**Chapter 3** The air between them was heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Adrian had been the one to pull the trigger on their marriage, dropping the divorce bomb with a cold efficiency that had left Eva reeling. She couldn’t fathom why mere gratitude felt like such a betrayal at this moment, yet as she gazed into his strikingly handsome face, she mustered the courage to utter, “These two years… thank you.” The words left her lips hesitantly, like a fragile gift in a shattered world. Adrian’s reaction was immediate, a shadow passing over his features. He shrugged, the corner of his mouth twitching with an insincere smile. “Nonsense,” he replied, the dismissal almost physical in its sting. Eva blinked in disbelief, disarmed. Nonsense? This might be her last chance to ever express her gratitude—how could he just brush it aside? The morning came too quickly with unwelcome surprises. When Eva awoke, a heavy fog of cold clung to her, dulling her senses. She fumbled through her drawer for medicine, the mundane task becoming a ritual of sorts, almost comforting. But just as she was about to swallow the pill, an alarming thought flickered in her mind. In a panic, she rushed to the bathroom, the reflection in the mirror a ghost of its former self, and spat out the medication. She leaned over the sink, trying to rid herself of the gnawing anxiety. “What’s wrong? Why are you in such a hurry? Are you feeling unwell?” The sudden voice from the doorway jolted her. It was Adrian, standing there with a frown marring his perfect features. Their eyes collided, and an electric tension pulsed between them. Eva quickly averted her gaze, heart racing. “Nothing, I just took the wrong medicine,” she managed to reply, feigning calm as she wiped her mouth and retreated from the bathroom, feeling the weight of his stare linger on her back. A myriad of thoughts clouded Adrian’s mind as he watched her leave—the strange behaviors, the distance that had crept in since she returned home, all gnawed at him with the ferocity of a predator. Breakfast was a tension-filled affair, and soon they both stepped out into the crisp morning. As they walked, concern flickered across Adrian’s face as he noted the lingering pallor of Eva’s skin. “Do you want to ride in my car?” he inquired, his voice betraying a hint of worry. Caught in yesterday’s rain, Eva felt the chill persisting in her bones, creating an urge to accept the offer. However, before she could respond, Adrian's phone chimed to life in his pocket. Vivian’s name glowed on the screen, and as he instinctively took a step away to answer, Eva felt an involuntary tug in her chest. The moment he turned, she instinctively moved away, leaving him no time to acknowledge her departure, and that felt like a knife to his heart. She slipped further from his view, her footsteps echoing the unresolved pain of their shared history. Jealousy wrapped around Eva like winter's chill as she noted the tenderness in his tone—a trait meant exclusively for Vivian. Breathing deeply to steady her nerves, she reached for her own phone, heading toward the garage. Five torturous minutes later, Adrian hung up just to find an emptiness behind him, devoid of her presence. The late morning sun shone down as a message buzzed in his hand. Eva: *[I’m in a hurry to the office, so I left first.]* His heart sank, a storm brewing in the depths of his soul. Meanwhile, Eva forced herself to endure the nagging discomfort, finally arriving at her office. The chair welcomed her like an old friend, but the moment she sunk into it, the world around her blurred. Groaning softly, her head met her desk, the throbbing ache unwilling to relent. Pregnant, she reminded herself, so caution barred her from seeking relief through medication. When the reality of her condition seeped in, she dared to entertain a flicker of hope. Perhaps Adrian would welcome this child, rekindling the fragmented pieces of their shattered union. But her optimism were extinguished like a candle in a tempest, for Vivian’s return was a cruel reminder of his unwavering attachment to her. Should she choose to reveal the secret blooming within her, it would likely lead to rejection. Adrian’s first response would be—with chilling certainty—the desire to terminate the life inside her. She couldn’t condemn an innocent child to a loveless existence. “I have to think clearly,” she scolded herself, caught in the web of uncertainty. “Eva.” A gentle voice pulled her from her spiraling thoughts. Looking up, she found her assistant, Jenny Hall, peering at her with concern etched across her face. “Good morning, you’re here,” Eva said, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. But Jenny remained unconvinced. “Eva, you don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell?” Surprised by the attention, Eva quickly shook her head. “I’m fine, just didn’t sleep well last night.” “Are you sure? You really look pale,” Jenny pressed, her voice thick with worry. “I’m fine. Let’s get to work,” Eva insisted, though her voice faltered. “If you don’t want to go to the hospital, at least drink some hot water.” Jenny poured a cup, and Eva accepted it, feeling some warmth begin to chase away the chills rattling her bones. Yet, Jenny’s concerned gaze haunted her. “How about I handle today’s report? You can rest in the office.” With determination, Eva shook her head once more. “No, I can handle it myself.” She refused to let weakness define her, lest she become lazy and complacent. Steeling herself, she gathered her notes and headed toward Adrian’s office. The door was slightly ajar as she knocked softly before entering. “Come in,” Adrian’s voice resonated, cool and inviting. As she stepped over the threshold, an unexpected figure caught her eye. Clad in a flowing white dress that framed her slender figure, Vivian stood beside Adrian, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes. Eva froze in the doorway, time standing still as emotions clamored within her. “Eva, you’re here,” Vivian chimed, striding confidently towards her, arms unfurling for an embrace before Eva could brace herself. Stiffening, Eva felt every ounce of warmth drain from her body as she met Adrian’s penetrating gaze over Vivian’s shoulder. Adrian leaned against his desk, caught in a contemplative silence, his expression unreadable. “I’ve heard everything from Adrian. You’ve been through a lot,” Vivian said, stepping back and feigning concern. “If you need any help, please let me know.” With bitterness bubbling just beneath the surface, Eva willed herself to mask it with a smile. “Thank you. When did you come back?” “Just yesterday,” Vivian replied, a triumphant lilt in her voice. So, it was true. As she returned, Adrian's devotion had immediately shifted back to her. Vivian’s very presence was like salt in a gaping wound. “By the way, why do you look so pale?” Vivian continued, her voice laced with false concern. “Are you feeling unwell?” The question hung in the air, and Adrian’s eyes snapped up, scrutinizing Eva for any signs of her distress. “Is it because you got caught in the rain last night?” he interjected, his tone sharper than he intended. Caught off guard, Vivian’s expression switched from concern to confusion. Eva sighed, preparing to elaborate, but before she could utter a word, Adrian's demeanor shifted to something more fierce. “If you’re unwell, why are you pushing yourself? The company can manage without you. Go home and rest.” A flicker of surprise darted across Vivian’s face, followed by a disconcerting realization. *Did he care for Eva more than I thought?* she pondered, intrigued by the crack in the armor he had always worn so well. The storm had begun, unpredictable and poised to change everything.