Chapter 41
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Clarissa made no attempt to hush her voice, clearly aiming to be overheard. Evelyn knew full well what Clarissa was playing at: Clarissa was just trying to ruin her reputation, and getting a kick out of it.
After a while, the sounds outside faded, and footsteps receded. Assuming they’d left, Evelyn stepped out of the stall.
She washed her hands, and as she reached for the door, Adrian suddenly grabbed her arm and yanked her into the men’s restroom.
“Adrian, what the hell are you doing?”
Evelyn wrenched herself free, fixing him with a sharp, guarded stare.
Ever since she’d filed for divorce, Adrian had been simmering with anger. Evelyn thought, ‘I’ve already given you and Clarissa free rein. Aren’t you satisfied yet? What’s wrong with you?‘
“Evie, if you need money, just say so. You’re Noah’s mother. I’d never shortchange you. But this? Selling yourself for a little cash? How could you be so despicable?”
Adrian had swallowed Clarissa’s lies whole, branding Evelyn with that shameful label without a second thought.
Evelyn let out a bitter laugh, crossing her arms. Her eyes dripped with unapologetic contempt.
“Adrian, does it make you feel better? Seeing me like I’m floundering. So you can finally feel fair, like you win somehow?” Evelyn’s words exposed his thoughts without mercy.
Adrian’s gaze flickered. Evelyn knew him too well. Once she’d guessed his thoughts, he’d wear that exact expression.
Evelyn’s demand for a divorce had shattered his sense of control, that fragile machismo of his. He’d probably convinced himself she’d come crawling back once life got hard enough, begging for his mercy.
But Evelyn would never do that. Once she set her mind to something, she’ll stick with it through thick and
thin.
Back then, she’d resolutely decided to go shoot wildlife in the jungle. William and Melissa had tried everything to stop her, but she’d held firm and gone anyway.
She didn’t want Adrian anymore. Even if she ended up destitute, she’d never return to him.
Besides, her life now was good. No more slaving over Adrian and Noah. She could live by her own choices, at her own pace. What could be better than that?
Clearly, Evelyn had settled into her new life. But Adrian and Noah had never been used to living without her service, still clinging to the notion that they deserved her devotion all these years.
“Evelyn, I’m talking to you. We’re still husband and wife. Think about the consequences. Don’t do something that shames us both.” Adrian snapped, his voice rising.
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Chapter 41
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Evelyn lifted a hand, brushing her ear as if his words were a nuisance. Then she said, “When you slept with Clarissa, did you forget you had a wife? When you humiliated me, did you forget we were married?
“You only care about your own interests and pride. You demand I devote endlessly, asking for nothing in return, while you lecture me about ‘female virtues.‘ Isn’t that laughable?
“You can’t keep your own pants on, so you assume everyone else is just as shameless as you? No boundaries?”
Evelyn’s words hit like a fist, leaving Adrian flushed with guilt.
Adrian couldn’t deny it. Since they’d married, Evelyn had never betrayed him. It was he who’d squandered her devotion and love.
“Evie, I know I messed up. Can’t we just go back? Noah and I, we need you.” Adrian’s voice softened, a plea in his tone as he lowered his guard.
Evelyn nodded. And Hope flickered in Adrian’s eyes.
But Evelyn added, “Then tell Clarissa to abort the baby.”
As soon as she said that, Adrian’s face contorted. He roared in furious disbelief, “How can you be so cruel? That’s a life! You think it’s easy, just snapping your fingers and forcing me to make her abort?”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
