Hunter followed Evelyn's gaze and when his eyes landed on the bright mark, his face turned pale with panic. “Goodness, that clumsy Holly. She did it again,” he stammered, forcing an awkward laugh. “I asked her to iron this shirt and somehow, she got lipstick on it. She should’ve told me if she accidentally stained it. Now, of course, you're misunderstanding this.”

Holly Ingram was Hunter’s personal assistant, a meticulous woman in her forties known for her impeccable professionalism. She had worked with Hunter for years, managing everything from his packed schedule to his wardrobe without a single complaint. Holly was always careful, almost to a fault and the idea that she would “carelessly” leave a lipstick stain was as unlikely as it was absurd.

Hunter’s rushed explanation might have worked on anyone else, but not on Evelyn. She wasn’t naive, nor was she unaware of the games Jennifer liked to play. The lipstick stain was no accident; it was a deliberate provocation and Evelyn knew it.

“It’s okay,” Evelyn said, her tone calm, her expression unreadable. “Just tell her to be more careful next time.”

Hearing her response, Hunter visibly relaxed, a sigh of relief escaping his lips.

“Honey,” he said, a smile spreading across his face, “I want to take you somewhere.”

Evelyn glanced at him, noticing the excitement in his eyes. She wasn’t particularly in the mood for surprises and her fatigue from a lingering cold wasn’t helping. She opened her mouth to decline, but before she could say anything, Hunter scooped her into his arms.

“I know you’re not feeling great and probably don’t want to move,” he said, his tone light and playful. “Don’t worry. I’ll carry you. You won’t feel the slightest discomfort—I promise.”

Evelyn didn’t protest, though her heart was far from moved.

The car ride was quiet, with Hunter occasionally glancing at her as if gauging her mood. When they finally arrived, Hunter parked the car and gestured toward the grand theater standing majestically before them.

Evelyn’s brows furrowed. “Why are we here?”

Hunter’s smile widened. “You told me you wanted to see this play a while ago,” he said warmly. “I’ve been so busy that I never got the chance to take you. So here we are! And me keeping that promise.”

Evelyn stared at the theater’s glowing marquee. Yes, she had mentioned her love for this play and she had indeed asked him to join her. But instead of making time for her, he had brushed her off with excuses about work, only for her to later discover that his “work” had been a dinner date with Jennifer.

If she didn’t know the truth, she might’ve been touched by his sincerity tonight.

Inside the theater, the performance was breathtaking. Evelyn’s attention was fully captured by the actors on stage, their emotions raw and palpable.

Hunter, however, barely glanced at the play. His eyes were glued to Evelyn, his gaze soft and indulgent.

To anyone watching, they would’ve looked like the perfect couple.

But the illusion shattered when a familiar voice called out from behind them.

“Mr. Fairchild.”

Evelyn turned her head to see Jennifer standing just a few feet away, her figure wrapped in a sleek, daringly short dress that accentuated her curves. Her lips curled into a smug smile.

“I thought I might’ve been mistaken,” Jennifer said, her tone syrupy sweet. “But it really is you… and Mrs. Fairchild. I just want to say hi.” After a brief pause, Jennifer added, “Well, I should leave now. Don’t want interrupt your little date.”

With that, she sauntered off, her heels clicking against the polished floor, leaving a trail of her signature perfume in her wake.

Hunter stiffened beside Evelyn, his earlier ease vanishing. Moments later, his phone buzzed, the screen lighting up repeatedly. He glanced at it nervously, his leg bouncing slightly as his restlessness grew.

Leaning close to Evelyn, he whispered, “Honey, something came up with work. I need to step out and make a quick call.”

Evelyn gave him a small nod. “Go ahead.”

The moment she finished speaking, Hunter bolted from his seat, disappearing into the hallway.

Evelyn sat alone, her gaze fixed on the stage. After Jennifer appearance, the play had lost its charm. Then her phone buzzed, breaking her concentration. When she checked the screen, her heart sank.

It was a message from Jennifer.

Attached were screenshots of her conversation with Hunter:

[Jennifer: Mr. Fairchild, I wore this dress just for you. If you don’t come out, I might just have to find another man.]

[Hunter: Wait for me outside. You won’t be walking straight by morning.]

The words blurred in Evelyn’s vision as her grip tightened on the phone.

The Hunter she knew had always been reserved, considerate and self-controlled. Even in their most intimate moments, he had put her comfort above all else, making her believe his restraint was born of deep love and respect.

But seeing the way he lost all control for Jennifer, Evelyn realized how naive she had been.

After the play ended, Evelyn returned home alone. The house was quiet, the staff discreetly going about their tasks. Without hesitation, she instructed the housekeeper to remove all the wedding photos from the master bedroom.

The housekeeper was startled with the request.

