Elevator stopped 2 floors down, so she took the stairs but froze upon hearing husband talking above

Eva ran out of the apartment in a hurry she had overslept and was late for work it was good that Ted was so thoughtful while his beloved was panicking looking for her things and tidying herself up after a nap he made her coffee and a hot sandwich with cheese ham and tomato the way she liked it Eva took a bite on the run there was an important meeting today and she couldn't be late she kissed Ted goodbye as always he gently put his arm around her waist looking into her eyes with that Goosebump inducing gaze

of his he wished her a good day he had to go to work later so he wasn't in any hurry Eva smiled at her lover and slipped out of the apartment Ted had once been her salvation her comfort and still was always cheering her up supporting her finding the right and important words with him Eva felt easy and calm she almost forgot to think about Cooper he now had his own life their paths had diverged Eva quickly ran down the stairs not waiting for the elevator it was always busy at this time of day in

the apartment building with so many neighbors walking would be faster but in the parking lot behind the apartment building Eva suddenly realized she had mixed up the day the important meeting wasn't today but tomorrow tomorrow she stopped struck by this thought like a thunderbolt that's right it had been rescheduled that's why she'd set her alarm for later she hadn't overslept after all Eva kicked a pebble in front of her as if it were to blame glancing at her watch the woman realized she still had plenty of time to return home she could have a quiet

coffee with Ted and talk about his treatment the though Ted didn't like to discuss the subject often trying to change the conversation topic it was important to Eva to know what awaited them he was her closest person and everything that happened to him affected her directly fortunately his condition seemed to be improving Ted's treatment had required significant money some he found on his own and Eva offered the rest from the bottom of her heart she would have done even more to help him Ted accepted gratefully promising to repay everything once he recovered he never detailed

his diagnosis only mentioning it was a genetic heart condition the treatment was effective but expensive thankfully Eva stepped in to help she had money a decent amount in her bank account Eva earned well as a lawyer in an oil company her father had secured her the position right after University she couldn't have gotten such a coveted role without experience and connections but Eva had proven herself working hard and learning quickly never shying away from any task she'd earned her reputation as a conscientious specialist what led her to subsequent promotion yes Eva had everything she needed

for a prosperous life first a loving family her parents with whom she maintained warm friendly relation Eva knew they would never leave her in trouble and this security gave her confidence and strength for further achievements second after University her father had given his only daughter an apartment in a prestigious area of the city but at first Eva hadn't rushed to move in preferring to live with her parents for now she disliked being alone initially her father's gift of a beautiful stylishly furnished apartment had delighted her she'd even jumped for Joy when he handed her the

keys but later that apartment played an unpleasant role in her life something Eva preferred not to remember now she and Ted shared a rented apartment they split the payment and household expenses well almost split them truth be told Eva contributed more but that's just how things worked out she had a good job with stable income while Ted worked in construction his earnings fluctuating with the number and size of projects Eva feared most repeating what happened with kooper she didn't want to lose Ted the same way that's why she tried not to emphasize financial matters Ted

had a simpler attitude toward everything easygoing was probably the best way to describe his personality and Eva loved that about him Eva called the elevator and pressed the button anticipating a quick meeting with her beloved Ted would definitely be happy to see her his eyes always lit up with a special fire when they met the elevator stopped too quickly the doors slid apart revealing a bold number five painted on the wall Eva was on the fifth floor while her apartment was on the eighth the woman decisively stepped out she wouldn't continue by elevator walking would

be better the elevator in their building had been problematic lately either getting stuck between floors or like now stopping on the wrong floor taking the stairs was safer and healthier As Eva started climbing she suddenly heard Ted's voice he was talking to someone on the landing presumably on the phone since there was no other voice Eva decided to surprise her lover by sneaking up and jumping out onto the landing Ted loved such pranks but then Eva heard something that made her stop and listen Ted said something that couldn't be ignored Eva froze she found herself

hanging on every word her lover spoke the meaning was difficult to grasp since she couldn't hear the other person but that unknown participant seemed to be trying to dissuade Ted from some plan Ted argued resisted and proved his point revealing new facts that made Eva's blood run cold it felt like a dream too real to be true yet there was no denying what was happening there he was standing on the landing saying these terrible things when the conversation ended Ted slammed the door and disappeared into their apartment Eva couldn't go home not now she needed

