Chapter 87

The cold was bone-chilling.

It pierced through Evelyn's chest like an icy dagger, freezing her heart instantly.

Yet part of her wished it would grow colder still. Cold enough to numb every inch of her being.

That way, she wouldn't have to feel anything anymore. Not the physical pain. Not the heartache.

Alexander noticed Evelyn wasn't resisting. He abruptly stopped his actions and yanked her upright as she trembled violently.

Her face had turned ghostly pale, drained of all color. She resembled a lifeless doll, hollowed out and empty.

A sudden fear gripped Alexander. "Evelyn! Evelyn!"

He called her name repeatedly, but she remained unresponsive.

"Evelyn, don't you dare die on me! Answer me!" His heart pounded erratically, an unfamiliar terror consuming him.

When she still didn't react, he scooped her up and deposited her on the bed.

He rushed to fetch clean clothes, but when he turned back, Evelyn had sat up.

Alexander felt deceived. He threw the garments aside and stormed over, seizing Evelyn's shoulders.

"Evelyn, you were faking it!" he snarled through clenched teeth.

Evelyn's shaking form was trapped in Alexander's iron grip. Only the sharp pain kept her from slipping into unconsciousness.

"Tell me," he demanded. "Are you conspiring with Sebastian? Why else would someone like him show you such attention?"

His accusation almost made Evelyn laugh.

What he perceived as Sebastian's concern was merely his ignorance of her suffering.

"What's so funny? Answer me! Do you have feelings for him?" Alexander's eyes burned with dangerous intensity, slightly glazed from alcohol.

Evelyn lifted her dazed eyes and smirked. "Yes, I do. He's kinder, more mature than you. Actually cares about me too. Why wouldn't I fall for a man like that? Since you despise me, I should find someone who values me."

"Evelyn!" Alexander exploded.

Though drifting in and out of consciousness, the venom in his voice snapped her fully awake.

His rage had reached its boiling point.

In his fury, Alexander tore at Evelyn's clothes and bit down hard on her collarbone.

Pain shot through her nerves. He shoved her backward when she lacked the strength to resist.

She couldn't fight against Alexander's brutal punishment. It felt like he wanted to destroy her completely, denying her even a moment to breathe.

This man's violent mood swings terrified her.

In good moments, he'd prepare breakfast with his own hands.

In bad ones, he might actually kill her.

Evelyn feared she wouldn't survive this. Feared she'd die before getting her revenge. She couldn't die like this.

"Mr. Blackwood," she said calmly when he moved against her, "are you certain you want to touch a filthy, worthless woman who loves another man?"

Alexander froze at her words, his desire evaporating instantly.

She claimed to love someone else.

Meeting his furious gaze, Evelyn gathered her courage. "Alexander, let's get divorced."