Chapter 6: Chapter 6

550 words

<html><head></head><body>Nathaniel's gaze swept over the scattered items on the floor. Designer dresses, silk blouses, diamond-studded heels—all left behind. Evelyn hadn’t taken a single luxury item with her. Hadn’t she married him for his wealth? He couldn’t comprehend why she’d leave everything behind. His eyes landed on the worn-out reusable bag in her hand, and his jaw tightened. "Playing the victim again? Who are you trying to fool this time? Grandmother isn’t here to witness your theatrics." In their three years of marriage, he had never deprived her of anything—except his love. He had been generous. Even now, with the divorce, he had ensured she would receive a substantial settlement. More than enough to live comfortably for the rest of her life. Was this truly a farewell, or just another manipulative act? Evelyn clutched her phone, her mind racing. The news of her long-lost family finding her should have brought joy, but instead, it left her numb. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Nathaniel’s sharp scrutiny. To him, her silence was an admission of guilt. Victoria limped forward dramatically, her voice dripping with false concern. "Nathaniel, she packed her things to leave but insisted on using that filthy bag. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen."  Gregory, ever the loyal butler, chimed in. "I advised Mrs. Whitmore against it, sir, but she refused. She even threw her clothes on the floor." Victoria sighed theatrically. "Honestly, she has designer luggage, yet she chooses that rag. If word gets out, people will think the Whitmores mistreated her." A heavy silence settled over the room. Evelyn stood frozen, absorbing their accusations. Her eyes locked onto Nathaniel’s, waiting—hoping—for him to see through the lies. His cold voice cut through the tension. "Don’t you have anything to say for yourself?" Just as she expected. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. "They’ve said it all. What’s left for me to add?"  It didn’t matter what she said. He wouldn’t believe her anyway. Nathaniel’s expression darkened. "When will you learn to be satisfied, Evelyn? What more do you want?" To him, she was nothing but a gold-digger who had trapped him in marriage. Evelyn exhaled sharply, her patience snapping. "What do I want? To live like the trophy wife I was supposed to be. Shopping in Paris, spa days in Monaco—not slaving away in your kitchen for three years!" Her voice rose, years of resentment pouring out. "I signed the divorce papers. I don’t want to be your wife anymore. Is that so hard to understand?"  For the first time in years, she felt free. Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. "Are you finished?" Confusion flickered in his gaze. He had given her everything—unlimited credit, a lavish allowance, the finest clothes. He had even paid her uncle’s medical bills. And now, he was offering her a fortune to walk away. Yet she acted as if he had wronged her.  Evelyn smirked. "Not even close." "Then by all means, continue." She tilted her head. "Only if you pay me for my time." His lips thinned. "Still the same greedy woman, I see. When will you learn that greed only leads to ruin?" Everything came back to money. Nathaniel studied her defiant expression, the clarity in her eyes unsettling him. How could someone so deceitful have such luminous, honest eyes?  </body></html>