Chapter 6

Evelyn's POV

While he knew I was concerned about some health  issues and having tests, Adrian still doesn’t know that I have been diagnosed with cancer, and he never bothers to ask how I was doing. My medical issues don’t seem to concern him.

I can feel the undercurrent of his anger but what I don’t understand is why he’s so upset? If he’s already chosen Vivian, then why does he care so much about seeing me with Nate? Isn’t our marriage over?

We’re now legally separated and just waiting for the final papers to be signed. I know the divorce is inevitable, and honestly, I’m done with Adrian. He can think whatever he wants, but I’m just trying to get everything over with, cleanly and without further conflict.

Today, I headed to Liam’s preschool for their open day. It’s a chance for parents to see what their children are learning, to meet the teachers, and to talk with other parents. I’d been planning this day for a while, and I wasn’t going to let the matter of the divorce affect it.

But something has shifted in my relationship with Liam. As we sit together in the car, there’s an unsettling silence between us. I try to start a conversation, but he shuts me down. Our talks have often been strained, mostly over rules like not letting him have too many unhealthy snacks. I knew he hated that. He always shouted at me when I enforced the rules and it would break my heart. He was too young to understand that I just wanted to do what was best for him.

As we arrive at the preschool, Liam hops out of the car without a word, practically avoiding me, as if I’m contagious. I’m becoming accustomed to this coldness, but it stings to see other parents interact so warmly with their children.

After greeting a few familiar faces, I make my way into the classroom. That’s when I see him. A man, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, steps into my view. The setting sun casts a golden glow across his face, highlighting his sharp features. His eyes scan the crowd, and when they land on me, I freeze.

My mind goes blank. Something stirs in my chest, something long buried. Without warning, an intense pain explodes in my head.

Why does he affect me this way? Is it because he’s connected to memories that I’ve tried to smother?

"Are you okay?" he asks.

His voice is deep, smooth, and there’s an edge of concern in it. He walks toward me, and the pain intensifies, making me stagger. I try to step back but lose my balance, and I feel myself falling. Before I can hit the ground, a strong hand grabs my arm, steadying me. The scent of wood and musk wraps around me, and I feel an odd sense of urgency, like my whole world is tilting.

I look up into the serious brown eyes of Nicholas Hastings.  His gaze is alive with an unreadable expression. He sat down beside me, and beside him I noticed a little girl. She is delicate and frail-looking, wearing a princess dress and holding a Barbie doll. She looks at me with large, sad eyes, as deep and blue as the ocean.

Why does she look so weak? My heart tightens with a surprising feeling of protectiveness.

The little girl smiles at me, and I feel a rush of emotions — compassion, sorrow, something I can’t name. I’m lost in thought as Nicholas is talking, but I can’t focus on him. My attention is completely on this little girl. She looks healthy enough at first glance, but why do I sense she is so unwell? Nicholas helps me get back up on my feet. I mumble a thank-you and quickly press past him.

As the event ends, I’m preparing to leave with Liam, when I feel a tug on my skirt. I turn around to find that little girl, her voice soft, almost too quiet to hear.

"Mommy…?”

My heart skips a beat, and Ireach out to her, gently brushing her hair back. "Sweetie, I’m not your mommy. You must be confused."

Her big eyes fill with tears, and she shakes her head, her voice trembling. "Mommy…"

“What is your name, sweetheart,” I ask.

“Sophie,” she whispers.

Where’s her father? I look around. Nicholas Hastings has moved away, and now he’s talking to the kindergarten principal. He glances over and sees Sophie and I still together. He doesn’t make a move, just turns back to finish his conversation. Doesn’t he care that a stranger is with his child?

Taking a deep breath, I prepare to comfort the sad little girl. She reaches for my  hand but I feel Liam’s hand push hers away.

"Why are  you calling her, Mommy?" he demands, his voice edged with anger. "You stay away from her! She’s bad."

I freeze, looking at Liam, his face full of distrust. The words hit me harder than they should.