Defying Fate: The Unstoppable Eileen novel Chapter 400

The familiar aroma lingered in the air.

Eileen blinked rapidly, coming back to her senses.

She looked at the man in front of her, easily noticing his deep, dark eyes.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder.

After what seemed like ages, Eileen slowly closed her eyes again.

Their passionate kiss lingered, stretching time.

Until the impatient honking from behind broke the moment.

Eileen snapped back to reality and tried to push Egbert away.

He didn't budge.

She tried again.

Still no luck.

Eileen squinted, and after a moment, she abruptly raised her right hand and tugged sharply at Egbert's ear.

Egbert winced.

The usually composed man finally relented, stepping back a little.

Eileen dropped her hand and commanded, "Get in the front and drive!"

Egbert pursed his lips.

Eileen nudged him, "Go on, go on!"

Grudgingly, Egbert moved to the driver's seat, buckled up, and started the car.

As Egbert drove, Eileen drew the curtain and began changing into her evening gown in the back.

The rustling of fabric was enough to distract anyone.

Egbert glanced at the rearview mirror.

The curtain was tightly drawn—nothing to see.

Sighing, he turned on the car's radio, letting the built-in music system play randomly.

"Take me home, country roads…"

Egbert paused, about to change the station.

But then Eileen’s voice chimed in from the back, singing along cheerfully, "To the place I belong, West Virginia, mountain mama…!"

Egbert chuckled, shaking his head. Her singing was both endearing and a little off-key.

Finally, Eileen was dressed.

She clambered through the narrow space between the seats to the front passenger seat.

As she buckled her seatbelt, she said, "You know, in the residential area behind our dorms, this song plays every evening without fail. It’s such a classic!"

Egbert simply turned off the radio.

Eileen looked at him, "Did you find out anything about my dad yet?"

Expecting the question, he replied, "Still no word from above."

Eileen grew anxious, "Is it really that classified? I’m his daughter, after all!"

Egbert answered, "They have their reasons."

Eileen huffed, "I need to know by tomorrow morning. After the opening ceremony tonight, I have a flight back to college, and if I still don’t know anything by then, I’ll ask Mr. Reed!"

Egbert glanced at her.

Eileen lifted her chin defiantly, "Mr. Reed will definitely tell me!"

Galen smirked, "What are you so proud of? You could look like a burnt toast, and he’d still say you’re beautiful! He’s clearly biased!"

Eileen huffed.

Just then, a staff member from the event came over to usher them in.

As they walked in, Galen and Salome led the way.

When the host announced their film, "Eyes on the Rendezvous," the crowd buzzed with excitement.

Ever since it won Best Picture at Belmont, "Eyes on the Rendezvous" had been the talk of the town.

Particularly as it marked a return to prominence for a film with the same director and lead actor as "The Alley," comparisons were inevitable.

Sure enough, as Eileen and Egbert stepped onto the red carpet, reporters on either side thrust microphones in their direction, "Which do you think is better, 'The Alley' or 'Eyes on the Rendezvous'?"

Eileen smiled at the obviously provocative journalist, "Definitely 'Eyes on the Rendezvous'."

The reporter pressed on, "Many people think The Alley is a classic and looks better, while Eyes on the Rendezvous doesn't quite measure up in comparison. What's your take on that?"

Eileen replied with confidence, "I find Eyes on the Rendezvous to be more captivating."

The reporter, not backing down, continued, "But you didn't attend the Belmont Global Film Fest. Is it because you secretly thought Eyes on the Rendezvous wouldn't win Best Picture, so you skipped it?"

Eileen thought this reporter was quite something else.

Still, being a lady of grace, she maintained her composure and replied politely, "I had a last-minute commitment that prevented me from attending. I'm thrilled that Eyes on the Rendezvous won an award."

The reporter, relentless, asked, "What was so important that you skipped the Belmont awards ceremony?"

Eileen paused, then looked directly at the reporter, her smile still gentle but with a hint of mischief in her eyes. "There's a little tune that comes to mind," she said, "It goes something like this: 'Twinkle, twinkle, little bird, why do you fly here every spring? I asked the bird, and it chirped back, 'None of your business.'"

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Author's Note:

Goodnight, folks! 🌙✨