CHAPTER 3

EVELYN

The next morning came far too quickly. I barely remembered falling asleep. When I opened my eyes, sunlight streamed through the curtains, and for one brief second, everything felt normal.

Then reality settled heavily on my chest. Julian. The divorce papers. The humiliating mistake I made at the hotel.

I let out a quiet sigh and pushed the blanket aside. There was no point lying in bed. Life wasn't going to stop just because mine had fallen apart.

After washing up and getting dressed, I stood in front of my vanity. My eyes landed on an old framed graduation photo of me. I picked it up.

Back then, I believed my future would look very different.

I had graduated at the top of my class. My professors couldn't stop telling me how bright my future was. Several companies had reached out with job offers before graduation, but I turned every single one down.

Julian had smiled, taken my hands, and promised I'd never have to work a day in my life. At the time, it sounded like love. Now, it felt like I had given away a part of myself without even realizing it.

I put the frame down and reached for my phone. There was one person I hoped would still remember me.

The call connected after the second ring.

"Evelyn?"

The familiar voice made me smile. He still remembered me. He'd even kept my number after all these years.

"Good morning, Professor Harry."

"My goodness!" he laughed. "Is that really you? It's been years. How have you been?"

"I'm... doing okay. And you?"

"I'm good too. I've been wondering what happened to my best student. I expected to see your name leading some big company by now."

His words stung more than I expected.

He paused. "Something tells me you didn't call just to catch up."

I took a deep breath. "I want to work."

There was a brief silence.

Then he laughed softly. "I've been waiting years to hear those words."

"You have?"

"Of course. Evelyn, you were one of the smartest students I ever taught. I was disappointed when you turned down every job offer after graduation."

"I chose marriage." I sighed. Looking back, I regretted it.

"And that was your choice. But it doesn't change the fact that you're talented." His voice became thoughtful.

"As a matter of fact, one of my former students recently bought a company. They've been looking for someone with your qualifications. The pay is excellent, and I can personally recommend you."

I blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"I wouldn't offer it if I didn't think you deserved it."

A weight I hadn't realized I was carrying suddenly felt a little lighter. "Thank you, Professor. That really means a lot."

"You don't have to thank me. You earned this years ago." He chuckled. "I'll make a few calls today. Expect to hear from me soon."

"I appreciate it."

After we hung up, I stared at my phone for a long moment. I hadn't expected the conversation to go so well. For the first time since everything fell apart, I felt like I could actually build a life that didn't depend on Julian.

Just then, I felt a presence behind me. I spun around so quickly that I nearly lost my balance, only to find Julian standing in the doorway. He looked exactly the way he always did. Perfectly dressed. Perfectly handsome. Perfectly believable.

Anyone looking at him would never guess he had spent the last two days destroying our marriage.

But there was a puzzled look on his face.

"Did I hear that correctly?" he asked. "You want to work? Why all of a sudden? Haven't I been taking good care of you?"

For a second, I almost laughed.

Taking good care of me?

He had spent my birthday in bed with another woman. But I swallowed the words before they could escape. This wasn't the time. Not yet.

I forced a small smile. "I've been home for years," I said. "I'm getting a little bored. I just want something to do."

He smiled as though I'd said something adorable. Then he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear before pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"My wife doesn't need to work."

Every muscle in my body tensed. I fought the urge to wipe away his kiss.

"I'll sign you up for flower arranging," he said with a grin. "Or yoga. Maybe painting classes."

He gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "As long as I'm alive, you'll never have to worry about earning money."

I looked into his eyes.

Once, those words made me feel protected. They made me believe I'd married a man who wanted to carry the weight of the world for me.

Now they felt like a cage. A prison built so slowly that I hadn't even realized I was locked inside.

Before I could reply, his smile widened. "Oh, I almost forgot." He reached for my hand. "I have something to show you."

Before I could ask what he meant, he was already leading me toward the front door. Confused, I let him guide me outside. Not because I trusted him anymore, but because I wanted to know what he was planning this time.

The morning sun was bright, and a cool breeze brushed against my face as we stepped onto the driveway.

Then I stopped.

A brand-new luxury car sat in the middle of the driveway. A large red ribbon stretched across the hood, making it look like something straight out of a commercial. Its sleek silver body gleamed beneath the morning sun, and I recognized the model immediately.

Months ago, we'd seen one on the road, and I'd casually mentioned that I liked it. I hadn't even remembered that conversation. Somehow, Julian had.

He turned to me with the biggest smile on his face. "Well?" he asked. "Do you like it?"

I looked at the car, then back at him. "It... it's beautiful."

His smile grew even wider. "I was supposed to give it to you on your birthday." He slipped his arms around my waist from behind. "There was a delay picking it up, so it arrived late." His chin rested lightly on my shoulder. "Happy belated birthday, baby."

My body stiffened.

I could still feel his arms around me. The same arms that had held another woman.

Two days ago, I would've melted into his embrace without a second thought. If I hadn't seen that video, I probably would've believed every word he was saying. Now all I felt was disgust.

"I'll love you forever," he whispered against my ear.

My fingers curled into my palms.

Forever.

What an easy word to say.

"And don't worry," he continued with a soft laugh. "The surprise I have planned for our wedding anniversary next week definitely won't be late."

He kissed my cheek.

Every part of me wanted to wipe my skin clean.

Instead, I forced a small smile. "Thank you."

The words tasted bitter.

He looked pleased with himself, completely unaware that every loving gesture only reminded me of what he'd done.

He let go of me.

Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I took a few steps away before pulling it out.

Unknown Number.

The moment I saw the screen, my heart sank.

A knot tightened in my stomach. The last time I'd gotten a call from an unknown number, my life had fallen apart.

My thumb hovered over the screen for a second before I finally opened it.

[Do you like the car?]

A chill ran through me.

Before I could make sense of the message, my phone buzzed again.

[I picked it out for you. Julian couldn't decide between the silver and the black one, so I helped him choose. You're welcome.]

My breathing grew uneven.

No...

Another vibration.

[The day before yesterday, he insisted on having sex with me in it. It was so wild the car had to be professionally cleaned before he could bring it to you. That's why your birthday gift was delayed.]

The blood drained from my face.

I slowly lifted my eyes to the shiny silver car parked a few feet away. Moments ago, it had looked beautiful. Now it looked filthy.

My vision blurred.

One final message appeared.

[I wonder if they cleaned it properly. Do you smell anything?]

My hand began to shake. The phone slipped from my fingers.

Julian caught it before it hit the ground.

"Careful, baby…”