Chapter 9

The ride home passed in silence.

Evelyn rested her head against the cool window of the car, watching the city lights blur together as they disappeared behind them.

Usually, she enjoyed looking outside whenever she had too much on her mind. It gave her something else to focus on, something that wasn't the endless stream of thoughts refusing to leave her alone.

Tonight, however, nothing helped. Every few seconds, her mind wandered back to the restaurant, back to Lucien sitting across from her with the same composed expression from the beginning of dinner until the very end.

She still couldn't understand him.

One moment, she was certain he wanted nothing more than to end their marriage. The next, he was agreeing to extend the contract simply because his father wanted him to.

There had been no emotion in his voice, no excitement, not even reluctance. He had spoken about their future the same way someone discussed a business proposal.

As though their marriage was nothing more than another file waiting to be signed.

She let out a quiet sigh and closed her eyes. The words he had spoken lingered in her mind.

You're the sacrifice.

She hated how easily those words found a place inside her.

By the time the car stopped outside her family home, she wasn't ready to go inside. She remained seated for a few extra seconds before finally reaching for the door handle.

The house was unusually lively. She could hear voices before she had even stepped into the living room.

“...I told you we still had a chance.”

“We only needed a little more time.”

“The board will have no reason to panic now.”

Evelyn slowed her steps.

Her father sounded happier than he had in months. She walked into the room quietly, immediately drawing everyone's attention.

Her father looked up first. The moment he saw her, a wide smile spread across his face.

“There she is.”

He stood almost immediately and walked toward her.

“Tell me everything.”

Evelyn managed a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. “There isn't much to tell.”

“There must be.”

Her mother approached as well, gently touching Evelyn's arm. “How did dinner go?”

Evelyn looked between both of them. “He agreed.”

Those two words were enough. Her father laughed in relief before turning toward the others gathered in the room.

“I knew it. I told you he wouldn't reject it.”

“This changes everything.”

“It gives us breathing room.”

Evelyn remained where she stood. She watched her parents celebrate something that didn't feel like a victory.

Eventually, her father turned back toward her.

“So? What exactly did he say?”

“He'll extend the contract.”

The smile on her father's face grew wider.

“But…”

The room became quiet again. “There'll be a new agreement.”

Her father's expression remained calm.

“That's understandable.”

“He wants both lawyers involved.”

“That's expected.”

Evelyn hesitated before continuing. “He also said... the moment the company is stable enough, we'll begin the divorce process.”

Silence settled over the room. It lasted only a few seconds. Her father nodded thoughtfully.

“Fair enough.”

Evelyn stared at him. That was it.

No question about how she felt. Only business.

“If we recover quickly,” he continued confidently, “there'll be no reason to keep either of you tied together.”

She quietly excused herself and they didn't try to stop her.

By the time she reached her bedroom, she felt completely drained. She closed the door and leaned against it for a long moment.

The silence was comforting.

At least here, nobody was celebrating. She walked toward the bed and sat down slowly, staring at the floor. Her phone vibrated.

She reached for it absentmindedly. The screen lit up with a single name.

Lucien.

Her heartbeat quickened. She opened the message.

I'm outside.

She frowned. Outside?

She immediately stood and walked to the window. Pulling the curtain aside, she spotted a familiar black car parked by the gate.

He really was there. Confusion settled over her.

They had already discussed everything at dinner.

Why would he come here?

She looked down at herself. An oversized shirt and loose shorts. Definitely not what she wanted to answer the door wearing.

She hurried toward her wardrobe and changed into a simple cream dress. After brushing her hair and slipping into a pair of flats, she took one last look in the mirror.

She still looked tired.

There wasn't much she could do about that.

A few minutes later, she stepped outside. Lucien was standing beside his car with both hands tucked into the pockets of his coat.

When he heard her footsteps, he turned.

“You came.”

“You said you were outside.”

“I did.”

She stopped a comfortable distance away.

“You could've called.”

“I could've.”

His answer almost made her laugh. Almost.

Instead, she folded her arms lightly. “What is it?”

Lucien reached into his jacket and pulled out a slim folder. “Our lawyers will begin preparing the revised agreement tomorrow.”

She nodded. “I expected that.”

“This isn't about the paperwork.”

She waited. “Our situation has changed.”

“In what way?”

Lucien looked toward the quiet street before returning his attention to her.”If we're extending the contract, we have to make it believable. Not only to the public but to everyone else as well."

She frowned slightly. “I don't understand.”

“Our marriage exists on paper.”

“Yes.”

“But it doesn't exist publicly.”

She remained quiet.

He continued calmly. "There have been too many questions lately. We rarely appear together. We live separate lives. People have noticed.”

Evelyn lowered her eyes.

He wasn't wrong. “We'll start attending events together,” he said.

“What kind of events?”

“Business functions.”

She nodded. “Family gatherings.”

Another nod. “Charity dinners. Public celebrations. Company events.”

She thought about it for a moment. “I can do that.”

“We'll arrive together.”

“Okay.”

“We'll leave together.”

“Fine.”

“If photographers are present, we won't avoid one another.”

She hesitated. “I suppose that makes sense.”

Lucien continued listing the arrangements as though he had rehearsed them beforehand.

“We'll have dinner together when required. We'll be seen together often enough that nobody questions the marriage.”

Evelyn listened carefully. Everything sounded reasonable. None of it crossed a line she couldn't accept.

“I understand,” she said quietly.

For the first time since arriving, Lucien gave a small nod of approval.

“Good.”

The conversation fell silent. The night breeze moved gently through the trees surrounding the property. Evelyn assumed he was about to leave.

Instead, he spoke again. “There's one last condition.”

She looked back at him. “What is it?”

His expression didn't change. “We're moving in together.”

She blinked. “I'm sorry?”

“We'll live in the same house."

Her heart skipped. “You can't be serious.”

“I am.”

“But why?”

“Because appearances alone won't be enough.”

She stared at him.”If people find out we're living separately while pretending to be happily married, the entire arrangement falls apart.”