Chapter 3

The faint glow of morning entered Evelyn's tiny apartment through the blinds. The white walls, once perfectly clean, had turned yellow over time, with a slight musty smell in the air. Seated with her legs crossed on the old couch, she nervously held onto the hot coffee mug, her fingers shaking. The bitterness lingered on her taste buds, not from the coffee alone, but from the burden of past events.

Last night seemed to be the peak of a nightmare, but she remained in the dream. Sebastian's cold words reverberated in her thoughts, each sound piercing more deeply with every syllable.

"Evelyn, I've had enough of this marriage."

"I don't want you."

"Put your signature on the documents."

The memory caused a shiver to run down her back. Her heart felt empty, as if the love she had cherished for so long had been forcefully taken from her.

Evelyn quickly looked at the pile of untouched boxes near the entrance. She had hardly finished unpacking after she had arrived in this place late last night. All her possessions, except those touched by Sebastian, were packed into the boxes. It may not have been significant, but it belonged to her.

She sipped her coffee unsteadily, her hands shaking. The heat singed her lips, yet she paid no mind. She experienced numbness in her body and her mind was filled with unanswerable questions. What caused her to overlook the signs? Why did she fail to see Vanessa's smirk and Sebastian's increasing distance?

Her phone vibrated on the coffee table, pulling her out of her thoughts. Before lifting it, she paused. She was her mother.

"Hello, Mom," Evelyn responded, attempting to maintain a steady voice.

Her mother demanded to know Evelyn's location, her voice filled with worry. "I've been making phone calls all throughout the night!"

"I'm okay," Evelyn responded hastily, despite her tone showing doubt.

"Okay? Evelyn, you sound terrible. What is happening? Is there an incident involving Sebastian?

Evelyn felt her throat constrict. She resisted the temptation to cry out, to show her mother the pain that was tearing at her heart. "She whispered that it was finished."

"What do you mean by 'over'?" her mother inquired.

"He... he is seeking a separation." The words had a bitter taste when she vocalized them.

The mother let out a gasp. A separation? What is the reason? Evelyn, please communicate with me!

Evelyn shut her eyes, resting her head against the sofa. Before responding, she inhaled deeply. He does not have feelings of love towards me. He didn't ever. cannot complete the task. I caught him with Vanessa.

There was a silence on the other side of the phone before her mother's voice, filled with anger, spoke once more, shaking. "That jerk." I always suspected he was not the right match for you.

"Please, Mom," Evelyn cut in. "I am unable to deal with this at the moment."

Her mother let out a sigh, with anger fading and concern taking its place. Return to the house, Evelyn. Your dad and I are here to support you during this time.

"I cannot," stated Evelyn firmly. I must learn to be independent. I have been under his shadow for a long time.

"You don't need to handle this by yourself, dear."

"I am aware," said Evelyn in a quiet tone. "I have to," I replied.

Despite not pushing further, Evelyn could still detect her mother's hesitance in her tone. "If you ever require our assistance, we are available here." Remember not to forget that.

"Thanks," Evelyn whispered before ending the call.

After placing the phone down, she gazed at it briefly. Although her mother's words offered solace, they didn't alleviate the pain in her chest.

Evelyn gently touched her stomach, feeling the slight bump beneath her hand. The only thing that kept her anchored was the idea of the life developing within her. She whispered, her voice shaking, "We will overcome this." I give my word.

As time went by, Evelyn occupied herself with unpacking. Every object she retrieved from the containers seemed like a piece from her previous life that she was eager to move on from. She positioned a picture of her parents in a frame on the bedside table, their happy expressions serving as a memory of the resilience she inherited.

When evening came, the apartment started to feel a bit more familiar. It wasn't a lot, but it was a beginning. Evelyn collapsed onto the sofa, feeling heavy with fatigue.

Once more, her phone vibrated, this time with a text from a number she did not recognize. She cautiously opened it, feeling her heart drop as she took in the words.

Evelyn, you cannot remain hidden for eternity.

The message was without a signature, but she recognized the sender without needing a name. The unmistakable tone was cold and possessive. The name of the person is Sebastian.

Evelyn tightened her fists, feeling her anger rise. She had gone to great lengths to make him happy, to show her value. However, that is all. If he believed he still had power over her, he was mistaken.

She erased the message and barred the number, feeling a surge of rebellion within. This became her new reality, and she refused to allow Sebastian or anyone else to control it.

The following day, Evelyn awoke to the sound of rain hitting the window. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror while standing in front of it. Dark circles surrounded her eyes, her complexion was pale, yet she noticed a newfound determination in her stare.

She softly declared with firmness that she was no longer the same woman that had been discarded. "You will feel sorry for this, Sebastian." I will ensure that it happens.