𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝟏: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫 ✔

CHAPTER 26

As Klein watched Evangeline curl up on the couch, he couldn't help but feel a sense of concern overwhelm him. Despite their recent feisty interactions, seeing her vulnerable like this tugged at something deep within him. There was a part of him that wanted to comfort her, to ease whatever pain she was feeling.

When he saw her finally close her eyes, succumbing to sleep, a small sense of relief washed over him. She looked so peaceful in that moment, her features softened by sleep, her breathing steady and calm. It was a rare sight, one that made him realize just how much he cared about her well-being, despite their differences.

With a gentle sigh, Klein decided to act on his impulse. Carefully, he scooped Evangeline up into his arms, cradling her close to his chest. She stirred slightly at the movement, but didn't wake, lost in the depths of her dreams.

Klein made his way to the bedroom and laid Evangeline down on the bed, taking care to tuck her in snugly. He watched her for a moment longer, feeling a strange sense of contentment at the sight of her sleeping so peacefully.

Klein softly chuckled as he gently rubbed Evangeline's tummy. "You better behave in there. You're hurting mommy," he murmured, directing his words to the unborn child nestled within Evangeline's womb.

For a fleeting moment, Klein appeared to embody the role of a concerned husband, his actions reflecting a tenderness that belied his usual demeanor. But just as quickly as it had surfaced, that facade crumbled away, replaced by a mask of stoicism.

As he abruptly pulled his hand away, Klein rose from his seat, casting a final glance at Evangeline before exiting the room. He clenched his jaw, frustration evident in the tension that gripped his frame. How had he allowed himself to become so vulnerable to the influence of a woman? It was a weakness he couldn't afford to indulge.

Love had never been a consideration for Klein, and Evangeline was no exception. His upbringing, marred by the betrayal of his mother, had instilled in him a deep-seated distrust of women and a staunch disbelief in the institution of marriage.

The memory of his mother's abandonment still haunted him, her callous disregard for her own son etched into his inner being. It was a betrayal that had left a lasting imprint, shaping his views on relationships and cementing his resolve to never let himself be vulnerable again.

Klein opted to continue his work in his own room, leaving Evangeline on the bed.

Before he could take another step towards his room, his eyes fell on the papers Evangeline had signed earlier. He couldn't help but engage in a bitter internal dialogue.

"What am I doing?" he muttered to himself, his voice laced with frustration. "Signing a marriage contract for money? Ha. This is stupid."

His mind drifted back to his childhood, to the painful memories of his mother abandoning him and his abusive father. "Love and marriage? They're nothing but illusions," he thought bitterly.

As he took the documents into his room and closed the door behind him, a surge of anger and defiance washed over him. Without hesitation, he tore the papers into pieces, his actions fueled by his deep-seated resentment towards love and marriage.

There was never a plan to fall in love with Evangeline. Klein convinced himself that he merely enjoyed their one-night stand. Physical attraction was all he sought.

Emotional attachment was foreign to Klein. He avoided relationships and sought only temporary connections with women.

His childhood trauma left him scarred, making him resent the idea of having children of his own.

Despite his vow to remain unyielding, Klein found himself powerless against Evangeline's presence. She penetrated the walls he had painstakingly built over the years, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Determined to maintain control, Klein resolved to withhold the marriage contract. His sole objective was to safeguard Evangeline's company.

As for the child, Klein finally made the decision to not even care. It was a reality he was unwilling to confront.

The next morning, Klein woke up to the inviting aroma of coffee wafting through his home. His immediate reaction was one of alarm, as he hastily bolted out of his room, momentarily forgetting that Evangeline was staying with him.

Upon seeing Evangeline in the kitchen, he frowned, his irritation evident as she greeted him with a plate of bacon, eggs, and toast.

"Good morning. Breakfast?" she offered cheerfully.

Klein's response was curt and dismissive. "You don't need to do this. You're not my wife," he snapped, causing Evangeline to step back slightly. Despite his harsh tone, she maintained her composure and smiled back at him.

"Alright then," she replied calmly, still wearing that forced smile as she took the plate and the cup of coffee off the countertop. However, before she could walk away, Klein intercepted them.

"It would be a waste to throw that away. I'll have it since you already made it," he declared, taking the breakfast from her hands.

Evangeline bit her trembling lower lip and fiddled with her fingers behind her back, clearly feeling uncomfortable with the situation.

'He's... unpredictable and... rude. I thought he agreed to be nice,' she thought to herself as she removed her apron, deciding to leave Klein alone to eat. However, before she could make her escape, he stopped her once more.

"Are you not going to eat?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Evangeline felt a wave of emotions wash over her, and it seemed like she was on the verge of tears. Despite her struggle, she managed to choke out a response.

"I'll be eating outside," she said quietly, her voice trembling as she reached for her phone.

"Why? There's plenty of food in here. Don't be picky," Klein retorted irritably, his gaze fixed on her.

Refusing to let him see her vulnerability, Evangeline quickly dialed Jeremy's number, her voice shaking as she requested his immediate assistance.

"H-hi, Jerry. Can you pick me up right now? I'll be waiting outside," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

"What? Why?" Jeremy asked on the other line.

"Evangeline—

"Nothing, haha. I just wanna have a walk outside," she added, cutting off Klein who was about to speak.

Jeremy's concern was evident in his voice as he asked, "Are you okay? What happened?"

"I'm fine, Jerry. I'll explain later. Just please come," she pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion.

After a brief pause, Jeremy sighed. "Alright, I'll be there," he finally agreed before ending the call.

As Evangeline wiped away her tears, she realized that Klein had been watching her the whole time, his expression filled with concern.

Immediately, he stood up and walked towards her, his expression apologetic. However, before he could speak, she pulled away from him, avoiding his gaze.

"Evangeline... I'm sor—"

"Ah, right, you're done eating. I should wash the dishes. You should go prepare for work," she interjected, abruptly changing the subject.

With that, Evangeline busied herself with cleaning up the kitchen, disposing of the breakfast she had prepared for Klein.