Chapter 1

Evelyn's pov

Our marriage was convenient but he reminded me of that everyday till it became my personal mantra.

All my life, I had dreamed of a fairytale wedding — a Taylor Charming who loved me, a life where I felt loved. But life isn't a fairytale, and happy endings? They're not real. If they were, I wouldn't be running from my own family.

My breath misted in front of me as I sprinted past the water fountain. The summer air in New York shouldn't be this cold, but chills ran down my spine. Each step felt like a countdown. My mind screamed at me that I was making a mistake but I couldn't stay here for another second. Not with them. Not after what they had done.

“Evelyn, don't you dare walk away from me!” Micheal yelled behind me but I didn't stop. I couldn't. If I turned around, I would lose whatever pride I had left.

“No!” I shouted without looking back.

I reached the estate’s gate where two security guards stationed there shifted uncomfortably. me down.

“Open it.” I clenched my fists at my side.

The guards hesitated for a second before they opened the gate. The second it creaked open, I bolted. Not caring about what danger laid ahead of me outside. It couldn't be worse than the one I had faced back in that mansion.

But one thing was certain, I would never return.

How did this all start?

Well, it began at dinner at the family dinner.

The dining room sparkled with a wealth that'll take me years to make. The hall was brightly lit with a golden chandelier even the long, oak table was graciously polished. Plates and glasses clinked; echoing in the grand dining room; and laughter tore through the air – laughter that was meant for me.

“You're awfully quiet, Evelyn.” Elizabeth had asked.

I looked up from my plate and forced a smile. “I'm just enjoying the meal, mom.”

“Well, at least you're good for that. Eating,” her red lips curved into a smile. “Though I suppose it's hard for a lazy woman like you to do anything when the chefs do all the work.”

Laughter rippled through the table and my cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

‘You’re used to this, Evelyn. Their insults are nothing.’ I tell myself.

There was no point in fighting back. It'll only make things worse.

“Look at her, she's so useless.” Elizabeth said before sharing a laugh with the room.

“That's enough, mother.” Micheal said, his tone, flat and detached as if those words meant nothing to him.

During the time he spoke, his eyes were on Cassie, his childhood sweetheart, who sat next to him. He leaned in and whispered something behind her ear and her bright red lips grew into a smile.

My chest tightened and I reached for a glass of water.

I felt invisible. I always went around them.

I thought I could handle this. I thought I could handle being a Sullivan but I was so dead wrong.

The street was darker than I had expected, the light flickering from the street lamps did nothing to comfort me either. It was like I was walking wide-eyed into the valley of the shadow of death. My dress was torn at the slit and the cold air was cruel against my legs.

“Where do I go?” I whispered to myself.

Suddenly, a loud honk broke through my thoughts.

I whipped around and found bright headlights heading my way.

“No.”

Before I could react, the screech of tires filled the air.

Pain shot through my body as it hit the cold pavement and then, everything went dark.

When I opened my eyes, the thick smell of antiseptic filled my nostrils. I scanned the unfamiliar room. The walls were stark white.

How did I get here?

I tried to sit up but a sharp pain shot through my spine and I leaned back in the bed. My body ached in all places I didn't know existed but nothing felt broken.

“You're awake.” said a calm, female voice.

I turned my head to see a nurse – short, with an oval face and kind green eyes.

I squinted at her name tag. Her name was Hannah Truman.

“It's nice to see that you're alive.” She smiled as she inched towards my bed. I didn't know this woman but she had the kind of smile that made you feel safe.

“Yeah. I guess.” I replied, looking back at the ceiling.

Nurse Hannah grabbed the chair at the edge of the bed. “What happened?”

“Nothing.” I replied, not looking at her.

“Evelyn.” Hannah called in a motherly tone that forced me to look at her.

“Yes?”

“What happened to you? And you better not say you were drunk. What is a beautiful young lady like you doing outside by Midnight?”

“I got lost on my way to a party.” I lied.

“And you didn't think to call your husband?” She asked.

“Husband?” I was stunned. Then it hit me — the wedding ring on my finger – my prison and second hell.

Hannah leaned closer. “Evelyn, is everything alright at home?”

I was offended by her question. “This isn't an interrogation room, Nurse Hannah! You don't know me. You don't know my life!”

“I know I don't buy Evelyn,” she took my hand and gave it a light squeeze. “I've seen too many women come in here with scars they didn't have to carry. And I can see in your eyes that you're hurting.”

I pulled my hand away. “Stay away from my business. I don't need advice from a stranger.”

Nurse Hannah sighed and rose to her feet. “I understand but dear, don't run back to whatever it is you're running from. It's not worth your life.”

“Go away.” I yelled.

Nurse Hannah whipped out a white business card. “Please, if you need anything, feel free to contact me.”

“I won't.”

She placed the card in my hand and gave me one last look and walked away.

As soon as she was gone, I picked up the paper and squeezed it.

I laid back in bed, the images from tonight's dinner flickered through my mind and I winced. I was humiliated and laughed at. I was never happy with Sullivan's. Maybe, Nurse Hannah was right. Going back there was not a risk worth taking, was it?

“Mrs Sullivan?” I heard a knock followed by an apologetic smile. From the blue scrubs and white coat, I could tell he was a doctor.

“Hello, Mrs Sullivan,” the doctor said, walking towards my bed with a clipboard. “We ran some tests while you were unconscious. Everything looks good but...”

I noticed the doctor shift uncomfortably and sat up. “Is something wrong, doc?”

“You're pregnant.” He said.

“Pregnant?” I repeated.

“Yes.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “I'm pregnant?”

“Yes, ma'am,” The doctor smiled. “Congratulations.”

I welcomed the congratulations with all my heart. Now, Micheal would love me back.