Chapter 4

Morning, Azure Villa,

Evelyn slowly opened her eyes, feeling a sense of warmth. She sat up on the couch and looked around the living room. The room was still dim, but she could see the sun peeking through the curtains. She rubbed her eyes and looked down, noticing a soft blanket covering her. She was surprised by this and wondered who could have done it.

Evelyn lazily picked her phone from the table and checked the time. It was already 10 am. Her body felt much better after a long nap. She thought about her husband, but she knew that he would never do something like that for her. Alaric was cold-hearted and distant since their marriage began.

Evelyn shook off the idea that Alaric could have covered her with the blanket and thought that one of the servants must have done it. She sat on the couch, wrapping the blanket around herself.

Meanwhile,

Alaric rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the sleep as he stepped out of his bedroom. He turned around and walked towards the living room, hearing a soft rustle sound.

As he entered the living room, he saw a sleepy Evelyn curled up in a ball, wrapped up in a cozy-looking blanket. Her hair was messy and her cheeks were rosy from the warmth of the blanket.

Alaric couldn't help but find her adorable in that moment despite everything he felt towards her. He stood there for a moment, just admiring her expression as she struggled to open her sleepy eyes. The way she was wrapped up in the blanket made her look so small and vulnerable, something that Alaric had never seen in her before.

As Alaric approached Evelyn, the sound of his footsteps startled her. She jumped off the couch, throwing the blanket off herself. She was startled and scared upon seeing Alaric standing there. "Alaric," she breathed out, visibly surprised. "You didn't go to the office today?"

Alaric was surprised by Evelyn's reaction. He felt a little bad seeing her act so scared. "I will be working from home today," he replied, his tone cold as usual 

Evelyn frowned a little, "Well, do you want me to get you some coffee?" she asked softly. "You look tired."

Alaric nodded, not saying anything else. He turned around and walked back to his bedroom, not wanting to dwell on the strange encounter with his wife. 

______

In Alaric's study room,

As he sat on his study table, he found himself unable to shake the image of Evelyn curled up in the blanket out of his head. He couldn't help but let out an unintentional smile.

However the very next second, he clenched his fists. He got up from his seat, walking towards the drawer near the bed. Opening the drawer, he took out the set of divorce papers.

VRRRRRR!!!

The vibrating phone drew his attention. The caller ID said Dianna. 

Alaric frowned, picking up the phone, "Hello?"

"Ric, Good morning!" A cheerful female voice was heard from the other end

"Morning." Alaric's tone did not return the same cheerfulness

"What's wrong?" Dianna asked from the other end, "You don't sound that good. Did you finally handed over the divorce papers to your wife?"

Alaric paused for a moment, glancing at the papers in his hands, "I will be handing them over in an hour." He sighed, "Just give me some time. Also, you can start shifting your stuff in the Helix villa."

"But why can't I stay in the Azure villa with you?" Diana whined, "Your wife will be out of there anyways and I like the Azure villa more."

It felt like a needle stabbed Alaric's chest as he thought that Evelyn would be leaving this villa soon. He himself didn't know why he was facing these strange emotions after one whole year of their marriage, when they are finally going to divorce.

"I need some time to manage my parents too." Alaric answered, "Since the news of divorce will be too sudden for them."

"Oh." Dianna seemed a bit disappointed, "I'm sorry if I'm being too pushy. I just don't want to stay away from you anymore. We both have suffered enough since last year."

Alaric sighed again, "Look Dianna, I know how impatient you are getting but you have to give me some time to sort some things out. Okay?"

"Okay." Dianna was obedient

After talking for a few more minutes, Alaric hung up the call.

________

In the kitchen, Evelyn decided to display her efforts to win her husband's heart over by making him the perfect cup of coffee.

She took out the best coffee beans she had, which she had been saving for a special occasion. She carefully measured the beans and ground them to the perfect texture, making sure not to leave any lumps.

Next, she boiled a pot of water and added a filter to it, placing the freshly ground coffee beans inside the filter. Evelyn took note of Alaric's preference, and added just the right amount of coffee grounds, without making the coffee too strong or too weak. 

As the coffee brewed, Evelyn decided to make a special addition to the coffee. She rummaged through the pantry and came across a bottle of French vanilla syrup, which she thought would be the perfect addition to the coffee. Evelyn added just a splash of the syrup to the coffee, which would add an aromatic flavor to the already perfect cup of coffee. 

Evelyn walked silently into the study room with the cup of steaming coffee, hoping that Alaric wouldn't snap at her again. 

As she approached his desk, she noticed Alaric had his eyes fixated on the computer screen. He didn't even bother to acknowledge her presence.

"Here's your coffee," Evelyn said softly as she placed the cup on Alaric's desk.

"Hmm." Alaric took a sip of the coffee without looking at Evelyn.

Alaric continued to work on his computer, completely ignoring his wife. Evelyn looked around the study, trying to find something to say to break the tense silence.

Suddenly, Alaric looked up and seemed to notice Evelyn for the first time. He motioned for her to come over and sit down. "Have a seat."

Evelyn was surprised by the sudden change in attitude and she hesitantly sat down in one of the chairs. 

Alaric took a deep breath before speaking. "Evelyn, I think it's time we face the truth. This marriage is not working out."

Evelyn was taken aback by the sudden announcement. She knew that their relationship was not perfect, but she never thought it would come to this.

"What do you mean? Why are you saying this now?" Evelyn asked, trying to keep the panic out of her voice. 

Alaric handed her a set of divorce papers and said coldly, "I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I think it's best if we end this now."

Tears streamed down Evelyn's face as she realized that Alaric truly did hate her. She had tried so hard to make the marriage work, but it was apparent that it was all for nothing.

Evelyn's hands trembled as she gripped the papers tightly in her hand. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes and her heart racing in her chest. "What's this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alaric looked at her coldly. "Divorce papers. Sign them, and I'll make sure that you get a fair settlement."

"But, Alaric, why? What did I do wrong?" Evelyn asked, pleadingly.

Alaric looked away, his tone harsh, "It's not about what you did or didn't do. We were never meant to be together."

Evelyn was unable to bear the pain any longer. She had to accept that her marriage was truly over and that nothing could change Alaric's cold-hearted and ruthless nature.

"Then who is meant to be together with you?" Evelyn asked sarcastically, "Dianna East?"

A frown appeared on Alaric's face, "How do you kn-?"

Evelyn interrupted, "The news of her return is all over the media." She asked, "It's because of her, isn't it?"

Alaric was silent.

"Tell me, Mr. Alaric Pritzker." Evelyn raised her voice

After a heavy sigh, Alaric spoke, "Yes."