Chapter 2

Evelyn suddenly remembered Nathan's business trip from two months ago. Her fingers clenched around the phone until her knuckles turned white.

Had he been unfaithful?

As his secretary and secret wife, she'd never heard whispers of infidelity before now.

"Mr. Sterling treats his girlfriend so well! Who's the lucky woman? They must be going public soon."

"I looked her up. Is this her?"

The nurse passing by took the phone from her colleague. "Yes, that's Isabella Delaney!"

"The Delaney heiress? With her beauty and status, she's perfect for Nathan!"

Their voices faded as they walked away, leaving Evelyn frozen in the hallway.

"The Delaneys..." The name echoed in her mind.

After completing her discharge paperwork, Evelyn slid into the waiting car. Her thoughts swirled like a storm.

The half-open window let in a cool breeze as her phone's glow illuminated her pale face. She searched desperately for connections between the Sterling and Delaney families - two of Pamore's most powerful dynasties.

Nothing. The silence was deafening.

When Evelyn arrived at Sterling Manor, only Margaret waited in the lit living room, leaning on her cane. "Thank heavens you're safe, dear! You nearly gave this old heart an attack!"

"Don't worry, Grandma." Evelyn forced a smile, desperate to escape upstairs. "I'm just... tired."

"Rest then. I've sent for Nathan. He'll be home soon!"

Evelyn's breath caught. The pain returned sharper than before, draining the color from her face.

She was the only one being kept in the dark.

Margaret mistook her distress for loneliness. She never imagined another woman's shadow had pierced Evelyn's heart, making all her sacrifices seem foolish.

Nathan didn't return until midnight the next day.

Darkness filled their bedroom until he flicked on the lights, irritation lining his features. "Still awake? Why sit in the dark?"

Evelyn hadn't moved from bed all day. The untouched meals by her bedside had gone cold.

"Where were you these past two days?" Her back remained turned, her voice hoarse with exhaustion.

Nathan paused mid-way through removing his suit jacket. His brows furrowed at the unfamiliar question.

In three years of marriage, she'd never demanded his whereabouts like this.

"Business in Misdeon," he answered coldly, loosening his tie with sharp movements before heading toward the bathroom.

"Really?" Evelyn's bitter laugh hung in the air. "Simon confirmed no flights to Misdeon."

Nathan froze at the bathroom door. "What are you implying?"

Though she couldn't see his face, Evelyn felt the icy anger radiating from him. The temperature in the room seemed to drop.