Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 35 – Confronting the Past

Evelyn's gaze flickered toward her parents once more. They stood near the entrance, awkward and uncertain, so out of place amidst the well-dressed art crowd.

The years of silence between them stretched like an unspoken barrier, yet here they were, at her exhibition.

Mia nudged her gently.

"You don't have to talk to them, Ev. But if you want to, we've got your back."

Adrian nodded.

"No pressure. Just know that whatever you do, we're here."

Evelyn swallowed hard. A part of her wanted to pretend they weren't there. But another part—a more profound, braver—knew this moment had been coming.

With a deep breath, she stepped forward.

---

**A Difficult Conversation**

As Evelyn approached, her mother turned first, her face a mixture of nerves and something else—something Evelyn struggled to place. Her father shifted, his gaze falling to the polished floor.

"Evelyn,"

her mother said softly, the name foreign on her lips after so long.

She hesitated.

"What are you doing here?"

Her father cleared his throat, his voice rough.

"We saw your name in the event listings. We... wanted to see your work."

Evelyn searched their faces for some hidden motive. In the past, every interaction had been filled with criticism, disappointment, or cold silence.

And yet, tonight, they had shown up. Not out of obligation, but because they had chosen to.

She took a breath.

"Did you like it?"

Her mother hesitated before nodding.

"It's... beautiful."

Her father, the reserved man, simply said,

"You did well."

Evelyn expected anger to rise in her chest, or resentment for all the years they had ignored her dreams. But instead, all she felt was exhaustion.

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She had spent so long waiting for their approval, longing for words they had never given her. And now, as she stood before them, she realized she didn't need it anymore.

She had built a life for herself. A good one. One filled with people who supported and loved her unconditionally.

"I appreciate you coming,"

she said, her voice steady.

"But I don't need your validation. I know my worth now."

Her mother blinked, looking as though she wanted to say more.

But Evelyn didn't wait. She turned and walked back toward Adrian and Mia, leaving the past where it belonged—behind her.

---

**A New Chapter Begins**

The exhibition ended on a high note. Evelyn spoke with art collectors, professors, and fellow artists, soaking in every moment.

She had never felt more alive, more certain that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

As she stepped outside the gallery, the cool night air kissed her skin. Adrian and Mia flanked her sides, Sophia trailing a few steps behind.

Adrian grinned.

"So, what's next for the great Evelyn Carter?"

She exhaled, glancing up at the star-filled sky.

"I don't know. But for the first time, I'm excited to find out."

Mia linked her arm through Evelyn's.

"Whatever it is, we'll be right there with you."

Adrian threw an arm over her shoulder.

"And next time, I'm charging you for my emotional support services."

Evelyn laughed, shaking her head. She had spent so long fearing the future, but now—now, she was ready.

As they walked down the quiet streets, laughter echoing in the night, Evelyn smiled.

She was finally free.