Chapter 47

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the bedroom as Evelyn stirred awake. The warmth of Nathaniel’s arm draped over her waist was a comforting weight, grounding her in the moment. She turned slightly, studying his peaceful expression—the way his dark lashes fanned against his cheeks, the faint stubble shadowing his jaw.

A soft knock at the door interrupted the quiet.

"Mrs. Martin?" Alfred’s voice was muffled through the wood. "Mr. Edward has requested your presence in the study."

Evelyn frowned. Edward rarely summoned her directly unless it was urgent. She carefully extricated herself from Nathaniel’s embrace, pressing a featherlight kiss to his temple before slipping out of bed.

Downstairs, the study door was slightly ajar. Edward sat behind his mahogany desk, his sharp gaze fixed on a document in front of him. Winston stood nearby, his usual composed demeanor tinged with something Evelyn couldn’t quite place—unease?

"You wanted to see me?" she asked, stepping inside.

Edward looked up, his expression unreadable. "Evelyn. Sit."

She obeyed, smoothing her silk robe over her knees. The air in the room felt heavy, charged with tension.

"I’ve received some… concerning news," Edward began, folding his hands. "Regarding Isabella Davis."

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. Isabella—Nathaniel’s ex, the woman who had once held his heart and still seemed to linger in the shadows of their marriage.

"What about her?" Evelyn kept her voice steady, though her fingers tightened imperceptibly on the armrest.

Edward exhaled slowly. "She’s back in the city. And she’s been in contact with certain individuals who have vested interests in destabilizing the Martins."

A cold knot formed in Evelyn’s stomach. "What does that mean?"

"It means," Winston interjected quietly, "that she may not be here for reconciliation."

Edward’s gaze bore into Evelyn’s. "I need you to be cautious. Nathaniel has a history with her, and emotions can cloud judgment."

Evelyn swallowed hard. She had fought too hard for her place in Nathaniel’s life to let Isabella waltz back in and unravel everything.

"I understand," she said, lifting her chin. "But I trust Nathaniel."

Edward’s lips thinned. "Trust is a luxury, Evelyn. One we can’t always afford."

Just then, the study door swung open. Nathaniel stood there, his shirt rumpled from sleep, his eyes dark with concern.

"What’s going on?" he demanded, his gaze flicking between Evelyn and his grandfather.

Silence stretched for a heartbeat too long.

Then Edward leaned back in his chair. "We were just discussing an old ghost."

Nathaniel’s jaw clenched. "Isabella."

Evelyn watched as recognition—and something else, something guarded—flashed across his face.

The game had just changed. And none of them were ready for what came next.

"I'll stay right here with you. I won't disturb you. I'll be quiet, I promise."

Nathaniel reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind Evelyn's ear, but before his fingers could graze her skin, she flinched away. His hand froze mid-air, then dropped stiffly to his side.

Evelyn's face was pale, her lips bloodless. Her eyes, once warm, had turned icy.

Nathaniel clenched his fist before releasing it with a quiet sigh. He adjusted the hospital bed for her, then lifted the bowl of broth. "Let me feed you. Just a little, okay?"

The broth was barely seasoned—just a pinch of salt—since Evelyn couldn't stomach anything heavier.

But she turned her head away. "I'm not hungry."

"What would you like instead? I'll have it prepared."

"Nothing. Just leave."

"Evelyn," he murmured, voice softening, "I crossed a line last night. It won't happen again."

"So you push me first, then try to soothe me?" Her voice trembled. "Nathaniel, do you even realize what you almost—"

She cut herself off, pressing a hand to her stomach. The thought of last night made her chest tighten. She had told him to stop. Begged him. But he hadn’t listened. If anything had happened to the baby because of it...

She’d never forgive him. Or herself.

Nathaniel didn’t lower the bowl. His voice was low, rough with regret. "Punish me however you want. But you need to eat. How else will you recover?"

"Put it down. I'll manage."

She turned her back to him, shutting him out.

Evelyn didn’t understand him.

They were supposed to be finalizing their divorce. Yet he’d treated her like a lover last night.

And now? Now he hovered over her like a devoted husband.

What game was he playing?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she grew.

After that, she ignored him completely. No matter what he said or did, silence was her only response.

News of Evelyn’s hospitalization reached the Martins by dawn.

Edward arrived with Victoria, both horrified by Evelyn’s gaunt appearance. They wasted no time berating Nathaniel.

"Evelyn," Edward said, patting her hand, "once you’re better, I’ll personally take you to file those divorce papers. Then you’ll move back into the manor. From now on, you’re my granddaughter." His eyes twinkled. "A beauty like you? Half the eligible bachelors in the city will be lining up. We’ll vet them properly."

Evelyn managed a weak smile. Just one night, and her cheeks had hollowed.

Nathaniel stood in the corner, jaw tight. He didn’t dare argue.

Two days passed. Nathaniel stayed by her side the entire time, though Evelyn remained frosty. He didn’t push. He let her set the pace.

Isabella visited once. Evelyn refused to see her. Nathaniel finally sent her away.

On discharge day, Edward sent a car. Nathaniel followed, assuming it was just a family dinner.

He was wrong.

Edward had arranged a matchmaking session.

Victoria had prepared dossiers on every respectable bachelor in their circle. Edward handed them to Evelyn one by one. "Take your time, dear. No rush. Just point out who catches your eye."

Evelyn was overwhelmed but couldn’t refuse his kindness. She forced herself to skim the profiles.

She paused at one. "This one seems nice. How old is he?"

"Ah! Theodore Gene. The Genes are a medical dynasty—brilliant lineage. He’s a year younger than you."

"A year younger?" Evelyn shook her head. "That won’t work."

"Nonsense! Age gaps are fashionable now. I’ll arrange a meeting tomorrow."

Evelyn stayed silent.

Victoria beamed. "Theodore’s mature for his age. His mother says he’s exceptionally considerate. You’ll adore him."

"Alright," Evelyn conceded.

"Shall I come with you?" Victoria asked.

"If you don’t mind. First meetings are... awkward."

Victoria clasped her hands. "Oh, Evelyn! Thank you for letting me experience planning a daughter’s wedding."

Evelyn’s cheeks pinked.

The room was warm with laughter.

Across from them, Richard shot Nathaniel a pointed look. "Your grandfather isn’t joking. For Evelyn’s sake, finalize the divorce soon."

Nathaniel’s expression didn’t flicker. "The Martin Group is at a critical juncture. Our stocks would plummet if news of the divorce broke now. I’ll wait until the current project stabilizes."

His tone was smooth, betraying nothing.

"Is that truly your reason?" Richard pressed.

"Of course. As CEO, the company comes first. Personal matters can’t jeopardize its interests."

Richard studied him. "If it’s for the company, explain that to your grandfather. Before things escalate."

Their gazes locked—a silent understanding passing between them.

Nathaniel re-entered the sitting room just as Edward declared, "Evelyn’s kind and stunning. Any man would be lucky to have her!"

Evelyn, embarrassed, played along. "You’re too kind."

Nathaniel froze in the doorway.

Their eyes met. Evelyn quickly looked away.

Edward waved him over. "Perfect timing. What do you think of this candidate?"

Nathaniel glanced at the photo. A notorious playboy.

Without a word, he snatched it and tossed it into the trash.

Edward’s face darkened. "Nathaniel!"

The room went silent.