Chapter 3

The dim lighting revealed Evelyn leaning heavily on her crutches. Nathan's breath caught when he realized how much weight she'd lost since their wedding three years ago.

She looked fragile enough to be swept away by the slightest breeze.

"You were following me?" Nathan's expression darkened instantly.

"Do I look that desperate?" Her voice was soft but razor-sharp. "I was at the same hospital. Saw you with my own eyes."

Nathan's anger flared while Evelyn battled overwhelming grief. How could he?

Not a single word of concern about her car accident. Only irritation and contempt laced his tone.

Three years of marriage. Three wasted years.

She'd played the perfect daughter-in-law to Margaret's impossible standards. Endured Vanessa's constant disdain.

A servant at home. A workhorse at Sterling Enterprises.

All to fulfill Margaret's demand for an heir. Hoping Nathan might finally see her worth.

Even a crumb of affection would've made it bearable.

Yet Nathan had barely touched her.

They shared a bedroom but never a bed.

Biting back pain, Evelyn met his icy gaze with a hollow laugh. "Your mother calls me barren while your mistress carries your child. Do I mean nothing to you?"

She reached for him, but he caught her wrist instantly.

"Isabella isn't some mistress. We've known each other twenty years."

Childhood sweethearts. His grip tightened.

"She was abroad five years. Zero contact."

That explained why Evelyn's investigators found nothing.

Her gaze dropped to his hand on her stomach. "And now you've reconnected?"

Nathan's throat worked. He considered explaining, then thought better of it. "You forget how you became Mrs. Sterling."

As if she could forget.

With multiple heirs vying for control of Sterling Enterprises, Margaret had sought a Pamore bride to secure the family line.

Evelyn, Margaret's lifesaver, had volunteered.

She'd approached Nathan herself. Promised not to interfere in his life.

Closed her thriving boutique. Became his secretary. Their marriage remained a secret.

Now he accused her of overstepping.

Evelyn's laugh was brittle. "Humans are greedy creatures, aren't we?"

Pale as death, only her smile proved she wasn't a specter.

Nathan studied her, sensing a change he couldn't define.

Suddenly, Evelyn slipped free from his grasp.

A floral scent filled the room, growing stronger despite closed windows. The temperature climbed.

Nathan glanced at the thermostat - 30°C.

His scowl deepened when Evelyn's fingers found his collar.

He couldn't bring himself to stop her.

"What did you do?" he demanded as his breathing turned ragged.