Chapter 34 034
Evelyn's POV.
I couldn't respond to Adrian. I could only stare at him in awe. Curiosity gnawed at me. I really wanted to know how found out, but I didn't know if he would tell me even when pressured.
He held my chin for a few seconds before he let go.
He turned and attempted to walk upstairs again but I appeared in front of him before he could take another step, making him halt in his steps.
He groaned in annoyance when he saw me blocking his path.
“What is it?” He raised a brow.
“We’re not done talking,” I said firmly.
He scoffed but without saying a word. He only changed his posture and stood with his hands in his pocket.
I took a deep breath and continued.
“You need to answer the questions I have. You should at least do that as a dutiful husband,” I said.
“I'm not intending to be a dutiful husband, sweetheart,” Adrian laughed. “We both know this marriage is only a deal,” he added.
Yes, I know! But fuck him for saying that!
“Still, you need to answer my questions,” I said more firmly, my gaze darkening.
He didn't fight or question it so I continued.
“How did you know Nathaniel Quinn is my ex-boyfriend?” I paused.
“And are you really going to the mask party? Why?”
Adrian was staring at me like he was figuring out what to do with me but I didn't act like I gave a damn about his look because I really didn't care.
“First question. It was obvious to me if not to everyone,” he said.
How? How fucking how?
“I could tell from your reaction that your relationship didn't end with just being childhood friends.”
“Second question. I'm going to the party because I got an invite,” he said. “That should be enough of a reason.”
“So? Are you not curious about Nathaniel and I?” I asked.
He smiled. “I can't be. Because this…” he pointed between us. “...means nothing to me.”
It wasn't supposed to hurt but it did. I was just an object in his home, someone whose family he saved, and took care of even when he had no use for them.
“And the mask party,’’ I continued, ignoring his response. “I heard you don't attend things like that. It's not normal to suddenly want to attend.”
“Now I'm realizing you talk too much, Evelyn,” he moved closer to me, taking a step up the stairs. “I told you I'm attending because I got invited, then you take my words for it.”
He shoved me aside and I almost fell. I held the rails of the stairs for support and watched as he finished ascending the stairs before disappearing into the hallway of the rooms.
I threw my head back and groaned. Living with him is such a headache, I wasn't just realizing that now.
I moved to my room and took a quick bath after taking off my dress. I stared at the stain of champagne on the dress even though it wasn't obvious because the champagne drink blended with the color of the dress.
I heaved a sigh, remembering Nathaniel again. Now he's willing to let me know the reason he had left in the first place.
Will I hate him more for leaving after I hear his side of the story? Or will I feel sorry for giving up too soon?
I changed into my nightwear and laid on the bed but the truth is, I couldn't get Nathaniel Quinn off my mind.
I stood up from bed and moved to my dressing table. I opened one of the drawers and brought a necklace out.
I stared at it while I caressed the pendant with one of my fingers. It was the last gift Nathaniel had given me before he disappeared.
There was no occasion, he told me he just saw it and thought of me then he bought it.
I was stunned and at that moment, I knew how much the love I had for Nate had increased.
I hate to admit but I still thought of him whenever I saw that necklace. Before the party, I still wondered where he was and what he was doing at that moment.
I realized I wouldn't be able to sleep if I kept thinking about Nate.
I decided to take a walk on the back patio before I come back to find sleep or let it find me.
The entire house was silent and I assumed everyone was asleep.
Outside, it was dark but lit with soft glowing lights like lanterns.
None of the guards were in sight and I assumed they had also gone to retire to bed.
The air outside was great, refreshing and the type that'd make sleep find me immediately if I were to sleep outside here.
I moved towards the back patio but was shocked to hear someone's voice calling me from behind.
I turned quickly and my hand went to my chest.
It was David. He was a guard and it was normal to see him around in the compound but it was late and I had assumed everyone would be asleep.
“Finding it difficult to sleep, ma'am?” He asked.
I calmed my racing heart before I nodded. “I'm taking a quick walk, I'll return to the house soon.”
“I'll stay guard and watch you from here. Take your time,” I said.
I didn't want to persuade him to leave because I knew he wouldn't want to so I let him stay.
I spent a long time outside, enjoying the air before I decided to return to my room because David was still watching me.
When I got back into the house, I walked upstairs and before I could take the turn that led to the hallways of the rooms, my eyes caught an open door from afar.
That was Adrian's study door left open. Again?
Was he inside?
I decided to check it out…but instead, I met a stranger sitting behind Adrian’s desk, unbothered, going through his files.