Chapter 28: Rekindling an Old Flame?
Evelyn forced herself to calm down, dragging her weary body back to the cage they called “home.”
The heavy oak door pushed open to reveal a mansion as hollow and sterile as ever. But tonight, she was going to light a fire here.
A fire that would tear open the cage’s darkness.
She needed an opportunity, a chance to counter Damian and return to the Omni Group. Only by getting inside that skyscraper could she reclaim what was hers and find the evidence she needed to crush Damian completely.
She didn't go back to the bedroom. Instead, she walked straight into the kitchen, retrieved a dusty candelabra from the pantry, and polished it until it gleamed. Then, she pulled a prime cut of steak from the fridge, expertly preparing it.
When two candles were lit on the long dining table, the soft glow dispelling some of the dining room’s oppressive coldness, she heard the sound of a car engine drawing near.
Damian was back.
Evelyn set down her wine glass, smoothed her skirt, took a deep breath, and put on the obedient, apologetic smile she had practiced countless times.
Damian strode in, his face etched with unconcealed exhaustion and irritation. When he saw the candlelight and the dinner on the table, his brow immediately furrowed into a tight scowl.
“What the hell is this?” His voice was hoarse and sharp. “You think now is the time for romance?”
He didn't even look at Evelyn, heading straight for the living room sofa and tossing his jacket aside. Evelyn followed him quietly with a glass of warm water, placing the cup on the coffee table by his hand.
“Damian,” her voice was soft. “You’re tired. Drink some water first. I... I just thought it’s been too long since we properly had a meal together.”
Damian leaned back, eyes closed, too spent to even raise his arm.
“I’m not in the mood. Sienna is in a very bad condition. The doctor said she needs absolute rest and no more stress.”
He opened his eyes, and the gaze that once held love was now only icy scrutiny. “Evelyn, I warn you, if anything happens to her again, I won't let you off the hook.”
This was it. Her chance.
A perfect touch of panic and remorse washed over Evelyn’s face. She walked over to him and slowly crouched down, looking up at him.
“I’m so sorry, Damian... I truly know I was wrong. That day... I just went crazy. I love you too much. Seeing you with her made me mad with jealousy.”
She reached out, tentatively touching his knee.
Damian did not pull away. This reaction gave Evelyn the courage to push further. She knew her show of weakness played perfectly into Damian's pathological need for dominance.
“I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days, Damian. We've been together since college, eight full years... How could I not love you? All those irrational things I did were because I was terrified of losing you.”
She choked back a sob, burying her face on his lap like a pet begging for forgiveness.
“And me starting to draw designs again wasn't about leaving you either... I just... I saw how hard you work for the company, how stressed you are, and I wanted to do something for you, to help carry some of the burden.”
She looked up, her eyes swimming with tears.
“Damian, let me go to the company to help you. Even if it’s just being an assistant or organizing files. I don’t want to be a bitter wife who only stays at home and overthinks things anymore. I want to re-enter your world. I want to... help you.”
Damian stared at her in silence, his eyes full of suspicion. Evelyn wants to join the company? What game is this woman playing now? Yet, her weak, pathetic crying, and every word she spoke, perfectly stroked his deepest ego.
Moreover, the Omni Group was preparing to go public, and he needed a flawless, harmonious family image to gain investors’ trust. If the media caught photos of his wife entering the company as his "supportive partner," it would be an excellent PR move.
“You want to join the company?”
“Yes!” Evelyn nodded vigorously.
“Fine,” Damian watched the light instantly ignite in Evelyn’s eyes, and his tone shifted abruptly. “But there’s a condition.”
He leaned down, pinching Evelyn’s chin, forcing her to look him in the eye.
“During this time, you must take meticulous care of Sienna. Three meals a day, daily routines, everything. You will be completely hands-on until she fully recovers.”
He enunciated every word clearly. “This is what you owe her. Do that, and I will consider letting you join the company.”
A strong wave of nausea surged up from her stomach. Serve the woman who ruined her home and almost cost her baby? Evelyn almost lost control of her facial expression.
“Okay.” She forced out an obedient smile. “I promise you, Damian. I will... I will take good care of Miss Sienna.”
Seeing her so compliant, Damian was finally satisfied. He reached out, pulled Evelyn up from the floor, and hugged her tightly.
“I knew it. My Evelyn still loves me.” He lowered his head, whispering into her ear.
“We just had a little misunderstanding. Now that it’s cleared up, let’s stop fighting, alright? I only have you, and you only have me.”
His hand began to rove improperly over her back, laced with intense possessiveness.
“As long as you are obedient, I will love you like before, maybe even... more than before.”
These honeyed words used to be the sweet rain Evelyn craved most. Now, they sounded colder and more piercing than any curse, stabbing her to the core.
She stood stiffly in his embrace, letting his cold lips press against her forehead and cheek.
Deep inside, one voice screamed furiously:
Just wait, Damian.
She will return all this, with interest.