Chapter 55

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. Her fingers flew over the blueprints as she made last-minute adjustments to the resort design. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint aroma of ink from her markers.

"Miss Mitchell?" Gabrielle's voice came through the intercom. "Mr. Wilson is here to see you."

Evelyn pressed the reply button. "Send him in, please."

The door swung open to reveal Gregory Wilson, his usual crisp suit slightly rumpled from what appeared to be a rushed morning. He carried two steaming cups, placing one before Evelyn. "Thought you could use this. You've been here since dawn, haven't you?"

She accepted the coffee gratefully, the warmth seeping into her fingers. "The client moved the presentation up to this afternoon. I just want everything perfect."

Gregory leaned against her desk, studying the plans. "It's brilliant work, Evelyn. Though I suspect that's not what's really troubling you."

Evelyn's pencil stilled. She'd been trying to ignore the gnawing anxiety in her stomach since receiving Nathaniel's text about meeting for lunch today. After their explosive argument last week, she wasn't sure what to expect.

"Just pre-presentation jitters," she deflected, tracing a line on the blueprint with unnecessary precision.

Before Gregory could press further, Evelyn's phone buzzed. Nathaniel's name flashed on the screen with a simple message: "Looking forward to our lunch. I have something important to tell you."

Her heart skipped a beat. Important could mean anything from reconciliation to divorce papers. The uncertainty was maddening.

At precisely noon, Evelyn found herself smoothing her skirt for the third time as she entered The Glasshouse, the restaurant where they'd had their first date. The hostess led her to their usual table in the conservatory, where sunlight filtered through lush greenery.

Nathaniel stood as she approached, his tailored navy suit accentuating his broad shoulders. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes - those piercing blue eyes - held an intensity that made her breath catch.

"Evelyn." He pulled out her chair, his fingers brushing her shoulder briefly. "You look beautiful."

The simple compliment sent warmth flooding through her. She searched his face for clues. "You said you had something important to tell me?"

Nathaniel took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around his water glass. "I've been doing a lot of thinking since our fight. About us, about the future..."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. This was it - the moment that would determine everything.

Just as Nathaniel opened his mouth to continue, a familiar laugh rang out across the restaurant. Evelyn turned to see Isabella Davis making her way toward them, her designer heels clicking against the marble floor.

"Darling!" Isabella air-kissed Nathaniel's cheek before turning to Evelyn with a saccharine smile. "What a coincidence running into you both here!"

Evelyn's stomach dropped. The timing couldn't possibly be accidental. She watched as Nathaniel's jaw tensed, his earlier vulnerability replaced by guarded politeness.

The carefully balanced moment between them shattered like glass. Whatever Nathaniel had been about to say would have to wait - again. And Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that Isabella's appearance was anything but coincidental.

He knew his wound would reopen, yet he did it anyway.

Was he completely out of his mind?

Evelyn had been restless since she first heard about Nathaniel’s car accident in the early hours of yesterday. She had hoped for some space to collect herself, but instead, he had pushed her relentlessly until she was on the verge of breaking down.

Now, her mood was foul, her eyes rimmed red.

Nathaniel noticed the shift in her demeanor and opened his mouth to speak, but Evelyn had already turned away, striding toward the door.

"I'll get the nurse," she muttered, slipping out before he could respond.

Moments later, the nurse arrived to examine his wound, rebandaging it with a stern warning. "Mr. Martin, if this wound splits again, it could damage the bone. You’d need another surgery."

"Understood," Evelyn replied coolly, standing at a distance, arms crossed.

Once the nurse left, she didn’t resume cleaning him. Instead, she emptied the basin in the bathroom, washed the towel, and hung it up without a word.

The room fell into heavy silence.

Nathaniel watched her closely as she settled onto the sofa, pointedly ignoring him.

"Evelyn?" His voice was soft, coaxing.

No response.

"I'm thirsty. Could you pour me some water?"

"No. Wait until the nurse comes back. That way, you won’t tear your stitches again." Her tone was flat, leaving no room for argument.

Nathaniel studied her.

In all the years he’d known her, Evelyn rarely lost her temper. Even when she did, a few gentle words were enough to smooth things over. If he softened his tone, she’d always relent.

But this time—she was angry.

He stayed quiet. The sky outside darkened. Neither Thomas nor Samuel had returned yet.

Was she staying the night?

Her stomach growled loudly in the stillness, betraying her hunger.

Evelyn stiffened, cheeks flushing.

Nathaniel’s lips twitched. "You haven’t eaten?"

Silence.

"Are you hungry?"

"I’m fine," she snapped.

"I heard otherwise."

Her glare could have melted steel. "You heard nothing."

Nathaniel exhaled, amused. "Fine. I must have imagined it. But I’m still hungry. I’ll ask Samuel to bring food. Will you eat with me?"

She said nothing.

"If you don’t answer, I’ll take that as a yes."

He reached for his phone, calling Samuel to arrange dinner—though the meal was clearly for her, not him.

Evelyn ate in silence, mind racing. Why was he doing this? Why the sudden kindness?

But this meal came with strings. Now, she had to stay and care for him.

Later, she texted Caroline in secret: Will staying at the hospital affect the baby?

Caroline’s reply was swift. No, but it’ll wreck your mood. Why are you even bothering with Nathaniel? Let Isabella handle him.

Evelyn smirked. You’re right. But we’re married. It’s my responsibility. And trust me—Isabella will suffer more if I stay.

She wasn’t wrong.

Evelyn stayed the night, and Isabella arrived first thing in the morning with clam chowder from Pineview Villa’s chef.

She came early—too early. Nathaniel, who had barely slept due to the pain, was not pleased.

Isabella beamed. "Nathaniel, I had the chef make your favorite. Oh—Evelyn, there’s none for you. You don’t mind, do you?"

Evelyn barely glanced at her.

Undeterred, Isabella lifted a spoonful to Nathaniel’s lips. "Here, try it—"

"Leave it," he said, turning his head away.

Isabella’s smile faltered. "Are you in pain? Should I call the nurse?"

"I haven’t washed up yet." His tone was icy.

"I’ll stay and take care of you today. Evelyn must be exhausted."

Evelyn snorted. "How generous. Though, when you say ‘home,’ you mean my house, right?"

Isabella flinched. "I—I didn’t mean to upset you. I just didn’t know what you liked—"

"Relax. I don’t care." Evelyn grabbed toiletries for Nathaniel and shoved them at him.

After he washed up, Samuel arrived with breakfast.

"Eat," Nathaniel murmured to Evelyn.

She ignored him.

Isabella tried again with the chowder, but Nathaniel refused. "I can feed myself. Shouldn’t you be preparing for your comeback single?"

Isabella sighed dramatically. "It’s... hard. My voice isn’t what it used to be. Maybe I should quit."

"You’ll be fine. Just practice."

Her face lit up. "I’ll work harder!"

Evelyn picked at her food, appetite gone.

No matter what, his concern was always for Isabella.

She laughed bitterly, heart aching.