Chapter 266

Seraphina rushed to take the glass of milk from Evelyn's trembling hands, placing it firmly back on the coffee table.

She grabbed a tissue and handed it to Evelyn before gently rubbing her back.

After several tense moments, Evelyn's coughing subsided. "Seraphina, you're right. I'm not myself today."

Seraphina nodded knowingly. "What happened?"

At the question, Evelyn's eyes flashed with barely contained fury.

"Because Nathaniel was being completely unreasonable! I was having a perfectly fine day until he deliberately made me witness their reunion. Regardless of the circumstances, I'm still his lawful wife. That was beyond disrespectful."

Seraphina pressed her lips into a thin line. "That's... truly unacceptable."

Evelyn's frown deepened. "I know he wanted to announce his precious Amelia's return. Or perhaps remind me to stay in my place and not upset his darling. But words would have sufficed! There was no need for that humiliating spectacle."

Seraphina nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. That was cruel and unnecessary."

Evelyn slumped back against the couch in frustration. "Which is why I'm so furious. How am I supposed to play the dutiful wife for the remainder of this contract when I'm constantly caught between them?"

"Oh!" Seraphina's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Simple - don't go back. Let them have their happily ever after while you wash your hands of this mess!"

Evelyn sighed. "I can't. The contract is for three months, and only two weeks have passed. I gave my word. Besides, old man Richard isn't someone to cross. If I disappear mid-contract, he'd turn the world upside down to find me. That would only create more problems."

"So you're returning tomorrow?"

"Yes. Just six more weeks. I'll endure it, even if every fiber of my being protests."

Seraphina moved behind Evelyn, massaging her shoulders sympathetically. "My poor darling."

Evelyn pursed her lips. Honestly, being Nathaniel's temporary wife was more exhausting than any physical labor.

Since moving into the Grayson estate, her life had become a never-ending drama.

After a thoughtful pause, Seraphina asked cautiously, "But... speaking from experience, I have to ask - did you two... sleep together during this time?"

The lingering flush from Evelyn's coughing fit deepened. Though reluctant, she answered truthfully. "Yes... Just once."

"Protection?" Seraphina's brows knitted together. She hadn't expected this answer - the question was merely precautionary.

Protection?

Evelyn froze momentarily before admitting guiltily, "No... It happened too suddenly, under unusual circumstances. I wasn't thinking clearly. Surely I can't be that unlucky to get pregnant from one time?"

"These things happen. If you truly want no ties to Nathaniel after the contract, be more careful next time," Seraphina advised gently.

Evelyn's gaze turned icy. "That was an accident. It won't happen again."

Still concerned, Seraphina pressed further. "Then... do you have feelings for him?"

Evelyn scoffed. "Why would I? Because he's ancient? Because of his terrible temper? Because he enjoys tormenting me?"

Seraphina found Evelyn's indignant expression rather endearing.

She smirked. "What I meant was - do you find him attractive?"

Evelyn didn't hesitate. "Objectively? Of course he's attractive. He won the genetic lottery with that face and body. That's fact, not feelings. Don't tell me you disagree?"

Seraphina cleared her throat. "Well... he's not entirely unpleasant to look at!"

Evelyn suddenly looked up sharply. "Wait - since when do you like older men? I thought you preferred younger guys."

Seraphina wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "I don't discriminate. Variety is the spice of life!"

Studying her friend's expression, Evelyn suddenly felt sorry for Seraphina's string of ex-boyfriends, all discarded once she grew bored.

Evelyn shook her head in pity. "Seraphina, you're not getting any younger. Do some good deeds. Stop toying with those boys and take relationships more seriously."