Chapter 2
Leaving and Returning**
Evelyn Greenwood felt her heart pound in her chest as she stood in the lobby of Greenwood Estate–her home- confronted by Isabella Whitaker and a couple of hulking goons. It was surreal to be here, reduced to a shell of her former self after having taken Isabella’s boyfriend and made him her husband. Now, it was all crumbling around her, crashing to the ground, with Isabella enjoying every minute of it.
Congratulations. You’ve got some nerve to bring your entourage into my house,” Evelyn managed, her dignity hanging by a thread. “You need to leave, or I’ll call the cops.”
Isabella tilted her chin, a smug smile stretching across her lips. “This place used to belong to you, but since your parents passed last year, Alexander Hawthorne signed it over in a bid to save some of your family’s assets. You even signed the papers. Did you forget?”
Evelyn’s heart dropped. “You… you’re saying he took this from me?”
“Exactly. This is my home now,” Isabella said, her arms crossed defiantly, amber eyes glinting with satisfaction. “So you’d better pack your things and get out. Now.”
Evelyn gritted her teeth, anger boiling within her. “Isabella, my parents were always good to you.”
“Your mom and dad were wonderful. But maybe you should blame yourself for being such a shameless homewrecker.”
Two years–it had taken her two years to finally have her moment of vindication. And just like that, Evelyn had been living the high life as Alexander Hawthorne’s prize for those two years.
The thought drove Isabella into a rage, and before Evelyn could brace herself, a sharp slap landed across her cheek.
“Damn you,” Isabella hissed, then turned to her henchmen. “Get her and her stuff out of here. Now.”
Without hesitation, the two men grabbed Evelyn, one man hoisting her under her arms and the other tossing her suitcase. behind her.
The rain was coming down in torrents, worse than last night. As they threw her onto the street, her body hit a muddy puddle and rolled; she barely had time to catch her breath before the doors slammed shut behind her.
Isabella stood inside, umbrella in hand, a picture of cold superiority. “Once upon a time, this was my cage, where I had to
play nice and keep your family happy. But now, you’re nothing more than a worthless rat while I’ve climbed to the top as
Isabella Hawthorne.”
Evelyn’s vision blurred through the relentless rain. Just before the world faded away, she caught a glimpse of Isabella’s triumphant laugh echoing in her ears–a sound she was destined to hear long after this moment.
Hours later, at Kingston Memorial Hospital, Evelyn opened her eyes, her head spinning as she took in her surroundings.
The room was small, shared with two other beds, and an elderly woman sat beside her, a warm smile lighting up her face. “Oh, thank goodness you’re awake!” the woman exclaimed.
“Where am I?” Evelyn croaked.
“You passed out. I was walking my dog and saw you. My son helped me get you here,” the lady said, her kindness.
rx–husband’s focrot.
You passed out. I was walking my dog and saw you. My son helped me get you here,” the lady
wrapping around Evelyn like a warm blanket.
Thank you,” Evelyn murmured, her mind racing.
“But where are your family? Your phone was off. You really should call someone,” the elderly woman urged, concern knitting her brows.
Evelyn’s eyes widened, realizing what she had yet to process. “I… I’m pregnant?”
“Yes! Over a month along, and if you hadn’t gotten here in time…” The old woman trailed off, shaking her head as if to erase the thought.
Staring at her flat stomach, a tempest of emotions threatened to drown Evelyn. Pregnant. Under normal circumstances, she might’ve been clated, but now? If Alexander found out, he would make sure she lost it.
“Miss, what’s wrong? Call your family!” the woman persisted, her voice anxious.
A brittle laugh escaped Evelyn’s lips. “I don’t have anyone anymore.”
After settling the medical bill with the hospital’s sweet Samaritan and gathering her belongings, Evelyn stepped out into the brisk afternoon air, the rain finally clearing.
The sunshine was radiant as she wheeled her suitcase along the sidewalk bordering the hospital. The streets buzzed with unfamiliar faces and honking horns, all strangers.
Then, a sleek black Bugatti entered her view, bringing with it a wave of panic. It was Alexander’s car–what on earth was he doing here?
Her heart raced, and instinctively, she ducked behind a nearby crowd to hide.
www
Alexander’s piercing gaze swept the throng of people, searching. Seconds stretched as he scanned the area, curiosity flickering on his handsome face. Beside him, Isabella leaned forward, curious. “What’s up, babe? Looking for something?”
“Nothing. Probably just a trick of the light,” Alexander replied, retreating back into silence as he drove off with Isabella at his side, the sleek car gliding away into the distance.
After a moment, Evelyn exhaled the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. They hadn’t seen her. For now, she was safe, but if they discovered she was still in Kingston and especially if they found out about the baby–she’d be in serious trouble.
This baby, whom she had already named Oliver Baker in her head after her childhood best friend, was all she had left. She was determined to protect him at all costs.
As Evelyn boarded the bus heading to the transit station, she looked up at the sunny sky, allowing the warmth to seep into her skin, filling her with a little hope for the future.
Five years later.
Kingston, now a bustling metropolis, stood vibrant as ever.
Ex–husband’s regret
A regular taxi pulled up at the drop–off point in the City Center, carrying with it a fresh wave of potential. carrying with it a fresh wave of potential.
As the taxi rolled to a stop, a cheerful driver jumped out and began unloading the luggage from the trunk.
“Thanks, buddy! Appreciate it!” chirped a plump little figure, tumbling out of the back seat. Oliver Baker, not quite the baby he used to be, beamed at the driver.
The driver chuckled, finding joy in Oliver’s contagious energy. “Not a problem, kiddo. You take care now!” he exclaimed, his smile permanent as he got back in and drove off.
Evelyn breathed in the familiar Kingston air, letting nostalgia swirl around her. She peeled off her mask, savoring the
moment.
“Alright, little man,” she said, ruffling Oliver’s curls, “let’s head upstairs.”
“Yeah!” he cheered, eagerly picking up one of the smaller bags.
“Let’s go, then. After all these years, it’s finally time to settle down.”
With the sun shining brightly overhead, Evelyn felt a swell of determination as she stepped forward, ready to embrace whatever came next with her precious Oliver by her side.
Ex–husband’s regret
