Chapter 2

The next day, Evan and I had already promised that we'd discuss the matter of reopening Dad's financial crime case. But I ended up waiting for him outside his office for three long hours.

That was when Evan's secretary walked over to me, her expression conflicted.

"Mr. Henderson said he won't be able to make it back for quite some time due to urgent matters on his end, so…"

I had been carrying a stack of evidence papers that was half my height. Upon hearing the secretary's words, I felt strength drain from my arms, causing the papers to scatter across the floor.

There were only three days left before the statute of limitations on my dad's case expired.

Wretchedly, I sank down on my knees to pick up the papers. That was when a notification popped up on my phone, telling me that Minerva had uploaded a new post on her social media feed.

The background in the photo she just uploaded was a vet clinic. Apparently, Evan was keeping her company there while Peachie got dewormed by the vet.

"I told him that I could make this trip on my own, and yet he insisted on skipping out on his work just to stay with me. Is this what it feels like to be cared for?"

Last year, Evan refused to step into the hospital when my appendicitis acted up. All he told me was, "I hate the smell of disinfectants."

I could only grip my phone so tightly that my fingertips turned white.

After that, I tried contacting other lawyers, only to get turned down tactfully.

"Mr. Henderson told us before that since you're his wife, us helping you means that you're taking the easy way out. I don't think this is a good idea…"

As I carried the stack of evidence that I had spent many sleepless nights collecting, I walked home on my own while bracing against the wind.

Evan only came home in the evening. I was already sitting on the couch by then.

"Didn't you promise me that you'd agree to my condition to reopen my dad's case?"

Evan took off his jacket before pinching the spot between his brows tiredly.

"Although your dad is framed, the plaintiff has an assortment of evidence in his sleeve. The evidence might be forged, but it's also undeniably flawless.

"Besides, I'm very busy during this period. Can't you let me catch my breath before bringing this topic up?"

I felt my words lodge in my throat.

Just now, I came across the couple-run pet account that Evan and Minerva had created. The latest video featured them taking Peachie to the lake, where they rode bicycles together. Then, they watched the sunset together before going home.

The comment section was filled with nothing but praise.

"Look at how bright the guy's smile is! He looks nothing like his depressed-looking self from the previous account! Now this is what I call a real couple!"

"I bet he was just partnering up with the other lady in the previous account. Their interactions looked fake as hell."

"Real couples are the real deal, yo! Thank goodness he already terminated his contract with the owner of the previous account!"

In any case, Evan didn't seem busy in the slightest.

I carried the heavy stack of evidence papers and plopped them onto the table loudly.

Doing my best to suppress the bitterness in my heart, I said, "You can deal with your matters in the next two days. Just make sure to show up at the court on the day after tomorrow."

Evan rejected me immediately.

"The day after tomorrow is a no-go for me. It's Minnie's birthday that day."

Before I could say anything, Evan added, "Tomorrow is a hell-no for me too. I already promised Minnie that we'd shoot the next video together. In fact, I need to write the script in advance."

I couldn't help but choke out, "My dad can't wait this long! He has heart disease, you know!"

Evan just closed his eyes in exasperation.

"Syrena, don't blame me for being blunt with you. Honestly speaking, your dad's case is all about a financial dispute. A few years later, he'll be free from prison. There's absolutely no need for you to waste my time with his case."

I raised my head to stare at Evan in shock. A short while later, I finally realized that he was the one telling me such cruel things.

Before I could retort, Evan's phone started ringing abruptly.

Right after he answered the call, his expression shifted dramatically.

"What? Your gastritis is acting up again? Okay, I'll be right there!"

When Evan was about to leave, I quickly gripped him by the hem of his shirt.

"I want to let you know that I'm—"

The next thing I knew, Evan shoved me away violently.

"You can tell me whatever it is tomorrow! Minnie is in so much pain right now that she can barely speak! She's in critical condition right now!"

Just like that, Evan walked away without looking back. Thanks to his shove, my belly crashed into a corner of the table. Warmth instantly seeped through my pants.

It was a smear of bright red.

"Evan…"

As soon as I started calling for help, I saw the door getting slammed right in front of my eyes.