Chapter 2

Evelyn paled, a sharp pain lancing through her heart. The house's air conditioning maintained a constant temperature year-round, yet she felt encased in ice. Noticing her silence, Lucas looked away after a moment. "Tiffany's mother is in the final stages of cancer," he said. "Her only wish is for her daughter to have someone to rely on. You better not make a fuss and simply fulfill your role as my wife. I won't harm you if you perform well." He spoke of his infidelity as a righteous act. What did he mean by "not doing anything" to her?

Evelyn's daze momentarily passed, replaced by a smile. Ignoring the sharp pain, she replied, "You shouldn't be here if she needs company." She turned and closed the door decisively.

Minutes later, she heard the car start downstairs, and Lucas drove away. He was undoubtedly going to Tiffany's. Exhausted, she forced herself to the bathroom to splash cold water on her face, regaining her composure. She opened her laptop and contacted a lawyer she'd met three years prior, requesting a divorce agreement.

"Ms. Reed," the lawyer asked, "do you have any requests regarding the house, car, or asset division?"

After considering, Evelyn calmly replied, "I want nothing." She didn't even want Lucas; why would she want his possessions? She'd read online that relinquishing claims expedited the divorce process, preventing her fragile body from enduring repeated negotiations.

The lawyer swiftly sent a completed draft. Evelyn printed and signed the agreement without hesitation; her grip on the pen had whitened her hand. Then, she packed her belongings. At the doorway, she glanced back at the house that had been her home for three years, then left without looking back.

The next day, Evelyn took a day off and sent someone to deliver the divorce papers to Bluezen. Knowing Lucas wouldn't personally review correspondence, she listed Michael as the recipient. She'd worked at the Grant Group since marrying Lucas. He'd refused to publicize their relationship and forbade closeness in the office, placing her in public relations to manage the company's image. Over three years, she'd earned a management position through her own merit, never taking a day off. She'd excelled, not out of passion or professional interest, but simply because she strived for perfection in everything. With the divorce planned, she no longer needed Bluezen.

After sending the delivery man, she checked the clock—almost 10:00 a.m. She clenched her fists; something more important awaited.

Outside Northwood Prison in Clementon, Evelyn gripped the steering wheel, her hands slick with sweat. Anxiety gnawed at her; Blake Harrison was being released today, three years since she'd last seen him. She'd reserved a private restaurant room a month prior to welcome him. Her father had adopted Blake as a child; they'd grown up together. The Harrisons were cruel, but Blake had always been kind, protecting her for over a decade, never speaking harshly. He'd once promised her, "Anyone can betray you, except me."

She checked her reflection—sickly pale, so she’d applied blush. To avoid worrying him, she'd taken painkillers, donned sunglasses and a hat.

The prison gates creaked open. Evelyn opened her car door, moving almost unconsciously. Blake emerged, dressed in a black shirt and carrying an old backpack. His hair was neatly cropped, his gaze calmly assessing his surroundings. As his eyes met hers, Evelyn's heart skipped a beat; her throat tightened, tears welling. Instinctively, she moved toward him, calling, "Blake…"