Chapter 381

Nathaniel's piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn, his lips curling into a cool smirk as he murmured, "Who told you I loved Isabella? Do you really believe my indifference means I care for her?" Evelyn froze, her breath catching as his words sent an uneasy tremor through her.

"Isn't it obvious?" she countered, refusing to look away.

"Absolutely not." Nathaniel's grip tightened around her wrist, his voice dropping to a velvet whisper. "Evelyn, I've never once said I loved Isabella. Where did you get such a ridiculous idea?"

"Your actions speak louder than words," Evelyn shot back.

Her nails dug into her palm, the pain grounding her. She wanted to scream at him - how dare he make her spell out his affection for another woman!

Unaware of her inner turmoil, Nathaniel only saw the defiance flashing in her eyes.

"You claim my every move proves my love for Isabella," he challenged, stepping closer. "Then tell me, what do all my actions toward you signify?"

Evelyn's world tilted.

Her lips parted soundlessly, eyes widening in shock. Time seemed to freeze as she stood motionless.

Nathaniel's intense stare never wavered. The irritation melted into something darker, more predatory. "Evelyn," he purred, tracing her jawline, "why so silent? After everything I've done for you...what do you think it means?"

Her lashes fluttered downward, heart hammering against her ribs.

The air between them grew thick, charged with unspoken tension. She could hear his steady breathing, smell his intoxicating cologne wrapping around her like a second skin.

When she remained mute, Nathaniel tilted her chin up forcibly.

Those obsidian eyes burned into hers. "Answer me, Evelyn."

"I...I don't know," she whispered.

The truth was, she'd agonized over this very question.

From trivial daily inconveniences to life-altering crises, Nathaniel had intervened without hesitation. Why?

"Because I'm his wife?" she wondered. "Or just the vessel carrying his heir?"

No other explanations made sense.

Certainly not love.

Nathaniel's low chuckle sent shivers down her spine. His thumb brushed her lower lip as he murmured, "You truly don't understand?"

Evelyn bit her tongue, refusing to rise to the bait.

His expression darkened, brows drawing together. "Tell me, Evelyn - do you honestly believe I'd go to such lengths merely out of marital obligation?"

Her skeptical silence answered for her.

The smile vanished from his face. "If duty were my only motivation, I'd have delegated these matters. Why would I personally involve myself?"

The air between them crackled as Nathaniel closed the remaining distance. His voice dropped to a rough whisper, "I don't love Isabella. Never have. The woman I care for is the mother of my child. Do you finally comprehend?"

His child's mother was...

Realization struck like lightning.

Evelyn's mind shattered.