Let My Death Be the End of Our Story

Five years into their marriage, Hunter was just as devoted as he had promised in their vows. He spoiled her with love, whether it was in their personal life or at work. He made sure she never faced any hardships and to the outside world, they were the picture-perfect couple everyone envied. But then, Hunter cheated. It happened about two weeks ago, though the memory was still seared into Evelyn’s mind. She had walked past a streetlight and seen Hunter with Jennifer Clay, kissing her passionately in the middle of the street. It played over and over, like a scene from a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from.  Before that day, she’d never imagined that Hunter could betray her. But once she uncovered the truth, she couldn’t deny it—the so-called “deep love” they had was nothing but a cruel joke. The man who once promised to love her forever, who adored her every moment, was no longer the man she married. He was dead to her. They had signed a marital property agreement when they read their vows. If either of them cheated, the betrayed spouse would get half of everything. For the past two weeks, Evelyn had been gathering evidence of his affair and, with the help of her best friend, planning an “accident” that would allow her to fake her death and disappear forever. She couldn’t bear the thought of living with the man who had betrayed her and she was determined to make him pay. As Evelyn walked out of the law office, she headed toward the parking lot to her car when a horn honked nearby. She turned and a familiar car stopped in front of her. It was Hunter, his smile gentle and his voice as sweet as honey. “Evening, Mrs. Fairchild, may I have the honor of taking you out for dinner?” Her colleagues, who were walking with her, laughed lightly. “Oh, look at that. The ruthless businessman everyone talks about—the one and only Mr. Fairchild—acting all sweet in front of us for his lovely soulmate.” Hunter waved off their comments with a smile, nodding to them politely. “I’m flattered. Remind me to treat you meal another time.” Evelyn didn’t respond. She opened the door and slid into the car. “Let’s go,” she said flatly. Hunter leaned over and gently buckled her seatbelt for her, “As you wish, my dear.” The car pulled away, but the atmosphere inside was heavy with unspoken words and emotions that simmered beneath the surface. Evelyn’s gaze was fixed on the road ahead—cold and unyielding. The warmth her eyes once radiated was gone, replaced by the icy resolve of someone who had been deeply betrayed. Even at the restaurant, she stayed quiet. Her head was bowed, her eyes fixed on the bowl in front of her, refusing to glance at Hunter or utter a single word. The tension in the air was palpable. Suddenly, Hunter rose from his seat. “Wait here. I’ll be right back,” he said before walking away. A few minutes later, he returned, pushing a dessert cart with a cake adorned with lit candles. Soft music played in the background—the familiar tune of a birthday song filling the room. “Happy birthday, Evelyn,” Hunter said, his face glowing with a broad smile. He pulled out a stunning limited-edition necklace, one Evelyn had admired for months. His eyes sparkled with hope as he held it out to her. Evelyn had mentioned loving it the first time she saw it, but at the time, he hadn’t bought it for her, claiming it had sold out.  But the next day, Evelyn saw it wrapped around Jennifer’s neck in a selfie. She realized that wasn’t that he couldn't get it—it was that he care more for Jennifer. Evelyn stared at him, her face devoid of excitement or joy, only filled with an overwhelming sense of disappointment. The gift, the cake, the words—nothing touched her. Her face remained unreadable. Inside, she was filled with nothing but bitterness. Hunter noticed Evelyn's lack of enthusiasm and reached across the table, gently taking her hand in his. His grip was soft, almost apologetic, as his voice dropped into a tender tone. “I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to miss your birthday. I’ve been busy with work, but I shouldn’t use it as an excuse. You must be upset and I understand. But please, don’t hate me. It breaks my heart to see you sad and it would shatter me a thousand times more if you hated me.” Evelyn didn’t respond immediately, her face calm and unreadable. She had no intention of confronting him—not now. His words, dripping with contrition, didn’t sway her. She knew the truth and it stood like an unyielding wall between them. The reason he had forgotten her birthday wasn’t because of work. It was because Jennifer had been sick that day and Hunter had spent the evening at the hospital with her. On her birthday, he had chosen Jennifer. “I’m not upset,” Evelyn said at last, her tone even, betraying nothing of the storm beneath. Hunter’s brow, creased with worry, softened at her response. Relief washed over his face and he smiled, leaning forward as if her words had lifted a great weight from him. “You’re the best woman in the world, Evelyn,” he said, his sincerity almost convincing. His thumb lightly brushed the back of her hand. “I’m so lucky to have you as my wife.” Evelyn’s face remained composed, her faint smile carefully measured. But inside, she felt a sharp, bitter twist of irony. If he truly believed that, how could he betray their marriage so easily?

