Chapter 1
Evelyn Sinclair stepped out of the hospital, clutching the test results with trembling fingers. Tears welled in her eyes, though whether from joy or sorrow remained unclear.
"Miss Sinclair, you're expecting." The doctor's words echoed relentlessly in her mind.
Three months had passed since she married Alexander Blackwood - the most eligible bachelor from Willowbrook's most prestigious family.
On their wedding day, every woman in the city had envied her. She'd believed herself the luckiest woman alive.
That childhood seed planted when she first saw Alexander at ten years old had finally bloomed. For twelve years, she'd worked tirelessly to become worthy of him.
They came from different worlds - she, a girl raised in hardship; he, the golden heir of Blackwood Estate. What right had she to dream?
Yet fate played its cruel game. Three months ago at a friend's birthday party, she'd woken to find Alexander beside her.
The crimson stain on white sheets told its undeniable story.
Before she could process what happened, reporters swarmed the room, eager to expose Alexander's night with a mystery woman.
The Blackwoods were Willowbrook's first family - old money with impeccable reputation. Old Master Blackwood, a traditionalist, immediately announced their marriage.
For Evelyn, it felt like a dream turned nightmare.
Alexander didn't love her. He despised her. Blamed her for coming between him and his true love - Victoria Lancaster, who happened to be Evelyn's own half-sister.
Gathering courage, Evelyn tried calling Alexander.
As expected, he declined. She sent a timid text instead, hoping he'd come home tonight.
Three months of marriage, yet he'd never spent a single night in their bed. She knew exactly where he spent his nights.
No call back. No reply. Her heart sank - another lonely night ahead.
After showering, she'd just settled in when the bedroom door crashed open violently.
Her breath caught at the sight of his icy, handsome face. Her pulse raced uncontrollably.
"Alexander...you're home." She spoke his name softly, a tentative smile touching her lips.
He grabbed her arm brutally, throwing her onto the bed. His strong fingers gripped her chin, eyes burning with alcohol and fury.
"Evelyn, do you love me so desperately?" His voice dripped venomous mockery. "That you'd scheme your way into my bed?"
Her face paled as she stared at the man she'd loved for half her life, heart shattering.
"Alexander, you've got it wrong—"
"Wrong?" He laughed darkly, gaze full of contempt. "Stop pretending, Evelyn."
His grip tightened...