Chapter 235

The weight of the day's events pressed heavily on Evelyn's shoulders. There was no use hiding the truth any longer. "Grandmother..." she began, her voice steady yet laced with resignation. "I wasn't honest with you before. Nathan and I... We made a decision months ago. After his father's birthday this year, we're filing for divorce."

Eleanor's expression shifted, a quiet sorrow replacing her usual warmth. She sank onto the edge of the bed with a sigh, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

Evelyn hurried to reassure her. "Please don't be upset."

But Eleanor shook her head, her voice soft but firm. "I'm not upset, my dear. I'm heartbroken for you. I've always known how you felt about Nathan, no matter how hard you tried to pretend otherwise."

Evelyn's carefully constructed composure cracked. She looked away, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her dress. "You're right," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It hurts. But some things... they just aren't meant to be, no matter how much you wish they were. I held on for six years, hoping something would change. But it never did. Letting him go... it's the right choice. For both of us."

Eleanor studied her granddaughter, searching for any sign of doubt. "Are you certain about this, Evelyn? This isn't a decision to make lightly."

Evelyn lifted her chin, forcing a small, determined smile. "Yes. After his father's birthday, it's over. Don't worry about me, Grandmother. I'll find someone better—someone even more dashing, I promise."

Eleanor let out a soft chuckle despite herself, shaking her head. "Looks aren't what matter, child. What matters is finding someone who truly loves you, who cherishes you the way you deserve."

"I know," Evelyn replied, her voice steadier now. "And I will."

Eleanor's eyes sparkled with defiance as she huffed. "If Nathan wants a divorce, then it's his loss! Let him spend the rest of his life regretting it! He'll realize what a fool he's been soon enough!"

Evelyn laughed softly at her grandmother's fierce loyalty, nodding in agreement. "Oh, he will. Without a doubt."

Eleanor sighed, her expression softening. She reached for Evelyn's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. No more words were needed.

After a quiet dinner at Serena's and a peaceful evening stroll through the nearby gardens with Eleanor, Evelyn finally returned to the Black family estate. The house was silent when she stepped inside.

Nathan was already there.

He sat at his desk, papers spread before him, but the moment her footsteps echoed in the hall, his head snapped up. Their eyes met—just for a fleeting second—before he looked away.

The air between them was thick, heavy with everything left unsaid.

Neither spoke.

Neither moved.

The silence stretched, suffocating.