Evangeline stole my husband, caused my daughter's death and even took my breasts. Now, she dared to send me an email just to show off. Fine! If that's how she wanted to play, I'd make sure she and Leo pay for what they've done.
The day I was discharged from the hospital, Leo lifted me out of the wheelchair and carried me from the ward to the hospital entrance. The envious glances and praises of "what a good husband" along the way brought a slight smile to his lips. I used to be grateful to have married such a gentle and caring man. But now I know it was all a facade he put on for others.
Just as we were about to reach the car, a sweet, delicate voice called out to Leo. The moment he heard it, his whole body went stiff. "What a coincidence, Leo!" Evangeline approached us with a bright smile. Leo immediately let go of me so fast that I lost my balance and crashed into the car door. A sharp pain shot through my chest and my wounds were still healing. I swallowed back my tears.
"Leo, after all these years, you're still so clumsy. Poor Evelyn, you must've hurt her," Evangeline joked proudly and Leo seemed to find that his reaction was too suspicious. He quickly supported me, lowering his head to show concern.
I looked at Evangeline. She was dressed in an elegant fitted skirt, her figure curvy and refined. Around her neck was a dazzling blue sapphire necklace, the gemstone so large it practically glowed against her pale skin. I recognized it instantly. It was the highlight of an auction six months ago, a rare piece that sold for three hundred million dollars.
I remembered how Leo had insisted on attending the auction that night despite having a high fever. He said he wanted to win that necklace as a birthday gift for me. But when he returned home, he looked disappointed and told me that a mysterious buyer had outbid him. Now I see the truth. There was no mysterious buyer. He had spent all that money just to make Evangeline happy. If this had been in the past, I would've pestered him for an explanation. But now? I just smiled and said calmly, "The necklace is beautiful."
Leo's brows furrowed slightly before he quickly changed the subject. "Evie, what brings you here? Why are you at the hospital?"
Evangeline's smile deepened as she pulled out an invitation and handed it to Leo. "Tomorrow is Henry's tenth birthday. I went by your house to invite you both, but the butler told me Evelyn was in the hospital. Leo, you'll come, right? Henry has been looking forward to it."
My heart sank. Tomorrow was the seventh day after Josephine's death. Evangeline was deliberately stabbing my heart. I looked up at Leo, waiting for his answer. After a moment's hesitation, Leo accepted the invitation. "A tenth birthday is a big deal. I'll definitely be there!"
After saying that, he avoided my eyes, quickly saying goodbye to Evangeline and helping me into the car. Behind us, Evangeline's eyes darted and she suddenly clutched her chest, staggering a few steps. Leo immediately dropped me and rushed to support her, his face filled with worry. Then, he apologized to me. "Evie's old problem flared up again. I'll take her to see a doctor. Evelyn, I'll have the driver take you home first!"
Without another word, he scooped Evangeline up. He carried her back into the hospital, not even sparing me a second glance. I let out a bitter chuckle. He called her "Evie" so affectionately but referred to me by my full name, showing clearly where his loyalty lay. When we first got married, I asked him to call me "Evie," but he always said it was too mushy and he wasn't used to it. Now, it was clear he never really cared for me.
When I got home, everything that belonged to Josephine had been cleared out. Leo said it was because he didn't want me to be upset by the memories. I knew it was because he had a guilty conscience and was in a hurry to erase any trace of his wrongdoing. Leo always found excuses to miss Josephine's birthdays. Now, I realized he must have been spending them with Evangeline and her son.
