Chapter 64

The moment Nathaniel stepped into the grand hall of the Martin estate, the air shifted. His presence alone commanded attention, his broad shoulders squared with determination. His dark eyes, usually so unreadable, flickered with something Evelyn couldn’t quite place—anger? Regret?

She stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, her fingers tracing the delicate embroidery of her dress. The evening was supposed to be a celebration—Edward Martin’s birthday—but tension coiled in the air like a snake ready to strike.

Isabella had arrived earlier, draped in a gown that shimmered like liquid gold, her smile sharp enough to cut glass. She had positioned herself near Nathaniel within minutes, her laughter too bright, her touches too deliberate.

Evelyn’s stomach twisted.

"You look stunning," a voice murmured beside her. She turned to find Gregory, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced with quiet concern. "But you’re gripping that glass like you’re about to throw it at someone."

She forced a laugh, loosening her fingers. "Just tired."

Gregory arched a brow. "Tired? Or ready to set something on fire?"

Before she could respond, Nathaniel’s voice cut through the hum of conversation. "Evelyn."

Her name on his lips sent a jolt through her. He stood a few feet away, his expression unreadable. "A word?"

Isabella’s smirk was unmistakable as Evelyn walked past her.

The moment they stepped into the study, Nathaniel closed the door behind them. The silence was suffocating.

"You’ve been avoiding me," he said, his voice low.

She crossed her arms. "You’ve been busy."

His jaw tightened. "That’s not an answer."

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "What do you want, Nathaniel?"

For a heartbeat, he just stared at her, his gaze burning into hers. Then, in two strides, he was in front of her, his hands framing her face.

"I want you," he growled, his breath warm against her lips. "Only you."

Her pulse roared in her ears.

And then—

A sharp knock shattered the moment.

"Mr. Martin," Samuel’s voice came through the door, urgent. "There’s been an incident with the merger documents. They need you downstairs immediately."

Nathaniel cursed under his breath, his grip on her tightening briefly before he let go. "This isn’t over," he muttered, his eyes dark with promise.

As he strode out, Evelyn pressed a hand to her racing heart.

One thing was certain—nothing about tonight would go as planned.

Her porcelain features were serene, but the depth of emotion in her eyes was unfathomable.

She always appeared so composed. Those clear, innocent eyes held a quiet strength, yet Nathaniel felt an invisible chasm between them.

Their gazes locked. In that moment, Nathaniel felt a sharp pang of something raw—hurt, regret, perhaps both.

Isabella’s voice cut through the tension. "Nathaniel, let it go. It was just a slap. I’m fine. There’s no need to argue with Evelyn over this. I don’t want to come between you."

She clutched his arm, her plea soft but firm. Evelyn watched her, and Isabella recoiled slightly, as if burned by the intensity of her stare.

Evelyn said nothing. She turned on her heel and ascended the stairs without another word.

Nathaniel stared after her retreating figure, an unsettling weight settling in his chest.

Evelyn shut the bedroom door behind her, and only then did the dam break.

She could wipe the tears away, but she couldn’t stop them.

She had believed Nathaniel loved Isabella. Even if they hadn’t divorced, she had convinced herself his heart had always belonged to someone else.

But this wasn’t sustainable. If Isabella could orchestrate one attack, she could do it again. The baby was growing inside her, and Evelyn’s attachment deepened with each passing day. For the child’s safety, she needed to end this—now.

Resolute, she picked up her phone and dialed Edward.

She didn’t blame Nathaniel. "Grandfather, I’m sorry. Despite our efforts, Nathaniel and I… we can’t make this work. Even if this marriage was meant to unite the Martins and the Mitchells, I can’t continue."

"Is it because of him and Isabella—?"

"No. It’s not about them. I’m unhappy. The doctor said the baby needs me to be healthy—emotionally and physically. For their sake, I need this divorce."

She knew Edward cared for her and the child. He would understand.

And he did.

"Alright," Edward said, his voice heavy but firm. "If that’s what you need, I support you. Your well-being—and the baby’s—comes first. I’m sorry Nathaniel and this family failed you."

"Grandfather, don’t say that. You once told me I’d always be part of the Martin family, even if Nathaniel and I divorced. So how could you have failed me? This is simply the path fate has set for us."

She soothed him until his laughter returned, soft but genuine.

Once Edward agreed, he informed Richard and Victoria the next morning. They arranged for both families to gather at Martin Manor that evening.

The dining hall was filled with quiet tension as the two families sat together.

Edward spoke first. "Thank you for coming. There’s something we need to discuss."

William, ever respectful, leaned forward. "What is it, Sir Martin?"

Beside him, Margaret exchanged a glance with Sophia, curiosity flickering in their eyes. Richard and Victoria remained solemn—they already knew.

Evelyn and Nathaniel sat beside Edward, the picture of harmony—until the truth shattered it.

Edward continued, "Evelyn and Nathaniel postponed their divorce for the sake of the Martin Group. But they’ve reached an impasse. After speaking with Richard, I’ve agreed they should part ways. The company is stable now—this won’t affect it."

Silence.

William and Margaret stiffened.

"You’re… allowing this?" William asked carefully.

"Yes. They should have the freedom to choose their own paths. As elders, we can’t force them. That said, I hope our families remain close regardless."

Margaret’s lips thinned. "Sir Martin, I can’t believe you’d agree so easily. If they’re still married, shouldn’t they try to reconcile? Have you considered Evelyn’s future?"

Nathaniel said nothing, his expression stormy. His gaze flicked to Evelyn—calm, unreadable.

Had she known this was coming?

His jaw tightened.

Evelyn met his eyes briefly before addressing the table. "I stand with Grandfather. Nathaniel and I have wanted this for a while. Delaying it won’t change the outcome. I’m ready to move forward."

"Evelyn!" Margaret snapped.

Edward held up a hand. "Evelyn deserves happiness. After the divorce, she may no longer be Nathaniel’s wife, but she will always be my granddaughter."

William stayed silent. Richard assured them Evelyn would always be cared for.

But the air was thick with unease.

Margaret’s voice was icy. "Sir Martin, Evelyn doesn’t understand the consequences of this."

"Please, reconsider," William added.

Evelyn remained still, her composure unshaken.

Nathaniel finally spoke, his tone clipped. "We’ll think about it."

The tension lingered long after the meal ended.

On the way out, Margaret shot Evelyn a cold look. "Come see me tomorrow."

Then she ushered Sophia and William into their car and left.

Evelyn exhaled. She had no real home in Mayby anymore. She wanted to leave.

The drive back to Pineview Villa was silent.

But when they arrived, Nathaniel didn’t move. His hands gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white.

He turned to her, his voice low. "Evelyn. Did you convince Grandfather to agree to this?"

She met his gaze. "Yes."

"Why?"

"Because this isn’t healthy—for any of us. You said divorce was between us, but I can’t keep pretending."

Nathaniel went rigid.

Fury flashed in his eyes. He shoved the car door open and strode away without another word.

Evelyn watched his retreating figure, her vision blurring.

But this was for the best.

He didn’t love her. Their marriage had been built on obligation.

It was time to let go.