4

Evelyn's knee buckled, and she lost her balance. Instinctively, she reached out and held the edge of the couch to steady herself.

Stanley, unaware of her condition, kept his gaze fixed on Alicia as she walked out of the room, her head held high and her back straight.

It seemed that whatever she had seen and heard had not affected her in any visible way.

Others might have broken down, cried, and pleaded for a chance, and maybe even accused him of cheating with her best friend, but she had done none of it.

Rather, she had been calm, too calm to even take a good video, unfiltered and raw.

‘She really had some nerve. Why didn't I notice that? She had always loved me, and I am sure she wouldn't be disclosing that video…it’s just a temporary measure.’

‘Yes…it should be, otherwise…’

Stanley slowly curled his fist, his brow furrowed. He had always known Alicia to be stubborn and proud even before their marriage.

But, funny enough, after they got married, even though she never knew it was a fake…she had been a docile wife, calm and obedient. And more surprisingly, she had always trusted him.

‘Is it possible she has been pretending all along, and this was just her coming out of her shell?’

‘Interesting!’

‘I will see how you secure this divorce you asked for.’

“Stan…” Evelyn winced at the side, drawing the attention of Stanley, who was totally lost in thought and imagination of how fierce his wife could be.

“What…” he began, but his words died in his throat the moment he saw her clutching tightly to the couch to keep herself steady.

He rushed to her side and lifted her up. “Eve, how did you fall? Are you hurt? Are you okay?”

Stanley was anxious. Evelyn shook her head, tears welled up in her eyes as she slid her hand around his neck, allowing him to carry her back.

Back in the bedroom, Stanley set her down, and his gaze swept across her body, taking inventory of any hurt.

Aside from the clear palm print on her left cheek, she was supposed to be okay. But she didn't stop trembling.

Stanley knelt beside her. “What is it?”

“Do…do…you think she would release the video?”

“Of course not.” He answered almost instinctively and then swallowed. “She dared not. I am sure she wouldn't want to face criticism.”

As though he recalled a memory, his lips curled up softly. “Besides, who would be willing to accept her?”

‘She had been deep into the role that we all forgot, and she had been known in the circle as Mrs. Jones.'

‘She wouldn't dare leave me. Not now. Not ever.’

‘I guess I have to coax her to drop the divorce at most…I will sleep with her to make peace.’

“Does that mean… you aren't divorcing her?” Evelyn asked tentatively. Her heart raced as she analyzed the expression on Stanley's face.

‘It shouldn't be what I am thinking, right?’

“Why should I divorce her?” Stanley smirked. “Things just got more interesting.”

Evelyn's brow knitted together immediately. “What got interesting?”

“My wife wants a divorce, and I am willing to see what length she would go to get it.” Stanley answered carelessly.

‘What the fuck! He is really thinking of delaying the divorce that was supposed to be our opportunity?’

Stanley, unbothered about whatever was going on in his mind, continued, “Seems I had to take this game to the next step.”

“What step?” Evelyn asked anxiously.

“Baby, you don't have to worry yourself so much. She could only be your cover against my parents.”

Evelyn swallowed hard. ‘Who wants her to be my cover? She was practically taking my position. What would happen to my baby when born?’

She exhaled. “Stanley…what about our baby?”

Evelyn hoped that he would understand what she meant. Hoped he would simply sign the divorce and let Alicia go.

But she knew better not to pressure him. For the past six years…that had been her silent rule.

Advance when there's need and retreat when necessary.

Stanley understood those unspoken words clearly. He sighed. “Baby, I love you and would definitely not wrong you in any way, not to talk about our son.”

******

~Elsewhere~

At the backseat of a black Maybach speeding through traffic was a proud son of heaven, Daniel King. The heir and grandson of the King family.

His head rested on the headrest, and his eyes were closed. The night light cast a streak of light across his perfect features.

For Cortland, he could be a god or a devil. It all depends on which aspect one might want to talk about.

Daniel King wasn't just an heir; he was handsome and capable. If there's anything he knows best…it is business.

And for every little thing he does…there's a purpose and a profit attached.

Despite his unique characteristics, Cortland ladies were always head over heels in love with him.

The most eligible prince charming.

But the irony was, he was never interested in anyone.

The last fiancée that was arranged for him disappeared overnight.

“Sir,” Ethan, his assistant, began. “Morris, the Dynamite Group president, is already waiting for you.”

“To the hotel then,” he muttered.

Ethan exchanged a glance with the driver, and with swift precision, the car joined another lane and headed to the hotel.

“Have all the documents ready and have our men check the area…” His cold voice sliced through the silence of the car.

“Yes, Boss.” Ethan answered and pulled out his phone to make the arrangements.

Screech!

Screech!!

And the car came to a halt. Daniel slowly opened his frosty eyes and looked at the driver, who was already trembling.

“I am sorry, Boss. But someone just crossed the road.”

Ethan was already stepping out to check the situation. He was on the phone and didn't get a clear view of what had happened.

“It seems I pay you too little…”

“No, Sir, please pardon me.” he muttered as he stepped down from the car.

Ethan rushed back to the car. “Sir, she is a lady.”

"And what had that got to do with me?" Daniel's cold voice spilled into the night.

Ethan exhaled deeply as though he needed more courage. "She is injured."

"And what had that got to do with me...you call the ambulance?"

"Sir, I am sorry but she might not wait for the ambulance." Ethan announced.

Daniel had a rule for his cars...no woman. He never carries a woman no matter how close except for the purpose of work.

Asking him to break that rule seemed pretty impossible but the situation of the woman left him no other option than to plead with this ancestor.

Daniel felt irritation clawing up his chest. But judging from Ethan's expression, the situation must be critical.

Daniel grunted.

A typical attitude he showed when ever he had to accept a suggestion he was dissatisfied with.

With his approval, Ethan and driver hurriedly lifted the Alicia into the backseat of the car.

~Earlier~

Alicia left Evelyn's home. The night breeze grazed her skin, it was cool and soothing.

Her shoulder slumped hard, the previous bravado all faded replaced by her tears which fell in torrents.

‘I can’t believe I have been such a fool. For good six years I was someone's substitute and a cover up.’

‘How could I be reconciled with that?’

‘Stanley Jones…I underestimated you.’

She exhaled sharply and glanced around. The street was well lit, couples walking hand in hand, soft laughters echoed through the dimly lit restaurants.

Everything felt alive, bright and beautiful but for Alicia this where her world ended. She had been cheated on by her friend and husband.

And now she had nothing left. She had to go home.

‘Home’

It sounded strange in her hearing.

She was really a fool. For the past six years, it had never felt like home.

Stanley spent most of his days outside the mansion either at a business trip or at social gatherings.

And on days where he would spend the night at home, he made sure he had dinner before his return.

Alicia had assumed it was due to business engagement but who would have thought it was with his wife.

Alicia sighed. She had no intention to return to that house at the moment. Maybe it would be better to take a stroll..

With that conclusion, Alicia decided to let go of her thoughts and enjoy the weather.