Chapter 48

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn’s office, casting golden streaks across her drafting table. She exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples as she stared at the blueprint in front of her. The design for the new Martin Group project was due by the end of the week, and yet, her mind kept drifting elsewhere.

Nathaniel had been distant lately.

Ever since their last argument—something trivial about his late-night meetings—he had withdrawn into himself, his smiles forced, his touches fleeting. She knew he was under pressure, but the silence between them was suffocating.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Evelyn?" Gabrielle, her assistant, peeked in, holding a steaming cup of coffee. "Thought you might need this."

Evelyn smiled gratefully, accepting the cup. "You’re a lifesaver."

Gabrielle hesitated, then leaned against the doorframe. "You okay? You’ve been staring at that blueprint for an hour."

Evelyn sighed, setting the coffee down. "Just… distracted."

"Because of Nathaniel?"

She didn’t answer, but the way her fingers tightened around the cup was answer enough.

Gabrielle bit her lip. "You know, sometimes men just need space to sort things out. Especially ones like him."

Evelyn scoffed. "Space is one thing. Silence is another."

Before Gabrielle could respond, Evelyn’s phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel lit up the screen:

"Dinner tonight. We need to talk."

Her stomach twisted. Those four words never meant anything good.

Nathaniel stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse, watching the city lights flicker to life as dusk settled. His fingers drummed restlessly against the glass.

He hated this. Hated the tension, the unspoken words, the way Evelyn’s eyes had dimmed every time he walked into a room lately.

But he couldn’t avoid it anymore.

The door clicked open behind him.

Evelyn stepped inside, her heels silent against the marble floor. She looked stunning—always did—but there was a wariness in her gaze now.

"You wanted to talk," she said, voice steady.

Nathaniel turned, meeting her eyes. "Yeah."

A beat of silence. Then, he exhaled. "I’ve been an ass."

Evelyn blinked. That wasn’t what she’d expected.

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration bleeding into his voice. "I’ve been pushing you away because I didn’t want to drag you into my mess. But that’s not fair to you."

Her pulse quickened. "What mess?"

Nathaniel hesitated. Then, quietly: "Isabella’s back in town."

The name hit Evelyn like a physical blow. Isabella—his first love, the woman who had shattered his heart years ago.

And now she was here.

Evelyn’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. "And?"

Nathaniel stepped closer, his gaze intense. "And I need you to know that nothing’s changed. Not for me."

But the doubt was already there, creeping in like poison.

Because if Isabella was back…

What did that mean for them?

Nathaniel's voice was hushed but firm as he addressed his grandfather. "Grandfather, Evelyn and I are still legally married. If word gets out about this situation, it won’t just tarnish my reputation—it will reflect poorly on the entire Martin family."

"Are you attempting to intimidate me?" Edward Martin's piercing gaze bore into him.

"I'm merely stating facts." Nathaniel exhaled, his expression tight with frustration.

Edward's lips thinned. "You think the Martin name is so fragile that gossip could break it?"

"You're right, Grandfather. But rumors spread like wildfire, especially now that the Martin Group’s new venture has just launched. Competitors are watching, the government is scrutinizing, and one misstep could cost us everything. We can’t afford distractions."

Nathaniel’s tone was measured, his reasoning sound. This wasn’t about personal feelings—it was about business.

Richard Martin, Nathaniel’s father, nodded in agreement. "Father, he has a point. The Martin Group may appear untouchable, but we can’t ignore potential risks."

Edward fell silent, his sharp eyes flickering toward Evelyn.

Evelyn remained composed, her voice steady. "Our marriage was never public knowledge. Divorcing now wouldn’t affect the Martin Group. And I have no interest in your shares, so there’s no financial impact."

Her logic was flawless, her tone detached.

The room grew still. Evelyn lifted her gaze, meeting Nathaniel’s icy stare.

He countered, "Secrets have a way of surfacing. Even if we keep it quiet, can you guarantee the Mitchells won’t leak it? You said yourself they oppose the divorce. Do you really believe they’ll stay silent?"

Would her family side with her?

No.

Margaret Mitchell would never allow Evelyn to sever ties with the Martins.

Evelyn’s shoulders tensed. She had no rebuttal.

Nathaniel pressed on, "Since you can’t promise discretion, I won’t gamble the company’s stability."

His phone buzzed abruptly, cutting through the tension.

Nathaniel glanced at the screen. "I have to take this. It’s about the project." He turned to Evelyn. "Stay and talk with Grandfather. I’ll come back for you."

Without waiting for her response, he bid Edward farewell and strode out.

Evelyn clenched her fists. In mere minutes, her plans had unraveled.

She knew Nathaniel wasn’t delaying the divorce for her. It was always about the Martins.

Edward leaned closer, his voice gentle. "Evelyn, don’t let Nathaniel dictate this. If you want the divorce, I’ll support you. His reasons don’t matter—only your choice does."

"Thank you, Grandfather." She forced a smile. As much as she wanted freedom, she wouldn’t jeopardize the Martin Group.

She inhaled deeply. "If Nathaniel insists on waiting, then we’ll wait."

Today, it was the company. Tomorrow, it would be Isabella.

Evelyn might as well use this time to finish her own projects.

Instead of lingering at the manor, she had Alfred drive her back to Pineview Villa.

Edward walked her to the car, his parting words lingering in the air. "Evelyn, if during this delay, you find that Nathaniel has changed—if you believe you could build a life together—give him a chance. Give your child a complete family. But only if it’s what you want."

His words haunted her all the way home.

Would I ever say yes?

Would Nathaniel even want that?

Exhaustion weighed on her. Two days in the hospital had left her pale but no less striking. Her delicate features were flawless, her skin luminous even without makeup.

She slipped into soft slippers and headed upstairs—only to freeze when Isabella appeared in the hallway.

"Where’s Nathaniel?" Isabella demanded, her voice sharp. "You’re keeping him from me, aren’t you? After everything I’ve sacrificed for him, how dare you?"

Evelyn instinctively shielded her abdomen, her strength waning.

She met Isabella’s glare with icy calm. "If you want him, call him. Don’t expect me to thank you for whatever you’ve done."

Isabella’s eyes flashed. "We’re both women. You know he doesn’t love you. Why cling to this marriage?"

"You’re mistaken. He’s the one refusing the divorce. Ask him yourself."

Evelyn smirked and brushed past her.

The news hit Isabella like a slap. She immediately dialed Nathaniel.

"Nathaniel, Evelyn said you’re not divorcing. Tell me she’s lying!"

"She’s not. We’re postponing it."

"Why?" Isabella’s voice cracked. "You promised me!"

"It’s temporary. The Martin Group’s project takes priority."

His indifference sent her spiraling. "You’re falling for her, aren’t you? After everything I’ve done for you—"

"Nathaniel’s tone remained cool. "This isn’t about feelings. It’s business."

But Isabella wasn’t listening. "You love her now, don’t you?"

The line went dead.

Evelyn, meanwhile, shut her bedroom door, blocking out the chaos.

For now, the marriage stood.

But for how long?