Chapter 7

Nathaniel had already left the room by the time Evelyn finished changing. Not that she cared where he went. Their marriage was merely a business arrangement with an expiration date - three short months before they'd go their separate ways forever.

Evelyn locked the door and surrendered to sleep.

At dawn, sharp knocks shattered her slumber. "Miss! Master Nathaniel sent these clothes for you!" The maid's shrill voice pierced through the wooden door.

Grumbling, Evelyn dragged herself up. Living under someone else's roof meant obeying their rules. She yanked open the door and snatched the garments.

After showering and dressing, Evelyn stepped out - only to be drenched by a putrid wave of icy liquid.

Giggles erupted behind her.

Blinking through the stench, Evelyn wiped her face to see a girl her age smirking. The stranger wore designer clothes and a superior expression, flanked by household staff. One maid clutched an empty basin - clearly the weapon used in this ambush.

Evelyn studied the dripping mess on her clothes before fixing the girl with a steady gaze. "Who are you? And what's your problem?"

The girl preened, glossy lips parting. "Abigail Grayson. Nathaniel's sister."

Ah. The infamous sister-in-law. "Charming introduction," Evelyn remarked. "Care to explain this welcome?"

Abigail sneered. "Consider it orientation. Marriage doesn't make you family. You'll never belong here."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Yet legally, I'm your sister-in-law. Shouldn't you show some respect?"

"Respect?" Abigail cackled. "When my brother didn't even share your bed last night? Please. He only married you to appease Grandfather. Once he recovers, you're out!"

So that was Nathaniel's game. Evelyn filed away the revelation.

Abigail continued her tirade. "Remember your place. In this house, my word is law when Nathaniel's absent. Understood?"

Evelyn nodded meekly. "Absolutely."

The submission pleased Abigail. "Good. Now if you'll excuse me, my manicurist is waiting-"

"Wait!" Evelyn interjected. "Since I'm new, perhaps you could explain the household rules? I'd hate to accidentally offend again."

Abigail rolled her eyes. "Ugh, must I spell everything out?"

Evelyn batted her lashes. "My memory's terrible. Maybe we could go to my room? I'll take notes."

Grumbling, Abigail followed. The moment they entered, Evelyn slammed and locked the door, trapping them inside.

Before Abigail could react, Evelyn seized her hair and dragged her kicking into the bathroom. "Now," Evelyn purred, pinning the shrieking girl over the toilet. "What exactly did you pour on me?"

Abigail trembled. "F-fish cleaning water!"

"Delightful." With that, Evelyn plunged Abigail's head into the bowl.

Thirty seconds later, she yanked the spluttering girl up. "Refreshing, isn't it?"

"You psychotic bitch!" Abigail gasped. "Nathaniel will-"

"Will what?" Evelyn interrupted. "You attacked first. Fish water for toilet water seems fair." She dunked Abigail again.

When resurfaced, Abigail screeched, "I'll make him divorce you!"

Evelyn beamed. "Would you? That'd be wonderful!"

The lack of reaction infuriated Abigail further. Evelyn finally released her, shoving the sopping mess into the hallway.

After stripping her ruined clothes, Evelyn wrapped herself in a towel. Her phone buzzed - Olivia Dawson, her colleague.

"Evelyn!" Olivia's panicked voice crackled through. "Emergency at work! Get here now!"