Chapter 327

Their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills, neither willing to yield.

After a tense pause, Nathaniel's lips curled into a chilling smile. "So what you're saying is, you're refusing to have a wedding because you're worried about hurting your ex's feelings? Is that why you're sabotaging our future?"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression unreadable.

"If that's what you choose to believe," she said quietly, "then yes. It's not like my denial would change your mind anyway."

"Nathaniel, what exactly are you accusing me of?" Her voice remained steady, but her chest tightened. "Have you convinced yourself I'm already packing my bags to run back to him?"

His distrust cut deeper than any blade.

But she refused to justify herself.

If he'd already decided who she was, no words would change that.

Evelyn pressed her lips together and turned away. Before she could retreat, his hand closed around her wrist like a steel cuff.

She yanked back, but he pinned her against the wall in one fluid motion. His breath was hot against her skin as he studied her face—then claimed her mouth without mercy.

The kiss was cold, punishing. She pushed against his chest, but his arms were immovable. The more she struggled, the tighter he held her, until her body went slack from lack of air. Her fingers twisted into his shirt as the world spun.

When he finally released her, Evelyn gasped, her glare burning with fury.

Nathaniel merely smirked. "Tell me, Evelyn—do you provoke me because you think pregnancy makes you untouchable? Is that your new shield?"

Her brows knitted together as she shoved at him. "Get away from me."

"Answer the question." He caught her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. Instead of backing off, he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Is. That. It?"

Evelyn's jaw tensed.

"Why do you always twist my silence into guilt?" Her voice was eerily calm. "If you've already tried and convicted me in your head, why ask for my defense? Would you even listen?"

The room fell silent.

A bitter laugh escaped her. "You accuse me of hiding our marriage for my ex's sake? Then what about you, Nathaniel? Has my past ever interfered with us? No. But Isabella still has a key to your life. So tell me—who's really being unreasonable here?"

She wasn't one to dredge up old wounds. But his constant suspicion had worn her down.

Her ex had been nothing more than a passing excuse, yet Nathaniel had turned him into a ghost haunting their marriage. She stared at the floor, her face carefully blank.

Nathaniel watched her, his expression unreadable. When he finally spoke, his voice was softer. "So all this time... it's been about Isabella?"

Evelyn said nothing.

His fingers brushed her cheek. "I haven't seen or spoken to Isabella. Whatever you heard—whatever you think you saw—you could've asked me first. Jumping to conclusions like this..." His thumb traced her lower lip. "Don't you think you're the one crossing the line now?"