“Evie, I promise, from now on, I’ll never forget your birthday again,” Hunter said softly, his tone filled with regret. Evelyn looked at him, her lips pressed into a faint smile, but her thoughts betrayed her composure. Evelyn looked at him, her lips curving into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. On the surface, her expression appeared composed, serene even, but her thoughts simmered beneath the mask she wore. “Hunter,” her mind whispered coldly, “there won’t be a next time for us. From the moment you betrayed me—betrayed our marriage—I decided I could never forgive you.” When they arrived home, Margaux Fairchild, Hunter’s mother, was there to greet them at the door. “Evie, Hunter, you're just getting home? Where have you been?”  greeted Margaux Fairchild, Hunter's mother, warmly as they arrived at the house. “I took Evie out for dinner,” Hunter said smoothly, slipping right into his role as the loving husband. Margaux’s eyes landed on the necklace around Evelyn’s neck and a pleased smile spread across her face. “That’s great, son. You two look so sweet together. It makes me so happy to see you getting along like this.” “You must be worn out after such a long day. Go on upstairs and get some rest," she added with a gentle wave. “Exactly. Evie’s probably wiped out after working all day. I’ll head up now, Mom.” “Of course! I’ll have her bring it right to your room,” Margaux said with a nod, her voice filled with motherly concern. Evelyn stayed quiet the whole time, letting the mother-son duo chat. Her face was calm, not showing even a hint of emotion. When they finally reached their bedroom, the moment Margaux’s approving gaze was no longer on her, a cold bitterness settled over her. For years, Evelyn had believed in the bond she shared with Margaux. Even though Margaux was well aware that Evelyn came from a humble, almost struggling background, she had never looked down on her. Margaux had always treated her with kindness, never making her feel unworthy or out of place. Their relationship had seemed genuine—a connection built on mutual respect and care that Evelyn had treasured deeply. But it turned out to be nothing like she had imagined. The feelings she thought were mutual were, in truth, entirely one-sided. Last week, Evelyn had overheard a conversation between Hunter and Margaux outside the study door. It was the kind of revelation that shattered illusions. “You get yourself a graceful, understanding wife at home and a sweet little gem outside. Good,” Margaux’s voice had been casual, as though she were discussing something as trivial as weekend plans. “Just make sure to play it good. Don’t let Evie find out,” she added with a light laugh. The memory cut through Evelyn like a knife, leaving her with nothing but the chilling realization that her bond with Margaux had never been mutual. “What’s wrong, Evie? Is something bothering you?” Hunter’s voice pulled her back to the present. “No,” she replied, her tone neutral and distant. Hunter moved closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. His touch, once comforting, now made her skin crawl. “Evelyn,” he murmured, his voice dripping with an intimacy that sickened her. Evelyn turned to face him, her expression composed, but the look in his eyes—familiar and filled with desire—made her stomach churn. “I’m tired,” she said curtly, cutting off whatever intention he had. Hunter seemed to take the hint. He rested his head on her shoulder and sighed. “Alright, then, I won’t push. Let’s take a bath together instead.” “You go ahead. I have some work to finish,” she replied evenly. “Okay,” he relented, pressing a kiss to her forehead before heading into the bathroom. Hunter spent an unusually long time in the bathroom and when he finally emerged, there was a hurried urgency in his demeanor. “Something came up at the office. I need to head out for a bit. Don’t wait up for me—just get some rest.” Without waiting for her response, Hunter grabbed his keys and left in a rush. Evelyn watched from the window as his car disappeared from the driveway. Then, without hesitation, she grabbed her own keys and followed him. Half an hour later, Evelyn arrived at a villa—one of Hunter’s properties. From the shadows, she watched as Hunter greeted Jennifer at the door. The two embraced, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss that made Evelyn’s stomach turn. She pulled out her phone and recorded the scene, her face devoid of emotion as she documented the betrayal. The irony of it all was almost laughable. Evelyn stayed parked outside the villa for two hours, but Hunter didn’t come out. Instead, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a post from Jennifer’s social media account. The caption read: [When you meet the right person, you’ll fall in love with them over and over again.] Accompanying the post were three photos—a faceless couple sharing an intimate kiss in bed, a luxurious bubble bath for two and a limited-edition bracelet Evelyn recognized all too well. Jennifer was a minor celebrity and the post quickly garnered attention. Comments flooded in, praising the supposed romance: [Wow, so happy for you! Your boyfriend’s so sweet!] [Can we get the details on what happened before and after the bubble bath?] [You’re new here? We’ve seen her in bubble baths one so many time. It’s their favourite!]

