The Heart System Chapter 583

Pulling my jacket tighter against the persistent drizzle, I moved along the street. This area of the city was more tranquil than the main thoroughfares, yet not entirely deserted. A few individuals sought refuge under awnings, some engaged in smoking, others conversing softly. A couple, heads bowed, hurried past, their umbrella offering minimal cover. Further ahead, a solitary streetlamp flickered errariously, its dim glow illuminating the slick pavement in uneven patches.

The atmosphere felt distinctly nocturnal. Not desolate, but suspended between day and night. The kind of place one frequented when desiring anonymity.

Locating the bar the informant described proved straightforward. A faint neon sign, its letters partially defunct and blinking intermittently, marked the entrance. The windows were veiled with condensation, obscuring the faint movements of figures within.

With a gentle push, I opened the door and entered.

An immediate wave of warmth washed over me, accompanied by the subdued murmur of low-volume music. It wasn't energetic, merely a slow melody playing softly, harmonizing with the quiet murmurs of the few patrons present.

The establishment was compact. A slender bar dominated the left side, furnished with several weathered stools. To the right, scattered tables, most occupied by solitary drinkers or pairs, dotted the space. There were no boisterous gatherings, no raucous energy like at the club. Only weary expressions, nearly depleted glasses, and individuals engrossed in their own affairs.

In a far corner, a man gazed into the distance, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. Near the window, two women conversed in hushed tones. The bartender, with a languid motion, polished a glass, offering only a cursory glance as I arrived.

And then, my gaze landed on her.

At last.

Ivy was seated at the bar, leaning slightly forward, an elbow propped on the counter. Before her sat a beer, half-finished. Her hair was disheveled, strands clinging to her cheeks, and her shoulders slumped as if burdened by more than just the effects of alcohol.

I approached her deliberately, my steps measured yet resolute. She noticed my presence as I neared. Her eyes lifted, initially unfocused, before gradually settling on my face.

Our gazes met. She remained silent. No smile, no frown. Just… a stare.

I shifted my attention to the bartender.

"What does she owe?"

The bartender cast a look towards Ivy, then back at me. "Three beers."

I produced some cash and placed it on the counter. "Keep the change."

He acknowledged with a nod, accepting the money without a word.

I reached out, grasping Ivy’s arm firmly.

"Let's go."

She resisted instantly, her body stiffening as she attempted to pull away.

"W-wait..." she slurred, her voice frail yet surprisingly defiant.

I paid her no heed.

Drawing her from the stool, I supported her to prevent a complete loss of balance and began moving towards the exit. She tried again, pushing lightly against me, but lacked the physical strength for a proper struggle.

"Evan... stop—" she mumbled, her words disjointed.

"No."

I didn't even glance her way.

We stepped out into the chilly night air, the rain immediately assaulting us. She flinched slightly at the sudden environmental shift, her grip on my arm tightening instinctively as I guided her toward the car.

I opened the passenger door and turned to face her.

"Sit."

She blinked at me, her eyes glistening, her expression a mix of bewilderment and profound weariness. Then, without further comment, she slid into the seat, her movements sluggish and uncoordinated.

Closing the door, I walked around to the driver’s side.

The instant I was inside, I closed the door and leaned back slightly, delaying the engine start.

I simply observed her. She sat there, gazing forward, her breathing erratic. For a few moments, stillness prevailed.

Then, her composure shattered, and she broke down.

A sharp, trembling exhalation escaped her first, as if her attempt to suppress her emotions had failed. Another followed. And then, the tears began to flow.

She concealed her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking violently as choked sobs erupted from her. This was not a quiet weeping; it was a raw, loud, uncontrollable outpouring, indicative of prolonged suffering.

I exhaled slowly, shook my head, then leaned over and drew her into an embrace.

Her hands clutched my shirt, clinging tightly as she pressed her face against my chest. Her crying intensified, her entire body trembling as she held onto me as if I were her sole anchor.

I remained silent. Words felt inadequate. I simply held her, my hand resting on her back, allowing her to release her sorrow.

The interior of the car filled with the sound of her weeping. Outside, the rain continued its gentle patter against the windows, a counterpoint to her ragged breaths.

Time elapsed. I lost track of its passage. Perhaps only a minute?

Her crying didn't cease immediately. It ebbed and flowed, each wave less intense than the last, yet still heavy with pain.

She held onto me throughout. I also earned ten points from her, but that was unimportant... not at this moment.

