Chapter 8
While sorting through her clothes, Evelyn found a photo album. Flipping through it, she saw snapshots of their life together.
There was a picture from his first birthday with her–his face smeared with cream, his eyes filled with adoration as he looked at her.
But now, she wondered–was that adoration for her, or for the woman she resembled?
Evelyn couldn’t bear to look further. She tossed the album into the box.
She cleared out everything tied to her–clothes, jewelry, even the dreamcatcher.
The last item was her wedding ring.
She remembered the day he’d slipped it onto her finger, promising to be faithful forever.
Now, she wasn’t sure if that promise had ever been meant for her.
By the time she finished, the house felt emptier. Martin returned late, glancing around with a frown.
“Did you throw a lot of stuff out? It feels… different.”
“Just a deep clean,” Evelyn said calmly. “Got rid of what didn’t belong.”
Including me.
Martin didn’t question it. He knelt by her, pressing his ear to her stomach.
“Why haven’t I heard the baby’s heartbeat lately?”
Evelyn smiled faintly but said nothing.
How could he? The baby had been gone for over a month.
Martin didn’t notice. He stood, pulling her into a hug.
“Evelyn, there’s nothing between me and Stella. I gave her the villa because she needed a place to stay. The pendant–I’ll get it back, and I’ll get her a replacement.”
He spoke softly, thinking she was still upset. “It’s been a while since I’ve tucked you in. Let me tuck you and the baby in tonight, okay?”
She didn’t resist as he led her to the bedroom.
But as they stepped inside, his phone buzzed.
He glanced at it, then hurried to the door.
“Something came up at work. You sleep first. I’ll be back soon.”
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Evelyn nodded, watching him leave.
As she lay down, her phone lit up. A message from Stella–a screenshot of their chat.
Stella: I found some old love letters. Want to see them? If not, I’ll burn them.
Martin: Don’t burn them. Wait for me.
Martin didn’t return for two days. No calls, no explanations.
Evelyn didn’t care anymore.
On the final day of the divorce cooling off period, she called her lawyer.
“It’s been a month. Are the papers ready?”
“Yes, you can get the divorce certificate today,” Philip said, his voice warm. “Congratulations, Evelyn. You’re free.”
“Thank you.”
For the first time in weeks, she smiled.
Her phone rang again–Steve.
Martin’s warning echoed in her mind: Stay away from him. I know what men want.
But she answered anyway.
“Steve.”
She wouldn’t let Martin control her life–not anymore.
“Evelyn, it’s been a month. Are you ready to leave?”
“I can go today,” she said, her voice light with relief.
“OK. I’ll wait for you.”
She hung up, changed, and headed for the door.
But as she reached it, Martin walked in.
He froze, seeing her smile.
“You look happy. Where are you going?”
Then it hit him. “Oh,Are you going to the hospital for an ultrasound? I’ll go with you.”
Before she could explain, he was ushering her to the car.
As he started the engine, Evelyn opened her mouth to tell him the truth.
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