Chapter 5

(Evelyn's POV)

"Are you sure?" were the words that spilled from Julian's lips. He took a small step closer to me, his hand hovering over mine, but not actually making contact. I tried so hard not to cringe away from him, but I couldn't help it.

My dainty fingers smoothened over my dress as I got off the stone couch, putting as much distance as I could between us without giving anything away. My eyes met his concerned gaze, and in a sweet tone, I uttered.

"There's nothing wrong, babe. I just… I'm just feeling so exhausted. I want to go back home."

Julian narrowed his eyes, seemingly trying to read me. I flashed my teeth in his direction, catching him off guard when I offered him my hand.

"Come on," I drawled. "Before I collapse from waiting too long."

That did the trick for Julian. He took my hand, bringing me close and kissing my temple. "I love you," he murmured, resting his forehead against hers. "I love you so much that it hurts."

I bit my lips hard, filled with so much hatred for Julian. I hated him for doing this to me.

"I know," I choked. "I know, Julian."

***

The windows were down because I insisted they remain that way. I told Julian that I needed the fresh air on my skin, but the truth was far from it.

Everything felt choked inside, with Julian right beside me. It made me feel like I had nowhere to go, like I'd made my whole world revolve around him for too long that pulling apart was near impossible.

At intervals, I watched him from the corner of my eyes, wondering how long he'd been keeping his secret. I thought about when it all started, when the trip to Paris took longer than expected, when I found plane tickets for two people instead of one.

The car came to a halt suddenly by the side of a noisy stall, and my eyes strayed to my husband. "What's wrong?"

"Remember that?" He nudged his head towards the stall, causing me to tilt my head. The red and white beams made my heart feel light. I felt relief course through me, like a break after an intense moment.

But the difference was that I knew this wouldn't last.

"We used to get our snacks here," I gushed with feigned excitement, placing a hand over my thumping heart. "Those were such pure and innocent days."

"We are still in pure and innocent days, honey," Julian drawled, leaning over to plant a chaste kiss on my lips. "Give me a minute. I'll be right back."

I watched him get out from behind the wheel, walking over to the stall. Leaning out of the window, my eyes never left him. Even for a second. It felt like I was trying to memorize every inch of the man I had been in love with for years, so that when it finally happened, there would be nothing to miss.

Julian pointed to the glazed donut in the glass. "I'll have that, please."

I drained out the rest of their conversation, my eyes glossing over the rest of the stalls. I remembered sitting there with Julian after we got our orders, talking about the most random things possible.

It was right there that we had our first kiss. The stall had been shut for the day, but Julian and I had remained there until it was too late.

He'd held my hand, and I felt a burst of electricity. I wanted those days back, but if I were being honest with myself, I wouldn't know what to do with them.

I pulled away from the window when I saw Julian walk back. He waved me like a high school student in love, blowing me a kiss before sliding in behind the wheel.

"Here," he said, handing her the box. "Glazed donuts. You used to love this when we were at college."

"Awwww!" It wasn't heartfelt, but I tried my best to at least make it believable. Because I wanted to believe it myself. "You remember."

"I remember everything about you, baby."

"Thank you."

But when I brought the donuts to my lips, I could taste nothing. Just like how bland our marriage had become. After a bite, I let go of it, returning the slightly bitten piece to the box.

That was when I felt it. A dull ache in my stomach, slowly growing.

"Ouch," I whispered, splaying her fingers over my abdomen and doubling over. "Shit."

"What is it?"

It seemed to be the only question Julian was capable of asking these days.

"It's just a stomach upset," I whispered. And even though I knew I shouldn't add the other part of my thought, I went ahead with it, needing to see the guilt on his face. "I think it is the donuts. I shouldn't have had it."

There.

"Shit!" Julian cursed. "I didn't… Fuck! I should get you to the hospital."

"No," I shook my head. "Our home is around the corner. Let's just go there. I'll pop a few pills and have a nap."

My husband looked at me like he didn't believe.

"I'll be fine, Julian," I sighed. "I promise."

His head moved in a nod, right at the moment the shrill of his phone reverberated around the car. Giving me a glance, he picked up the call, placing the phone against his ear even though he could use the car's Bluetooth.

Once again, I drowned out his voice, only turning to look at him when he touched me lightly. "Work," he muttered. "I have to leave."

"Oh."

"I can…I can leave the car for you and hitch a ride."

"Julian…"

"Or better still, I can get my assistant to drive you home because of your stomach upset."

I reached out to him, putting my dainty fingers on his forearm. It got him to stop talking. "Don't worry about me, darling," I drawled. "Just drop me off here. I'll find my way home. Work is important too."

"Not as important as you."

"I know," I giggled rigidly, leaning over to kiss him. "But you have to go."

Julian nodded and pulled to the side of the road, watching me as I slid out of the car. In another minute, I waved him as he pulled away, the soft purr of his engine carrying into the wind. I waited a beat before hailing a cab.

"Follow that car."