Chapter 183

"It's absolutely true!" Sophia Blackwood couldn't contain her excitement. "Evelyn purchased that exact Patek Philippe you've been eyeing. Just wait for your surprise, Nathan!" Tristan Whitmore burst into laughter as he shared the news with Nathan Blackwood.

The revelation sent an unexpected jolt through Nathan's system. He struggled to maintain his composure, forcing down the sudden warmth spreading through his chest.

His voice dropped an octave as he responded, "Fine. I'm ending this call." Nathan hadn't planned any birthday celebrations this year.

Yet now, an extravagant party seemed necessary - if only to secure Evelyn's presence. Previous birthdays had been quiet affairs with only his closest friends.

Memories surfaced of Evelyn's hopeful expressions before their divorce, her subtle hints about celebrating together. He'd always brushed her off, preferring distance between them.

Still, she'd never missed giving him gifts. The realization made Nathan abruptly call Harrison. "Where are my past birthday presents?" The sudden demand startled his assistant.

"Sir, the valuable ones are in the safe or displayed in your collection room." Panic gripped Nathan as he realized he couldn't recall any of Evelyn's gifts from their three years together.

"Specifically Evelyn's." Harrison hesitated before cautiously asking, "Which year are you referring to, sir?"

"All of them." Nathan's tone turned glacial.

Harrison cleared his throat nervously before delivering the blows. "First year, Ms. Sinclair gifted you a custom ring, but...you misplaced it." His voice dropped to a whisper.

Nathan's face drained of color. A sharp pain lanced through his chest as the memory resurfaced. He'd never bothered with wedding rings, considering them unnecessary formalities.

Yet Evelyn had bought matching sets. He'd worn his for two days before carelessly stuffing it into a jacket pocket. Then it vanished.

Harrison continued hastily, "Second year, she handmade you a cashmere scarf, but you gave it to Vanessa Holloway, who discarded it immediately."

Before Nathan could process this, Harrison delivered the final blow. "Third year...she gave you nothing." The silence stretched unbearably.

Nathan felt like his ribs were cracking. The weight of his past indifference crushed him. He'd systematically destroyed her affection until she stopped trying altogether.

The lost ring. The discarded scarf. Things that meant nothing then now left him gasping for air. He couldn't bear to examine this wound further.

Flinging his phone aside, Nathan stormed into his walk-in closet like a man possessed. He tore through every jacket, searching pockets with desperate precision. Soon, an avalanche of designer clothing buried him.

The search proved futile. Years-old garments wouldn't remain in rotation. Housekeeping would have found any jewelry during regular cleanings.

The realization of his past neglect carved a hollow space beneath his sternum. That ring - Evelyn must have chosen it with such hope, such vulnerability.

And he'd lost it without a second thought.

Later, Nathan emerged from the wreckage and dialed Evelyn's number. Each ring sent his pulse skyrocketing.

"How much for the repairs?" Evelyn's curt greeting offered no pleasantries.

Nathan's heart threatened to break his ribs, yet his voice remained steady. "Evelyn, my birthday's tomorrow. You're coming to the party."

This marked the first time he'd personally invited anyone to his birthday. The silence stretched unbearably.

Then Evelyn's bitter laugh crackled through the line. "Mr. Blackwood, have you forgotten? We're not friends."