Chapter 169

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow across the bedroom. Evelyn stirred, her fingers brushing against the empty space beside her. Nathaniel had already left for work—again.

She sighed, sitting up and running a hand through her tousled hair. The silence of the villa was deafening. Even Alfred, their ever-present butler, seemed to tread more quietly these days.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Gregory.

"Evelyn, the client wants revisions by noon. Can you come in early?"

She groaned. Another rushed deadline. Another day spent buried in blueprints and contracts.

As she dressed, her gaze lingered on the framed photo on her vanity—her and Nathaniel on their wedding day, his arms wrapped around her waist, both of them laughing under a shower of rose petals.

That felt like a lifetime ago.

Downstairs, Rosalind had prepared breakfast—fluffy pancakes with fresh berries, just the way Evelyn liked them. But the plate remained untouched as she grabbed her keys and headed out.

The drive to the office was a blur. Her mind kept circling back to Nathaniel. The late nights. The missed dinners. The way he’d been distant ever since Isabella resurfaced.

Was he seeing her again?

The thought twisted her stomach.

Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Charlotte.

"Girl, we need to talk. Coffee after work?"

Evelyn hesitated before replying. "Can’t. Deadline."

She knew Charlotte would see right through the excuse. But she wasn’t ready to admit—not even to herself—how much she was unraveling.

The office was already bustling when she arrived. Gabrielle, her assistant, handed her a steaming cup of coffee.

"Gregory’s waiting in the conference room," she said softly. "He looks… stressed."

Evelyn took a deep breath. "Aren’t we all?"

As she pushed open the conference room door, Gregory’s sharp voice cut through the air.

"Finally. We have a problem."

She braced herself. Another crisis. Another fire to put out.

But as she listened to Gregory’s rapid-fire explanation, her mind wandered.

Where was Nathaniel right now?

And why did she feel like she was losing him all over again?

"Absolutely not," Evelyn responded without hesitation.

"That's a relief." Charlotte seemed pleased.

Evelyn tilted her head curiously. "You really don’t like him, do you? I don’t recall you two ever having issues before."

Charlotte scoffed. "I can’t stand him. He puts on this noble act, but deep down, he’s a coward. He’s in love with you but hides behind friendship because you’re married. Doesn’t that make him a hypocrite?"

Her bluntness caught Evelyn off guard.

She knew Charlotte wasn’t one to gossip maliciously, but Gregory had been nothing but kind to her. She chose to stay silent.

Realizing she might have overstepped, Charlotte softened her tone. "I’m not trying to control who you befriend. I just want you to be careful. If you ever decide to be with him, I’ll support you—as long as you’re happy. I just—"

Evelyn cut her off with a small smile. "Relax, I won’t be with him. But since we’re being honest… I have a secret to share."

Charlotte perked up instantly. "What kind of secret?"

"I’m pregnant."

At first, Charlotte blinked, unimpressed—then her eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what? You’re pregnant?!"

Her voice echoed through the room.

Evelyn clamped a hand over her mouth. "Shh! I don’t want anyone else knowing yet."

"So Nathaniel doesn’t know?"

"Of course not. Only Edward and I know. You’re the third."

Charlotte grinned, squeezing Evelyn’s hand. "You’re amazing. Honestly, this divorce might be a blessing. Have the baby, and we’ll raise it together. We’ll find two hot, young dads for them later. Sound good?"

Evelyn laughed. "Sure, dream all you want. Just don’t let this slip in front of Nathaniel. I don’t want him finding out."

Charlotte raised a hand solemnly. "I swear on my life."

Evelyn studied her for a moment. "Did you really come to Mayby just for me?"

"Obviously! Who else would I come for?"

Charlotte’s cheeks flushed slightly, her gaze flickering away.

Evelyn smirked but didn’t press further. "My mistake. I thought maybe you had another reason—like that mysterious guy you refuse to call your boyfriend."

"He’s not my boyfriend."

"Oh? So just a fling then?"

"Evelyn! I flew all the way here for you, and this is how you repay me?"

"Sorry, sorry. Can’t help stating facts." Evelyn grinned just as the doorbell rang.

The two exchanged glances. Charlotte bit her lip. "Did I yell too loud? Are the neighbors complaining?"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes and moved to answer, but Charlotte stopped her. "Let me handle it. If they’re mad, I’ll leave tonight."

Evelyn nodded.

Charlotte opened the door with an apologetic smile—only to freeze when she saw Nathaniel standing there.

Nathaniel’s expression mirrored her surprise. He recognized her as the woman who had left the restaurant with Evelyn earlier. His voice was cool. "I’m here to see Evelyn."

"She’s asleep. What do you want?"

Charlotte blocked the doorway, her stance unyielding as she stared him down.