Chapter 150

Nathan’s voice softened, laced with concern as he spoke. “Evelyn, you should go upstairs and rest now.”

Evelyn gave a faint nod, her lips barely moving as she murmured, “Alright, I’ll head to the bedroom.”

“Go ahead,” Leonard replied.

Once Evelyn had disappeared up the stairs, Leonard turned to Nathan, pulling him aside with a lowered voice. “Is Evelyn truly that terrified of mice?”

Nathan’s expression darkened as the memory of Evelyn’s panic in the private room flashed through his mind. “Yes,” he said flatly. After a beat, he added in a quieter tone, “It’s not just a simple fear. There’s something deeper—something traumatic behind it.”

Leonard sank onto the sofa, guilt twisting his features as he muttered, “This is my fault. I should’ve realized how severe it was. She’s mentioned it before, but I never thought…”

Nathan arched a brow, his voice dripping with dry amusement. “You really stooped low this time, didn’t you?”

“Shut it!” Leonard shot him a sharp look. “I don’t care what methods I use as long as they work.”

His plan had been simple—create a moment of fear to push Evelyn into Nathan’s arms. He had hoped that in her panic, she would instinctively seek Nathan’s protection, bringing them closer. But he hadn’t anticipated the depth of Evelyn’s terror.

Nathan let out a quiet scoff, his piercing gaze locking onto Leonard as he raised an eyebrow. “Old man, your birthday is in less than three weeks.”

Leonard caught the unspoken threat in his words, his expression shifting into something darker. “What’s the rush? There’s still time.”

Nathan merely gave a dismissive snort before standing and heading for the stairs without another word.

Leonard remained seated, his brow furrowed in frustration. He had no experience playing matchmaker, and now he was at a loss. If only he could make Nathan fall for Evelyn—then the idea of divorce would vanish entirely. He needed a better plan.

In the dead of night, Evelyn jolted upright in bed, a scream tearing from her throat. “No!” she gasped, her body trembling as she fought off the remnants of her nightmare. Her breaths came in short, ragged bursts as she tried to steady herself. It was just a dream…

The bedside lamp flicked on, and Nathan stirred, blinking sleepily at her. Even in the dim light, he could see the pallor of her face, the sheen of sweat on her skin.

“Evelyn,” his voice was rough with sleep, deep and grounding. “Why are you so afraid of mice?”

The quiet question hung in the air, making Evelyn’s pulse stutter. Maybe it was the rare gentleness in Nathan’s tone that loosened her tongue, or maybe she just needed to voice the fear that had haunted her for years.

Hugging her knees to her chest, she spoke softly, her voice barely audible. “When I was in elementary school, I was bullied for being overweight and for the birthmark on my cheek. In third grade, a group of classmates locked me in the school’s storage room…” She swallowed hard, her breath hitching. “There were dozens of mice in there. I was trapped with them—terrified and alone—for an entire night.”

The moment the words left her lips, Nathan’s expression shifted, something dark and unreadable flashing in his eyes.