time to think to figure out what to do next her legs gave way and she sank onto a step not caring about her light colored dress pants she remembered meeting Ted at a local Rock Bar where her friends had taken her to lift her spirits after cooper cooper Eva had thought their feelings were real sincere strong and deep everything pointed to it though they hadd known each other since high school their romance began in their third year of University Eva studied at a prestigious law faculty while Cooper pursued engineering he had always excelled in mathematics

and had a passion for physics to Eva these subjects were like hieroglyphics Cooper had helped her countless times with tests and homework she'd always thought him nice if somewhat shy and modest then one day Eva learned Cooper had long harbored feelings for her but never dared Express them this Revelation surprised Eva she'd never noticed his confession touched her heart warmth washed over Eva making her dizzy as she smiled she loved everything he said and the way he looked at her his gaze was full of love admiration and devotion when they started dating everything seemed perfect

Eva discovered new sides to kooper and fell deeper in love he was reliable caring loving sensitive and capable raised by a single mother he had shouldered adult responsibilities from an early age this had shaped him into a mature intell ENT and kind man Eva often witnessed his helpfulness he'd assist others unprompted seeing needs and meeting them naturally he was simply who he was whether pushing A stranger's stored car or helping with heavy bags he did it all effortlessly and without waiting for reciprocation Cooper treated Eva with tender care always anticipating her needs he frequently expressed

his love their relationship seemed perfect except for one thing it didn't happen immediately the changes crept in gradually at first Eva tried to ignore it but as time passed it became increasingly difficult the root of it all lay in their vastly different Financial situations Eva came from a wealthy family right after graduation she landed a job with an excellent salary and owned both an apartment and a beautiful car all gifts from her parents at her age she couldn't have earned these things herself Cooper's life was different he grew up without a father his mother working

as a cleaner from dawn until night she cleaned multiple buildings to support her children as the oldest with three younger sisters Cooper became their caretaker during his teenage years he started working at 13 taking whatever jobs he could find washing cars unloading trucks anything to help his mother during University he secured an internship at a design Bureau in his field after graduating he became a full-time employee but wasn't satisfied with his salary entry-level positions rarely paid well unless you had connections like Eva did Cooper couldn't provide Eva with the lifestyle she was accustomed to and

this weighed heavily on him but Eva didn't care about clubs restaurants or expensive things she understood What mattered most being with someone understanding and supportive someone who made her feel peaceful and safe that's what kooper gave her Eva wanted to show Cooper the world he had never traveled anywhere though she could easily afford trips for both of them he declined every offer even as a birthday present either I'm already struggling with that income difference are you trying to crush me completely Cooper would ask bitterly clearly uncomfortable Eva tried to ease the tension but her attempts

only made things worse Cooper's enjoyment of life was hampered by what Eva saw as an outdated belief that a man must be the provider no exceptions Cooper worked hard climbing the career ladder but in his mind his growing income was never enough however despite this one source of tension they were happy together they met almost every evening taking walks sharing their days and laughing together Cooper gradually became Eva's whole world she even stopped meeting her friends as none of them understood her the way he did their connection felt incredible later Eva would regret starting that

particular conversation knowing how sensitive such topics were that evening in the park Cooper was sharing news about a job offer a lower position at another company but with better pay in prospects he was hesitant to leave his current project unfinished Eva listened supportive assuring him she'd back any decision he made but her mind was elsewhere preparing to make an important proposal she had been considering for a while she wanted to live with Cooper to share their daily lives to care for each other they had been dating for a long time both adults yet still living

with their families dating like teenagers really Eva felt it was time to make a more mature step Cooper how do you feel about living together she finally asked she knew such proposals typically came from men but Cooper was focused on his career and business plans his mind seemed occupied with those serious matters rather than living arrangements I really want this she added Cooper stopped walking and gently took her face in his palms a tender gesture she loved that's wonderful I think about it too how good it would be to live together but now isn't the

right time I'm working on building a solid Financial foundation for our future family but I'm not ready yet and it's difficult for me to say this but Cooper I want to be with you all the time we're still dating like school children returning to our parents' house at night but we're adults I want more I can't rent an apartment right now Cooper lowered his eyes again he felt ashamed that he couldn't provide a dignified existence for himself and his beloved you know I'm saving every penny for my business now I have an idea if it

