Chapter 7

That night, Evelyn stayed over at the Ramsey residence. She got the most restful sleep she'd had in a long time.

The next morning, when preparing breakfast, Louise made some chicken soup just for Evelyn. She also packed a nutritious lunch in a thermal container for her to take to work.

The night before, Evelyn had told them about her decision to resign and work as Heath's assistant for a month. Her family had objected to it at first, wanting her to stay home and take it easy for the rest of her pregnancy.

However, Evelyn insisted on working. Apart from being a little clumsier when she moved, she didn't feel any physical discomfort. It wouldn't be a problem for her to do some simple work.

Besides, she needed a change of environment and to keep herself busy as well. Otherwise, if she had to just sit around doing nothing, she'd start thinking too much about everything.

In the end, Walter stopped protesting.

Evelyn wanted to help Louise with breakfast, but Louise refused to let her, so she didn't insist upon it. She sat on the couch and went online to find a suitable prenatal pilates class for herself. After choosing a pilates studio, she made a mental note to check on their available classes.

As she continued scrolling, her expression suddenly changed. A post on social media caught her eye.

It was a nine-photo collage from a dinner at a private high-end clubhouse. Justin Sloan, a friend of Carlton's from the high society circle, had posted it.

Evelyn had added him back when she was still Carlton's assistant.

The caption read, "Dinner with the crew, and also another day of being forced to witness the lovey-dovey couple's affection for each other. When is the wedding happening anyway?"

Three of the photos featured Carlton and Serena together. In the middle one, Serena was shyly hiding her face while nestled in Carlton's arms. Carlton, who looked stunningly handsome, had one hand on her shoulder, his gaze soft and warm as he looked down at her.

The sweet and tender affection between the two was practically oozing out of the photo.

Everyone in Carlton's circle knew he was married, but in their eyes, Evelyn was not worthy of him. It was quite likely that Justin had deliberately posted this for her to see.

Evelyn felt a sharp pain in her chest, making it hard to breathe. She got off her phone and went out onto the balcony to calm herself down. She tried not to care—not to think about it anymore.

Her hand instinctively rested on her rounded belly as her heart weighed down heavily.

Once the divorce was finalized, Carlton would immediately marry Serena. They would have children of their own. Given how much he loved Serena, he would surely love their children as well.

What about her child with him, then? Would her daughter ever receive fatherly affections from Carlton, too?

"Breakfast is ready, Eve," Louise called out.

Evelyn snapped out of her thoughts. She took a deep breath and wiped her tears away before heading to the bathroom. Once she came back out, she was back to normal.

After breakfast, Julian drove Evelyn to work. Along the way, he could sense that her spirits were low and asked, "Did something happen, Eve?"

Evelyn shook her head. She didn't want to say anything.

"Now that you're pregnant, Eve, you shouldn't bottle up all your emotions," Julian earnestly advised. "It's bad for you and the baby."

After a while, Evelyn finally said, "It's nothing. Carlton is seeing someone. It's just hard for me to come to terms with it right away, but it's fine. I'll adjust. You don't need to worry about me, Jules."

Even though she made it sound like it was no big deal, Julian knew she was hurting. He didn't know how to comfort her. The only thing he could say was, "Time heals all wounds. Things will get better."

She hummed in response.

At the company, she got out of the car with the lunch Louise prepared for her. After saying goodbye to Julian, she headed toward the building, only to run into Carlton again.

Because he rarely stayed at Crown Bay, the reason why Evelyn continued going to work despite being demoted was that she wanted to see him every day.

But for the past few months, she rarely ever saw him. Even when she did, he would be exceptionally cold toward her. She hadn't expected to run into him at the office two days in a row.

Carlton stepped out of the car, dressed in a tailored suit. With his broad shoulders, defined waist, and mile-long legs, as well as sharp jawline and sculpted features, he was breathtakingly handsome. He always exuded an air of dominance.

It was hard to imagine that someone who looked as distant and unfeeling as Carlton would have such a loving and affectionate side to him.

Evelyn felt a pang of heartache. She lowered her eyes, stepped aside, and respectfully greeted, "Mr. Shaw."

Carlton, as always, acted as if she were invisible. Her presence only made his expression grow colder as he strode past her toward his private elevator.

Once he was gone, Evelyn finally started moving. She went to the regular staff elevator and went up to her desk.

After the unsavory exchange between her and Sherry yesterday, Sherry's attitude toward her was far from pleasant. She simply arranged for someone to handle the handover of Evelyn's tasks.

Evelyn didn't care about Sherry's attitude. She just wanted to finish the handover and leave.

By late morning, her work was done. The weather seemed pretty good today. There was an ecological park behind the company building, so she decided to go for a walk and enjoy her packed lunch at the park.

After taking the elevator down to the lobby, she ran into two people who were coming in. One was Justin. The tall, poised man beside him was probably one of Carlton's friends as well, but she'd never met him before.

She didn't plan on greeting them. She kept her head bowed and sidestepped them as she headed for the front entrance.

Alas, Justin spotted her the moment he walked in. It was hard not to notice her, considering her rather ample figure. When he saw the way she was actively avoiding him, he strode forward and stood in her way.

Pausing in her tracks, Evelyn looked up and saw the look of repulsion on Justin's face. "Are you blind, or have you forgotten the purpose of having eyes in the first place? Why aren't you greeting me?"

Justin had always been polite to her when she was still working as Carlton's assistant. But now, to these people, she was just a fat and ugly gold digger who severely overestimated herself.

Evelyn lowered her gaze and said curtly, "Mr. Sloan."

Snorting, Justin mocked, "What's with this attitude, huh? Do you seriously think a cockroach like you can ever be more than what you are?"

Evelyn tightened her grip on the thermal lunchbag she'd brought down with her. Feeling humiliated, she turned to the side to walk past Justin.

However, Justin abruptly stretched his leg out.

Caught off guard, Evelyn ended up falling, her knees landing hard on the floor with a loud thump. Instantly, all the color drained out of her face. She had to grit her teeth as the pain made her shudder.

The thermal lunchbag flew out of her hands, spilling the food and chicken soup everywhere.

Elijah, who was standing nearby, was shocked to see this.