𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝟏: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫 ✔

CHAPTER 10

As night fell and Evangeline found herself settled in her brother's home, she emerged from her room and decided to take a leisurely stroll through the house. The soft glow of the lamps cast gentle shadows along the walls, creating a tranquil atmosphere that enveloped her.

She wandered through the familiar rooms, tracing her fingers along the edges of the furniture as memories flooded her mind.

With each step, Evangeline felt a sense of peace washing over her. She breathed in the familiar scent of home, allowing it to soothe her frayed nerves and calm her racing thoughts.

As she moved through the quiet house, she found herself in a hallway adorned with her brother's collection of family photos. Each frame captured a precious moment frozen in time, a testament to the bonds that tied them together.

Evangeline paused before the display, her gaze sweeping over the familiar faces smiling back at her. Memories of holidays spent together, birthdays celebrated, and ordinary moments of joy flooded her mind, filling her heart with warmth.

She reached out to touch the glass covering one of the frames, tracing the outline of her brother's smiling face. Despite the challenges they had faced, their family, though incomplete, had always been a source of strength and support for each other.

Her brother appeared behind her with a smile, his arms crossed over his chest. "Missing Mom?" he asked gently, his voice carrying a hint of understanding.

Evangeline nodded, her gaze lingering on a photo of their mother, a bittersweet expression on her face. "Yeah," she murmured softly, "sometimes I wonder how different things would have been if Dad hadn't left us."

Jeremy sighed, his expression mirroring his sister's sadness. "Yeah, me too. But hey, we turned out alright, didn't we? Mom did everything she could for us, and look at us now." He placed a reassuring hand on Evangeline's shoulder. "We're strong, sis. We'll get through this too."

As they stood side by side, gazing at the photos, a nostalgic air filled the room. Evangeline's gaze lingered on a particular photo of their mother, her smile wistful. Then, with a soft sigh, she turned to Jeremy, a playful glint in her eyes. "Hey, remember when Mom got sick and I had to change your diapers, little bro?" She chuckled, nudging Jeremy playfully. "You were a handful, but we managed just fine. Mom would be proud of us."

Evangeline chuckled, shaking her head as she recalled the memory. "Yeah, and you were already five years old! You could've won a Guinness World Record for the oldest kid in diapers."

Jeremy laughed, rolling his eyes. "Hey, don't remind me. I blame Mom for spoiling me too much."

"Yeah, well, she had her hands full with you," Evangeline teased, nudging him again. "But hey, look at us now, all grown up and taking care of ourselves."

Jeremy nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, Mom did a good job raising us, even if she called us 'little devils' back then whenever she's being playful."

Evangeline grinned, a warmth spreading through her chest as she reminisced about their childhood. "Those were the days, huh? Wouldn't trade them for anything."

Jeremy nodded with a fond smile. "Definitely not. Mom was as pretty as you. You've got that extra spark, sis. And if Mom managed to raise us without a husband, you've got this in the bag."

Evangeline's heart warmed at her brother's words. "Thanks, Jerry. Means a lot."

Jeremy squeezed her shoulder. "Always got your back, sis."

They shared a moment of solidarity, their laughter blending with the memories of their upbringing.

As Evangeline delved into her memories, a newfound appreciation for her mother's strength washed over her. She marveled at how her mom handled life's challenges with resilience and grace, despite the circumstances.

Feeling a surge of determination, Evangeline turned to her brother with a newfound resolve in her eyes. "Jeremy," she began, her tone serious yet determined.

Jeremy raised an eyebrow, a curious smile playing on his lips. "What?" he chuckled.

Evangeline took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I want to meet with your lawyer," she declared, her voice unwavering.

"Why?" Jeremy asked, his curiosity piqued as he raised an eyebrow.

Evangeline's gaze drifted back to the picture frames adorning the wall, her expression contemplative. "I want my life back," she replied, her voice tinged with determination.

Jeremy processed her words, his brow furrowing slightly. "Well, for your information, he's not my lawyer. He's a very good friend's lawyer," he clarified, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Evangeline shrugged, unfazed. "Doesn't matter, as long as he's a good lawyer."

A mischievous grin spread across Jeremy's face. "Are you taking your company back from me?" he teased, the prospect of regaining his freedom evident in his excitement.

Evangeline fixed him with a pointed look. "Are you handling my company well?" she countered, her tone laced with skepticism.

Jeremy's response was swift and defensive. "Of course! Everything is perfect! What do you think of me? Irresponsible? Ha!"

Evangeline chuckled softly at his reaction, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well then, there's no need for me to take over," she remarked, leaving Jeremy dumbfounded.

"What?! Nooooooo, Evangeliiiine!" Jeremy protested, his whine echoing through the hallway as his inner child emerged.

The following day, Mr. Taylor, the lawyer, arrived. As the maids bustled about, preparing refreshments, Jeremy greeted him in his usual office attire, his hair sleeked back.

"Good morning, Mr. Taylor," Jeremy said, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Good morning, Mr. Sinclair," Mr. Taylor replied, reciprocating the gesture.

Once they were seated, Jeremy adjusted his suit and clasped his hands together. "How's work?" he inquired.

Mr. Taylor chuckled lightly before taking a sip of his coffee. "Work's been rather hectic lately. Your friend seems a bit... off. He's been unsettled and short-tempered lately. I'm not quite sure why."

"I heard he's been searching for someone since last week and hasn't had any luck," Mr. Taylor added, setting his cup down.

Jeremy nodded knowingly. "Ah, the mystery woman! He mentioned her to me," he replied with a smirk.

"Ah, perhaps that explains it. His very own Cinderella," Mr. Taylor chuckled.

Jeremy chuckled in agreement. "A Cinderella who left a bra instead of a glass slipper? How modern," he quipped with a smirk.

"Yeah, that's what's been bothering him these days," the lawyer gossiped, only to be interrupted by Evangeline's entrance into the scene.

Evangeline walked in with an air of confidence, her presence commanding attention in the room. She greeted Mr. Taylor with a polite nod before turning to Jeremy with a subtle smirk.

"Good morning, Jeremy," she said, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.

"Good morning, sis," Jeremy replied, trying to mask his surprise at her sudden appearance.

Mr. Taylor glanced between them, sensing an underlying tension in the air. Clearing his throat, he decided to break the silence.

"Shall we begin our discussion about the company, Mrs. Salazar?" he inquired.

Evangeline raised her hands in a gesture of reassurance, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Actually, I apologize for any confusion, but that's not why I've asked you to come here," she explained.

She exchanged a meaningful glance with Jeremy, who nodded in agreement with her statement. "What I need your assistance with is filing for a divorce and obtaining a restraining order against my husband," she stated firmly.