival lowered the window, his icy gaze swept over her, and Evelyn felt smaller under his indifferent but intensely attractive features. His dark eyes, like deep pools, held a magnetism that made her pulse quicken. Yet, determined to sever any ties and rumors, Evelyn decided she wouldn’t take the bait.

“Thanks, Percival, but my brother will drive me to school,” she replied with a sweet smile, feigning innocence.

“Dorian just left five minutes ago,” Percival said, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “He insisted I pick you up.”

Evelyn felt a surge of indignation. How could her brother betray her like this? Helping out a total stranger at her expense—not the kind of brotherly behavior she expected. The thought of being stranded here, with Percival looming over her like a hawk, was daunting. What was she supposed to do? Get in the car?

“Great,” she muttered sarcastically, glancing at the impressive Audi. More attention wasn’t what she needed. After all, she had a class with her favorite professor, Stephen Rockwell, today, and missing it was not an option.

“Evelyn, if you don’t get in soon, you’ll be late,” Percival said coolly, a hint of amusement ghosting his lips.

Gritting her teeth, she realized she was running out of choices. Reluctantly, she climbed into the car, the silence nearly suffocating.

The atmosphere inside felt strained and awkward. To lighten things up, Percival turned on the radio, but an unexpected powerful female voice burst out, slicing through the tension: “I see the moon, shining bright...” He quickly switched it off, his brow furrowed.

After a moment, Evelyn steeled herself and spoke up, “You don’t have to play nice. There’s nothing between us; it’s like forcing a sweet fruit that’s not ripe. Did my brother put you up to this? You really shouldn’t take what he says to heart; he’s got a temper but he’ll calm down eventually.”

“I would marry anyone, and it would be the same,” Percival said, fixing her with a serious gaze that stilled her thoughts. “But since this situation has occurred, Evelyn Wren, I need to take responsibility.”

His words struck her like a bolt of lightning, causing her heart to race in a mixture of panic and excitement.

Chapter 2

Evelyn Wren understood Percival Hart’s intentions, especially considering that he naturally defaulted to her being responsible for their relationship. However, she felt a wave of irritation wash over her. Percival was great, but he wasn't her ideal partner; she had someone else in mind to marry. And right now—at this point in their relationship—it all felt too antiquated. Nothing significant had happened between them, and she didn’t feel any obligation to take responsibility. The most important component of their connection should be their feelings for each other.

And frankly, she had a crush on someone else.

Thinking about her longtime crush, the talented Cecilia Winters, made Evelyn want to confide in Percival. But as soon as she looked into his eyes, the words caught in her throat. His presence was overwhelming; she didn't have the courage to express herself. Percival’s sudden appearance in her life had completely disorganized her thoughts, and she spent the entire day trying to figure out how to tell him she didn’t want him to feel responsible for her.

While lost in thought, her best friend Lydia Sweet messaged her. Lydia had been by her side for years and knew all too well about the people and things Evelyn cared about.

Lydia asked if she was going to cheer for Cecilia at the basketball game that afternoon. Cecilia Winters was a star athlete at their school, the top-ranked player on the campus forum. He was tall, charming, and had even starred in a short film and posed for magazine covers. He was something of a campus idol.

Rumor had it that his family wasn’t wealthy, and he worked as a model to cover his tuition. That independence was precisely why Evelyn admired him—she had seen too many privileged kids acting out because they had money, while those like Cecilia stood out for their determination. There was no way she could miss cheering for him in today’s match. But when she stepped out of class and saw that familiar Audi, her heart sank.

Percival seemed to have taken his responsibilities seriously and wanted to escort her home after every single class? How was she supposed to pursue her crush under these circumstances? The excruciating embarrassment of their encounter that morning made her cringe. She turned to Lydia, and they snuck out through a side door, to which Lydia joked, “Evelyn! What’s with the stealth? Did you run into a loan shark?”

Evelyn nodded vigorously; in her mind, Percival Hart was just that—a loan shark to her heart. At Knight’s Court, the teenage crowd buzzed with excitement, exuberant arms raised in cheers. The weather was gorgeous, a gentle breeze blowing through the sunny sky, lifting her spirits. Evelyn felt a thrill; she was about to see her crush again.

