Chapter 252
The sharp edge in Evelyn's voice was unmistakable. She was clearly irritated.
What had gotten into Nathaniel?
His brows knitted slightly. "Fine, but what's this attitude about?"
Evelyn crossed her arms. "I'm not being difficult. I just think when we're alone, we don't need to keep up this charade of being married. Men and women should maintain proper boundaries."
Amelia Rivers, Nathaniel's first love, had returned. It was obvious he still carried a torch for her.
Evelyn had no interest in playing the other woman. Even if people misunderstood her as jealous, she'd never actually become that person.
That's exactly why Benjamin and Gabrielle kept targeting her.
After what happened that night, she'd helped him out of obligation. But she intended to bury that memory forever.
When they weren't putting on an act, she needed to keep her distance. For her own peace of mind.
This was all just pretend. They were never truly husband and wife. Boundaries were necessary.
Her words darkened Nathaniel's stormy gaze. Was this stubborn woman still convinced he was just playing a role?
If only she'd pay attention, she'd know exactly how he felt about her.
"Boundaries, you say?" His lips curled into a cold smirk. "Very well. In that case, Miss Whitmore, you can sleep elsewhere tonight. Wouldn't want to violate your precious boundaries."
"Fine by me."
Evelyn nodded, pushed his arms away from her waist, and swiftly exited to the guest room.
She actually left.
A vein throbbed at Nathaniel's temple. He crushed his cigarette, grabbed the glass of water, and downed it in one angry gulp. Lighting another cigarette, he exhaled a frustrated cloud of smoke.
What the hell was wrong with that woman?
The vibration of a phone caught his attention.
Nathaniel took a drag, his narrowed eyes landing on the buzzing device—the phone he'd given Evelyn days ago.
Stubbing out his cigarette, he answered. "Yes?"
"Uncle, are you and Aunt Evelyn home?" Sophia's voice chirped through the line.
"We are."
"Is she... with you right now?"
Thinking of Evelyn's ridiculous behavior, his expression darkened. "She's asleep. What do you want with her?"
Assured Evelyn couldn't overhear, Sophia spoke freely. "Oh, nothing! I just wanted to ask... is everything okay between you two? The tension in the car was unbearable. What happened?"
"Don't pry into adult matters," Nathaniel snapped.
Sophia huffed. "Uncle, I'm actually six months older than Aunt Evelyn. Plus, I've been married before—that makes me more experienced! Tell me what's wrong. Maybe I can help!"
Nathaniel pinched the bridge of his nose. "She's being unreasonable."
"That's impossible! Women never get angry without reason," Sophia protested. "Especially someone as level-headed as Aunt Evelyn. There must be a cause."
Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. "Enlighten me then."
"Let me think..." Sophia paused dramatically. "Uncle, have you ever actually told Aunt Evelyn you love her?"
Silence.
"I knew it!" Sophia groaned. "Of course you haven't! How is she supposed to know your feelings if you never say them?"
Love her?