Chapter 108
Evelyn returned to the master bedroom upstairs, noticing Nathaniel still hadn't come back. She assumed he must be occupied in his study.
This had become their routine - him spending nights working while she slept alone.
Stepping into the walk-in closet, she observed that aside from Nathaniel's small section, the space was dominated by her own wardrobe.
Surprisingly, everything remained exactly as she'd left it.
Expecting to find Victoria's belongings, Evelyn carefully searched every corner but found no trace of another woman's presence.
This discovery puzzled her deeply.
Leaning against the closet door, she frowned. She knew this space intimately - nothing could escape her notice.
Yet there were absolutely no signs of Victoria.
Remembering Abigail's comment about Victoria never staying over, Evelyn wondered if Nathaniel might actually have some moral boundaries.
She caught herself thinking about him again.
Grabbing a silk pajama set, she hurried to the shower.
The luxurious sleepwear laid out for her had been carefully selected by the household staff, with seasonal undergarments specially chosen.
When they'd signed the divorce papers, Evelyn had taken only her personal clothes, leaving all the designer items behind.
Emerging from the shower, she wore a delicate lace camisole with a matching robe draped over her shoulders.
There were definite advantages to indulging in fine things.
After drying her hair, she stepped out yawning - only to freeze when she saw Nathaniel standing by the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the moonlight.
Her yawn died mid-breath.
Nathaniel's presence in their bedroom was unexpected and confusing. It made no sense to Evelyn.
Turning, Nathaniel's gaze fell upon Evelyn in her revealing nightwear.
Her dark tresses cascaded down her back, a few strands clinging to her collarbone.
His eyes trailed downward, his expression darkening noticeably.
He hadn't anticipated this sight. With a smirk, he remarked, "Dressing so provocatively on purpose?"
Evelyn quickly tightened her robe.
Blushing furiously, she retorted, "You always sleep in the study. What are you doing here so early?"
"Don't worry," Nathaniel reassured, "You're supposedly pregnant now. Victoria specifically warned me not to... disturb you during this time."
"So you're staying here tonight?"
Approaching her, Nathaniel's gaze lingered on her now-secured robe.
Ironically, the thin fabric only accentuated her curves, providing little actual coverage.
After a moment, Nathaniel suddenly felt uncomfortable, his throat oddly dry.
He looked away. "Rest assured, I'm not that reckless."
With that casual remark, he headed to the bathroom.
Only after hearing the shower running did Evelyn realize Nathaniel had been teasing her with her own words from earlier.
She'd never expected him to remember and throw her joke back at her!
Grabbing an extra blanket from the closet, she spread it neatly on the far side of the bed.
Settling in, Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut, hoping to avoid any awkwardness when Nathaniel returned.
Despite her exhaustion, she remained acutely aware of every sound from the bathroom.
When the water stopped, Nathaniel emerged moments later.
Seeing Evelyn curled in a tight ball, his expression shifted. He poured himself a glass of cold water, drinking it in one gulp to calm his rising frustration.
Nathaniel settled on his side of the bed, pulling the blanket tightly around him.
Having Evelyn so close was unusual, and he expected discomfort.
Yet surprisingly, it wasn't as unpleasant as he'd imagined.
Evelyn too had assumed she wouldn't sleep well beside him. But exhaustion soon claimed her.
The next morning, Nathaniel's ringing phone startled Evelyn awake. Half-asleep, she kicked out irritably, mumbling, "So annoying."
Nathaniel found her foot draped over his waist. He gripped her ankle gently to still her movements.
Answering the phone, he growled, "This better be important."
"Mr. Whitmore, there's a problem. The surgeon we arranged for Mrs. Whitmore Senior's operation has encountered complications and can't proceed."