[Wow, these two do this every day? Now I’m dying to know what kind of guy her boyfriend is.] [Probably a man who is obsessed with his woman. Like Hunter Fairchild.] Among the flurry of comments under Jennifer’s post, one stood out. It was from an account named The Real H.F. The Real H.F.: [This day was unforgettable.] The comment section erupted: [OMG, it’s him! This must be her boyfriend!] [Seriously? This PDA is next level. So, we’ve been part of their show all along?] Evelyn’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as she read the comments. There was no mistaking it—The Real H.F. was Hunter’s account. Such a blatant, public display of affection, even though Evelyn had long given up on Hunter, seeing this still made her chest tighten painfully, her heart aching in spite of herself. Her phone buzzed suddenly. Hunter was calling. “Hey, honey, you still up?” “Yeah,” Evelyn said, doing her best to keep her tone neutral. Hunter’s voice was soft, almost guilty. “I’m sorry, Evie. Things at work got crazy. I don’t think I can make it home tonight. Go sleep without me and stay warm. I don’t want you to catch a cold.” Evelyn forced a small smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. Coming straight from Jennifer’s bed and now calling to play the doting husband—Hunter really had mastered the art of deceit. “Okay,” she replied flatly. “Alright, goodnight, honey. Sleep well.” After hanging up, Evelyn glanced briefly at the glow from the master bedroom window upstairs. Without another thought, she started her car and drove away. The next morning, Evelyn knew something was wrong the moment she woke up. Her body felt heavy, her head was pounding and dizziness washed over her. She’d caught a cold. Her immune system had always been weak and the chill from the night before make it worse. She quickly got ready and went downstairs, only to bump into Hunter, who had just returned home. He was dressed in a crisp new suit and his sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on her pale face. His brows furrowed and he rushed to her side. “Evie,” he said, his voice filled with worry. “You don’t look good. Are you okay?” Evelyn didn’t answer and brushed past him, heading for the door. Hunter followed her and before she could protest, he swept her up into his arms. “This is my fault,” he said, his tone firm. “I should’ve stayed with you last night. We’re going to the hospital right now.” At the hospital, Evelyn lay back on the bed, her eyes closed as the IV drip worked its way through her veins. Her body felt weak, her energy completely drained. Hunter sat by her side, his gaze fixed on her. After a long silence, he asked softly, “Evie, are you mad at me?” “For what?” she murmured. He sighed, guilt etched into his features. “I’ve been so caught up with work, I haven’t been there for you. I promise I’ll stay with you until you’re better.” And he did. Hunter didn’t leave her side all day. When her hand felt cold from the IV, he held it in his warm palms, his touch gentle and reassuring. He brought her seafood chowder from her favorite restaurant, feeding her spoonfuls with a tenderness that almost seemed genuine. He even shared funny little stories to distract her from the discomfort, keeping her entertained despite her exhaustion. When the nurse came in to draw blood, Hunter stayed close, hovering protectively over Evelyn. “It’s okay, Evie. You don’t need to worry about a thing. I’m right here,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. He turned to the nurse, his expression serious. “Please be gentle. She’s had a rough night and I don’t want this to add to her discomfort.” The nurse couldn’t help but smile, clearly charmed. “Mr. Fairchild, you really adore her, don’t you? Mrs. Fairchild’s one lucky woman.” To outsiders, it seemed like Hunter cared deeply for her, like she was his entire world. If Evelyn hadn’t known about Jennifer or uncovered the truth about his betrayal, she might have been fooled. She might have still believed in his love, completely blind to the lies hiding behind his perfect façade.

