Chapter 16

Evelyn watched Alexander's broad shoulders disappear into the distance, and for the first time in days, she felt a fragile sense of peace settle over her.

But her thoughts inevitably circled back to Ethan.

How had everything unraveled so completely?

Memories surfaced—those early days after she'd been brought back to the Hawthorne Estate. The scent of gasoline made her sick, so Vanessa always rode in the car while Evelyn walked home from school alone.

Sometimes, she'd glance over her shoulder and spot Ethan lingering a few paces behind.

He moved with effortless grace in his tailored uniform, hands tucked casually in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

One afternoon, she stopped abruptly and waited.

Ethan closed the distance between them in just a few long strides.

He loomed over her, his face as cool as ever, but his eyes—those sharp, guarded eyes—betrayed something softer.

Back then, she'd been so sure he cared.

Everything shattered during the school's centennial gala.

Vanessa was supposed to perform a piano duet with Ethan.

Vanessa suddenly clutched her wrist, wincing in pain. Tears streamed down her face as she apologized profusely to Ethan, her expression heartbreakingly fragile.

The elite academy was sponsored by the Caldwell family, so naturally, they attended all major events.

Grace Caldwell had high expectations for her son—this was his chance to shine, to prove the Caldwell legacy.

But their duet was ruined.

Ethan demanded to know what happened. Vanessa's tearful gaze flickered toward Evelyn before she bit her lip and remained silent.

Only after relentless questioning did she finally whisper, "Evelyn... she threw a brick at me."

Eighteen-year-old Evelyn didn’t even have time to defend herself before Ethan’s palm struck her cheek in front of the entire auditorium.

"Ethan, how could you hit Evelyn?" Vanessa rushed forward, shielding her stepsister dramatically. "She’s family! I forgive her!"

Looking back now, Evelyn couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

There had been countless incidents like this.

For years, she’d numbed herself, blaming Vanessa’s interference for the growing rift between her and Ethan.

But she’d forgotten—it takes two to destroy something.

Three years ago, when she was thrown into prison, it wasn't just Vanessa's scheming or her parents' silent betrayal. Ethan Caldwell's blind devotion to Vanessa had sealed her fate.

He must have loved her.

That night, when he found Vanessa cornered by those men, his bloodshot eyes had burned into Evelyn with pure hatred. "Evelyn," he had spat, voice trembling with rage, "for what you did to Vanessa, you deserve worse than hell."

A sharp knock at the door yanked her back to the present.

Evelyn quickly wiped the dampness from her lashes.

Simon Graves stepped inside, balancing a breakfast tray. His sharp gaze flickered to her red-rimmed eyes, but he said nothing about it.

After setting the tray down, he spoke quietly, "Ms. Carter, if I may—save your tears for someone who actually deserves them."

Evelyn flinched, her already pale face turning ghostly. She nodded stiffly. "I know. Thank you."

"Don't." Simon hesitated, then added, "The doctor cleared you for discharge tomorrow. Do you… have a place to go?"

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her fork. She focused on her food, chewing slowly.

Going back to the Hayes family wasn't an option. They wouldn't want her anyway.

The realization hit Evelyn like a tidal wave—she truly had nowhere left to turn.

Simon observed her distress, his voice gentle yet firm. "If you're without options, perhaps you should consider marrying my employer."

Evelyn's gaze snapped up, startled. "Your employer?"

Simon gave a slow nod.

"He's twenty-nine, never been in a relationship, and possesses unwavering principles. Marrying him guarantees stability—no infidelity, no housing struggles. He owns multiple properties."

When she remained silent, he pressed on. "I assume you've recently ended things with someone? As they say, when one chapter closes, another begins. A fresh start might heal old wounds. Why not consider it?"

Evelyn's fingers curled into her palms before relaxing.

The reasoning made sense, but the idea of binding herself to a stranger felt reckless.

Then, another knock shattered the tension.

Both turned to find Claire, Evelyn's closest friend, standing in the doorway.

Their eyes locked, and Claire's brimmed with instant tears.

She dashed forward, pulling Evelyn into a crushing embrace. "You absolute fool! How could you let this happen to yourself?"

Claire had heard every detail of what happened the previous night. Furious and restless, she had paced her apartment, torn between rushing to the hospital and giving Evelyn the space she needed to recover.

Now, standing beside Evelyn’s hospital bed, Claire crossed her arms, her voice sharp with disbelief. "Tell me you're not actually considering marrying that snake after everything he's done to you."