Chapter 11
“Martin, do you know? Three months ago, I almost died in a car accident. We lost our child.”
Evelyn’s voice was calm, but Martin felt like the ground had been ripped out from under him.
He reached for her, but she stepped back, her eyes cold.
“I didn’t know… Evelyn, I swear I didn’t know…”
She laughed, cutting him off.
“Of course you didn’t. That day, I called you over and over. You said you were too busy to answer, but I know the truth–you were with her, watching the sunrise.”
She pulled out her phone, showing him the post Stella had made–the one she’d seen after waking up from surgery.
“Martin, do you need me to remind you of all the times you chose her over me? The lies, the excuses, the way you kissed her that night when you were drunk?”
Her voice was steady, but every word cut deeper.
“Even I know you have to let go of the past before starting something new. You’re thirty, Martin, not thirteen. Why don’t you get that?”
He stood there, his face pale, as she listed every betrayal.
“I was wrong,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Please, give me another chance. I’ll never leave you again.”
Evelyn shook her head. “You don’t get it, do you? You married me because I looked like her. Now she’s back, and you’re free. Why do you even care if I forgive you? We’re divorced, aren’t you finally getting what you wanted, to be with her?”
“No!” He grabbed her hand, desperate. “I don’t love her. I never wanted to leave you.”
But his words rang hollow.
She pulled her hand away, her smile polite but distant.
“Thank you for Shelton Corporation’s support. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
She turned and walked back to the lab, where Steve was waiting.
Martin watched them, his heart twisting.
Why did she leave me? Is it because of him?
He glanced at his reflection in the window–tired, worn, ten years older than her.
And Steve? Young, handsome, passionate about the same things she was.
12:14
Cleared for Departure: So Is My Love
55.2%
12:14 Sat, 17 May
For the first time, Martin felt something he’d never known before–insecurity.
When Evelyn and Steve left the lab, Martin was gone.
“What do you feel like eating?” Steve asked as they walked out.
Evelyn shrugged. “I don’t know. Whatever’s quick.”
82%
Steve frowned. “You can’t keep skipping meals. How about this? The experiment’s wrapped up for today. Let’s go buy some ingredients. I’ll cook for you today.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You can cook?”
“I didn’t know how at first, but after being in France for a while, my cooking skills have improved quite a bit,” he said with a grin.
Evelyn smiled. “Alright then, Chef Llord. Show me what you’ve got.”
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