works out the profits will be more than decent and everything will be fine I don't want to be happy in some mythical future Eva pulled away from Cooper anger Rising within her she had thought her lover would support her idea why complicate everything by renting an apartment I have one beautiful large spacious just imagine how happy we'll be there your apartment your car your money Cooper said his temper flaring Eva realized she had hit his sour spot again but the words couldn't be taken back you're constantly reminding me who I am making me feel Unworthy

of you that's not true I love you you know that I just don't understand why we can't live together in my apartment now what's the big deal I don't want to feel like a freeloader living off a girl who's in love with me is that so challenging to understand I'm sick of you Eva was amazed at herself her frustration with kooper's principles had been building up and finally erupted I don't care about your money it doesn't matter at all it does matter Cooper shook his head his eyes filled with pain and sadness you know how

hard it is for me to overcome this financial barrier between us there is no barrier Eva shouted you've built these walls in your head and you don't even realize they're meaningless it is important a man has to be a provider has to provide for his family no those are outdated stereotypes no Cooper shook his head Eva was furious with him she wanted to shake these Antiquated ideas about gender rolls out of his head they were doing so well they loved each other understood each other supported each other Eva knew such relationships were rare and now

Cooper was destroying everything because of his outdated beliefs Eva Cooper looked into her eyes I realized long ago that I'm not worthy of you what nonsense what are you doing Eva blinked in confusion suddenly understanding this was serious this wasn't their usual quarrel that would blow over this was different I don't want to spoil your life you deserve more I don't know how my attempts to achieve something will end and you need to live now Cooper AA exclaimed grabbing his arm are you leaving me I'm just stepping aside he said lowering his eyes so you

can find someone better Eva was overwhelmed by emotion her vision blurring Cooper had said something Unthinkable he was leaving her all she'd wanted was to live together to feel like family he must have lied about everything she thought maybe he'd never truly loved me and this financial difference was just an excuse to leave because he was tired of me Eva felt the blood drain from her face and Cooper's expression turned to concern what's wrong are you ill you lied about your feelings pretended Eva managed to say fighting back tear when I suggested living together you

got scared of commitment and decided to break things off you're wrong I shut up you're nothing but a cheater and a traitor I never want to see or hear from you again I love you that's why I'm stepping aside believe me it's for your own good I'm failing I'm a loser stop lying you've been lying all along you wanted an easy relationship and as soon as it got serious you decided to run Eva could see her words were hurting Cooper he tried to explain himself but she wouldn't listen she hurled accusations without recognizing herself if

she were Cooper she would have left such a hysterical woman long ago but he stayed trying to calm her as if he cared not that it mattered he was still leaving her for her own good it ended with kooper holding Eva tightly until she calmed down then he apologized and called her a cab that was it over between them just like that strange and unexpected at least for Eva Cooper it seemed had been contemplating this breakup for a while Eva missed Cooper physically his smell his touch his voice it was fortunate she was on vacation

she simply couldn't work in such a state she lay in her room all day eating occasionally at her mother's insistence not even turning on the TV or picking up a book everything had suddenly ceased to interest her Cooper had said it would hurt them both yet he remained absolutely certain of his decision he sincerely believed Eva would be better off without him it was all because of his attitudes outdated irrational utterly stupid or perhaps he hadn't loved her that deeply who had she been to him before Eva thought Cooper considered her his closest and dearest

person now she wasn't sure at all most likely she had invented an ideal person an ideal relation ship overwhelming him with her love and care so he had crafted an excuse to leave I'm complex I'm not worthy of you Eva's girlfriends came to visit the very ones she had neglected for Cooper's sake they proved to be truly close friends supporting encouraging and trying to distract her good riddance Angela assured her he truly isn't worthy of you he knows he's a loser compared to you you'll find a million better men than Cooper Alex chimed in Eva

remained Silent not arguing she knew there wouldn't be a million Coopers there was only one eventually her friends managed to drag her to a bar despite her initial protests by then she had somewhat recovered from the shock of the breakup she had to come to terms with the fact that she and Cooper had no future it was difficult but but time heals and her girlfriends tried their best something Eva deeply appreciated through mutual acquaintances she learned that Cooper had thrown himself into work he was at a new company building a business he had become withdrawn

wasn't socializing and hadn't started dating anyone new strangely this pleased Eva it would have been harder if he'd left her for someone else that evening at the bar was Lively and crowded the friends first listened to the local rock band in the main hall before moving to the karaoke room the atmosphere felt like a house party people lounged on soft armchairs and comfortable Puffs enjoying themselves chatting and singing along with those at the microphone strangers chatted like old friends it had always been like this here the reason her friends loved this Rock Bar Eva nestled

in the corner of the room scanning the Crow for familiar faces her friends had stepped out to the smoking room for a while Eva stayed behind she only smoked when drinking and tonight she was driving she felt surprisingly good the soul pain ache had subsided somewhat and she even felt like dancing she thought about suggesting her friends head to a club later that's when Ted stepped up to the microphone though Eva didn't know his name yet he had bright eyes and a charming smile his gray fitted t-shirt faded jeans and sneakers suited him perfectly then

