Chapter 9: An Unintentional Revelation

The three Quirk family members simultaneously jolted, as if struck by a sudden realization. Evian’s face went deathly pale. Her worst fear had been the inability to adopt; the mention of divorce, however, took her completely by surprise. Her initial reaction was denial.

The Quirks knew Evian would never initiate a divorce. Despite her gentle nature, she was stubbornly resolute, impervious to their advice. Given Jasper’s usual indifference, they would have facilitated a divorce a hundred times over.

But Isabella's words sparked a flicker of anticipation in the Quirks. I so desperately wanted to persuade them to break up! they thought. The three exchanged glances.

Alexander, leading the charge, declared, "The child's already here, proving the past was a mistake. I suggest a divorce."

Paula and Jasper were stunned. In the world of the wealthy and powerful, illegitimate children were commonplace. They looked at Alexander in astonishment. To their surprise, David and Selena raised no objections.

Evian, however, countered, "This doesn't mean Jasper wronged me."

The Quirks looked at her with disappointment, as if she'd fallen short of their expectations. Isabella nearly choked on her food. Evian felt her family's disappointment acutely; her head hung low, mirroring Sean's posture.

Jasper scoffed. "True," he said softly, but with a cutting edge that everyone heard. "If we're discussing who wronged whom, I wouldn't know where to begin." The Quirks held their breath, especially Evian, whose face went ashen. It was as if someone had struck a nerve.

Isabella sensed juicy gossip brewing. Despite being the eldest Quirk daughter and a step down in this marriage, why is Evian so miserable? And how can Jasper be so self-righteous with an illegitimate child? I need to investigate.

Alexander, realizing the implications, tried to stop Isabella, but it was too late. Isabella's thoughts revealed that Evian and Jasper were university classmates. After Jasper's breakup with Sienna, he'd gotten drunk at a university event. Evian had cared for him, and…well, things had gotten "indescribable." Alexander facepalmed inwardly. What have I done? Have I completely forgotten everything?

Isabella continued her mental commentary. Sienna had visited the next day, finding them together. Devastated, she'd left without a word. Upon waking, Jasper was furious, believing Evian (who he knew harbored feelings for him) had taken advantage of his unconsciousness. He felt she'd destroyed his relationship with Sienna, making reconciliation impossible. Soon, Evian was pregnant. The Quirks sought Jasper out to discuss his intentions; he married Evian. Evian felt indebted to him. After losing the child, she'd considered divorce to free him, but he refused, fearing the reputational damage of divorcing a woman unable to bear children. He also bluntly blamed her for the situation.

Silence fell over the Quirk family. Paula and Jasper felt a surge of confidence.

Jasper's tone grew even more aloof. "Think it through," he told Evian.

The choice seemed hers, yet she felt increasingly resigned. Just as she was about to speak, a sarcastic voice echoed in her mind: Damn, this guy's a master freeloader! I've seen shameless people, but this is a new level.

The Quirks harbored little resentment. Their support for the Lawsons stemmed from willing kinship, not shamelessness. Isabella's unwavering support, however, warmed their hearts.

Evian, however, felt a pang of discomfort at Isabella's relentless criticism of Jasper. She wanted to defend him, but Isabella pressed on:

Blaming alcohol is an excuse. A truly unconscious man can't perform. Claiming to have forgotten is a lie. They know who they're with. Their self-control is diminished, and they use others. Then, once sober, they conveniently shift blame. Didn't Alexander have a similar experience? Why can't he see the parallel? Could he also be unaware of the truth that night?

Alexander was aghast. Did you just reveal secrets? David and Selena were equally shocked. Evian's face drained of color.

That night was her biggest mistake. Jasper, intoxicated, had fallen onto her; she'd resisted initially. He'd whispered, "I want to hold you. I'm so upset." His words softened her resolve. She'd thought his responsiveness indicated genuine desire.

Upon waking, however, he claimed amnesia, insinuating she'd initiated everything. She'd questioned herself, wondering if she’d been the instigator. The lack of detail made discerning the truth impossible. So it was all a lie? Did Jasper initiate it? she wondered.

Isabella continued: He claims Evian ruined his love with Sienna, used the child to bind him? Laughable. Wasn't he struggling for a top hospital internship? He knew connections mattered. Wasn't it Paula's nagging that made him choose Evian over Sienna? He got the best of both worlds! Did the Quirks threaten him? Did Evian blackmail him? I think not!

The Quirks readily agreed. Sienna, too, should bear responsibility. If Jasper had refused, they would have sent Sienna away. They initially thought he'd taken responsibility, but hadn't anticipated his indifference. It turned out he'd harbored resentment all along. Isabella's words revealed his true motives: self-serving marriage.

Evian was shocked. Jasper always projected self-reliance, needing no help from her family. This overturned her perception entirely; she suspected Isabella was making malicious assumptions.

Isabella continued: If it was about the child, wouldn't divorce be the solution? All those justifications are excuses. He's reluctant to give up the Quirks' resources. He's a freeloader, and he complains about the "free meal." Audacious!

Evian felt a fresh wave of disbelief. She'd angrily dismissed similar suspicions from her friends.

Isabella's thoughts surged again: He's a freeloader, fine. But expecting his wife to adopt his illegitimate child? I wonder what's going on in Evian's mind?

The Quirks silently looked at Evian, helpless. He told Evian that if she hadn't been in the picture, he'd have reconciled with Sienna; their child wouldn't be illegitimate. Therefore, she had no right to reject the child. It seems Evian has been belittled and manipulated into foolishness. She's eager to play the scapegoat.

Tears welled in Evian's eyes. She questioned herself: Is it really all my fault?