Cecilia was wearing a bright green T-shirt that day, paired with autumn-colored joggers—it accentuated his sunny disposition even further. But what truly captivated her was the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled.

During halftime, Evelyn eagerly approached him with the water bottle she had prepared beforehand. When he saw her, he flashed a warm smile that sent her heart racing. He took the bottle from her well-manicured hands, unscrewed the cap, and tilted his head back to take a long swig. The sight of him, the movement of his throat, the masculine air he exuded, made her forget everything else. After drinking, he casually wiped his mouth, his bright eyes locking with Evelyn’s as he smiled again and asked, “Hey, little sugar, you came early today?”

“Would I miss a second of our star’s game?” was all Evelyn could manage, her heart pounding as she flashed him a goofy grin.

Desperate to get closer, she put on her best fan attitude. She had even checked out the players on the opposing team—today’s game was a friendly match against a local business team. But when she spotted Percival on the opposing side, she froze for half a minute. What were the odds? How was he everywhere she turned?

Realizing she needed to stay under the radar before Percival caught on, Evelyn retreated to a corner of the court. As the game progressed, she couldn't bring herself to cheer for Cecilia like usual.

Lydia quickly noticed Evelyn's change in behavior, questioning her repeatedly. Unable to hide her feelings any longer, Evelyn confided in Lydia about her complicated relationship with Percival. After hearing her story, Lydia was astonished. “Wait, did you actually get drunk and do something crazy with him?”

“Shh!” Evelyn stomped her foot, “I’m a respectable person! I was just tired when I ended up passing out. Those are just rumors spread by the gossip queens.”

As more chatter filled the air around them, the excitement loomed, and while secrets swirled among friends, Evelyn's heart remained light as she eagerly awaited the next moment with her crush.

Chapter 3

“Shh!” Evelyn Wren stamped her foot lightly. “Keep it down, will you? I’m a respectable person! I passed out cold after one too many drinks. All those rumors? Just gossip from busybodies.”

“Looks like Arthur scored himself a good-looking guy then?” Lydia Sweet craned her neck to sneak a peek at Percival Hart across the gym, marveling, “He’s got more charm than Cecilia Winters, that’s for sure. Taller and definitely more handsome. Why do you dislike him so much?”

“Ugh, it’s not that I dislike him — he’s just not my type. He’s so cold; I’d feel like I’d catch ‘awkward cancer’ in the same room. And don’t get me started on the House of South! You know the stories about all those high-society families. Rumor has it that they’re full of dirty secrets. I definitely don’t want to end up in Lady Wren's cage!”

In their social circle, marrying for show was as common as breathing. For these couples, it was more of a business partnership than a romantic relationship. Marriage was simply a contractual arrangement, not a covenant of love. Evelyn vowed she would never tolerate such a ‘respectful but icy’ union.

Upon hearing this, Lydia let out a sigh, deciding not to press the issue further. Being Evelyn’s close friend, she understood that these feelings likely stemmed from traumatic experiences in her past. Those shadows loomed large, leaving Evelyn with a belief that social status brought nothing but misery, always romanticizing the tenacity of the less fortunate. Yet, could the economically disadvantaged truly possess that fierce spirit? Lydia didn’t fully agree, but she knew changing her friend’s mindset would take time, so she resorted to gentle persuasion.

But she couldn’t shake the feeling that Cecilia’s gaze towards Evelyn held too many ulterior motives. That needy glimmer in those eyes worried her, and despite having tried to warn her friend, if Evelyn was enamored, all Lydia could do was begrudgingly offer her ‘support.’ If Cecilia ever treated her friend poorly, Lydia would ensure consequences followed.

As a break in the game approached, Lydia teased, “Isn’t it time to deliver water to your crush?”

Evelyn’s mouth twitched uneasily as she glanced towards Percival Hart, lowering her voice. “I think I’ll wait until after the game to go over!” She had gone to great lengths to prepare herself, doing her makeup to look her best in front of him, drastically different from her bare-skinned self. Anyone could recognize her, but what if he caught on to her nerves?