Ted began to sing it was a song about an unreachable Beauty who had captured a rocker's heart his voice was strong and pleasant though his pitch was completely off despite his poor pitch people loved his performance they sang along and clapped Ted kept catching Eva's eyes she realized he was singing Just for her dedicating the most heartfelt lines to her alone there was no mistaking it as the song ended he approached the stunned Eva and gracefully knelt before her like a knight it was beautiful and elegant people watched with interest Eva felt their gazes and

grew shy but the young man seemed completely at ease when the music stopped he handed off the microphone and settled onto the bean bag chair beside Eva without asking she didn't mind something about this young man intrigued her hello Beauty with the sad eyes he smiled charmingly I'm Ted and what's your name beautiful stranger Eva looked into his sparkling dark eyes and sensed something new beginning in her life for the first time since breaking up with kooper she felt beautiful again and she savored that feeling so they began dating Ted radiated positive energy a true

life of the party who told entertaining stories about himself and his friends the sociable guy knew everyone people constantly greeted him or stopped to chat wherever he and Eva went soon Ted suggested they live together he took the initiative himself Eva was glad she loved the atmosphere he created around him with him she she forgot all her problems never dwelled on negative thoughts and simply enjoyed life Ted knew how to have fun and his mood was contagious remembering Cooper's reaction Eva didn't tell Ted that she had an apartment they decided to rent a place instead

since both were working they could afford it Ted had a simpler outlook on life he wasn't bothered that Eva drove a beautiful car while he couldn't afford such transportation in fact he often asked to drive her car he would put on an exaggerated air of importance that Eva found hilarious blast the music and speed down the highway with the gas pedal pressed to the floor Eva felt completely happy she had everything including a cheerful laid-back boyfriend who loved her at least that's what he frequently told her Ted was quite different from Cooper though less reliable

and nurturing he had an easygoing personality and knew how to enjoy life he was never dull which Eva appreciated yet she probably wasn't in love with Ted the way she had been with Cooper Ted became her Lifeline a Salvation she clung to occasionally evil would hear about Cooper through mutual friends and her heart would still ache At The Mention Of His Name she realized her feeling for him hadn't completely cooled it was an odd uncomfortable sensation but Eva hoped it would Fade with time Ted lived in the moment rarely thinking about or planning for the

future he was content with his unstable modest paying job he loved bars clubs and parties and Drew Eva into that lifestyle while she enjoyed having fun she sometimes found it exhausting nevertheless everything in Eva's life seemed perfect almost most cloudless until Ted's illness struck suddenly the once energetic young man began feeling unwell tiring quickly experiencing swelling and dizziness Eva insisted he get examined the doctor's verdict was devastating Ted was diagnosed with a serious illness Eva couldn't believe it the image of playful Ted seemed incompatible with any disease but without treatment the prognosis was Grim Ted

started taking his health seriously visiting doctors regularly treatment was available but expensive the free healthc care option meant a long wait during which Ted's condition could worsen significantly Eva offered him the money herself though initially reluctant he eventually accepted with gratitude and promised to repay her he looked uncharacteristically serious at that moment without hesitation Eva withdrew her savings of several years it was a substantial amount enough to buy a new mid-range car I appreciate this so much Ted said sincerely holding the money now I'll do everything for you first beat this disease Eva said with

encouraging smile Ted started treatment he received infusions and expensive medic tions the results came quickly he soon regained his former energy and enthusiasm Eva was overjoyed his recovery progressed well once he had begun proper treatment though he couldn't work as before and Eva became the main provider for their small family this didn't bother her at all Ted seemed unbothered too which pleased Eva she remembered how Cooper had struggled when he appeared less financially secure than his partner that had ultimately ended their relationship Ted however didn't care about such matters he focused on what he considered

