She Was Leaving Him
Vance Mansion.
Evelyn's words did not surprise Alexander.
She had always been free-spirited.
But his heart clenched painfully.
He opened his mouth.
He wanted to refuse.
He wanted to ask for more time.
He wanted to say he would find a solution.
The words never came.
Evelyn stood up.
She looked at him with determination. "I'm not pressuring you. This is the only way."
Alexander's jaw tightened.
His fists clenched.
"Evelyn, I—"
"You chose me. I know." Her voice was calm. "But you can't just let her die."
Alexander frowned. "I can."
"For now." Evelyn met his gaze. "What about later?"
Alexander froze.
"You'll feel guilty. That guilt will haunt you forever. Alexander, I don't want that for you."
The room was dim.
Evelyn couldn't see his expression clearly.
Her shoulders slumped slightly.
She looked exhausted.
"Alexander, I know how that feels."
For twenty-two years.
She had lived with guilt.
Believing her existence ruined William and Sophia's marriage.
She served the Ashcroft family for over a decade.
Even after leaving.
The weight never lifted.
Every time she faced Isabella.
She told herself she wasn't wrong.
But she still felt ashamed.
It was helpless remorse.
Some things are predetermined.
Like life and death.
Death is final.
No amount of regret can change it.
Alexander appeared cold.
But he valued loyalty deeply.
Sophia Watson saved his life.
If he abandoned her.
He would live with guilt forever.
Evelyn refused to let that happen.
Alexander stepped forward.
His voice trembled. "But losing you scares me more."
Evelyn looked down.
She smiled faintly. "Alexander, be rational. This is best for both of us."
"I—"
Evelyn suddenly hugged his waist.
Alexander's words stuck in his throat.
Evelyn chuckled softly. "Alexander, don't look so defeated. I prefer your confident CEO self. Besides…"
Her voice muffled against his shirt. "This marriage felt forced from the start. Someone might be pulling strings behind the scenes. If we divorce, maybe they'll show themselves."
She spoke lightly.
Then she straightened up.
She patted his shoulder.
"Alright. City Hall tomorrow. Don't be late."
She turned to leave.
But his hand caught her wrist tightly.
Evelyn didn't look back.
She wasn't one for drama.
But seeing Alexander with Sophia Watson.
Hearing her call him brother.
It stirred jealousy.
Love is selfish by nature.
They stood僵持着.
Time seemed to stretch.
Finally, Alexander released her.
Evelyn walked away quickly.
She entered the room next door.
As the door closed.
Tears fell.
One shouldn't be too greedy.
Someone like her, who had suffered so much.
Now had Alexander.
And Sophia as a mother.
It figured.
Fate gives.
And fate takes away.
Evelyn collapsed onto the bed.
She buried her face in the quilt.
If she had known this would happen.
She should have guarded her heart.
She didn't regret proposing the divorce.
Because she knew.
If she didn't say it.
He eventually would.
This was better.
She wasn't being abandoned.
She was leaving him.
...
Next door.
Alexander stood frozen by the door.
Her resolute背影 left an emptiness in his chest.
He tugged at his tie irritably.
He walked to the balcony.
The temperature had dropped.
San Francisco was below freezing in winter.
He took off his jacket.
Standing there in just a shirt.
He looked towards Evelyn's room.
Her lights were off.
Maybe she was asleep.
Or maybe she was lying awake like him.
Alexander lit another cigarette.
The cold made his hands tremble slightly.
After lighting it.
He took a deep drag.
The strong smoke made him cough.
His eyes stung.
Something wet landed on his hand.
Alexander glanced down.
He wiped it away quietly.
...
Morning came.
The sky lightened.
Evelyn opened her eyes.
Unsure if she had slept at all.
She felt groggy all night.
She thought she heard coughing next door.
The soundproofing in Eleanor's wing was excellent.
She knew it was her imagination.
She got up and opened the door.
Alexander was also leaving his room.
Their eyes met.
He looked tired.
After a moment.
Evelyn smiled. "Morning."
Alexander's lips moved.
He spoke with difficulty. "Morning."
Neither had an appetite for breakfast.
Evelyn said directly, "Let's go."
Alexander opened his mouth.
But said nothing.
He turned and walked ahead.
After they left.
Fiona emerged from behind.
She watched them with concern.
She rushed into Eleanor's room. "Madam, something's wrong with Mr. Vance and Mrs. Vance. Mrs. Vance took their marriage certificate. Are they going to get a divorce?"
Eleanor clutched her chest.
This time, she didn't play coy.
She just sighed. "Fiona, I can't force Evelyn. My grandson is the one who wronged her..."
Fiona's eyes reddened. "Such a wonderful wife... Mr. Vance will regret this for life!"
Eleanor felt even worse.
"Enough. Let the young people handle their own affairs."
She turned over and lay down.
Tears streamed from the old woman's eyes.
She couldn't help muttering, "That foolish boy!"
...
Evelyn followed Alexander to the parking lot.
They got into the car.
The driver headed for the main gate.
Outside.
A delivery person from Evelyn's team arrived at the same time as a courier from the Vance family.