Caught in her own whirlpool of anxiety and dread, Evelyn finally endured until the game wrapped up. The teams ended in a tie, and as twilight descended, the event came to a close. Heart racing, she approached to hand Percival a bottle of water that was nearly too warm to drink.

As fate would have it, just when she was about to make her move, Percival Hart—now dressed casually and emptying out his locker—strolled over with his teammates, his expression calm and unreadable. His sharp gaze seemed to penetrate the air, and as he caught sight of the crowd cheering around him, he held onto the world, blissfully unbothered.

Curious onlookers had already begun digging into Percival’s background, a stampede surging their way towards him. However, they found themselves halted in their tracks by the chill emanating from his steely gaze. Evelyn pretended to pay him no mind, her emotions a jumble. There was a significant age gap between her and him. At that moment, he looked as if he had lived an entire lifetime before her.

The sound of "The Moonlight" by a famous local band echoed in her mind, leading her to turn away awkwardly. At just that moment, Percival’s gaze flicked towards her, causing her heart to skip a beat as his eyes met hers—a pair so deep and dark they seemed to absorb all light.

In that instant, an old saying surfaced in her mind, ringing like a bell.

Chapter 4

“Your eyes are like a crystal-clear spring, and I wish I could dive in right at the tip of your nose, but I can't swim.”

At that moment, she felt as if she had plunged straight into the depths of his gaze, frozen in place. Percival Hart cracked a smile, and at that instant, she finally broke free from his eyes. He recognized her? He actually recognized her?

Evelyn Wren cursed softly under her breath. To avoid him, she had deliberately donned a hoodie and layered on heavy makeup; how could he still identify her? Her scalp began to prickle with anxiety. Seeing her pallor, Cecilia Winters, who was on her way to the gym, approached and gently asked, “Evelyn, are you okay?”

The soft voice was just enough to catch Percival Hart's attention as he brushed past them.

Percival Hart paused for a heartbeat, then continued on. Evelyn felt her whole body stiffen; it was a gut-wrenching sensation as if she had narrowly escaped a crisis. She was a bundle of nerves because of Percival Hart, so much so that she couldn't focus on the basketball team dinner. After saying goodbye to her best friend, Lydia Sweet, she hurried to the bus stop, but her phone rang just as she got there.

She hesitated when she saw the caller ID, but after a moment’s bravery, she pressed the button to answer. “Hey, it's Percival…”

“Don't call me that.” His voice held a lingering softness but shifted slightly after she used the informal address.

“Oh... what should I call you then?” She was confused; it had always been this way before. “There's a super popular show with a lead character named Percival…”

The silence on the other end indicated her words had landed awkwardly; she mentally chided herself for even bringing it up. After a moment of silence, Percival's voice drifted through again, softer this time. "I'm by Rainbow Bridge Station. Come over, I'll give you a ride home."

Evelyn Wren responded with a meek “Okay,” turning to head toward Rainbow Bridge Station. The station was just across the alley, yet she felt like she was walking a million miles. Meeting someone you liked made every journey seem too short, while running into Percival Hart made it feel like an eternity.

She felt a mix of trepidation and guilt toward Percival Hart. When she finally spotted him, he leaned casually against a sleek black Aston Martin, dressed in all black, looking effortlessly cool. His long legs caught the attention of passersby—girls would steal glances, blushing every time.

“Percival... Hart... um, big brother?” She added the last part awkwardly—after all, he was older than her by five years. The title felt strange, yet it rolled off her tongue despite her hesitation.

This time, he didn't reply immediately, his gaze sweeping over her with a hint of curiosity. Evelyn quickly picked up her pace, scampering into the car. Once inside, she caught sight of his basketball jersey carelessly tossed in the back seat. Just thinking about the court filled her cheeks with heat.

Percival closed the door behind her, and without a word, reached over to buckle her seatbelt, his hair brushing against her face, leaving a lingering scent of his shampoo. She unconsciously took in a deep breath, realizing her cheeks were warming again.

