Chapter 189

Evelyn Carter's life continued its usual routine.

Life always comes with troubles.

Her top priority was finding new housing for her parents.

Then came the second issue—her younger sister Emily Anderson had just gone through a breakup.

Evelyn felt helpless. Comforting others wasn't her forte, especially when it came to heartbreak. Words seemed pointless. But this was her sister—she couldn't just ignore her.

When Emily begged her to go drinking, Evelyn hesitated only briefly before agreeing.

At this age, Emily reminded her so much of Vivian Dempsey back in the day. Vivian had been utterly shattered by love, nearly pushed to the edge. In comparison, Emily just wanted to drown her sorrows—at least there was no life-threatening drama.

Evelyn deliberately chose a reputable bar and picked the most secluded booth. She made Emily sit on the inside while she guarded the outer seat, ensuring no one would take advantage of a drunk young girl.

Emily was already tipsy, tears smearing her face as she slumped over the table with hiccups. "Sis... when you divorced Alexander, did it hurt?"

"Not really," Evelyn replied flatly.

Emily pouted, fresh tears welling up. "Why did I even ask? You're made of stone. You don’t get heartbroken over romance."

"Mm."

"But sis, I'm really hurting." Emily straightened up and took another swig of her beer. "I fought with Mom and Dad for him. I was going to change my college plans just to follow him to the capital. And then he did this to me."

Last night, Emily had called her from the garden, sobbing uncontrollably. Evelyn had rushed downstairs only to be tackled in a tearful embrace.

There hadn’t been time for details then—just damage control.

Thankfully, Emily still had some sense left. By the time they got home, she’d quieted down, tiptoeing to avoid waking their parents.

This morning, she’d pestered Evelyn to take her drinking. She’d held it together the whole way, but after a few drinks, the dam broke.

"What exactly did he say to you yesterday?"

Emily cursed through gritted teeth. "That bastard gave me an ultimatum—choose between my family and him. Pick my family, and we’re done."

Evelyn frowned. "He actually said that?"

"Yeah." Emily nodded drunkenly.

"And if you chose him?"

Emily suddenly let out a bitter laugh. "He said if I picked him, he’d call off his childhood betrothal and elope with me to the capital. As if I’m that stupid. That option costs him nothing—he’d still go to college like planned. Elope? His tuition depends on his parents. What kind of elopement is that?"

Evelyn couldn’t help but chuckle. "You don’t think eloping is romantic?"

Emily stared at her like she’d grown a second head. "Sis, are you possessed?"

"How so?"

Emily shook her head firmly. "My sister is way too smart and practical to ask something that dumb."

"Maybe I was trying to see it from your perspective. I thought you might find it cool."

Emily scoffed. "Sis, do you think I’m an idiot?"

"...Of course not." Evelyn subtly moved the beer bottle farther away. "If you saw through him, why are you still so upset?"

Emily shook her head. "You wouldn’t get it. I’m mourning my dead love."

Evelyn nearly winced at the cheesiness.

"Sis, I kind of understand you now. If you’re tough enough, breakups don’t hurt as much. Like you and Alexander—you acted like it was nothing. I really admire that."

Evelyn didn’t comment. "Lately, I’ve been wondering if youth is supposed to be this painful. Maybe I’ll regret not fully experiencing it by staying so detached."

"Don’t you dare regret it! You’re lucky. You have no idea how much this hurts... Even though I dumped him and saw his true colors, it still hurts so much... Ugh—"