Chapter 214

The moment Evelyn stepped into the grand hall of the Martin estate, she felt the weight of countless eyes on her. The air was thick with tension, the kind that made her fingers curl instinctively into fists. She had known this day would come—the day she would finally confront Isabella Davis, Nathaniel’s first love, the woman who had haunted their marriage like a ghost.

Isabella stood near the fireplace, her crimson dress clinging to her curves, her lips painted the same shade of red. She looked every bit the seductress Evelyn had imagined.

"Evelyn," Isabella purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I was wondering when you’d show up."

Evelyn forced a smile, though her pulse hammered in her throat. "Isabella. I didn’t realize you were still in town."

"Oh, darling," Isabella laughed, twirling a strand of her golden hair around one finger. "I wouldn’t miss this for the world."

Nathaniel appeared at Evelyn’s side then, his hand settling possessively on the small of her back. His touch was warm, grounding, but Evelyn could feel the tension radiating off him.

"Isabella," he said, his voice cool. "I wasn’t aware you’d been invited."

Isabella’s smile faltered for just a second before she recovered. "Edward insisted I come. You know how fond he is of me."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. Edward Martin, Nathaniel’s grandfather, had always been kind to her, but his soft spot for Isabella was no secret.

Before the conversation could escalate, Gregory Wilson, Evelyn’s business partner, approached with two glasses of champagne. He handed one to Evelyn with a knowing look.

"You look like you could use this," he murmured.

Evelyn took the glass gratefully, her fingers brushing against his. "Thanks, Greg."

Isabella’s eyes flicked between them, a smirk playing on her lips. "How… cozy."

Nathaniel’s grip on Evelyn tightened slightly, but before he could respond, the sound of shattering glass cut through the room.

All heads turned toward the commotion.

Victoria Martin, Nathaniel’s mother, stood frozen, her champagne flute in pieces at her feet. Her face was pale as she stared at someone across the room.

Evelyn followed her gaze—and her breath caught.

Standing near the entrance was Richard Martin, Nathaniel’s father, a man who had been absent from their lives for years.

The room fell into stunned silence.

Then Richard smiled, slow and deliberate, his eyes locking onto Victoria’s.

"Hello, Lily," he said, using her old nickname. "Did you miss me?"

Victoria swayed slightly, her hand flying to her chest.

Evelyn felt Nathaniel stiffen beside her.

The game had just changed.

And none of them were ready for what came next.

Nathaniel's gaze flickered toward Evelyn, but before he could utter a word, Isabella interjected, "Nathaniel, I need to discuss something with you. About last year."

His brows knitted together, his dark eyes turning stormy.

Without another glance at Evelyn, he said curtly, "Go ahead and eat." Then he strode toward the living room.

Isabella shot Evelyn a triumphant smirk, as if declaring, See? He still chooses me. You’ll always be second.

Evelyn remained rooted in place, watching them disappear into the other room. She wasn’t curious about their conversation—just hollow.

A bitter voice whispered in her mind, No matter what, he’ll always pick her in the end.

Nathaniel stood rigidly by the window, his expression unreadable as he faced Isabella. "Speak. What is it?"

His tone was clipped, impatient.

Lately, he had been distant—ignoring her calls during business trips, avoiding her presence. Isabella could feel him slipping away, and fear coiled in her chest.

She swallowed hard. "Nathaniel, I want us to take wedding photos."

Silence.

She stepped closer, desperation lacing her words. "Just one set. I know you won’t divorce Evelyn, and maybe what you feel for me is just guilt. But marrying you—it’s all I’ve dreamed of since you promised me. Please, grant me this one thing."

When he didn’t respond, she rushed on, "I swear, if you agree, I’ll cooperate fully with the therapist. I’ll let go of the past. I’ll say goodbye to you—properly this time."

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her voice trembling with raw emotion.

Nathaniel remained unmoved. "Do you really think wedding photos will fix anything?"

"Yes," she insisted. "It’ll be closure. You won’t have to divorce her, and I’ll have my dream fulfilled. After this, I’ll disappear from your life. I know being with you is impossible, but just this once—let me pretend."

Her lips quivered, her delicate fingers twisting together. She looked heartbreakingly fragile.

Nathaniel’s expression didn’t soften. "Are you certain this is what you want?"

"More than anything."

"Then why waste time on meaningless photos?"

"Because loving you has been my entire life," she whispered. "I just need this one memory."

His jaw tightened. "Legally, Evelyn is still my wife. Do you honestly think this is appropriate?"

Isabella’s eyes flashed. "Why wouldn’t it be? Unless—" Her voice turned sharp. "Have you fallen for her? But she doesn’t love you. She’s only here because of the family alliance—"

"Enough." Nathaniel’s voice was lethal, his gaze piercing. "If you truly understand the situation, make another request. I’ll grant it—within reason."

Her shoulders slumped. "This is all I want."

"Then I refuse."

"Why?"