"But how can I not worry..."Evangeline seemed to have lost all her energy, collapsing onto the bed with a sigh.This was about her pride. Anyone else, and it would not be a big deal. However, this was her ex-husband, Walter, throwing a birthday party just to spite her. How could she allow herself to be humiliated?"Mrs. Lewis, can you help me look... more poised?"Julieta did not fully grasp the whirlwind of emotions Evangeline was going through, but she was eager to help her tackle that challenge.After pondering for a bit, Julieta pulled out a chic light brown camel hair coat and a super simple top from Evangeline's closet."Ms. Evangeline, I've done my best with these picks. Try them on and see."Evangeline slipped into the dressing room and tried on the outfit Julieta had put together. When she stepped back in front of the mirror, she was transformed, her confidence soaring.The coat, unable to button over her baby bump, hung in a way that was both flattering and discreet.
That way, they would have rocked out for a full day and night, making Walter's birthday a total blast. However, even the best-laid plans could go sideways.Walter, eyeing Minnie all prepped and primed, got a wild idea to head to the ship early and hang tight.The Gordons had poured a fortune into that cruise ship, and it was the epitome of luxury. Words just did not do it justice.They stepped into the luxurious, romantic restaurant, bathed in soft light with violin music floating through the air—everything Minnie had ever wished for. She happily ordered red wine and steak, ready for a candlelit breakfast date with Walter.However, after just half a glass of wine, Minnie was out like a light and slumped over right in front of Walter.Walter? He did not even bat an eye. With a casual wave, he had the bodyguards whisk Minnie off to her room and brushed it off.The restaurant, once a haven of romance, underwent a lightning-fast transformation. Its decor then dazzled with splendor,
Everyone figured Walter was just being the mysterious host.Truth be told, if it were not for the need to keep Minnie off her game, he would not have hosted that party at all.Would a quiet birthday with his wife and kid not have been so much better?Walter lurked in the shadows, eyes fixed on a certain someone in the crowd, biding his time to make his entrance.When Walter caught a glimpse of Evangeline's pale face in the glare of the flashbulbs, he could not stay put any longer.The masquerade was the party's opening act, all about cranking up the excitement.Evangeline, eyeing the parade of guests, quietly stepped out of the limelight and settled into a secluded corner.Even though she was there, Evangeline never forgot Holden's strict instructions: She was to stay out of the public eye unless it was do-or-die, and always keep it low-key.She had thought Walter and Minnie had pushed her too far, and she was ready to throw caution to the wind. To her surprise, the star of the
The way he talked, with those thoughtful pauses and the way his voice went up at the end, was like a neon sign flashing his guy instincts to take charge.Evangeline could tell she had snagged his interest. The party was buzzing, and after a string of dull days, that charming-voiced, frog-masked 'little brother' had her feeling mischievous."Smart cookie, aren't you?" she teased, her fingers dancing along his chiseled jawline."What if I'm getting curious about you?""That's easy to handle." He had a quick answer for that.In a flash, his hand was around her wrist, pulling her close. His breath was warm against her ear, and his lips barely brushed her skin."It's simple. You take me away, or I take you away. Your call."That was intriguing.Evangeline narrowed her eyes, a playful glint in them, as she pondered the mystery of her own allure. How could she, a woman in the full bloom of pregnancy, captivate someone so completely?Alas, Evangeline was small and quick on her feet. W
Evangeline's heart raced as she faced Walter's unusual behavior.Alone with him in the room, she could not guess what his next move would be. However, Walter was calm, even as she watched him closely.With a slow, deliberate motion, he peeled away the hideous frog mask, revealing the handsome features she knew so well.Evangeline's eyes widened. She had suspected, but still, how had he managed to disguise his voice so completely?Walter's deep, familiar voice enveloped her, a soft echo in the quiet room."Evangeline, would you watch the sunrise with me? Just once," asked Walter, his voice trailing off into a whisper that was nothing like his usual commanding tone. It was a plea, something raw and uncharacteristically vulnerable.The word 'humble' was not one she would find in Walter Gordon's vocabulary, not the Walter who stood tall in the ranks of the Gordon family. However, there he was, standing before Evangeline, feeling something he had never felt before.The mere thought o
If it were Evangeline, not even the worst conditions could keep her away, come hell or high water. She would be there on time. It was not about Walter's birthday; it was a matter of personal pride.Evangeline's words grew more charged with every breath, and she shot Walter a look that was heavy with implication. "Seems like your new flame isn't all that into you, huh?"That look made Walter squirm.Minnie had been primping and preening non-stop since she got wind of the birthday meeting, wanting to look her absolute best for Walter. Walter kept his opinions about Minnie's treatment of him to himself, but truth be told, she had really put in the effort for that occasion.However, what was the point? He had no intention of letting Minnie steal the spotlight. After all, a show had just been a show—it always wrapped up, and the crowd went home.The only real things in life had been his wife and children."Evangeline, it's just us here now. Bringing up someone else all the time just k
For some reason, even as Walter's voice rang out in frustration, Evangeline saw only weariness in his eyes, which was a sight she had never witnessed in him before.In her eyes, Walter was unstoppable. No matter the workload or the complexity of his social life, he always seemed to glide through gatherings with a wine glass in hand, effortlessly becoming the center of attention, the brightest star in the room.However, he was showing signs of fatigue. Was it the relentless demands of his job, or was it because of Minnie, who would not make an appearance simply because she was not feeling well?He was hurt, deeply affected by the woman he adored. What an irony it was that the woman he adored was not her.Her heart, once as sturdy as a rock, felt as if it had been punctured. Her once impregnable heart had crumbled in a moment.Evangeline found herself, against her better judgment, feeling a wave of tenderness for Walter.She longed to be by his side.However, she had her own reaso
Alone in the vacant room, Evangeline's cheeks were on fire. Sitting on the bed, she clutched at her chest, taking deep breaths for what felt like an eternity until she could steady her racing heart.It was all too much…Walter was irresistibly charming. How could she possibly hold back?He was the man she would give everything to adore. Then, with just a touch of his tenderness, she was on the verge of succumbing.What was she to do?Evangeline peered at her reflection, her eyes alive with a youthful glow. Her face was warmed by a rosy blush, and her lips, bitten in a nervous flutter, betrayed her inner turmoil.That was the unmistakable look of someone swept up in the throes of a passionate romance, was it not?'No, that would not do, Evangeline. It was all just an act.'Walter wants you by his side for his birthday. That's why he's showering you with kindness now, but it's all for him, all because Minnie didn't show up.'In truth, this whole charade, every last detail, was c