“Evie, promise me—if you’re ever feeling unwell, you’ll tell me right away, okay?” Hunter’s voice was soft, almost pleading. Evelyn studied him, her thoughts drifting back to their wedding day. She remembered asking him if he’d love her forever. Hunter had held her close that day, trembling as if the question alone shook him. “You are my everything. I will never betray you,” he had said, his voice quivering with emotion. But now, looking at the man in front of her, Evelyn couldn’t help but wonder if those vows had already crumbled into lies. “What’s on your mind?” Hunter’s gentle touch brought her back to the present. His fingers brushed her hair as he leaned closer, his brow furrowed with concern. “Are you feeling uncomfortable? Should I call the doctor?” Evelyn met his gaze and asked quietly, “Hunter, do you love me?” “Of course, I love you,” he replied without hesitation, though her question made him pause. “Is everything okay?” His eyes narrowed slightly, confusion creeping into his expression. “Why do I feel that you’re not acting like yourself lately, Evie? Is there something wrong?” Before he could press further, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and his demeanor shifted instantly. “Sorry,” he said, slipping his phone into his pocket. “There’s an issue at the construction site for one of our projects. I need to go handle it, but I’ll be back as soon as I can. I promise. Rest up, alright?” Without waiting for her response, he hurried out the door, leaving Evelyn alone in the quiet hospital room. Evelyn stared at the door Hunter had just walked through. Before she could process her thoughts, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Jennifer. Reluctantly, she opened it and was greeted with a picture: Jennifer, lounging on a bed in seductive lingerie, her pose casual yet deliberate. The accompanying text read: What excuse did he give you this time? Evelyn’s grip tightened around her phone, her knuckles turning white. The sharp ache in her chest was almost unbearable, as if someone were slowly carving into her with a dull blade. This wasn’t the first time Jennifer had reached out. For the past two weeks, she had been sending pictures and messages, each one more brazen than the last. Evelyn had ignored them all, refusing to engage, but her silence seemed to only embolden Jennifer. She stared at the screen for a long moment before finally setting the phone down. Exhaustion overwhelmed her and she drifted off to sleep. When she woke up, it was late afternoon. The housekeeper was sitting by her bed and her phone was buzzing again. This time, the messages were worse. Photos of a disheveled bed, a close-up of intertwined hands in a foggy shower and a trash can filled with used condoms. Evelyn’s stomach churned, but her expression remained blank as she powered off the screen. “Let’s go,” she said to the housekeeper. *** When Evelyn walked into the house, Margaux quickly approached her, taking both of Evelyn’s hands in her own with concern. “My goodness, sweetheart, you look so pale and thin. Don’t worry, I’ve already asked someone to make you some chicken soup. Once it’s ready, Tessa will bring it up to your room.” “Thanks,” Evelyn replied, her voice flat and emotionless. Margaux took a moment to observe her, ensuring Evelyn was in a decent mood before continuing, “I hope you understand. Hunter’s been really busy with work lately. I hope you don’t feel like he’s ignoring you. He loves you, you know.” Evelyn met her gaze, her eyes calm but unwavering. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice quiet yet piercing, “Busy with work? Really?” Margaux blinked, caught off guard by the question. “Well, obviously. If it weren’t for work, you know he’d be glued to your side. That boy adores you.” Evelyn’s lips curled into a faint smile—one that didn’t reach her eyes. She said nothing more, letting Margaux’s words hang in the air as she made her way to the study to catch up on work. Hunter returned the next morning, dressed in a freshly pressed suit. The moment he stepped inside, his eyes scanned Evelyn’s face anxiously. He rushed to her side, pressing a hand to her forehead. “No fever. That’s good. Are you feeling okay? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?” “I’m fine,” she replied evenly. Relief washed over his features as he pulled her into a tight embrace. “I’m so sorry, Evie. I should’ve stayed with you at the hospital. I feel terrible for leaving you alone.” Evelyn tilted her head to look at him, her gaze steady. Her eyes landed on the collar of his crisp white shirt. And there it was—a faint smudge of lipstick, glaringly out of place.

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.

