Chapter 85

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the bedroom. Evelyn stirred, her fingers brushing against the empty space beside her. Nathaniel had already left for work—again.

She sighed, sitting up and running a hand through her tousled hair. The weight of their recent argument still lingered, pressing against her chest like an invisible hand.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Gregory.

"Evelyn, we need to finalize the blueprints for the Summit project by noon. Edward is breathing down my neck."

She groaned. The Summit Realty deal was supposed to be her big break, but lately, it felt like a noose tightening around her.

Throwing back the covers, she padded to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. The reflection staring back at her looked exhausted—dark circles under her eyes, lips pressed into a thin line.

When was the last time I slept properly?

Breakfast was a rushed affair—black coffee and a half-eaten piece of toast. She grabbed her bag and keys, pausing only to glance at the framed photo on the hallway table. Their wedding day. Nathaniel’s arms around her, both of them laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world.

Now, it felt like they were strangers sharing the same house.

The drive to the office was a blur of traffic and honking horns. By the time she arrived, her nerves were frayed.

Gabrielle, her assistant, intercepted her the moment she stepped inside.

"Mr. Wilson has been asking for you. And—" she hesitated, lowering her voice, "Isabella Davis called. Twice."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. Isabella. Nathaniel’s ex. The woman who had slithered back into their lives like a ghost from the past.

What does she want now?

Before she could respond, Gregory appeared in the doorway, his expression grim.

"We have a problem."

She followed him into the conference room, where Jonathan Blake from Summit Realty stood waiting, arms crossed.

"The client wants major revisions," Jonathan said without preamble. "And they want them by the end of the week."

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. "That’s impossible. We’ve already gone through three rounds of changes."

Jonathan’s smile was tight. "Not my call. Sebastian’s orders."

Sebastian Wilson. The man who seemed determined to make her life a living hell.

As she sank into a chair, her phone buzzed again. A text from Nathaniel.

"We need to talk."

Her fingers trembled as she typed a reply. "About what?"

The three dots appeared, then disappeared. Then—

"Isabella."

The room spun.

She barely registered Gregory’s voice as he continued discussing the revisions. All she could think about was Nathaniel’s message.

What did Isabella tell him?

And more importantly—

Was this the end of them?

"Mrs. Martin, I'm the boss."

Evelyn blinked. Right, the boss. The man who calls all the shots.

Out of nowhere, he suggested, "Let's go out for dinner. What are you craving?"

"Why eat out?" she questioned.

"Tired of home-cooked meals," Nathaniel replied casually, making the chefs at Pineview Villa sneeze in unison, as if sensing the betrayal.

They ended up at a high-end restaurant. Lately, Evelyn had developed an obsession with spicy sour soup.

The moment it arrived, she downed an entire bowl, barely touching anything else.

Nathaniel frowned. "Is it really that good?"

"Try it. Tangy, spicy—absolutely addictive."

Just as she lifted the spoon to her lips, Nathaniel caught her wrist, redirecting it toward his own mouth. He drank straight from her spoon.

Evelyn stared, baffled. Nathaniel, however, remained unbothered, smirking as he said, "Hmm. Sour... but sweet."

Sweet?

Since when is sour soup sweet?

Is he hallucinating?

Then it hit her—what he really meant by "sweet." Her cheeks flamed instantly. The warmth of his touch lingered on her wrist, sending her pulse into overdrive. Even after everything, moments like this still left her breathless.

Noticing her hesitation, Nathaniel’s voice dropped low. "Why’d you stop eating?"

"I'm... full," she murmured.

"So soon? You said it was delicious." His smirk deepened. "Evelyn, are you blushing?"

She scowled, avoiding his gaze. "Of course not."

Nathaniel nodded sagely. "Right. I’m the shy one here."

She pressed her lips together. Experience had taught her that when she couldn’t outwit him, silence was the best defense.

After dinner, they returned to Pineview Villa. It was past eight.

Evelyn headed for a shower while Nathaniel lounged on the leather sofa, flipping through a book.

Then her phone rang.

She answered in front of him. "Hello?"

"Guess who this is?"

A smooth, husky male voice filled the quiet room.

Evelyn’s gaze flicked to Nathaniel. Their eyes met briefly before she looked away, smiling into the phone. "No need to guess. I know it’s you."

"Recognized me that fast?"

"Your voice is unforgettable. What’s the occasion?"

She stepped onto the balcony, escaping Nathaniel’s piercing stare. The night air was a relief.

The caller chuckled. "Missed you. Thought I’d drop by."

"You? The hermit, leaving your cave just to see me? Now I know you’re joking."

"Dead serious. I’ll be in Mayby tomorrow night. Pick me up?"

His voice, warm and effortless, sent a thrill through her.

Evelyn grinned. "Of course. What time?"

After settling the details, she added, "Need me to book you a place? Or do you have it covered?"

"Here for a friend’s favor. Staying a few days. I’ll handle lodging—just want to see you. It’s been over a year, hasn’t it?"

"Fine, Mr. Mysterious. But wrap up—I don’t want a mob chasing you."

"You still don’t know me well enough? Teasing me now?"

"Wouldn’t dare. You’re every girl’s dream prince, after all."

Their banter left her spirits high.

Hanging up, she stretched her arms wide—only to freeze when she turned and found Nathaniel right behind her, watching.

Her eyes widened. "How long have you been there?"

"Since you stepped out."

His tone was calm, but his gaze was anything but.

Evelyn frowned. "Were you eavesdropping?"

"I was standing in plain sight. You were too absorbed to notice. So—who has you that happy?"

His stare was relentless, dissecting her every reaction.

"Just a friend. Not like I was hiding it. You just startled me," she said lightly.

"Just a friend?"

"Yes."

She wondered why he’d been so on edge lately, reading into everything.

"A friend makes you that happy?"

Nathaniel’s smile was razor-sharp.

"We haven’t seen each other in ages. Of course I’m happy."

"If it’s worth celebrating, share it with me."

Evelyn’s frown deepened. "Nathaniel, I told you—it’s just catching up with an old friend. Nothing for you to be happy about, so drop it, okay?"

She wasn’t sure how to explain when there was nothing to explain.

Nathaniel’s gaze hardened. "Or is it that you won’t share?"

"I’m not hiding anything. It’s late—I don’t want to argue. I just want to sleep."

She moved to leave, but he caught her wrist, pinning her against the wall.

His voice was dangerously soft. "Running so soon? Guilty conscience?"

"No."

"Then what? Why shut me out?"

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "A friend’s visiting Mayby soon. We’re meeting for dinner. We’re close, so yes, I’m happy. Happy now?"

His grip tightened. "Not even close."

Then his mouth crashed onto hers.