Evelyn lifted her gaze, meeting Hunter’s eyes, which were filled with a deep affection that seemed to glow in the dimming light. “I’m so lucky, Evie, to have you by my side all these years.”
His voice was soft, almost reverent, as he drew her into his arms. The embrace was tight, his grip so firm that it felt as though he wanted to physically absorb her into himself, never letting go.
Evelyn managed a small, forced smile, but there was an unmistakable heaviness in the silence between them. Her thoughts swirled and her heart seemed to sink deeper with every passing second. The silence wasn’t peaceful—it was suffocating. A subtle but undeniable ache lingered, spreading through her chest. Her emotions stirred like ripples on the surface of a calm lake—small, unnoticed, but deep within, disappointment was quietly unfurling and spreading.
Her silence stretched too long and Hunter, sensing a shift, finally broke it. “Evie, what are you thinking about?” His voice was softer now, laced with concern, but Evelyn could sense a note of uncertainty in it, as though he didn’t quite know what to expect from her.
Evelyn blinked, surprised by the question that slipped out of her lips. She hadn’t meant to ask, but the words were out before she could stop them. “Hunter, do you still love me?” The question hung in the air, almost absurd to her own ears as soon as she asked it, like a joke that wasn’t funny.
Hunter didn’t hesitate, his response instant, unwavering. “I love you, only you.” His tone was steady, a promise in his voice.
Only her...
But those words, they no longer carried the warmth they once did. They sounded hollow now. She couldn’t shake the bitter truth that they didn’t match the reality.
He loved her—but he had betrayed their marriage.
He loved her—but he had been with Jennifer and now she was carrying his child.
Evelyn’s throat tightened, her eyes stinging. Despite herself, tears began to form at the corners of her eyes. “But why do I feel like the man standing in front of me is so distant, like a complete stranger?” Her voice trembled slightly, though she tried to keep it steady. The rawness of the question seemed to strike Hunter like a physical blow, his eyes widening in shock.
He panicked, his hand tightening around hers, now nervously, almost desperately. He could feel her slipping away and it was terrifying. “Evie, I love you. From the past, the present and forever. You’re the only one I’ve ever loved. You have to believe me. No matter how long we’ve been together, my feelings for you will never fade.”
Their eyes locked and Evelyn saw the storm of emotions in his gaze—desperation, guilt, confusion. But somewhere beneath it all, she saw the facade he had so carefully constructed over the years.
It was obvious now—he was no longer the man she had once known. Playing the role of a loving husband had become second nature to him.
She didn’t speak, her silence heavy between them. Her gaze drifted away from his and just as the tension thickened, Hunter’s phone rang. His eyes flickered toward the screen and he quickly glanced back at her, torn for a moment before choosing to ignore the call. He hung up the phone, but the persistent ringing started again almost immediately. It was clear from the name on the screen who it was. Evelyn didn’t have to guess. She could feel the weight of the phone calls pressing down on both of them, though she said nothing. She simply waited.
Hunter hesitated for a moment before finally giving in. “Evie, I need to take this call.” His voice was strained, trying to mask the anxiety that now crept into his tone.
He stepped away to answer and when he returned, his expression had changed. There was a panic in his eyes, a mixture of guilt and stress. “Evie, there’s an emergency at the office. I can’t take you to the airport right now. I’m really sorry. But I promise, when you get back, I’ll be there to pick you up, okay?”
Evelyn stood still, her eyes unreadable as she watched him. His words had no effect on her.
After a long moment, she finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. “Hunter, can you please not go?”
The question came out without any pretense, without warning and Evelyn didn’t know why she said it. It was a plea, a last-ditch effort to hold onto something, but the moment the words left her mouth, she realized how weak they sounded. She had already accepted that their bond was broken, but the thought of him leaving, of truly letting go, seemed unbearable.
As she watched Hunter stand there, her heart softened for just a second, letting old feelings flood back. She thought of the good times, of their love before it all became tainted by lies.
For a brief, foolish moment, she convinced herself that if Hunter chose to stay, she would find a way to salvage what was left. She would give him one last chance. After all, wasn’t that what marriage was about? Holding on when things got tough?
But the truth of it stung. She couldn’t ignore the overwhelming evidence that he had already made his choice.
Hunter froze at her words, his eyes wide with disbelief. He hadn’t expected her to ask him to stay. For a fleeting moment, an unfamiliar sense of dread washed over him—something deep and inexplicable. Lately, he had been having a strange feeling, as if he wouldn’t see Evelyn again. It was as though if he left now, he might never be able to meet her again.
But he quickly pushed the feeling aside. It was just a silly intuition, a meaningless thought. Evelyn was simply going on a business trip. Nothing bad would happen. He trusted that Evelyn would come back soon.
“Evie, I really have to go. It’s urgent. I’ll pick you up when you’re back. See you in couple days,” He spoke quickly, trying to sound convincing, but the urgency in his voice only made Evelyn’s heart ache more.
With a rushed goodbye, Hunter turned and hurried out the door, leaving Evelyn standing motionless in the middle of the room, watching as his figure disappeared into the distance.
She stood there for a long time, the seconds stretching on as her mind replayed the scene—her own plea for him to stay, his hurried exit.
A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she thought about how weak she had been in that moment, how naive to think that the man who had already broken her heart would suddenly change.
“I’ll see you...never. Hunter.”
