Evangeline stirred in her sleep as she felt a faint discomfort tugging at her subconscious. With a groan, she shifted in bed, attempting to find a more comfortable position. However, as soon as she opened her eyes, a wave of nausea washed over her, causing her to bolt upright in bed.
She frantically stumbled out of bed. Her feet fumbling against the soft carpet as she made her way to the bathroom. Each step felt like an eternity as she fought against the rising sensation of sickness in her stomach.
Finally reaching the bathroom, Evangeline barely had time to slam the door shut before she doubled over the lavatory, retching violently as her body purged itself of whatever had caused her discomfort.
Sweat beaded on her forehead as she clung to the porcelain bowl. Her breath coming in ragged gasps as she rode out the waves of nausea. After what felt like an eternity, the violent heaving subsided, leaving Evangeline trembling and weak.
She slowly pushed herself upright, wiping a shaky hand across her clammy forehead. Leaning heavily against the sink, she took a few deep breaths, attempting to steady her racing heart and quell the lingering sense of unease that still gnawed at her insides.
After a few moments, Evangeline's racing mind began to piece together fragments of the previous night's events. Flashes of the club, Zach's unexpected appearance, and the ensuing chaos flickered through her memory, leaving her feeling disoriented and unsettled.
With hands still trembling, Evangeline splashed cold water on her face, hoping to wash away the remnants of the night's memories. But even as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was profoundly wrong.
She emerges from the bathroom, patting her face dry as she reaches for a hair tie. The smooth silk of her nightdress offers a comforting embrace as she absentmindedly rubs her stomach, her thoughts still foggy from sleep. As she decided to quench her thirst, she headed towards the kitchen but was interrupted by a commotion from outside.
Carefully stepping down the stairs, Evangeline spots Jeremy, already dressed for the day and engrossed in something. "Good morning," she greets him, though his attention seems elsewhere.
"Mhm, morning. You should probably stay inside today," Jeremy advises, his tone serious.
Evangeline chuckles softly, dismissing his suggestion as she pours herself a glass of water. "And why's that? It's a beautiful day. Perfect for a run," she counters.
Jeremy glances at her, shaking his head slightly before gesturing towards the window. Evangeline's curiosity peaked as she moves closer to see what has caught her brother's attention.
"See him? That's your husband. Well, ex-husband," Jeremy adds casually, taking a sip of his coffee.
Confusion clouds Evangeline's features as she gazes out the window, her brow furrowing. "Why is he here?" she questions aloud.
Jeremy simply shrugs in response, his expression unreadable. "Because of what happened last night. I instructed Mr. Taylor to file a petition on your behalf," he explains calmly.
"A petition? For what?" Evangeline's voice trembles slightly with nervousness.
"For divorce. Effective immediately, citing concerns for your safety in Zachary Salazar's presence," Jeremy elaborates, his tone grave.
"And so the court granted it, with a little..." He pauses, a flicker of distaste crossing his features as he gestures airily, indicating the influence of money.
As Jeremy and Evangeline stood by the window, their conversation halted by Zach's voice piercing through the air, his shouts echoing in the quiet morning.
"Evangeline! Evangeline, I demand to see you! I need to talk to my wife!" his voice booms, filled with urgency and frustration. "Let me in, damn it! I'll tear down these gates if I have to!"
Evangeline's heart skips a beat at the sound of his voice, her hand instinctively flying to her chest. She exchanges a tense glance with Jeremy, a silent understanding passing between them.
"He's not going to stop," Jeremy murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.
Evangeline nods in agreement, her resolve firming as she takes a deep breath. Despite still being in her nightgown, she steps out of the mansion, the cool morning mist enveloping her.
As she walks through the garden towards the gate, Zach falls silent, his gaze fixed on her in admiration yet furious.
The guards intercepted her before she can reach the gate, advising her to stay back as Zach stands on the other side, his presence looming over the estate.
"What do you want, Zach?" Evangeline's voice is devoid of emotion, her eyes fixed on a distant point beyond the gate. "Make it fast. I don't want paparazzi seeing us like this. We are not ordinary people."
As Evangeline stands there, her heart torn, Zach's words echo in the stillness of the morning air.
"Evangeline, please," he implores, his voice raw with emotion. "I can't do this without you. I'm lost without you."
Tears stream down Zach's cheeks, his anguish laid bare for her to see. Every fiber of Evangeline's being aches to comfort him, to offer him the solace he so desperately craves. But she knows that she can't allow herself to be swayed by his tears, not when so much pain lies between them.
"Zach," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't go back to the way things were. Not after everything that's happened."
Zach's cries intensify at her words, his pleas growing more desperate with each passing moment. "Please, Evangeline," he begs, his voice choked with tears. "I'll do anything. I'll change, I swear. Just give me another chance."
Evangeline's resolve wavers as she listens to his pleas, the memories of their shared past flooding back with painful clarity. But she knows that she can't allow herself to be swayed by empty promises, not when she's fought so hard to reclaim her independence.
"I'm sorry, Zach," she says, her voice trembling with emotion. "But I can't do this anymore. It's time for both of us to let go."
With those final words, she stands her ground, her heart heavy with sorrow as she waits for Zach's response.
Zach's cries gradually subside as he gazes at her with pleading eyes. "Please, Evangeline, I love you. You're my wife." he whispers, his voice barely audible over the gentle rustle of the morning breeze.
Evangeline's heart clenches at his words, a pang of guilt washing over her as she realizes the depth of his pain. "I want you to be happy, Zach. And obviously, seeing you having the guts to sleep with someone else means you are not happy with me. So be happy. Zach." she replies softly, her voice filled with compassion. "With Monica... and your baby."
As Evangeline walks away, her steps faltering with each echoing word, Zach's desperate declaration hangs heavy in the air.
"I will definitely be back to get you, Evangeline! No one else could have you but me!"
His words sends a shiver down her spine, her heart pounding with fear and defiance. She knows she can't let herself be swayed by his empty threats, not when she's fought so hard to break free from his grasp.
With a determined resolve, Evangeline quickens her pace, her gaze fixed ahead as she disappears into the safety of the mansion, leaving Zach's haunting words lingering behind her like a ghostly echo in the morning mist.
YOU ARE READING
𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝟏: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫 ✔
Romance"I'm a man and I want a child. If you can't give me that, then shut your mouth and just let me be." -Zachary Salazar "I need an heir, so if you're carrying my child, of course I'll take responsibility. But only if..." - Maximilian Klein ~ Evangeline...
