Chapter 16
Evelyn stumbled back, terrified by the look in Nathan’s eyes. Tears streamed down her face instantly.
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“Nate, let me explain… My parents forced me to do those things! They made me please those men. I had no choice… The only one I love is you!”
As Nathan stared at her, his expression was filled with nothing but disappointment and disgust. “You make me sick, Evelyn.”
With that, he turned to leave.
But Evelyn suddenly lunged at him, gripping his arm with all her strength. “Nathan, if you love me, you should love all of me! Even if you can’t accept it, you should be angry at me! But instead, you’re this eager to leave? Where are you going? Are you going to find Annabelle? Have you fallen for her?”
Nathan froze in place. His mind was in turmoil, yet amidst the chaos, there was an undeniable sense of relief.
She was right. Why was he so eager to leave?
After hearing the truth, why was his shock outweighed by a sense of relief? Why was his mind consumed with thoughts of Annabelle?
Finally, he had no choice but to admit that he’d fallen for Annabelle.
He turned back to face Evelyn, his voice icy. “And what if I have? Evelyn, you’re going to pay for everything you’ve done.”
Without another word, he pulled out his phone and made a call.
“Dig up every dirty deed Evelyn did abroad and spread word of it across the entire city. I want her to never be able to show her face again.”
After hanging up, he wrenched his arm free and strode out of the bungalow.
Evelyn collapsed onto the floor. She was doomed. It was all over.
Her voice was laced with desperation as she screamed, “It’s too late, Nathan! Even if you destroy me, it won’t change anything! You hurt her because of me! You’ll never have her!”
By the time Nathan barged into Daphne’s place, she was packing her suitcase. She glanced up at him briefly before asking indifferently, “What are you doing here?”
Nathan’s gaze fell on the open suitcase. Frowning, he asked, “Where are you going?”
“To Ivory Bay,” she replied without looking at him, tossing another dress into the suitcase. “There’s a wedding tomorrow. I’m a bridesmaid.”
Something stirred in Nathan’s heart as Annabelle instantly came to mind. If Daphne was going to Ivory Bay, she would surely see her.
Without hesitation, he blurted out, “Take me with you, Daphne.”
Daphne paused, then looked up at him coldly. “Take you? Don’t you have to be with Evelyn? Did you suddenly remember you have a sister?”
Nathan’s expression stiffened. His voice carried an urgency he couldn’t suppress. “I found out the truth. Those things about Evelyn are real. I broke up with her. I won’t be blind again.” Daphne raised an eyebrow. Her tone was laced with sarcasm. “Oh? Finally figured it out, have you? You’re no longer dancing around like a fool for that two–faced little damsel?” Nathan lowered his head and pleaded, “I’m sorry. Daphne. Please, take me with you. I need a break. Have some pity on your heartbroken little brother.”
A complicated look flickered in Daphne’s eyes as she took in his uncharacteristic display of weakness.
He was her brother, after all. She sighed and relented. “Fine, you can come. But if you mess up again, I’m kicking you out of the family. Got it?”
Natan immediately nodded. A rare smile tugged at his lips. “Don’t worry, Daphne. I won’t let you down this time.”
They packed their bags and headed straight for the airport.
As Nathan boarded the plane, he felt lighter. The thought of seeing Annabelle again lifted his spirits.
This time, no matter what it took, he would win her back, even if he had to beg or grovel at her feet. He’d even bought a pile of glits, preparing to give them to Annabelle and her parents. Daphne glanced at the bags in his hands and frowned. “Why did you buy so much stuff?”
Smiling, Mathan replied with a hint of excitement, “They’re for Anna. Since she’s back in Ivory Bay, I go visit her after the wedding.”
Daphne froze for a moment, then let out a quiet chuckle. “No need. You’ll see her at the wedding tomorrow.”
Nathan didn’t catch the meaning behind her words. He assumed Annabelle was also a bridesmaid.
Grinmag, he said, “Perfect. That means I can give her the gifts sooner.”
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And be could see her sooner.
Just before takeoff, Nathan pulled out his phone and sent Annabelle a few messages.
“Anna, I’m almost in Ivory Bay. I’ll apologize properly this time.”
“I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance.”
“Wait for me. I’ll be there soon.”
However, each message was met with only one gray check mark.
Nathan’s heart sank. His fingers trembled slightly.
Had she blocked him?
A wave of panic surged through him. But then, he reassured himself that it was fine. He’d see her soon anyway. Once they met, everything would be okay.
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