Long drives never failed to calm Evelyn down. The day her eyes fell on her father's land rover discovery, she knew that's what she wanted. After what seemed like an eternity of hard work, it finally seemed to pay off. She was able to get her own and that day was like no other.

Perhaps that was why she chose to hit the roads, leaving behind trails of stress and confusion. It wasn't part of the routine but maybe it should have been. She had never felt as free as she did at that moment, hitting the accelerator with no care in the world.

Of course, it didn't last long. An hour later, it was already seven thirty p.m and she knew she had to get home.

Reluctantly, she turned away from the promise of a good time that stood in front of her and scurried home, with not a minute to spare for it turned eight the moment she arrived.

She took off her black boots, one further from the other as she fell onto the couch with a sigh. Her eyes fell on the white shoulder bag that was tucked away in the corner and knew Noah had returned before she had.

At least with him around I won't have time to worry, she thought, and as if on cue, he exited their room to meet her in the living room.

"Great, your back!" he exclaimed with a smile on his face.

"Why, did you have any plans?" Evelyn asked.

"I said we should go out, don't you remember?" he asked questioningly.

"And I told you I was busy," Evelyn said sternly.

"Well, are you still busy?" he asked. Evelyn looked at his eyes, the hope lingering behind them. Presently, all she wanted was to stretch her legs and drift into sleep but the look on Noah's face challenged her.

It was easier to say no earlier in the morning, it was easier to express her annoyance at him instead of the people she was vexed towards.

But today changed everything. The single encounter, even though it may have failed with Levi, lightened her mood and made up for everything else. It was a greater challenge than she expected, but she wasn't one to back down.

Keeping all things in mind, she spoke warily, "Not precisely. Give me ten minutes, I'll be ready."

As she hurried to her room, she could see a huge grin form on Noah's face from the corner of her eye and unexpectantly, she found herself smiling too.

⋆ ★⋆

Sitting around the circular, glass table, she felt like a rebel. Going out for dinner was by no means a crime, but that being the most rebellious thing she'd ever done was a shame.

Well, maybe not the most, but it was in the second rank. After all, what could top her biggest scandal from all those years ago? 

After her life was given back to her, she realized it was hanging by a thread. From then on, she started being the most obedient girl; the golden child, who did nothing but focus on her studies and her career.

It felt as if she was setting herself free.

"It's been so long since we got out of the routine," Noah said as he sipped the cup of red wine. He looked at Evelyn, waiting for a response.

"Well, you know how it is," she mumbled as she stuffed the fat burger into her mouth.

"Did you hear about the fire?" Noah asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Yes, I did. Briefly," she said, unwilling to reveal anything just yet.

"I heard some guys at work say it's some rich old man's son who's behind it," Noah said, "They think they can get away with everything."

Evelyn could feel herself get defensive, "We don't really know what happened."

"I suppose so. Hey, do you want to do something fun after? You didn't get dressed like a mutineer for no reason," he said with a tiny smirk.

Evelyn looked at herself and felt herself smile for the second time in a long time. He was right; she'd bought the leopard-printed jacket months ago but never found the opportunity. She looked just as great as ever but it was more than that; she felt herself shine.

That only made her more determined to get Levi to speak up; not for him but for herself. Even the thought of taking his case sounded exciting which is why she wasn't going to let this one go.

She was going to accept Noah's offer when suddenly, something caught her eye.

She saw a man seat himself on a table in the corner - a table for two. His face was unmistakably Levi's.

Her heart jumped as she blurted out the first thing that came to her mind, "Work- I have work."

"Huh?" Noah questioned, visibly confused. 

Evelyn took a second to collect herself before speaking again, "I think I saw this girl, a potential client who I've been trying to get a hold of for a week."

"But you're off work!" Noah exclaimed, rubbing his forehead in annoyance.

"I know but this really can't wait!" she said and looking at Noah's hurt expression, she added, "I'm sorry! You should wait by the car, I will be there soon."

Noah nodded lightly and let his head drop as he turned away. Evelyn's feelings were mixed. She didn't want to hurt Noah but it had to wait. Levi was outside, which may mean he was in a better mood, maybe he'd speak up.

There were too many variables and only one way to find the constant. Ask him.

She walked up to his table swiftly and plopped herself down onto the chair facing him.

"Hello there!" she said with a smile, hoping the unprofessionalism will make him open up. 

He looked at her with shock and lowered his face, "What are you doing here?"

"I came here for dinner and saw you sitting alone. Waiting for someone?" she asked, trying to start a small conversation.

"Yes. Now if you'll excuse me," he said, lifting himself from the table. In a matter of hopelessness, Evelyn grasped his arm.

"If you were right when you said they suspected you, you can't run away from the truth for long; sit down."

"Can we not do this now? Please?" he asked, his voice cracking when he uttered the word please.

"Do not delay it. You're probably running out of time and you don't even know it," Evelyn said, staring down at him, her gaze sharper than a blade.

"But I told you everything-" he protested.

"You and I both know that's a load of bullshit. Tell me what really happened and I will help you," she said.

He stared at his shoes, hiding his face from Evelyn. She couldn't be sure but it seemed as though his lips were trembling. Her heart reached out to him but she deemed it best to give him a few seconds.

He rubbed his eyes and faced her, the fear on his face morphed Evelyn's stoic expression into a frown. There was so much vulnerability, and guilt took over her.

He was trying to forget what he did and move on, but she intercepted it.

"You know what, I shouldn't have sprung up like that. Just know I'm available on the number I called you if you need anything," she said, looking at him one more time for a change of heart.

She stood up and took her phone out to text Noah that she was on her way when she heard Levi speak up.

"I'm sorry, you're right. I don't know what to do, it's like everything changed in a matter of few seconds and I know it's my fault but I can't accept I just did that I swear I didn't mean to it just happened and now I'm worried sick, everyone knows it wasn't an accident because of my stupid mistake and now I'm trapped and I-" Levi spoke quickly and breathlessly, his tone filled with fear. Evelyn put her palm on his shoulder, waiting for him to calm down.

"It's okay Levi, I am going to help you," she said, nodding at him.

He looked at the floor as he mumbled the words he never thought he would.

"I did start the fire."