The doctor put Evelyn through a full psychological evaluation.
Once the consultation room door closed, every question cut straight into the ugliest parts of her past.
Half an hour later, Evelyn walked out trembling, her eyes brimming with tears.
Years of suppressed emotions finally broke free. She instinctively threw herself into Nathan's arms, burying her face against his chest, clinging to the warmth.
Nathan stiffened for a moment, then raised his hand and gently patted her back.
His voice softened, coaxing her over and over, "It's okay. It's all over now. Don't be scared."
Annelise stood to the side, her fingers freezing midair at the sight.
A flicker of loneliness passed through her eyes, though she forced a smile. "Nathan, something urgent came up at the company. I need to go deal with it. Evelyn is in your hands."
With that, she left in a hurry.
Nathan kept his eyes on the direction she had left, only lowering his gaze after she was completely gone. Then he handed the coffee in his hand to Evelyn.
The session had dragged Evelyn back into that dark, cramped room from her past.
Fear and helplessness swallowed her whole. Only that embrace gave her a fleeting sense of warmth.
She took the warm coffee, her nose stinging. "I feel better. Thank you."
A cold voice cut in. "If you're fine, let go."
Evelyn looked up and met a pair of unfathomable eyes.
Before she could react, Nathan had already pulled away from her.
He stared straight at her. "You're jealous of Annelise, aren't you?"
Evelyn froze, the tears still lingering in her eyes, confusion filling her face. "She's always been good to me…"
Nathan let out a cold laugh. "So you take advantage of her kindness, cling to me in front of her, calling me your husband again and again, just to hurt her on purpose? And you call that being considerate?"
"No, that's not what I meant." Panic flooded her. She grabbed his sleeve. "I was just scared. I couldn't control myself. I won't do it again, please don't be mad…"
Before she could finish, Nathan shook her hand off violently.
"Take a cab home yourself."
He turned and walked away without a second thought.
The June sun blazed overhead, yet Evelyn stood frozen in place, a chill seeping from her chest to the tips of her limbs.
The therapist called, concern evident in their voice. "Ms. Whitmore, are you feeling any better? You can come back this afternoon for another session. It would really help your recovery."
Evelyn forced a bitter smile. "No, I won't be coming back."
She hung up, then threw the still-warm coffee into the trash. That sweetness had never belonged to her.
As soon as she stepped through the door, a servant approached quietly. "Miss Whitmore, Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore have gone to Westmere on vacation. They said they needed a break."
Evelyn nodded silently. "Okay."
She knew they were just avoiding her.
Night fell. Evelyn sat alone on the swing in the yard, staring blankly at the stars.
A noise came from the gate, and she looked up.
Nathan walked in with Annelise in his arms, the two of them close and intimate. When he lowered his head to speak to her, his expression softened in a way Evelyn had never seen in three years of marriage.
Their eyes met, and both froze. Nathan's hand, resting on Annelise's waist, dropped abruptly.
Evelyn looked away first, her voice calm, as if she had seen nothing. "When did you get back? I was lost in thought just now, didn't notice."
Nathan and Annelise exchanged a glance, their expressions quickly returning to normal.
Annelise stepped forward and handed her a paper bag. "Evelyn, we passed by that bakery you said you liked. I picked up a few for you."
The bag was still warm. Evelyn took it and ate three in quick succession.
She swallowed hurriedly, forcing a smile. "Thank you. They're really good. I'm happy."
Annelise looked at her in confusion, at the tear-streaked face still wearing a bright smile.
Just as she was about to speak, Nathan cut in. "You sound congested. Go take a hot shower."
Back in the bedroom.
Evelyn quietly took out a blanket and laid it on the other side of the bed, putting distance between herself and Nathan.
She had just lain down when she heard Nathan sigh behind her. "You know, don't you?"
Evelyn pulled the blanket over her head, wrapping herself tightly. "I'm going to sleep."
She didn't want to hear it. Didn't want to face it. She just wanted to run from everything.
But the next second, Nathan reached out, dragging her out from under the blanket and forcing her to look at him.
His voice was blunt and merciless, each word cutting deep into her. "Evelyn, I can play the role of a good husband in public and keep this marriage looking respectable. But remember this, I may stay here, but my heart will always belong to your sister. Do you understand?"
