Chapter 2

Evelyn Sinclair slipped her phone into her purse.

She swallowed the bitter ache in her chest and the fire coursing through her veins.

With trembling hands, she hailed a cab to City Hall.

Minutes ticked by like hours. Nathan Blackwood called twice. When she didn't answer, he gave up.

Evelyn sat on a marble bench, her complexion ghostly pale. An hour later, Nathan's polished Oxfords appeared in her line of sight.

His expression was unreadable. "What's your problem now? I know you've donated more blood this month, but you've been compensated."

"Let's get divorced." Evelyn lifted her gaze to meet his icy stare. Her voice came out hollow, devoid of emotion.

They'd never understood each other anyway.

She studied his sharp jawline and aristocratic features - the same ones that had made her foolish heart race three years ago. Not once had those lips curved into a smile for her.

Before, she'd tiptoed around his moods. Now, his perpetual scowl left her numb.

Nathan's frown deepened. He'd indulge her whims, but only with justification.

Did she really believe she was the only compatible donor?

"Evelyn, don't make decisions you'll regret."

"My only regret was marrying you." Her laugh was brittle as glass. The clarity of this moment was almost painful. "I'm done being your doormat."

The courthouse was nearly empty at this hour. Their three-year marriage ended in under ten minutes.

When the divorce papers touched her palm, Evelyn's fingers twitched.

Nathan didn't beg her to stay. Didn't even glance her way. "Let's go to the hospital." His voice was clinical. Still thinking of his final withdrawal from her veins.

Evelyn tilted her head back and laughed until it hurt. "Nathan Blackwood, if Vanessa Holloway bleeds out at my feet tomorrow, I wouldn't spare a single drop."

His eyes darkened dangerously. "How dare you wish death on someone who's suffering? Our marriage contract specified-"

"Right." The word sliced through his sentence. "Our beautiful arrangement. My rare Rh-null blood for the privilege of being Mrs. Blackwood." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "How could I forget?"

Nathan's expression remained impassive, but something flickered in his gaze.

Evelyn's laughter turned jagged. "I finally understand - to you, I'm just a walking blood bag." She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Well here's your last withdrawal. After this, we're square."

She turned on her heel before he could respond. Nathan's brows knitted together.

An unfamiliar irritation prickled under his skin. This wasn't the Evelyn he knew - the clingy girl who'd pursued him relentlessly, then transformed into the perfect docile wife.

Lately, Vanessa's transfusions had become more frequent. He'd felt guilty, but Evelyn never complained. He'd assumed she was content with the jewelry and designer handbags he lavished on her.

This sudden defiance was... unsettling.

But it didn't matter.

Nathan exhaled through his nose. She'd come crawling back when reality set in.

Before he could speak, Evelyn flagged another taxi. This one took her straight to Metropolitan General.

She marched into Vanessa Holloway's private suite without knocking.

A team of specialists hovered around the hospital bed. Vanessa's face lit up when she saw Evelyn.

"You came! I was worried you'd be upset with me for needing so much blood. I know how hard this must be on your body."

Evelyn strode forward, her eyes glacial.

"That text message. It was you, wasn't it?"

Vanessa's smile faltered. Before she could answer, Evelyn's palm connected with her cheek in a sharp crack.

The slap echoed through the sterile room. Vanessa's shocked gasp was almost comical.