Chapter 44
Matthew said nothing, his brow furrowing tighter. The car fell silent again.
Just then, Evelyn's phone rang. A name flashed on the screen: Zeal.
Matthew saw it too. His gaze turned colder, carrying a deep chill.
Evelyn rejected the call, switched her phone to silent, and put it back in her bag. Matthew's entire demeanor grew darker, like he was suppressing a storm.
The car stopped below her apartment building. Evelyn got out. Matthew didn't move, didn't say a word. She waited a moment, only to watch the sedan turn around without hesitation and disappear into the night.
She tugged at the corner of her mouth. Second time. This was the second time he'd left her at the curb and driven off.
Whatever. She was used to it.
After going upstairs, Evelyn thought for a moment, then called Zeal back.
"Evelyn," Zeal's voice came through the receiver, "how've you been lately?"
"Pretty good."
"I've been reading some baby books recently." His voice carried a smile. "Don't worry, I'm going to be a qualified godfather."
Evelyn held the phone, silent. She thought of Matthew's possessive, domineering eyes, remembered his threats. If Zeal got involved again... she couldn't drag him into this.
"Zeal." She spoke, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm sorry. When I agreed to let you be the godfather, I didn't think it through. The baby needs a father. I've decided to stay with Matthew. From now on... let's not contact each other anymore."
She didn't wait for his response before hanging up. She lay on the bed, staring blankly for a while, then fell asleep.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Evelyn opened her eyes. The space beside her was empty. Matthew hadn't come back last night.
Made sense. The estate had a mess to deal with. He probably wouldn't come today either.
Today was the last day of the holiday. She thought for a moment, then picked up her phone and messaged Monica: [Free today? Want to come over for lunch?]
Monica replied instantly: [Yes yes yes! I was just thinking about you! What time?]
[Noon. I'll cook.]
[Perfect! I'll head over now!]
After sending Monica the address, Evelyn walked into the kitchen. The fridge didn't have much, but enough for a decent meal. She tied on an apron and quickly prepared three dishes and a soup—all Monica's favorites.
The doorbell rang just as the last soup finished cooking. Evelyn wiped her hands and went to answer. Monica stood at the door, holding a huge bag: cake, fruit, drinks.
"Babe!" She rushed over to hug Evelyn. "This is my first time here!"
Evelyn took the bag, smiling. "Come in."
The two sat down at the dining table. Monica tried a bite of the honey lamb chops, her eyes lighting up.
"Delicious! Your cooking's still the best!"
Evelyn smiled, ladling her a bowl of soup. "Eat more."
Monica ate happily, her mouth full, still managing to talk nonstop. "Eve, are you used to living here? This place is so big—doesn't it feel lonely by yourself?"
"It's fine." Evelyn said. "I'm used to it."
After eating, they curled up on the couch and turned on a show. The screen played a sweet romance—the leads embracing in the rain. Monica watched intently, occasionally letting out an "Aw."
Suddenly, she spoke up. "That jerk Matthew—getting engaged but still keeping you around. What kind of person does that?" She turned to look at Evelyn. "Eve, don't take this the wrong way, but that man isn't worth it."
Evelyn was about to respond when her stomach suddenly churned. Her expression changed. She covered her mouth, got up, and rushed to the bathroom.
Monica froze, then quickly followed. The bathroom door was half-open, the sound of retching coming from inside.
Monica stood at the door, her expression shifting.
When Evelyn came out, Monica grabbed her hand. "Eve, be honest with me..." She stared at Evelyn's pale face. "Are you pregnant?"
Evelyn was silent for a few seconds, then nodded.
Monica's eyes went wide. "How far along?"
"A little over three months."
Monica's expression darkened further. "You're pregnant and he's still getting engaged to someone else?" Her voice filled with anger. "What does he think he's doing? What does he think you are?"
"I didn't tell him."
Monica froze. "Why not?"
Evelyn leaned against the sink, her voice quiet. "He wouldn't let me keep this baby."
Monica looked at her, silent for a long time, then asked, "What are you going to do?"
"I want to keep it." Evelyn said without hesitation. "I want this baby."
Monica's eyes reddened. "Eve, think this through. Being a single mom is hard, you..."
"I know." Evelyn cut her off. "I've thought about it all." She looked up at herself in the mirror. "I'll find a way to leave. It's just... not easy to get away right now."
Monica was quiet for a moment, then suddenly spoke. "Eve, what about... faking your death?"
Evelyn turned to look at her.
"Isn't that what they do in novels?" Monica said. "Fake your death, assume a new identity, start over."
Evelyn froze. Fake death? The words circled in her mind. It was actually a good plan—it would also cut off any chance of Matthew rekindling old feelings. But...
"It needs the right timing." She said slowly. "Can't rush it, and he can't discover any flaws."
Monica nodded. "I'll help you. Whatever you need, just say the word."
Evelyn looked at her, warmth flooding her chest.
The two set their worries aside, laughing and chatting away the afternoon on the couch.
In the evening, the door opened. Evelyn was curled up on the sofa reading when she heard the sound and looked up.
Matthew walked in, faint shadows under his eyes—clearly he hadn't slept well last night.
Seeing her, he sat down beside the sofa. "About yesterday..." he began, his voice a bit muffled. "I didn't handle it well. It won't happen again."
Evelyn said nothing.
He placed what he was carrying on the coffee table—several documents. "These are for you."
Evelyn glanced down. "Executive Vice President contract for the Perkins Group, and..." He paused. "Authority to launch new projects."
Evelyn looked up. "What do you mean?"
Matthew said, "From now on, you'll have more say at the Perkins Group. No one will dare mess with you anymore."
Evelyn looked at the documents, silent for a few seconds. "Matthew, I don't want..."
"You don't want to do this, or you don't want to stay by my side?" His words cut her off.
Evelyn looked up, meeting his eyes. Those eyes held exhaustion, seriousness, and something else she couldn't quite read. Heavy, like he was afraid of losing something.
"Evelyn." He said. "Stop being angry, okay? Let's make this work."
His voice lowered, carrying a softness she'd never heard before. "Whatever you want, I'll give you. Just don't leave."