important their relationship Mutual care love and maintaining his cheerful nature and until recently Eva thought she knew Ted completely he had never hidden anything from her even truths that showed him in an unfavorable light Ted had always been honest about his mistakes it was endearing really he lowered his head spoke softly smiled sheepishly but an overheard conversation in the stairwell changed everything Eva realized she had lived for almost a year under the same roof with the stranger a real monster a skilled manipulator and an Oscar worthy actor Ted had only pretended to be a simple

h straightforward guy in reality he was a terrible man with hidden ugly depths that vile creature will get what she deserves she'll shower in her tears these words from Ted made Eva freeze on the landing below he had never spoken so aggressively before his tone was entirely different filled with anger irritation even hatred Eva pressed against the wall close enough to hear every word clearly she has no idea who she's dealing with Ted continued speaking to someone on the phone I've thought it all through two birds with one stone even three of course I'm sure

I know exactly what I'm doing I'll get revenge on that witch for humiliating me plus make some money she owes me for everything Eva struggled to make make sense of it all something sinister was clearly Brewing but what who was Ted planning to hurt and how Eva listened more intently determined to understand what can she possibly do I'm his father that fool put me on the birth certificate herself trying to trap me with her and her brat well let her deal with it now Ted laughed harsh and cold what consequences please I'll frighten her so

badly she won't dare go to the police I'll have her precious little brat in my hands I'll take the kid away the possibilities are endless you know Eva's breath caught the meaning was clear Ted was planning to kidnap a child his own son according to the birth certificate a chill ran down Eva's spine this was monstrous she had to learn more to prevent this atrocity I've got money Ted continued his voice calmer now Eva gave me some for my supposed treatment she's such a Fool Believes everything I tell her all I need is a car

something unremarkable I'm counting on your help don't try to talk me out of it my mind's made up I need the money understand I want to leave go somewhere by the Sea settle down start fresh maybe open my own bar always dreamed of that Hazel deserves what's coming she has debts to pay time to settle up Hazel this name Eva had heard from Ted before by chance that evening Eva was taking the bus home since her car was being repaired it was late the neighborhood rough Darkness everywhere Eva hurried toward home alert to every strange

sound her new sandals were rubbing her heel Roar despite the excitement and desire to get to her cozy room as soon as possible the girl sat down at the entrance of one of the neighboring houses with relief she removed the painful sandals letting the cool evening air soothe her blistered heel suddenly she heard Ted's voice and felt a surge of Joy how wonderful that it finished work that they had met by chance now they could walk home together she wouldn't feel scared anymore he might even carry her Eva was almost certain he would Ted had

regained his strength returned to his old self she wouldn't even need to ask one mention of her sore heel and he had offer to help he always took such gentle care of her meanwhile Ted was buzzing one of the intercoms in the building's entrance Eva assumed he must have friends living there she was about to call out when someone answered the intercom a woman's voice trembling with fear or rage get out before I call the police you know what I want Hazel Ted snapped you know what to do to make me leave you alone Eva

felt jealousy flare in her heart pure jealousy the thought of her boyfriend speaking so intimately with another woman unsettled her they seemed like former lovers mid quarrel Eva concluded this must be an girlfriend and clearly their feelings hadn't fully cooled go to hell the woman cut off the intercom Ted cursed viciously and slammed his fist against the door as he turned to leave he spotted Eva on the bench baby what are you doing here he asked his voice completely transformed before her sat the Ted she thought she knew tender kind good Eva mentioned mentioned her

blister and as expected he scooped her up and carried her home of course Eva asked questions she did not hide the fact that she had heard Ted talking to the owner of the rare name Hazel it's a girl I used to date Ted explained reluctantly we broke up terribly she is a dishonest person Hazel owes me money a large sum she cheated me once I wouldn't give a damn about the money to avoid dealing with her but I'm in a situation you see with this disease treatment requires money I can't work properly now so I'm

trying to get her to pay me back don't go to her anymore Eva pleaded if you need money I'll get it but don't contact her please you've helped me a lot already Ted shook his head if it hadn't been for you who knows what would have happened to me now and now in this conversation on the landing between floors Ted mentioned Hazel again as Eva listened to Ted the situation became clearer Ted and Hazel had a son together and Ted was listed as the father on the boy's birth certificate Hazel refused to let Ted see

the child though Ted himself showed little interest in the boy caring only about money and he had found a way to get what he wanted Ted planned something terrible to take the child away Hazel As Eva realized was wealthy and could give Ted anything he demanded for her son's sake Ted's interlocutor whom Eva couldn't hear was clearly trying to dissuade him Ted kept making arguments to support his decision the police won't do anything to me according to all the documents I'm the father of this baby she thought to time me to her that way and

