Chapter 99

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Pineview Villa, casting golden patterns across the marble floors. Evelyn stretched beneath the silk sheets, her fingers brushing against the cold, empty space where Nathaniel should have been. Again.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Gregory flashed on the screen: "Emergency meeting at 9. Summit Realty changed the blueprints again."

Evelyn groaned, rubbing her temples. The Summit project had been nothing but trouble since Sebastian Wilson took over. She could already feel the beginnings of a migraine forming.

Downstairs, Alfred was setting breakfast on the terrace. "Good morning, Mrs. Martin," he greeted with his usual impeccable timing. "Mr. Martin left early for the office. He asked me to inform you he'll be attending the charity gala tonight without you."

Evelyn's fork hovered mid-air. "Again?" Her voice came out sharper than intended.

Alfred's expression remained neutral. "He mentioned urgent business with Mr. Yates."

The toast turned to ash in her mouth. Samuel Yates. Nathaniel's ever-present shadow. Lately, it seemed her husband spent more time with his secretary than with her.

Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Charlotte: "Saw the photos from last night's event. Isabella looked particularly cozy with Nathaniel. You okay?"

Evelyn's thumb hovered over the screen. The familiar ache in her chest intensified. Isabella Davis - Nathaniel's first love, the woman who still haunted their marriage like a persistent ghost.

She was about to reply when another notification popped up - an email from Summit Realty's project manager, Jonathan Blake. The subject line made her blood run cold: "Immediate Revisions Required - Client's Personal Request."

Opening the attachment, Evelyn's breath caught. The architectural renderings had been altered beyond recognition. Worse still, the revision notes bore Edward Martin's personal signature. Her father-in-law had interfered again.

The terrace doors slid open suddenly. Nathaniel stood there, his tie already loosened despite the early hour. "Change of plans," he said without preamble. "We're both attending the gala tonight. Grandfather's orders."

Evelyn studied his face - the tightness around his eyes, the barely concealed tension in his jaw. "What aren't you telling me?"

Nathaniel's phone rang before he could answer. The way his entire demeanor changed when he saw the caller ID told Evelyn everything she needed to know.

"Take it," she said coolly, rising from the table. "I have a company to run and blueprints to salvage. Again."

As she walked away, she heard Nathaniel's hushed "Isabella?" followed by the terrace doors closing behind her. The sound might as well have been a gunshot.

Upstairs in her study, Evelyn stared at the Summit blueprints. The revisions weren't just impractical - they were impossible. Just like her marriage.

Her computer pinged with a calendar reminder: "Dr. Harrison - Annual Physical - 2 PM." Right. The Martin family physician's mandatory checkup. Another obligation in this gilded cage.

Evelyn opened her bottom desk drawer, fingers brushing against the unopened pregnancy test hidden beneath her files. Three days late. Probably just stress.

She jumped when her office phone rang. It was Gabrielle, her assistant. "Mrs. Martin? Mr. Wilson is here with the Summit clients. They're demanding to see you immediately."

Evelyn took a steadying breath. "Tell them I'll be right down."

As she straightened her blazer, her reflection in the mirror caught her eye. The perfect society wife. The accomplished architect. The woman whose husband was still in love with someone else.

The clock on the wall ticked ominously. 9:15 AM. Twelve hours until the gala. Twelve hours until she'd have to watch Nathaniel and Isabella together again.

Evelyn squared her shoulders. First, she'd handle Summit Realty. Then Dr. Harrison. Then tonight's performance. One mask at a time.

But Nathaniel remained silent.

He knew Evelyn was sharp. She probably had pieced together part of the truth. Nathaniel intended to consult Edward first—he always valued his grandfather's counsel.

Evelyn didn’t press further. She assumed Nathaniel was pleased and wanted to commend her.

After hanging up, she leaned back in her plush office chair, eyes half-lidded. Nathaniel’s stunned expression flashed through her mind—the moment he’d publicly declared their marriage.

She never expected him to do it.

A wry smile tugged at Evelyn’s lips. What does he even think of me?

Her reaction hadn’t been the joy he’d anticipated. Was she worried her ex would find out?

The thought darkened her gaze.

7:00 PM. Martin Manor.

Before stepping inside, laughter already spilled from the grand foyer. Evelyn’s radiant smile greeted him as she murmured, "Grandfather, your happiness means everything to me."

Edward beamed. "It’s seeing you and Nathaniel together that brings me joy. Our family’s harmony grows stronger."

Richard nodded in agreement while Victoria bustled in the kitchen—a rare sight.

For the first time, Nathaniel felt genuine warmth here. No schemes, no tension—just simple, unguarded affection.

He arched a brow, envisioning a future bathed in this light.

"Mr. Martin! You’re here." Victoria emerged with a fruit platter.

Edward waved him over with an uncharacteristic grin. "Sit."

As Nathaniel approached, Edward poured him coffee.

"Since when do you spoil me, Grandfather?"

"Don’t flatter yourself. You’ve merely done one thing right."

"Should I thank Evelyn, then?"

"Obviously." Edward’s chuckle was met with Nathaniel’s smirk as their eyes locked onto the quiet woman beside them. Electricity crackled in the space between.

Evelyn caught the unspoken question in his obsidian gaze: Figured it out yet?

She quickly looked away.

Nathaniel’s voice dripped honeyed venom. "Grandfather, I’m grateful. But Evelyn seems... displeased about the announcement. She hasn’t spoken to me all evening."

Evelyn’s head snapped up. In their year of marriage, he’d been nothing but considerate—yet now, he felt like a stranger.

He tilted his head, confidence oozing.

"Grandfather, I—" she began.

"If she’s ignoring you, reflect on your actions," Edward cut in. "Evelyn’s kindness is boundless. If she’s upset, you provoked it."

The blatant favoritism made Nathaniel laugh. "Your bias is showing."

"I simply trust her judgment."

"Should I leave, then?" His self-deprecating tone drew chuckles from Richard and Victoria.

Victoria turned to Evelyn. "You didn’t want the marriage public?"

Evelyn’s smile was tight. "It was just... sudden. I need time to adjust."

"You’ll adapt," Victoria gushed. "Darling, you wouldn’t believe the messages I’ve received! Everyone admires our family for having you."

Her adoring gaze made Evelyn’s cheeks warm.

Dinner passed without incident. As Nathaniel prepared to return to Pineview Villa, he cornered Edward.

"My surprise?"

Edward’s gaze flicked to Evelyn. "Patience. You haven’t earned it yet."

Nathaniel frowned, then shot Evelyn a questioning look.

"Take her home," Edward deflected, retreating upstairs.

The car ride was thick with silence. Halfway home, Nathaniel finally spoke, voice low.

"What did Grandfather tell you? About this surprise?"

Evelyn stiffened. The secret—their child—burned on her tongue. But revealing it would chain them forever.

Could she condemn herself to a loveless marriage? Condemn her child to that life?

No. Some surprises were better left unshared.