Chapter 659

Claire gazed at Lucas standing before her for what felt like an eternity.

Her mind raced. "Did I have one too many drinks tonight?"

"Was he actually asking me out?"

A bitter laugh escaped her lips.

"It's over between us, Lucas. We've known each other for years. Why put on this act now? Save your charming lines for other women - I became immune to them long ago."

Had Lucas said those words five years ago, when they were newly married, Claire's heart might have fluttered wildly.

Back then, she would have melted at such attention from the man she adored.

But now? Now those same words felt like salt in an open wound.

Claire had poured her heart out to Lucas, only to have him shatter it carelessly.

Only after losing her did he realize what he'd thrown away.

If he truly cared, why wait until it was too late?

It had taken every ounce of Claire's strength to walk away from that toxic marriage.

Why would she ever consider diving back into that nightmare?

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...

"Let's keep this professional." Claire turned toward the window, blinking back unexpected tears.

"We'll co-parent Bella. As for us? If you're lonely, go find someone else."

Lucas suddenly seized her hand, pressing it against his chest.

"Do you really think I'd chase after just anyone?" His voice was rough with emotion.

Through the thin fabric of his shirt, Claire could feel the steady thud of his heartbeat against her palm.

The city lights blurred past the window, casting shifting shadows across Lucas's intense expression. "I'm serious, Claire. We have a child together. Give me a chance to make things right."

The raw vulnerability in his eyes made her stomach flip.

She yanked her hand back. "My answer is no."

The next morning, Evelyn stirred awake to sunlight streaming through the curtains.

Alexander had prepared breakfast himself, keeping everything warm in insulated containers.

The milk was perfectly heated - just how she liked it.

This small act of tenderness made Evelyn's heart swell.

Even after a year of marriage, Alexander still made her feel like a newlywed.

His quiet devotion gave her an unshakable sense of security, like she had an impenetrable fortress at her back.

Especially when she curled into his arms, her cheeks would inexplicably flush.

She adored the faint scent of his cologne, the way her name sounded in his deep voice - it made her feel like the luckiest woman alive.

Evelyn had just finished eating when Alexander called.

"I've sent Simon to pick up Isabella from the hospital. Are you absolutely certain about this? It's not too late to change your mind."

Their home had become a sanctuary for their love. Bringing in a woman who harbored feelings for Alexander...

The thought made Evelyn's skin crawl.

"Let her stay," Evelyn insisted. "I've been cooped up for months with this pregnancy. Having company might relieve the boredom."

Truthfully, Evelyn suspected Isabella's blindness was an elaborate ruse.

Without proof though, this was the perfect way to catch her in the act.

If Isabella was faking, she couldn't maintain the charade indefinitely.

Alexander sighed. "Fine. But promise me you'll be careful. No confrontations."

An hour later, Isabella arrived with Susan, the housekeeper Alexander had assigned to assist them.

Isabella dramatically groped the air. "Susan? Are we at Alexander's?"

Susan nodded politely at Evelyn before remembering Isabella couldn't see. "Yes, Miss Morgan."

"Help me to the sofa, please."

As they passed, Susan greeted Evelyn. "Mrs. Whitmore."

Isabella stiffened. "Evelyn's here?"

"Obviously." Evelyn took a deliberate bite of an apple. "This is my home. And since you'll be staying with us, we should get to know each other better."

Isabella's stomach churned.

Friends?

The idea was laughable.

When Simon collected her from the hospital, Isabella had been elated.

But learning this was Evelyn's idea? That set off every alarm bell.

Why would her rival invite her into their marital home?

There had to be an ulterior motive.

"You're quite the actress," Evelyn murmured, leaning close. "You dropped your blood packet when you 'fell' down the stairs."

Isabella's breath hitched.

"Relax. Alexander doesn't know... yet." Evelyn patted her shoulder. "Keep up the performance."

With that, Evelyn sauntered off, leaving Isabella paralyzed with dread.

"Keep pretending?"

Did Evelyn know? Was this a test?

The question gnawed at Isabella all day.

When Alexander returned that evening, Evelyn launched herself at him.

"Darling, I missed you..." Her voice dripped honey as she pulled him into a passionate kiss.

Alexander froze. His normally reserved wife had never been so bold.

Forgotten was Isabella's presence as desire surged through him. His arms encircled Evelyn's waist. "Sweetheart, you taste divine."

His voice dropped to a husky whisper as he deepened the kiss, one hand cradling the back of her head.

Evelyn let him trail kisses down her neck while watching Isabella's reaction.

Isabella sat rigid, nails digging into her palms.

The audacity! Doing this right in front of her!

But playing blind meant pretending not to notice.

She had to sit there, silently seething.

This was Evelyn's game all along - flaunting what Isabella could never have.

And the worst part? She had to take it.