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Eva’s calm demeanor seemed to soothe Emily a little, but it also made her feel a deep sense of pity for her friend. She knew Eva had always been sensible and pragmatic, but seeing her like this, resigned and emotionally distant, was hard to bear.
“Are you really okay with this?” Emily asked, her voice soft and full of concern.
Eva’s response was almost nonchalant, but there was an edge to it that betrayed her true feelings. “Does it help to protest?”
The truth was, she wasn’t okay with any of it. She had tried to see if there was any chance for things to change between her and Adrian, but reality had slapped her in the face, reminding her that some things were beyond her control. There was no changing this.
Emily, knowing full well that Eva was hiding her true feelings behind her indifference, softened. “Will you go with me to the clinic tomorrow?”
Eva paused for a moment, a small chuckle escaping her lips. “I don’t want to go alone.”
Emily’s heart swelled with affection for her friend, and she immediately nodded. “Come on. I’m your best friend. Even if I’m busy, I’ll make time for you. You didn’t even have to ask.”
Eva smiled faintly, the effort of keeping up the façade of calmness weighing on her. “Let’s eat then.”
Despite her words, Emily could see through the mask. Eva was putting on a brave face, but it was clear to her that Eva was hiding an ocean of hurt behind that calm exterior. Emily’s heart ached as she watched her friend, remembering how different things used to be.
Before the Hansen family’s bankruptcy, Eva had been so full of life—carefree, confident, and always laughing. But now, she seemed like a shadow of that person. She was anxious, hesitant, and always holding herself back.
“Eva,” Emily said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. “If you feel upset, just cry. You don’t have to keep it all in. There’s no one else here. I’m your best friend. It’s okay to be vulnerable.”
Eva froze at Emily’s words. Should she cry?
She had cried countless times after the collapse of the Hansen family. In those moments of despair, she had come to realize something painful: crying didn’t solve anything. If she shed tears, those who wanted to bring her down would mock her even more. Her tears would only become another weapon for them to use against her.
And so, Eva made a vow to herself: she would no longer cry in front of anyone, no matter how close they were to her. She couldn’t afford to appear weak.
With that thought, Eva forced a smile. “Silly girl, what’s there to cry about? He made it clear long ago that our marriage was a sham. I helped him appease his grandmother, and he cleared my debts. It was a mere transaction.”
Her words were light, almost dismissive, but Emily could see the cracks in Eva’s facade.
“You’re lying!” Emily burst out, her frustration and anger bubbling over. “If it was just a transaction, why would you get pregnant? If he treated it as a business deal, he shouldn’t have touched you. Isn’t abortion risky? What does he think of you?”
Eva’s chest tightened as a dull ache spread through her heart. If only Emily knew the full story.
In the beginning, their relationship hadn’t seemed like it does now. They had lived together to avoid suspicion, but Adrian had always kept his distance, voluntarily sleeping on the couch.
It was his help that had pulled her from the depths of despair. But beyond that, he was also the man she had secretly liked for years. So, when he had kept his distance, how could she bear it?
One night, after Adrian had taken her to an event and introduced her to important people, everything had shifted. Eva had been introduced as Adrian’s wife—a status that commanded respect on his behalf, despite her being from the Hansen family.
Feeling grateful for his support, Eva had invited Adrian to drink with her, and after several glasses of alcohol, she had struggled to help him back home. But when she stumbled and fell into his arms, something between them shifted.
Adrian had held her firmly, pinning her beneath him with surprising strength. The alcohol had clouded Eva’s judgment, and before she knew it, his lips were on hers. The kiss had shocked her, but as the warmth of his mouth filled hers, she had found herself kissing him back, unable to stop the connection that had ignited.
That night, despite everything that had happened, Eva allowed herself to indulge in her feelings for Adrian. But when she woke up in his embrace the next morning, she had to lie to herself. She couldn’t let it mean anything more than what it appeared to be.
Eva had preempted any awkwardness. “We both had too much to drink last night. It was just an accident.”
Adrian had looked surprised but hadn’t pressed her further. “An accident?”
Eva nodded, trying to sound convincing. “Yes. It can’t be anything else.”
In her heart, she knew this couldn’t be anything more. If it turned into something complicated, it would destroy the fragile dynamic they had managed to build. He would see her differently and likely push her away.
But then Adrian had looked at her, his expression shifting into something colder. “Girls tend to lose out in these situations. What do you want?”
Eva had shrugged nonchalantly, her voice dismissive. “Why would I want anything? Adults have physical needs, that’s all.”
Adrian’s gaze had hardened. “You think it’s just a physical need?”
Eva had shrugged again, playing it cool. “What else could it be? Don’t overthink it. If you really think you owe me, just give me money.”
And that was how she had shielded her feelings for him, turning their connection into a mere transaction. She had asked for ten million dollars, knowing that it was an amount he couldn’t easily dismiss.
Adrian’s response had been explosive. He had never been so angry. But still, he had handed over the money without a second thought.
After that, Adrian had withdrawn from her completely. He avoided her gaze, left for work early, and stayed late at the office. They barely saw each other.
Things had only started to improve after Mabel’s birthday celebration.
Eva sighed, snapping back to reality. It should be settled soon.
Once Mabel’s surgery was over, she would leave. Once everything was wrapped up, the marriage would be over too. Adrian would go on with his life, and Eva would be free to go wherever she wished. A clean break, as she had always wanted.
Eva filed her leave request with HR the next day. It was quickly approved.
She met Emily early in the morning, and together, they went to the clinic. The day ahead held uncertainty, but at least Eva wouldn’t have to face it alone.
