Chapter 396

"And there's something else..." Evelyn's voice broke the silence suddenly.

"I refuse to be the woman who's always waiting to be abandoned."

Her words trembled as she spoke, tears welling up in her striking blue eyes.

A silent understanding passed between Natalie and Alexander, their expressions mirroring the pain in Evelyn's confession.

Taking a steadying breath, Evelyn continued, "Nathan does care for me in his own way. He doesn't completely ignore my existence... But his affection is shallow, like a puddle after summer rain. When Serena calls, he runs to her without hesitation. Is this my destiny? To always be the second choice? Nathan drowns in guilt over Serena. Leonard had her imprisoned, and now she's been kidnapped. Nathan believes these tragedies are his fault. He thinks he can't abandon her now."

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Is he wrong? No. He's being honorable, staying true to his principles. But..." Her voice cracked. "His devotion to Serena is destroying me piece by piece. I'm exhausted. I can't keep pouring my heart into a marriage that only brings me pain. Divorce is the only solution - it's better for both of us."

Natalie immediately reached across the table. "You're absolutely right! Your life should be about you, not some man who can't appreciate you! There are plenty of fish in the sea!"

"Don't waste your tears on someone like Nathan," Natalie added fiercely. "He doesn't deserve them."

Alexander frowned thoughtfully. "Evelyn, you mentioned Serena was kidnapped... Could you tell us more about that?"

"Oh, I forgot you didn't know." Evelyn wiped her eyes and recounted the harrowing events.

By the time she finished, both Natalie and Alexander wore matching expressions of shock and outrage.

Natalie slammed her palm on the table, making the silverware jump. "Unbelievable! He left you alone at the pool? You could have died!"

Alexander's face darkened, his jaw tightening with barely contained anger.

He realized this must have been the breaking point for Evelyn - the moment she lost all faith in her marriage.

The party incident had simply confirmed what she already knew in her heart.

Struggling for words, Alexander remained silent.

From Nathan's perspective, his actions might have seemed justified. But those very choices had shattered the woman who loved him.

"Divorce is absolutely the right decision!" Natalie declared passionately. "Why suffer with such a husband? Evelyn, I'm proud of you! You're free now - no more prison of unrequited love! We should be celebrating!"

Initially saddened by the divorce news, Natalie now felt only relief and joy for her friend.

She jumped up excitedly. "Let's go to The Velvet Lounge after dinner! Not to mourn, but to celebrate new beginnings! A toast to Evelyn's freedom! This calls for champagne!"