now she regrets it but it's too late a father has the right to take his child at any time it won't even be considered kidnapping he had thought of everything cunning calculating unscrupulous and Eva had trusted him just as Hazel once did after finishing his terrible conversation and his cigarette Ted went back to the apartment Eva didn't go upstairs instead she sank on the cold step wondering what to do Ted was clearly a monster he had planned a terrible crime and Eva knew she had to prevent this tragedy she needed to warn Hazel fortunately Eva

knew which building and entrance the woman lived in she caught her boss claiming illness and was given the day off perfect now she had time to help Hazel Hazel was likely unaware of the danger looming over her Eva went directly to her building and called the first apartment she could and asked for hazel she lives in 153 the elderly woman replied and hung up with trembling fingers Eva dialed 153 on the intercom she expected no answer assuming Hazel would be at work but after two rings a woman's voice responded seventh floor come in Hazel was

clearly expecting someone probably a delivery Eva entered and took the elevator up the door to apartment 153 stood a jar Hazel waited in the doorway oh you're not the pizza delivery she asked puzzled she was tall beautiful 10 years Eva's senior and impeccably groomed and stylish I'm sorry I thought it was the delivery mom is the pizza here a 4-year-old boy appeared at the doorstep Ted son the resemblance was striking and not just in appearance Peter no go to your room Hazel told her son he obeyed immediately and you're here about she asked looking at

Eva questioningly Eva took a deep breath she hadn't planned how to begin this conversation it's a very long and difficult story she said finally first I must warn you you and your child are in danger fear flashed across Hazel's face but she quickly composed herself Ted she said and Eva nodded Hazel LED Eva to the kitchen the apartment was stylish clearly showing its owner's wealth no wonder Ted hoped to profit from her Eva told everything she had heard by chance on the playground Hazel listened without interrupting her face taking on an increasingly puzzled expression he'll

do it she said when Eva had finished he's a frightening man he will stop at nothing but you know everything now we have to do something to stop him maybe he'll go away somewhere that won't help I already ran away from him once in this town I bought an apartment here I thought it was all in the past but Ted found me rented an apartment nearby he started threatening me and now he wants to take our son it's horrible isn't there anything you could can do you need a lawyer I guess there is Hazel said

a little calmer I don't know how to thank you for warning me if it wasn't for you he'd have taken Peter and made ropes out of me I would have I would have given him anything to get my son back at first Ted seemed perfect to me I thanked fate for our chance meeting I was already a business owner when I met him he was this handsome modest guy who approached me at a club where my colleagues and I were celebrating another Victory he was Charming open and young he complimented me gave me admiring glances

I knew he was younger and our status was very different but I couldn't help myself I fell under his charm completely it hadn't happened to me in a long time usually I look at things soberly and evaluate everything practically but suddenly I was floating Ted hasard talent for offering what people want he notices weaknesses and desires immediately he uses that to achieve his goals a born manipulator Eva nodded she couldn't help but agree with hazel many things about her own relationship with Ted now took on new meaning after this overheard conversation he had manipulated Eva

to offer him money and she had been glad he took it Hazel successful and mature had lost her head over the Charming young man they had a passionate romance that led to her pregnancy she was happy about it she wasn't getting any younger her friends all had babies and her personal life had been lacking being a successful woman men were usually intimidated by her but not Ted he didn't care about such things Hazel loved showering him with gifts she enjoyed seeing him smile liked making him happy but the news of her pregnancy didn't Delight Ted

Hazel understood why he was young hadn't lived enough for himself wasn't planning for a family soon after Ted disappeared though not completely he stayed in the city frequenting bars and cafes picking up new girls but he cut all ties with hazel I'm ashamed to remember it now but I was under his spell I was hurt devastated I tried to get him back caught him humiliated myself even stalked him at clubs and bars what a fool I was there I stood with my big belly in the early morning Watching Ted leaving a club with some other

girl maybe it was the pregnancy hormones I'm used to getting what I want and it was such a blow I didn't realize who Ted really was then just a common gold digger living off wealthy women incapable of serious relationships or Genuine feelings when Peter was born Hazel listed Ted as the father hoping to make him take responsibility something he actively avoided two years passed and Hazel found peace she had almost forgotten about Ted focusing entirely on her son the Charming little Peter life was good she had a healthy child prosperity and a business that brought

