Long after her conversation with Michael, Evelyn kept thinking about it, wondering why he hadn't told Derek about their relationship. What was Michael thinking? What did he want? Why was he suddenly friendly after seeming so bitter during their first two encounters at the company? These questions swirled in her mind.

Derek, noticing her absentmindedness and hoping she'd confide in him, decided to ask. He couldn't bear seeing her so worried.

"Are you okay, Eve?" he asked, snapping his fingers in front of her face.

Startled, she looked at him. "Did you say something?" she asked apologetically.

Seeing her distraction, Derek asked again, "You've been distracted all day. Is something bothering you?"

Evelyn shook her head. "No. Everything is fine," she said, glancing at her wristwatch. Relieved it was almost time to leave, she added, "Are you sure?" Derek asked again, and she nodded.

Although worried about Michael hiding their history and considering telling Derek herself, she wasn't sure how he'd react. As much as she wanted to tell him, she didn't want to risk him calling off the interview. It was best to play it cool until the arrangement ended, then she could tell him if Michael hadn't by then. "Yeah, I'm fine, just tired," she said, rising and picking up her handbag. "Can I leave now? There's nothing left to do, and it's almost closing time?"

"Why the hurry? I could drop you off," Derek offered.

"I wonder why you keep offering when you know I'll say no," she interrupted, and Derek smiled.

"I told you I don't give up easily," he said, and she rolled her eyes.

"I'm going home. See you tomorrow," she said, heading for the door.

Just as she reached the door, Derek stopped her. "There's something I forgot to tell you," he said, his tone casual yet commanding. She turned, impatient. "What is it this time?" she asked, rolling her eyes, expecting one of his usual antics.

"We're traveling together this weekend for a business meeting," he announced, leaning back, his eyes gleaming with an unreadable expression.

Her brows furrowed. She gazed at him, searching for mischief, but found none. Sighing, she asked, "Why didn't you mention it earlier? Where are we going? What's the meeting about?" He leaned forward.

"The resort in Varis needs more space. We need to buy surrounding properties, but one owner is stubborn. He insisted I speak with him personally," he said. Evelyn looked at him suspiciously.

"So, you're going to convince him to sell?" she asked. He nodded.

Remembering her parents' anniversary that weekend, Evelyn smiled, seeing her perfect excuse to avoid the trip.

"Well, I'm sure you'll handle that smoothly. Unfortunately, I can't go. I have somewhere important to be on Sunday," she said. Derek's eyes twinkled with amusement. He knew she was avoiding the trip. He relaxed, holding her gaze. "Did you say Sunday?" he asked. She nodded.

"Yes. It's very important. I can't miss it," she repeated.

He'd been planning to invite her to his anniversary party. "Don't worry," he said. "I also have plans for Sunday. We'll leave Friday after work and return Sunday morning. You'll be back in time." Evelyn sighed inwardly.

"I hope this isn't one of your usual antics," she said. Derek raised an eyebrow.

"What do you think?" he asked, leaving her to guess.

She looked at him, sighed, and said, "Alright. I'll come prepared for the trip on Friday." Derek nodded.

"Enjoy the rest of your day," he said as she rose.

"You too," Evelyn replied before leaving.

Heading for the elevator, she quickly booked a ride. By the time she stepped out of the building, her cab was waiting.

Michael, who'd been waiting in his car for over thirty minutes to follow her, immediately followed her cab at a discreet distance. He frowned when the cab stopped at a cake and coffee bakery. He watched, puzzled, as she entered and was greeted by a young woman with red hair—Rayna, Evelyn's high school friend.

Inside, Evelyn's face lit up as she embraced Rayna. Rayna had been one of her closest friends and a bridesmaid before she called off the wedding. Evelyn realized Sandra had always tried to interfere with their friendship. They'd run into each other grocery shopping and arranged to meet at Rayna's bakery.

"It's so good to see you, Eve! How have you been?" Rayna asked, signaling a waiter. "I'm fine, Ray. I see you finally got your bakery! It looks nice," Evelyn said, looking around. "Thanks. It's still a work in progress," Rayna replied, beaming.

"What have you been up to? Why did you disappear? Your phones were off, you deactivated Facebook even Sandy couldn't help. What happened?" Rayna asked as they were served iced coffee and cake.

Evelyn shrugged. "I'm sorry. I just needed some time alone. I wanted to clear my head," she replied, her smile tinged with sadness.

Rayna touched Evelyn's hand. "Why did you call off the wedding? There were rumors you met someone else, but I don't believe that. We know how much you loved Michael. What really happened?" Rayna asked gently.

Evelyn hesitated, considering confiding, but decided against it. "Nothing really happened. I just realized I didn't love him as much as I thought. I was getting married for the wrong reasons," she said softly. "Enough about the past. What about you? Dating? Married?" Evelyn asked, changing the subject. Rayna, seeing Evelyn didn't want to talk about it, dropped the topic.

"My relationship status is probably the only thing that hasn't changed since you left," Rayna joked. "What about you?" Rayna asked. Evelyn shook her head and laughed.

"I'm still single," she said. She thought about telling Rayna about Samantha but decided to wait until she told her father.

"Our class reunion's coming up. They booked the bakery. You should come, Eve," Rayna said. Evelyn laughed, remembering high school.

"I definitely should," Evelyn said, and they continued catching up.