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Novel Catalog
The interaction between Eva and Adrian in the Civil Affairs Bureau continued to unfold with tension and unease, despite the bustling atmosphere around them. As the gossip from the other couples lingered in the air, Eva could feel her discomfort grow. She couldn’t escape their nosy chatter—every word about children, about their appearance, about their seemingly perfect life—made her heart ache. What did these strangers know about her? About the truth behind her marriage to Adrian? Nothing, and yet they speculated freely.
The mention of children stung more than Eva had anticipated. The whispers of “good genes” and “having children” were like daggers to her, reminding her of what could have been. The child she had been carrying, the one she had chosen not to tell Adrian about. She had kept that secret locked away, unsure of how to address it, and now, in this space, with the weight of the situation closing in, she regretted it. She couldn’t bring herself to explain. But, perhaps, Adrian had already guessed. His silence on the matter spoke volumes.
When Adrian finally spoke, his voice was almost softer than she expected, though still laced with the same indifference. “Are you hungry?” he asked, a question that seemed out of place given the circumstances.
Eva, caught off guard, looked up. “You ask me?” she repeated, her surprise evident. She had expected nothing more than continued coldness, not this fleeting moment of care. She didn’t answer immediately, pondering his sudden change of demeanor. Was it genuine concern? Or was it just the result of his frustration with the gossip around them?
“No,” she replied, shaking her head. “I’m not hungry.” Her words, though casual, hid the whirlwind of thoughts running through her mind. Why was he asking her now? Was he feeling guilty for something? For not asking about the pregnancy, for not being there when she needed him? Or perhaps he was simply reacting to the uncomfortable situation they were both trapped in.
But Adrian didn’t press. He left to buy breakfast, but not before lingering outside, smoking a cigarette and seemingly lost in thought. Eva stayed behind, the silence in the waiting area swallowing her once more. And then, as if on cue, the gossiping group from earlier approached her. This time, they surrounded her with more personal questions, their curiosity undeterred by her earlier refusal to engage.
Eva tried to maintain her composure, offering a polite smile as she responded with minimal words. Their questions felt invasive, yet she couldn’t help but wonder if they had any idea about the real reasons for her being here. If they only knew what she had been hiding—what they were unknowingly speculating about. But she refused to let them see her unease.
When Adrian finally returned, the scene shifted. The women, caught off guard by his reappearance, quickly scattered, leaving Eva to face him alone. Adrian’s sharp gaze scanned the room before landing on her, his displeasure evident. The mingling scents of perfume and gossip still hung in the air, and it seemed to irritate him more than it should.
“What do they want?” he asked coldly, handing Eva the bag with her breakfast. His eyes were narrowed, his tone distant and almost accusing, as if he blamed her for the situation.
Eva took the bag from him, her fingers brushing his as she answered, “Nothing. Just curious whether we are here to get married or divorced.” Her voice was steady, but the words felt hollow. It was a simple answer, one that didn’t touch on the deeper complexities of their situation. It wasn’t just about marriage or divorce. It was about what they had lost, what they hadn’t yet confronted, and whether they were both willing to face it.
As Adrian silently processed her words, the coldness between them lingered. Eva couldn’t help but wonder how much longer they would stay like this—two people bound together by circumstance, unable or unwilling to speak the truth, to bridge the distance that had grown between them. The gossiping women may have gone, but the weight of their words still lingered, echoing in the silence that now enveloped them.
