Chapter 3
Evangeline glanced back, only to find that Joseph, who hadn’t returned all night, was now back with Evelyn.
But unlike before, she didn’t feel heartbroken this time. She casually replied, “I saw a bird fly away outside the window. It’s gone.”
At her words, Joseph let out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief. “Right, your family’s here. Where else would you go?”
Evangeline felt a sharp sting of irony. Indeed, her “family” was all here, but not one of them truly loved her. Fortunately, she would soon be reunited with her real family.
Joseph instructed the household staff to pack her things. When he noticed Evangeline’s emotionless expression, a strange feeling crossed his mind.
He couldn’t help but explain, “Evie just landed the lead role, and she needs to maintain her exposure. I took her to visit some popular tourist spots.”
Evelyn smiled sweetly and nudged his arm. “You’re so considerate of your employees, Mr. Cunningham. What a great boss.”
Joseph lovingly patted her head. “Of course.”
Just then, Evelyn cleared her throat softly.
Joseph immediately grew concerned. “Is your throat bothering you? Or are you thirsty?”
He stopped the maid from pouring water, saying, “I’ll do it. You don’t know what Evie likes to drink.”
Joseph, usually the one being served, was now in the kitchen. He busied himself with boiling water and adding ingredients like honey and ginger.
After the tea was brewed, he let it cool before handing it to Evelyn.
His actions were smooth and practiced, as though he’d done it many times before.
But such care was something Evangeline had never received. Joseph had never treated her like this in both daily life and business.
Cunningham Entertainment was one of Joseph’s many subsidiaries. When Evangeline was the only artist, he rarely got involved. He left everything to the team and believed that professional matters should be handled by the professionals.
But after Evelyn joined, he took over every detail, going as far as being more hands-on than even Antoine.
“This tea’s so sweet.” Smiling, Evelyn rubbed her stomach.
Joseph immediately caught on. “Are you hungry? I’ll make your favorite soft-boiled eggs.”
Watching him stride away, Evangeline was momentarily lost in thought.
She remembered back to when they were first married. She had suggested they cook together, thinking it would be sweet and a great way to build their relationship.
But Joseph had refused without hesitation. He claimed he hated the smell of oil and that a man should stay away from the kitchen.
Yet now, he was willing to do it for Evelyn.
It turned out he didn’t mind cooking; he just didn’t want to cook for her. This, perhaps, was the difference between love and indifference.
“Evangeline, are you jealous of me?” Evelyn asked. Since Joseph wasn’t around, her mask of innocence slipped as her eyes gleamed with malice. “But no matter how much you envy me, it won’t change anything. You’re just a stand-in. You’ll never have Joseph’s love.
“I just don’t understand. Why are you still holding onto this position? Joseph says you’re nowhere near my level. He says you’re boring and rigid. Only with me can he truly feel that our minds and bodies are in sync.”
Evelyn’s words were dripping with provocation, but Evangeline felt no jealousy.
In fact, she even smiled. “If you want to be Mrs. Cunningham so badly, tell him to ask me for a divorce.”
A hint of unease flashed in Evelyn’s eyes before she sneered. “Of course he will! But since you’ve been in my place for so long, I’m going to make you pay today.”