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WOMEN - INTERACTIONS

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Jasmine: Interest: 40 / 60 ★★

Kayla: Interest: 38 / 40 ★

Tessa: Interest: 40 / 60 ★★

Kim: Interest: 100 / 100 ★★★★★

Delilah: Interest: 80 / 100 ★★★

Cora: Interest: 100 / 100 ★★★★★

Mendy: Interest: 20 / 40 ★

Nala: Interest: -99 / 100 ★★★★★

Penelope: Interest: 5 / 20

Minne: Interest: 38 / 40 ★

Ivy: Interest: 50 / 60 ★★

Eleanor: Interest: 25 / 40 ★

Amelia: Interest: 12 / 20

Esme: Interest: 60 / 80 ★★

══════════════════

Gradually, the weeping subsided. Her grip loosened somewhat, her breathing still strained but less ragged.

Sensing she had calmed down sufficiently, I carefully drew back.

Her appearance was disheveled. Her eyes were red, tears had carved paths down her cheeks, and her lips trembled as she attempted to regain composure. I reached over and unbuckled her seatbelt, securing it.

Silence was her only response; she wouldn't even meet my gaze.

Settling back into my seat, I turned the ignition, and the engine roared to life.

A final glance in her direction preceded my focus returning to the road. "It’s time we head home, Ivy."

⟁ ⟁ ⟁

The engine cut off, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Ivy remained completely silent throughout the drive, and I chose not to prod her. The last thing she needed was a lecture about her reckless behavior that had caused me so much worry.

She shook her head slowly, burying her face in her hands. Despite the slightly opened window, the pungent, sweet aroma of alcohol permeated the car. How much had she consumed tonight?

"Are you alright?" I inquired softly.

"Mhm..." she murmured, a sniffle escaping. "I’m fine..."

The quiet returned, thick with unspoken emotions. I looked up at her apartment building; most lights were off. The street was deserted, save for a few distant police cruisers. The rain had softened to a gentle, persistent patter.

Although anger still simmered within me, the overwhelming relief of finding her safe overshadowed it. I had underestimated the impact of recent events on her. My assumption was incorrect.

"Why..." Her voice was fragile, almost breaking. "Why can't I find someone like you, Evan?"

With a slight smile, I playfully nudged her shoulder. "I'm unique, you know."

A faint smile touched her lips before vanishing as she struggled with her seatbelt buckle. After several unsuccessful attempts, I leaned in to assist.

Then... something unexpected occurred.

As I moved closer, Ivy suddenly surged forward, pressing her lips against mine.

I was immediately met with the taste of her lipstick and alcohol. The kiss was fleeting, a spontaneous act... yet it sent an electric jolt through me. Her eyes snapped open a moment later, and she recoiled sharply.

"Oh god... I'm so sorry," she whispered.

"I, um..." Clearing my throat, I replied, "It’s... alright."

Damn it. What was I supposed to say? She was clearly intoxicated and unaware of her actions. The sensible course of action was to get her inside and let Delilah take over.

Putting my keys away, I exited the car and walked to her side. Opening the door, I attempted to help her stand, but it was evident she lacked the strength. Her legs trembled uncontrollably. Turning, I knelt down and offered my back.

"Get on."

"I... I can't..."

"Come on, Ivy. Get on."

After a moment's hesitation, she relented. "Okay..."

Her arms wrapped around my neck, her legs encircling my waist. I stood up, closed the car door, and began walking towards the building. Her warm breath against my neck with each step and the firm pressure of her chest against my back made it incredibly difficult to maintain composure, especially after that kiss.

Pushing through the main entrance, I carried her up the stairs. By the time we reached the landing, Delilah had the door open, presumably having watched from the window for our arrival after I messaged her about finding Ivy safe.

Her eyes were swollen and red, her face pale in the dim hallway illumination. The palpable wave of relief that swept over her as she saw us seemed to drain the remaining strength from her legs.

"Oh my goodness..." Relief flooded her voice as she exhaled. "She’s safe. Thank heavens."

"Yeah," I confirmed, stepping inside. "I’ll put her in her room."

Delilah nodded quickly. "Please do."

"She’s completely drunk," I added as I proceeded down the short corridor. "You might want to have strong coffee ready for her when she wakes up. And prepare for a severe headache."

Delilah offered a weary smile. "I've experienced it. I know what to expect."

She opened Ivy’s bedroom door for me. I carefully laid her down on the bed. Delilah immediately moved to help, removing Ivy’s boots and jacket. I observed for a moment before quietly excusing myself to give them privacy.