Chapter 2

A year later,

Evelyn took a deep breath and walked into the living room where Alaric was sitting, his eyes glued to his laptop. She could feel her temperature rising, as she had a fever, but she didn't want to go to the hospital alone. She cleared her throat softly, trying to get his attention. He barely glanced up before dismissing her with a wave of his hand. 

"What do you want?" Alaric asked coldly, his eyes still fixed on the screen. 

Evelyn bit her lip, "I feel feverish."

"And?" Alaric asked, emotionlessly 

"I was hoping you could accompany me to the hospital." She answered 

Alaric heaved a sigh without lifting his eyes from the screen, "I have a meeting to attend right now. Go with Bryan if you must."

Evelyn bit her lower lip, the tears pricking at the corner of her eyes. This was not the response she was hoping for. She wanted her husband's support and care during her fragile state. However, she knew that he despised her.

"Alaric, I want you to accompany me, not your secretary," Evelyn pleaded, her voice trembling.

Alaric finally looked up from the laptop, his cold ocean blue eyes harsh as he stared at her. "You should have thought of that before accepting this marriage. I am not supposed to be your babysitter."

Evelyn took a step back, her heart sinking. She knew he didn't love her, but she never knew he could be so cruel. She tried to fight back her tears and bravely looked at him.

Frustrated and heartbroken, she finally spoke up, "Alaric, why do you hate me so much? What have I done to deserve this treatment?"

Alaric looked at her coldly, "You know why. I never loved you, and I never will. This marriage was forced upon me, and I will never forgive you for taking away my freedom."

"Please, Alaric. I know you don't care for me, but I'm still your wife. Please, show this small decency and come with me to the hospital." Her voice sounded as if she could cry in any second 

Alaric's expression softened for a second, but then he quickly regained his icy demeanor. "Fine, get ready but make it quick. I have important work to attend to."

Evelyn's eyes lit up with hope, but she didn't show it. She nodded and turned away, wiping away her tears before facing him again. "Thank you. I just... I appreciate it."

Alaric stood up from his desk and grabbed his coat, his body language conveying his indifference towards the whole situation. "I will be in the parking lot. You got 5 minutes to change. Don't waste any more of my time."

Evelyn nodded, holding back her tears and trying to control her emotions. She knew that this was probably the closest she would ever get to his affection. She silently prayed that someday, somehow, he would look at her with love and kindness instead of coldness and hatred.

After a few minutes,

Evelyn felt her heart race with anticipation as she walked towards the parking lot. She couldn't remember the last time Alaric had agreed to accompany her somewhere, and she was excited to spend the time with him.

As she approached the car, she saw Bryan Scott standing by Alaric's car, looking sharp in his suit. Her heart sank in disappointment as Bryan turned to look at her with a smile.

"Good morning, Mrs. Pritzker," Bryan said politely. "I'm afraid Mr. Pritzker had some unexpected work come up, so he won't be able to make it."

Evelyn's face fell with disappointment, but she tried not to let it show. "Oh, I see," she said, forcing a smile. "That's alright. Thank you for coming to pick me up, Bryan."

What did she expect anyway? She knew Alaric well.

"Please don't mention it." Bryan smiled, but the next moment his eyebrows furrowed in concen, "Your face is red, just how high is your fever?"

"It's nothing serious." Evelyn forced a smile

Realizing that Evelyn did not want to hold a conversation, Bryan nodded and opened the door for her, bowing slightly. "Please, let me help you in."

Evelyn climbed into the car and Bryan moved around to the driver's seat. As he started the engine, Evelyn found herself lost in thought, gazing out the window without really seeing anything.

Bryan didn't say anything, but he could tell something was weighing on Evelyn's mind. He felt a pang of sympathy for her – he knew how difficult it must be to be married to someone like Alaric. He had known Alaric for over seven years, and he had a pretty clear idea on Alaric and Evelyn's relationship.

As they drove to the hospital, Bryan kept his eyes on the road and his thoughts to himself. He didn't want to say anything that might make the situation worse.

Finally, they arrived at the hospital and Bryan pulled into a parking spot. As he got out of the car and opened the door for Evelyn, he stole a glance at her and saw the sadness in her eyes.

"Are you alright, Mrs. Pritzker?" he asked softly, noticing her flushed face

"I'm okay." Evelyn nodded her head. "I'm sorry, Bryan. I know this is awkward for you. You shouldn't have to be here with me." She knew that apart from her and Alaric, only Bryan was aware of the broken relationship.

Bryan smiled gently. "It's my pleasure to escort you, Mrs. Pritzker. Please, let me help you inside."

Evelyn nodded, feeling grateful for Bryan's kindness. She knew that Alaric hated her but all she expected was Alaric to let her know that he wouldn't be accompanying her. At least, she wouldn't have any silly hopes.