As they drove, Percival’s gaze fell to her bare legs before he frowned and smoothly retrieved a jacket from the passenger seat, offering it to her. “It's a little chilly, here, cover up.”

“Uh, okay...” She took it, a bit dazed, draping it over her legs as if it could shield her from the heat radiating from her flushed face.

“Is the guy you were with earlier your boyfriend?” Percival’s low and husky voice broke through her flustered thoughts, sending shivers down her spine.

“Well, not quite yet. I hope he can be…” Evelyn offered a tight smile, pulling her focus back to the conversation. “You’ve got to stay composed, Wren! Don’t let your feelings show!” A little voice in her head screamed.

“Future possibilities, hmm?” His voice trailed, curiosity evident in his tone as he caught the crimson flush on her cheeks. He smirked slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Does Dorian Wren know?”

“If he finds out, I'm dead meat. Percival…”

Chapter 5

“Please, don’t say anything to my brother,” she pleaded softly, her voice tinged with desperation. Dorian Wren knew that if her parents found out, the entire world would soon know. It would spread like wildfire, and the image of her friend Cecilia Winters’ tragic end haunted her mind. Evelyn Wren felt a chill run down her spine.

She softened her stance, mixing a playful charm with a hint of vulnerability. Percy Hart raised an eyebrow, his usual icy demeanor melting just a little, as if cracks were forming in a thousand-year-old glacier. “Sure, I can keep it quiet—but what’s in it for me?”

“What’s in it for you?” she stammered, caught off guard by his directness. This was unlike him. “You want something? Just promise you won’t tell, and I’d do anything!” But she hesitated; this was Percy, after all. What if he got carried away and brought up responsibilities? She wouldn’t know where to turn if that happened.

Seeing her anxious expression, Percy decided not to press further. “Let’s just say the favor can wait for later,” he said, veering off from the heavy topic. Evelyn exhaled a silent sigh of relief, grateful he hadn’t asked her for something outrageous. With her cheeks slightly flushed, she felt an unexpected warmth creeping up.

As her heart settled, the thought that Percy might genuinely care about her surfaced in her mind. Maybe his so-called sense of responsibility was just talk? A sarcastic smile crept onto her lips—a touch of irony at the thought that true love even existed in their circle. She scrunched her nose playfully yet instinctively, aware that her fleeting expressions had become a landscape for him. Shaking off the weird thoughts, she was jolted back to reality when she noticed the car had stopped outside her home.

Dorian Wren was watering the garden below when he spotted his sister step out of Percy’s car, her legs bare and adorned with inappropriate makeup. The anger flooding his face could not be concealed. With his veins popping, he lifted the half-full watering can and splashed it onto Percy. “Where’s my sister? Did you drag her here? This woman, made up like a streetwalker, how dare you bring her to my house? I thought you were supposed to take responsibility?”

As the water splattered on Percy, a few droplets hit Evelyn’s face, leaving her momentarily frozen. Did her brother really just unleash that side of him? She was stunned. Streetwalker? Was he talking about her?

Dorian cast a cold stare at Evelyn, his expression dripping with disdain. Percy’s hair dripped wet but he stood unaffected, exuding an aura of a sultry figure emerging from the steam, yet shuddering with an icy chill that made Evelyn step forward swiftly. “It’s me, I’m Evelyn!” she insisted. She was proud of her makeup skills but didn’t think they could throw her brother into confusion. Determined, she told herself to master her makeup skills even more—to at least be recognized as more than a woman of leisure.

“...”

Dorian’s expression shifted to one of unbelievable shock as if he were struck by a palette of vibrant colors. He awkwardly chuckled, shaking his head at her, “Evelyn? You're putting on quite the act, aren’t you?”

“Brother, it really is me! Remember how in school you had a crush on your best friend’s girl? You borrowed Mom’s heirloom bracelet to charm her, and guess who had to take the heat from Dad when he found out? You! And what about that time in middle school when you rented a, um, not-so-appropriate movie and Dad found out? He literally spanked you till you were red!”

The memory sparked laughter between them, breaking the tension and showcasing the warm bond that lay beneath their sibling rivalry.

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