Chapter 4
Evelyn peeled off Nathan's shirt, her lips trailing fiery kisses down his sculpted torso. The ache for him burned so fiercely that a crimson flush crept up to the tips of her ears.
"You asked how I became Mrs. Sterling," she murmured against his skin, her breath hot. "I almost forgot my most important duty—giving you an heir."
Her fingers traced the ridges of his abdomen as she continued, "Consider this me... fulfilling my obligations."
Nathan's entire body went rigid. "You dare—?" His voice was a growl, muscles coiling with barely restrained fury.
Evelyn smirked, unfazed. "I may have sprayed something... stimulating in the air. Don’t fight it. The effects won’t last long."
Her touch grew bolder, a stark contrast to the demure facade she’d worn around him before.
"I just... want a child. Your child."
Nathan’s breathing turned ragged, his control fraying under her shameless advances.
With a snarl, he seized her wrist, his grip bruising. "You’re revolting, Evelyn."
The fire in her eyes dimmed instantly.
"Does touching me really disgust you that much?" Her voice wavered, tears glistening.
"Yes." His answer was immediate, his glare cutting deeper than any blade.
He shoved her away, snatching his discarded clothes. He didn’t bother buttoning his shirt before storming out, the door slamming behind him with finality.
Only then did Evelyn collapse to the floor, nails biting into her palms. A hollow laugh escaped her.
Time to let go.
The next morning, Evelyn descended the stairs, her suitcase scraping against each step.
The dining table was set, but the usual breakfast chatter was absent—Margaret was at her morning prayers.
Vanessa Sterling, Nathan’s sharp-tongued sister, lounged in the foyer. A sophomore at Pamore University, she’d never hidden her disdain for Evelyn.
"Running away after nearly dying?" Vanessa sneered. "Too bad. You’re doing my hair first. I have a party tonight."
Evelyn ignored her, heading straight for the door—only to collide with Eleanor Blackwell, her mother-in-law, impeccably dressed as always.
Eleanor’s lip curled. "Where do you think you’re going? Put that luggage down and help Patricia clean the guest suite. We have a special arrival."
Evelyn’s stomach twisted.
Vanessa perked up. "Who’s coming?"
Eleanor’s smile was saccharine. "Isabella Delaney, of course."
"Isabella’s back?"
"And pregnant with Nathan’s child," Eleanor added, her gaze slicing to Evelyn. "The Sterling estate is the perfect place for her to stay. Far better than the Delaney residence."
Her words were a knife to Evelyn’s ribs. Isabella had always been Eleanor’s choice.
If not for that night, Nathan would’ve married her instead.
Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her suitcase handle.
Eleanor snapped, "Why are you still standing there? Move!"
In the past, Evelyn would’ve obeyed.
Not today.
Her voice was eerily calm. "Nathan and I are done. Find someone else to play maid."