“Madam, why would you want to get rid of such beautiful pictures?”

“I don’t like them anymore,” Evelyn replied coldly.

Her tone left no room for argument. The staff quickly got to work, removing the photos one by one.

Midway through the task, the front door burst open.

Hunter stormed in, his tie loose, his hair slightly disheveled—a rare sight for the usually immaculate man. His eyes darted around the room until they landed on Evelyn.

“Where are our wedding photos? Why are they gone?” he demanded, his voice trembling with panic.

Evelyn stood there silently, her gaze steady as she watched the man she had once believed she knew.

She knew he would ask and she’d already thought of an excuse.

“I don’t like them anymore.”

Evelyn’s calm statement left Hunter utterly baffled. His brows furrowed as he stared at her, unable to wrap his mind around her sudden change of heart.

“Why don’t you like them anymore?” he pressed.

“No reason. I just don’t.”

Hunter reached for her hand, his grip firm yet gentle. “That’s okay. If you don’t like them, we can take new ones. There are so many new styles now compared to five years ago. Tomorrow, we’ll pick a new theme—something you’ll love.”

“Sure,” Evelyn replied casually, her tone indifferent. She knew Hunter’s focus wasn’t truly on her, so he wouldn’t sense anything amiss.

As expected, Hunter’s expression relaxed. He nodded eagerly. “Great. Let’s make it our fifth wedding anniversary celebration.”

The next morning, Evelyn barely had time to process what was happening before Hunter whisked her into the car.

She glanced at him, puzzled. 

“We’re going to take wedding photos,” Hunter said as if knowing her thought, his face glowing with enthusiasm. His tone was affectionate, his gaze brimming with what appeared to be love.

Evelyn opened her mouth to decline, but Hunter had already instructed the driver to start the car.

When they arrived at the bridal boutique, a team of staff greeted them warmly. As they stepped inside, the luxurious decor and sparkling gowns lining the walls seemed almost too perfect, like a scene out of a dream.

Hunter took the lead, enthusiastically discussing the latest trends with the staff and turning to Evelyn every few minutes to ask her opinion. “What do you think? Do you like this one?” he asked, his voice full of consideration.

“I’m fine with anything,” Evelyn replied dismissively. She had no intention of taking the photos seriously, especially since her departure was imminent.

Hunter frowned at her nonchalance. “There must be something you like. But if there’s really nothing you’re interested in, we can go to another boutique.”

Evelyn didn’t want to waste any more time with him, so she quickly chose a few dresses at random.

Evelyn waved him off, picking a few dresses at random. “These will do.”

“Alright,” Hunter said with a smile. “Let’s start with these.”

With the help of the staff, Evelyn stepped into the fitting room to try on the first dress. The heavy fabric brushed against her skin as she adjusted the layers, her mind wandering far from the task at hand.

When she finally stepped out, she froze.

Across the room, Jennifer stood in another wedding gown, her radiant smile directed at Hunter, who had his back to Evelyn.

Jennifer’s voice rang out, playful and teasing. “What do you think, Mr. Fairchild? Do I look good in a wedding dress?”

Hunter chuckled softly, his tone dripping with affection. “Yeah, I like it. You look stunning.”

Jennifer took a step closer, brushing her hand lightly against his sleeve. “Then when are we taking wedding photos together?”

“Whenever you’re ready,” Hunter replied without hesitation.

Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat. Her grip tightened on the wall beside her, her knuckles turning white as a wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm her.

Jennifer spotted her first. Her lips curved into a triumphant smile as she called out, “Mrs. Fairchild?”

Hunter spun around instantly, his face a mix of panic and guilt.

Evelyn knew what he was thinking—he was terrified that she had overheard their conversation.

Forcing herself to regain composure, Evelyn lifted her gaze briefly to meet Jennifer’s before turning away without a word. She returned to the fitting room, her movements stiff and mechanical.

Inside, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Jennifer.

[Did you hear that? Your husband said I look beautiful in a wedding dress. He even agreed to take wedding photos with me. How much longer are you going to hold onto a man who doesn’t love you?]

[Just give up already. The title of Mrs. Fairchild will soon be mine.]

Evelyn stared at the screen, her chest tightening. Jennifer’s confidence was unbearable, her words cutting deep, but Evelyn’s pain had dulled into something closer to numbness.

She changed back into her clothes and stepped out of the fitting room. Hunter was waiting for her, his face full of concern as he reached for her hand.

“Why did you change back? You don’t like the dress?” he asked, his voice soft but puzzled.

“I’m a little tired,” Evelyn replied, her tone flat. “Let’s do this another day.”

Without waiting for a response, she walked toward the exit.

Hunter hesitated for a moment before hurrying after her. “Of course,” he said quickly. “We can always do this another time.”

