Chapter 5

The last person they expected to walk in was Evelyn. Her sudden appearance and sharp words froze the three occupants of the room.

A tense silence stretched for several seconds before Victoria’s expression twisted. The sweet, composed mask she always wore shattered, revealing something far uglier beneath. "Evelyn," she hissed. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn’s eyes burned with unshed tears, but her laugh was bitter. "Perfect timing, don’t you think? Just in time to hear your little proposal."

Realization dawned on Victoria, and her face darkened. "You were eavesdropping?"

"Lucky for me," Evelyn shot back, voice trembling with fury. "Otherwise, I’d never have known what a two-faced snake my dear sister really is."

"How dare you speak to Victoria like that!" Margaret snarled, raising her hand to strike.

"Mother, don’t waste your energy on this orphaned peasant," Victoria sneered, her composure slipping back into place as she leveled Evelyn with a chilling smile. "Listen carefully, sister. For the sake of whatever remains between us, you will agree to divorce Alexander. Unless you want to regret it."

Evelyn had spent years pretending, playing the dutiful sister, the obedient wife. No more.

She met Victoria’s gaze, her own eerily calm. "Beg me," she said softly. "And I might consider it."

Victoria’s face contorted in disbelief. "Excuse me?"

"You insolent brat!" Margaret shrieked.

Evelyn laughed—wild, unrestrained. "Oh, I’ve lost my mind, haven’t I? So let me make this clear: I’m keeping Alexander and the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Forever."

Victoria’s composure shattered. "You disgusting little—"

"Too late," Evelyn cut in coldly. "The whole of Willowbrook already knows I’m Alexander’s wife. Not you."

With that, she turned on her heel, ignoring Victoria’s enraged screams behind her.

After leaving the hospital, Evelyn went to a women’s clinic.

She needed to know if the baby was alright—after Alexander’s cruelty the night before and her fall earlier, she couldn’t risk it.

The waiting room was packed, filled with pregnant women accompanied by doting husbands and families. Their happiness was a knife to Evelyn’s chest.

She carried the child of the man she loved.

A man who loved someone else.

Once, he had held her hand under the stars and promised to marry her.

Now, he despised the very sight of her.

The doctor confirmed the baby was fine. Relief flooded her, but it was short-lived.

When she returned home, the front door slammed open with a force that rattled the walls.

Alexander stood there, his striking features twisted with fury.

"Did you go after Victoria again?" His voice was ice.

Evelyn didn’t bother lying. "I did. But—"

"You’re vile."

The words cut deeper than any blade.

She stared at him, numb, as he advanced. His dark eyes were glacial.

"You told her you’d haunt me even in death? That you’d never let her take your place?"

Evelyn paled. She had never said that.

Before she could defend herself, Alexander grabbed her wrist and flung her onto the sofa.