Chapter 100

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's penthouse, casting golden patterns across the marble floors. She stood by the window, sipping her coffee, her mind racing with the events of last night. Nathaniel had proposed—again. But this time, it felt different.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Gregory. "Meeting in 30. The investors are waiting."

Evelyn sighed. She wasn't ready to face the world yet. Not after the emotional whirlwind Nathaniel had thrown her into. But duty called.

She dressed quickly, opting for a sleek navy pantsuit—her armor. As she stepped into the elevator, her reflection stared back at her. "What are you doing, Evelyn?" she muttered.

The lobby was bustling. The doorman tipped his hat. "Morning, Ms. Mitchell."

"Morning, Alfred," she replied absently, stepping into the waiting car.

The ride to the office was a blur. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Nathaniel's words. "I never stopped loving you."

The car stopped. She took a deep breath.

Gregory was waiting at the entrance, his usual composed self. "You're late."

"Traffic," she lied.

He raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

The meeting room was packed. Investors, board members—all eyes turned to her as she entered.

"Ah, Ms. Mitchell. We were just discussing the new project," said Jonathan Blake, Summit Realty's project manager.

Evelyn forced a smile. "Perfect timing, then."

She launched into her presentation, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. The numbers, the projections—all flawless. But her mind was elsewhere.

Halfway through, her phone vibrated. A message from Nathaniel. "We need to talk."

Her heart skipped a beat.

Gregory noticed her hesitation. "Everything alright?"

"Fine," she said, locking her phone. "Let's proceed."

The meeting dragged on. Questions, debates, more questions. Evelyn answered mechanically, her thoughts a tangled mess.

Finally, it was over.

Gregory cornered her outside. "What's going on with you today?"

"Nothing. Just tired."

He studied her face. "This isn't just fatigue. Is it Nathaniel?"

Evelyn looked away. "It's complicated."

"Complicated?" He scoffed. "You've been dancing around this for years."

She clenched her fists. "I don't need a lecture, Gregory."

"Fine. But don't let it ruin what we've built."

She watched him walk away, guilt gnawing at her.

Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Charlotte. "Emergency girls' night. My place. 8 PM."

Evelyn smiled faintly. Some things never changed.

She texted back. "I'll be there."

As she stepped out of the building, the city buzzed around her. The noise, the chaos—it mirrored her mind.

Nathaniel's words echoed. "I never stopped loving you."

Did she still love him?

The answer terrified her.

Because deep down, she already knew.

She always had.

Evelyn turned to face him. A fleeting emotion crossed her delicate features, but Nathaniel maintained his composed tone. "No."

"Are you certain?"

"Absolutely."

"Then what did you and Grandfather discuss?"

"He asked if I was happy."

Nathaniel's gaze flickered toward her, skepticism evident. "Well then, tell me—are you?"

The striking man was dressed in an immaculate black suit, his expression unreadable, his dark eyes intense.

Evelyn instinctively averted her gaze, looking out the window instead. "I'm more... surprised than happy."

His lips curled into a cold smirk. "Evelyn, Grandfather claims you're kind and considerate. So why don’t I see it? Or are you deliberately hiding that side from me?"

She froze for a heartbeat.

When she turned back, he had already closed his eyes, his face a mask of indifference, brows slightly furrowed.

Evelyn remained silent the entire ride back to Pineview Villa.

As the car halted, Nathaniel’s phone rang.

He answered in front of her. "What is it?"

"Drinks?"

"Where?"

The caller gave an address. Nathaniel glanced at Evelyn. "It’s still early. I’m heading to Thomas’s place. You should rest."

"Fine." She stepped out, watching the car reverse before retreating into the house.

Half an hour later, Nathaniel arrived at the private club.

Thomas and the others were already waiting. Thomas poured him a drink and announced, "Mr. Martin is covering the tab tonight."

The other two—Theodore and Maxwell—exchanged glances. They were all close friends.

The moment Nathaniel sat down, Thomas leaned in and whispered, "Nathaniel, what’s going on? Why the sudden announcement?"

"Not your concern." His tone was icy.

"We’re just looking out for you. Do you realize how many hearts you’ve broken? Especially Isabella’s. Was this your idea, or did Edward force you?"

Thomas already knew the answer. Nathaniel hadn’t been the same man he was a year ago. Now, he was untouchable—the face of the Martin empire.

Thomas pressed further. "Nathaniel, is this because you’ve cut ties with Isabella?"

A cold glance. "This has nothing to do with her."

"But you once said you’d marry her."

Nathaniel’s eyes darkened.

Thomas hesitated before asking, "So... you’re not planning to divorce Evelyn? You intend to stay married?"

"And if I do?"

"Then there’s no issue."

Thomas smirked. "Unless... you’ve fallen for her?"

Nathaniel’s expression remained impassive, but his gaze warned Thomas to back off.

Did love matter?

They’d been married for a year. They’d made it public. That was enough.

Theodore chimed in, "Thomas, stop prying. They’re husband and wife. It’s their business."

"If you have fallen for her, we support you."

Nathaniel arched a brow. "Since when do I need your approval?"

Thomas chuckled. "Nathaniel, if you’re serious about spending your life with Evelyn, have you ever considered her feelings?"

Would she even want that?

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. He gave Thomas a dismissive glance before looking away, his face betraying nothing.

But the question lingered.

The prolonged silence made the trio exchange uneasy looks.

Thomas cleared his throat. "Forget I asked—"

"Does it matter?" Nathaniel finally spoke. "The marriage is public. Divorce isn’t an option. Grandfather wants an heir. We’ll give him one."

Thomas stiffened.

Was he planning to bind Evelyn to him with a child?

Nathaniel drank calmly, his expression unreadable.

A year of marriage. A public declaration. A child was the next logical step.

But he hadn’t mentioned this to Evelyn.

She had no idea.

Meanwhile, Evelyn’s life had shifted dramatically since the announcement.

The Mitchells were suddenly inundated with visitors—wealthier, more influential than they’d ever been.

"William Mitchell, you’ve kept this alliance with the Martins so quiet! We could learn a thing or two from your humility."

William smiled politely. "My daughter and Nathaniel chose each other. We don’t interfere."

"You’re fortunate to have a son-in-law like Mr. Martin."

William exchanged a worried glance with Margaret. Why had the Martins gone public now?

What if they divorced? Would that be announced too?

Evelyn arrived at work to uneasy stares.

Her colleagues hesitated, unsure whether to address her as Mrs. Martin.

She sighed. "I’m still Evelyn. Just act normal."

They relaxed, nodding.

She glanced at Gregory’s empty office. "Mr. Wilson isn’t in yet?"