Chapter 200

"There was someone you had a crush on when you were young?"

The question caught Evelyn completely off guard. She halted mid-step, her head whipping around to meet Nathan’s piercing gaze. Her long lashes fluttered in bewilderment as she countered, "Someone I had a crush on? What are you talking about?"

Nathan’s eyes held hers, a teasing glint dancing in their depths. "Forgotten already? When you were fifteen, you liked someone."

At his words, Evelyn’s memory flickered to life. Her gaze wavered slightly before she pressed her lips together, suspicion creeping into her tone. "Did my mother tell you this?"

"Yes," Nathan replied smoothly, his hand slipping casually into his pocket. His voice dripped with sarcasm as he added, "So, where is this person now? Why did you stop liking him?"

Evelyn studied him with a guarded expression, her thoughts racing. After a brief hesitation, she answered coolly, "We’re still in touch."

Nathan’s expression darkened instantly.

Still in touch?

Damn it.

A storm of emotions churned inside him. How could she claim to love him while keeping ties with someone from her past? The thought burned through him like wildfire. Was she trying to juggle two men at once?

His gaze turned icy, his voice sharp with biting sarcasm. "Oh, impressive, Evelyn. Married and still keeping close ties with another guy? Aren’t you afraid you’re playing with fire?"

Evelyn, however, remained unshaken. She tilted her head slightly, defiance flashing in her eyes. "You’re no less impressive, Mr. Black, considering you’re still in touch with Serena," she shot back smoothly.

Nathan froze, momentarily stunned by her unexpected counter.

Evelyn didn’t miss the flicker of tension in his posture or the way his jaw clenched. She raised her chin, staring him down without flinching. Her voice was deliberate, cutting through the silence like a blade. "Besides… Do you even care if I’m maintaining a close relationship with another guy now, Mr. Black?"

The question struck a nerve.

Nathan’s brows furrowed tightly, frustration and confusion warring in his gaze. He realized, once again, that his reaction had been too intense.

After a tense pause, he let out a cold laugh, his tone bitter. "We’re about to have a divorce. Why would I care about that?"

A sharp pang twisted in Evelyn’s chest—disappointment? Resignation? She quickly masked it, shrugging lightly as she averted her eyes. "That’s good to hear," she replied evenly.

Nathan’s gaze remained locked on her, his silence speaking volumes.

A few more steps brought them to his car. Evelyn stopped, her voice steady but distant. "I’ll head back now. Bye."

She didn’t wait for his response, turning on her heel and walking away without another word.