“Of course you’re tired. Well, I won’t hold you. Go get some rest.” Evelyn went upstairs and stood by the bed. Not long after, she saw the car leave the driveway. She tugged at the corners of her lips. Was she really in that much of a hurry to see her to-be grandchild? *** For the next few days, Hunter didn’t return home. During this time, Evelyn wrapped up all her work and packed her things. She threw away what she could, sold off what she didn’t need and shipped the rest. By the end of it, the entire house was free of anything that had any connection to her. Once everything was settled, she dialed her colleague’s number. “Lawyer Scott, I’ll leave the rest to you. Thank you for everything.” It was at that moment that Hunter came back. He hugged her from behind, his voice soft and carrying a hint of exhaustion. “Who is that?” Evelyn didn’t turn around. She lowered her eyes and spoke in a flat tone. “It’s from work. They sent me to a business trip.” “A business trip?” Evelyn nodded and murmured softly, “Hm-hmm.” Hunter immediately pouted, sounding almost childishly sulky. “Why so sudden? How many days will you be gone? You know, I’ll be so lonely without you near me.” As he spoke, he leaned in, pretending to kiss her lips. Evelyn subtly avoided his kiss, a trace of sarcasm flashing in her eyes. It was clear—he had lied so many times that now it came naturally to him. “I’ll be back soon.” “Alright then,” Hunter said with a sigh. “I’ll miss you every day. Break a leg.” “Mm.” Hunter’s phone buzzed several times and he kissed her forehead. “I still have some work to finish. I’m going to the study. You should rest early, darling.” As Hunter turned to leave, Evelyn, for the first and last time, called out to him. “What is it?” “Your phone. They’re from work?” she asked calmly, her gaze icy cold. A flash of unease flickered through Hunter, as if sensing there was something more to her words. He paused for a moment, then smiled. “Of course it’s work. If it weren’t for all those annoying tasks, I’d never leave your side.” “I see.” Evelyn gave a faint smile and the last shred of warmth she had left inside vanished. “Well, what are waiting for? Go. They need you.” Hunter didn’t notice anything unusual in her expression and didn’t think much of it. He turned casually and went to the study. But, of course, he wasn’t going there to work. He only wanted to video call Jennifer. The next morning, after getting ready, Evelyn made her way downstairs. “All set? I'll take you to the airport,” Hunter greeted her, holding her hand with a warm smile. His touch felt so natural and intimate. Evelyn stared at him for a moment before finally speaking. “Can we stop by Balmore University before heading to the airport? Hunter gave her a puzzled look. “Why do you want to visit BU all of a sudden?” “I just want to take a look,” she said softly. Balmore University was where she and Hunter had first met. It was where their story had begun and now it seemed fitting for it to end there. On the way to Balmore University, Hunter’s phone rang several times. Without needing to guess, Evelyn already knew it was Jennifer’s messages. During the drive, Hunter’s phone rang non-stop. Evelyn didn’t need to ask—she knew it was Jennifer. Once they arrived at the campus, Hunter held her hand as they walked through the familiar grounds. Every spot they passed brought back memories of their sweet past together. Maybe it was the nostalgia that the surroundings stirred, but Hunter squeezed her hand tighter. “Evie, do you remember this path? This is where you kissed me for the first time,” his voice was filled with longing. “You don't know how happy I was that day. I couldn’t sleep that night. I was over the moon.”

