Chapter 455

The children agreed with Richard's reasoning. After all, if their parents were truly fighting, Nathan wouldn't have come to have dinner with them.

After finishing their meal, the kids decided to stay overnight. Richard took them to their rooms to read bedtime stories, intentionally giving Evelyn and Nathan some private time.

Evelyn was clearing the dining table when Nathan entered the kitchen. His jaw tightened visibly as he watched her washing dishes. After several tense moments, he rolled up his sleeves.

"Let me help," he offered abruptly.

Evelyn froze in surprise as Nathan took the plate from her hands without waiting for a response.

"Is this for the children's sake?" she asked quietly, keeping her gaze lowered.

Nathan's eyelashes flickered slightly. "Yes."

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn's lips. "How long do you think we can maintain this charade?"

Nathan remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Biting her lip, Evelyn turned away. "If you want to stay here tonight, you can have the bedroom. I'll explain to the kids."

The only sound in the spacious kitchen became the running water as Nathan clenched the plate tightly in his hands.

Later, when Evelyn emerged from the bathroom, she found Nathan sitting grim-faced on the edge of the bed. As she moved to leave, his hand shot out to grasp her wrist.

"What are you—" she began in surprise.

"Until the divorce is finalized, we're still husband and wife," Nathan stated flatly before releasing her. He stood and brushed past her. "I'm taking a shower now."

Evelyn's face darkened at his words.

'Still husband and wife until the divorce?'

His determination to end their marriage seemed absolute. She no longer felt confident about changing his mind.

That night, Evelyn lay with her back turned to Nathan. Though sharing the same bed, an invisible chasm separated them, neither daring to cross it.

Sleep eluded Evelyn. When she heard movement behind her, her eyes flew open.

Suddenly, strong arms pulled her backward into a firm embrace. "Nathan?" she gasped in surprise.

But Nathan simply held her tightly, his gaze lingering on her face for a long moment before murmuring, "Go to sleep."

Evelyn said nothing. Her long lashes lowered, concealing the disappointment in her eyes.

Did he still love her? She couldn't tell anymore.

By morning, Nathan had already left. When Evelyn came downstairs after getting ready, the three children were eating breakfast prepared by Richard, with no sign of Nathan.

"Good morning, Mommy!" Daisy chirped, milk forming a faint mustache above her lip.

Evelyn smiled and wiped her daughter's mouth with a napkin. "Morning, sweetheart."

Sitting at the table, Evelyn asked casually, "Where's Nathan?"

"Daddy went to the office," Caleb answered between bites. "He told us not to wake you."

Evelyn nodded silently.

After breakfast, Richard walked Evelyn to the door. "Zoe," he said hesitantly, "I know it's not my place to interfere in your marriage with Mr. Goldmann. But whatever decision you make, I'll support you."

Evelyn forced a smile. "Thank you, Dad."

Arriving at Soul Jewelry, Evelyn found a crowd of protesters holding signs outside the building - all fans of Iris Linwood demanding justice for their idol.

Security guards barely contained the agitated crowd that might otherwise have stormed the premises.

As Evelyn stepped out of her car, someone shouted, "Ms. Zara!"