Chapter 467

At midday inside The Velvet Spoon...

"Alexander, what happened to your face?" Evelyn gasped, her eyes widening at the purple bruise marring Alexander's cheekbone. Her manicured fingers hovered near his injury without touching.

"Evelyn! This is the second black eye I've gotten thanks to you!" Alexander hissed through clenched teeth, his usually playful eyes burning with accusation.

Evelyn's breath hitched as realization struck. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Nathan did this?"

"Who else would dare?" Alexander launched into the full story - how Nathan had overheard their conversation, misinterpreted their relationship, and confronted him last night.

Evelyn's delicate fingers curled into fists as the pieces clicked together. "So Nathan thinks I agreed to be with you because of what he overheard?" Her voice trembled with disbelief.

"Exactly!" Alexander confirmed, rubbing his sore jaw.

A storm of emotions crossed Evelyn's face - confusion, hurt, then bitter amusement. The irony cut deep. After everything they'd shared, Nathan still didn't understand her at all. If he did, he'd know she could never be with Alexander. Her heart had always belonged to one man.

Even when they were married, even at their lowest point - did Nathan truly believe she'd betray their vows so easily? The thought carved a fresh wound in her already bruised heart.

Alexander didn't need words to read her pain. With a sigh, he softened his tone. "Love makes fools of us all. Nathan heard me say I wanted to confess to you, then heard your agreement. His imagination did the rest."

Evelyn offered a hollow smile, the disappointment settling like lead in her stomach. At least their divorce papers were already signed.

"Don't mistake his actions," Alexander continued. "That punch proved how much he still cares. He thought I was hurting you by kissing Catherine."

Evelyn's lashes fluttered at this revelation.

"Speaking of which," Alexander suddenly grinned, "don't I deserve compensation for my suffering? Look what your ex-husband did to my perfect face!" He pouted dramatically, gesturing to his injury.

Despite herself, Evelyn chuckled. "Serves you right for putting on that ridiculous act in front of Nathan," she teased, shaking her head. "None of this would've happened if you hadn't pretended to be in love with me."

Alexander clutched his chest in mock outrage. "After everything I sacrificed for you! And this is the thanks I get?" His exaggerated pout finally drew a genuine laugh from Evelyn.