He had been talking incessantly in Evelyn’s ear, but she found it all unbearably annoying. She mustered all her courage to ask him. 

“Hunter,” she called softly.

“Yeah?” Hunter’s words trailed off, as he looked at her with serious face. “Is something wrong?” He asked when Evelyn paused.

“You and… Are you…” She wanted to ask about Jennifer, but before she could finish, an urgent ring from his phone interrupted her.

After answering the call, Hunter looked at her with urgency in his voice. “Evie, I need to go to the hospital right now. Can you head home first? I’ll explain everything later at home.”

Without waiting for a reply, he hurried off.

Evelyn stood there, watching his retreating figure, unable to stop herself from pulling at the corner of her lips in a faint, bitter smile. She had already given up on Hunter completely, but in this moment, her curiosity still lingered. What reason had Jennifer found this time to pull Hunter away?

Her phone buzzed a few times and she glanced at it. A message from Jennifer. It was a scan report. And an address to a hospital. Evelyn almost dropped her phone, her hand trembling as she stared at the text. Without hesitation, she immediately hailed a cab to the hospital.

Upon arriving at the hospital and entering the obstetrics and gynecology department, she spotted them from a distance—Hunter and Jennifer, tightly embracing each other.

Hunter’s face was filled with happiness and Evelyn couldn’t deny that she knew exactly how overjoyed he was.

Jennifer was pregnant.

Even though Evelyn had already known about the affair between Jennifer and Hunter, the reality of seeing them together with the confirmation of a child felt like a suffocating darkness.

She had thought about the possibility of Hunter falling in love with Jennifer, but she never imagined that he would allow Jennifer to carry his child.

Three years ago, Evelyn had been pregnant with Hunter's child. It had been a time of quiet joy for her, despite the complications in their relationship. She had believed that the child would bring them closer, that it would be their little miracle.

But everything had shattered one fateful night.

Hunter had attended a social event and got drunk. She had been forced to leave her office early to pick him up. The storm outside had made the roads treacherous, but she didn’t think twice. She had driven through the downpour, her mind focused on getting Hunter home safely.

But fate had other plans.

In the midst of the storm, her car had collided with another. The impact was severe. The airbags deployed, but it didn’t matter. The damage had been done. When she woke up in the hospital, the first thing she noticed was the empty space in her belly, the void where her child had been.

The doctors told her that the trauma from the accident had caused a miscarriage. She’d lost the baby and because of the damage to her uterus, she was no longer able to conceive.

That night, as Hunter cradled her in his arms, his sobs were raw and desperate, like a child who had lost everything.

He apologized over and over again. Finally, he told her that from that moment on, they could live their lives in peace, without anyone disturbing them. He said he was happy.

After that, he never brought up the subject of children again and forbade anyone in the family from speaking of it. Back then, she believed that Hunter loved her. Even though they would never have children, he would cherish her forever, love her always. Now, seeing Hunter so happy with Jennifer, holding her tightly, Evelyn couldn’t stop the wave of grief that washed over her.

From the distance, she could hear Hunter speaking tenderly to Jennifer, his voice full of emotion. “You don’t know how much I’ve wanted a child. Thank you, Jennifer, for making this wish come true for me.”

Evelyn’s fingers turned numb as she stood frozen, her body trembling with disbelief. So, it wasn’t about their life together. Hunter didn’t cherish their quiet world of just the two of them—he had simply known that she could never have children and that was why he never brought it up.

The realization crashed over her like a tidal wave, shattering the fragile illusion she had built. All the promises, all the dreams of a future together, now felt hollow. He had moved on and it wasn’t just a change in his relationship—it was everything. He had found someone who could give him what she never could: a child, a family, everything he truly wanted.

***

Back at the Fairchild’s estate, when Evelyn stepped through the door, she found Margaux chatting on the phone—her voice brimming with excitement and joy, clearly trying to hold back her happiness.

“She is? Oh, heaven, that’s such great news. Jennifer’s pregnancy is exactly what the Fairchild family needed. Now, Hunter, you have to take extra good care of her. Keep her happy.”

Margaux paused for a moment as she listened.

“I’m not sure I can trust you with that. I’ll go visit her myself, make sure everything’s in order.”

Another pause.

“Yes, yes, I understand. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure Evelyn doesn’t find out. Okay, bye.”

Once the phone call ended, Margaux spun around, her expression turning to one of panic when she saw Evelyn standing quietly in the doorway.

“Evelyn? I didn’t see you there. When did you—”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you, mom. I just got here and I’m exhausted. I think I’ll head up to my room and rest.”

Margaux forced a smile, trying to hide her nervousness.

Seeing no sign of distress on Evelyn’s face, Margaux assumed she hadn’t overheard the conversation and let out a sigh of relief.