Evelyn lifted her gaze, meeting Hunter’s eyes, which were filled with a deep affection that seemed to glow in the dimming light. “I’m so lucky, Evie, to have you by my side all these years.” His voice was soft, almost reverent, as he drew her into his arms. The embrace was tight, his grip so firm that it felt as though he wanted to physically absorb her into himself, never letting go. Evelyn managed a small, forced smile, but there was an unmistakable heaviness in the silence between them. Her thoughts swirled and her heart seemed to sink deeper with every passing second. The silence wasn’t peaceful—it was suffocating. A subtle but undeniable ache lingered, spreading through her chest. Her emotions stirred like ripples on the surface of a calm lake—small, unnoticed, but deep within, disappointment was quietly unfurling and spreading. Her silence stretched too long and Hunter, sensing a shift, finally broke it. “Evie, what are you thinking about?” His voice was softer now, laced with concern, but Evelyn could sense a note of uncertainty in it, as though he didn’t quite know what to expect from her. Evelyn blinked, surprised by the question that slipped out of her lips. She hadn’t meant to ask, but the words were out before she could stop them. “Hunter, do you still love me?” The question hung in the air, almost absurd to her own ears as soon as she asked it, like a joke that wasn’t funny. Hunter didn’t hesitate, his response instant, unwavering. “I love you, only you.” His tone was steady, a promise in his voice. Only her... But those words, they no longer carried the warmth they once did. They sounded hollow now. She couldn’t shake the bitter truth that they didn’t match the reality. He loved her—but he had betrayed their marriage. He loved her—but he had been with Jennifer and now she was carrying his child. Evelyn’s throat tightened, her eyes stinging. Despite herself, tears began to form at the corners of her eyes. “But why do I feel like the man standing in front of me is so distant, like a complete stranger?” Her voice trembled slightly, though she tried to keep it steady. The rawness of the question seemed to strike Hunter like a physical blow, his eyes widening in shock. He panicked, his hand tightening around hers, now nervously, almost desperately. He could feel her slipping away and it was terrifying. “Evie, I love you. From the past, the present and forever. You’re the only one I’ve ever loved. You have to believe me. No matter how long we’ve been together, my feelings for you will never fade.” Their eyes locked and Evelyn saw the storm of emotions in his gaze—desperation, guilt, confusion. But somewhere beneath it all, she saw the facade he had so carefully constructed over the years. It was obvious now—he was no longer the man she had once known. Playing the role of a loving husband had become second nature to him. She didn’t speak, her silence heavy between them. Her gaze drifted away from his and just as the tension thickened, Hunter’s phone rang. His eyes flickered toward the screen and he quickly glanced back at her, torn for a moment before choosing to ignore the call. He hung up the phone, but the persistent ringing started again almost immediately. It was clear from the name on the screen who it was. Evelyn didn’t have to guess. She could feel the weight of the phone calls pressing down on both of them, though she said nothing. She simply waited. Hunter hesitated for a moment before finally giving in. “Evie, I need to take this call.” His voice was strained, trying to mask the anxiety that now crept into his tone. He stepped away to answer and when he returned, his expression had changed. There was a panic in his eyes, a mixture of guilt and stress. “Evie, there’s an emergency at the office. I can’t take you to the airport right now. I’m really sorry. But I promise, when you get back, I’ll be there to pick you up, okay?” Evelyn stood still, her eyes unreadable as she watched him. His words had no effect on her. After a long moment, she finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. “Hunter, can you please not go?” The question came out without any pretense, without warning and Evelyn didn’t know why she said it. It was a plea, a last-ditch effort to hold onto something, but the moment the words left her mouth, she realized how weak they sounded. She had already accepted that their bond was broken, but the thought of him leaving, of truly letting go, seemed unbearable. As she watched Hunter stand there, her heart softened for just a second, letting old feelings flood back. She thought of the good times, of their love before it all became tainted by lies. For a brief, foolish moment, she convinced herself that if Hunter chose to stay, she would find a way to salvage what was left. She would give him one last chance. After all, wasn’t that what marriage was about? Holding on when things got tough? But the truth of it stung. She couldn’t ignore the overwhelming evidence that he had already made his choice. Hunter froze at her words, his eyes wide with disbelief. He hadn’t expected her to ask him to stay. For a fleeting moment, an unfamiliar sense of dread washed over him—something deep and inexplicable. Lately, he had been having a strange feeling, as if he wouldn’t see Evelyn again. It was as though if he left now, he might never be able to meet her again. But he quickly pushed the feeling aside. It was just a silly intuition, a meaningless thought. Evelyn was simply going on a business trip. Nothing bad would happen. He trusted that Evelyn would come back soon. “Evie, I really have to go. It’s urgent. I’ll pick you up when you’re back. See you in couple days,” He spoke quickly, trying to sound convincing, but the urgency in his voice only made Evelyn’s heart ache more. With a rushed goodbye, Hunter turned and hurried out the door, leaving Evelyn standing motionless in the middle of the room, watching as his figure disappeared into the distance. She stood there for a long time, the seconds stretching on as her mind replayed the scene—her own plea for him to stay, his hurried exit. A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she thought about how weak she had been in that moment, how naive to think that the man who had already broken her heart would suddenly change. “I’ll see you...never. Hunter.”