Chapter 14
Evelyn’s tears stopped instantly, replaced by a hint of joy on her face.
But Daphne let out a sneer. Her voice dripped with open mockery. “Have you lost your mind, Nathan Caldwell? These photos are right in front of you, and you still believe her?” Nathan turned, positioning himself in front of Evelyn protectively. His voice was firm as he said, “Daphne, I trust Evie. She would never do something like this. She went through hell overseas. Someone must be trying to set her up.”
Daphne stared at him in disbelief. She was too furious to speak at first. “Y–You’re seriously wasting that handsome face of yours with a brain this useless! Fine. You don’t believe me? Then come with me. I’ll take you overseas right now, and you can see for yourself what kind of person she really is!”
She reached out to grab Nathan’s arm.
But Nathan yanked his arm free and said coldly, “Enough, Daphne. If you came here to congratulate me, you’re welcome to stay. But if you’re just here to stir up trouble, then please leave. I’m not a kid. I can make my own choices.”
Daphne’s face darkened with rage. She pointed a finger at his face and snapped, “Fine! Do whatever you want! But don’t come crying to me when you crash and burn!”
With that, she spun around and stormed out of the banquet hall, her high heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.
As soon as she was gone, Evelyn threw herself into Nathan’s arms. She choked out, “Nate, thank you for believing in me. I was so scared that you’d misunderstand me like everyone else…” Nathan gently patted her back and said softly, “It’s okay. Don’t be scared. I’m here.”
Upon seeing that, the guests around them erupted into teasing laughter. “So, it’s official now?”
Evelyn blushed, lowering her gaze. After a brief hesitation, she murmured shyly, “I guess so…”
After the party, Nathan’s closest friends pulled him aside, concern written all over their faces. “Nate, those photos don’t look fake. Maybe you should be careful.” Frowning, Nathan said with displeasure, “Are you guys trying to start rumors about her too? Have you forgotten why I fell for her in the first place?”
His friends fell silent, memories flooding back to them.
It had been a sunny afternoon. Evelyn had risked her life to save a tiny kitten that had climbed too high and had been about to fall.
She’d crouched down afterward, gently stroking the frightened kitten. The image had etched itself into Nathan’s mind and into everyone else’s memories as well. Remembering that moment, none of them said another word. They quietly stepped away.
Nathan’s tense expression eased slightly. He clapped one of them on the shoulder and said firmly, “I trust Evie. She’s not that kind of person.”
His friends exchanged glances and didn’t argue further.
Once the party was over, Nathan was about to take Evelyn home.
But she suddenly grabbed his hand. Her eyes were filled with anticipation as she said, “Nate, I don’t want to go home alone. Can we live together? I want to be with you.” Nathan froze. After a brief silence, he nodded. “Okay.”
They drove to his bungalow in Evermere. The entire way there, Evelyn leaned against his shoulder with a happy smile on her face.
But for some reason, Nathan felt strangely empty.
The bungalow was both cozy and luxurious. Evelyn wandered through the house excitedly, gasping in delight every now and then. “Nate, this place is gorgeous! Are we really going to live here together?”
Nathan nodded, but his expression remained neutrai. As he watched Evelyn’s figure, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.
That night, after showering, Evelyn entered Nathan’s room in a sheer nightgown. Her eyes brimmed with invitation. “Nate, why don’t we…”
But Nathan averted his gaze and said coldly, “Your room is next door. Don’t wear so litle. Get some rest.”
Evelyn froze for a second. A hint of disappointment flashed across her face, but she quickly recovered her smile. “Okay. Good night.”
Once she shut the door, Nathan closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep. But his chest felt heavy, like a weight was pressing down, making it hard to breathe.
The next morning, he woke early. Standing on the balcony, he stared at the distant mountains, his mind a tangled mess.
Evelyn slipped her arms around Kim from behind. Her voice sounded coy as she asked, “Why are you up so early, Nate? Why not sleep a little longer?”
Nathan gently peeled her arms of him and said coldly, “I have some things to take care of. You can get more sleep.”
Evelyn watched him walk away, unipase flickering in her eyes. She bit her lip but said nothing
The next few days, they officially began living together. Like any couple, they cooked meals, watched movies, and took evening strolls through the garden.
But deep down, Nathan couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing
Until that day that he realized what it was.