steady income then suddenly Ted the same man she used to chase appeared out of the blue Hazel was initially hopeful though rekindling their relationship was out of the question she welcomed the idea of Peter having contact with his father she thought Ted had matured and recognized his mistakes but it was something else entirely Ted wanted money he claimed she owed him for stealing his youth for using him to have a baby he spouted other nonsense too it all came down to one thing Ted knew she had money and he demanded it as he put it

he wanted compensation for my deception can you imagine Hazel was first surprised then indignant then laughed in Ted's face but he didn't back down instead Ted began a real Pursuit he would wait for Hazel and Peter at stores near the office even right at their building entrance he alternated between threats and pleas begging Hazel to understand his position her mistake was giving him small sums of money at first just to get him off their backs it worked but only briefly finally Hazel packed up and moved with her son far away from Ted moving was a

difficult decision she had to make many changes but Hazel didn't regret anything living in another city made her feel safe only he found us after a while anyway and his demands multiplied Hazel shook her head sadly and now this he's decided to steal Peter that's crossing a line what about the police suggested Eva I'll be a witness I heard everything there's no proof SED Hazel besides Tedd is right Peter is his son and a father has the right to see his child but it's not Peter that Ted wants it's my money I'd give him everything

if I knew he'd leave me alone but he won't not if I keep playing by the rules men like him need to be fought with their own tactics do you have a plan Eva asked she could tell by Hazel's expression that she was contemplating something serious a plan B for emergencies I didn't want to use it but it seems we've reached that point Eva walked along the embankment with Cooper yes they were together again holding hands and planning their wedding it would be a beautiful celebration a lavish Feast an engaging program and many guests Hazel

and little Peter would be there too the boy would even carry the cushion with the wedding rings during his time apart from Eva C had thrown himself into developing his business now he owned a profitable auto repair shop that provided steady substantial income he had done it all for Eva the woman he loved more than life itself kooper would move mountains for her and he'd achieved exactly what he'd set out to do he no longer felt insecure about Eva being from a wealthy family now Cooper had become successful himself a young promising entrepreneur who could

easily afford restaurant dinners and seaside vacations a few months ago Cooper arrived at Eva's office and waited for her watching the entrance when he saw her leave the building he rushed to her with a bouquet of flowers Cooper spoke sincere and heartfelt words about their misunderstanding looking at her in such a way that made her head spin I was a fool I know I made everything complicated and nearly ruined it all with my own hands but now that's all in the past the separation has proven to me that my feelings for you are something incredible

and unique it won't happen again will you forgive me instead of answering Eva hugged him tightly pressing herself against him it was him Cooper beloved real familiar only when she was next to him did Eva realize how much she had missed him he stroked her back and promised that everything would be all right now Eva believed him and melted with happiness she told Cooper about Ted and Hazel though Cooper knew Eva had met someone during their separation he had no idea of the danger she had faced if only I had been there for you this

horrible story wouldn't have happened to you yes but who knows what would have happened to Hazel and Peter then Eva shook her head Ted was Far Away now and definitely would never set foot in this town again Hazel had hired someone though she didn't share specifics she told Eva the general details of her plan she would never have approached these people if not for the threat of losing her baby unable to risk Peter's safety she had paid someone to have a serious talk with Ted one early summer morning Hazel and Peter came out of their

building when Ted appeared from nowhere he rushed at them trying to snatch the child from her arms convinced his plan was perfect Ted didn't know they were being watched he expected to take the child forcefully from a surprised Hazel and flee to a neighboring town he had already rented an apartment there with Eva's money planning to wait for Hazel's Ransom payment he was certain the frightened mother would pay but thanks to Eva's warning Hazel was prepared two sturdy men who had been protecting the mother and child emerged from a nearby parked car they grabbed Ted

subdued him forced him into the car and took him somewhere for a thorough discussion after that Ted left town he packed his things and disappeared never to be mentioned again Hazel hinted to Eva that these men were professionals who knew how to be persuasive it's fortunate you overheard Ted's conversation and warned me hazel later told Eva if it hadn't been for you they were friends now Hazel and Eva discovering they had much in common well Ted does have have good taste Hazel joked and Eva smiled unable to disagree it's true what people say sometimes Misfortune

leads to happiness through Ted Eva had found both a friend and reclaimed her love strange as it seemed she felt grateful to him for that