𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫

CHAPTER 33

As the days turned into weeks, Evangeline decided to keep silent about the marriage contract she stumbled upon in Klein's room.

During this time, subtle yet significant changes occurred within Evangeline. Her once-flat belly now sported a small bump, a visible sign of the life growing within her. But beyond the physical transformation, her demeanor underwent a noticeable shift.

Klein couldn't help but observe these changes in Evangeline. While she appeared outwardly unchanged to others, her interactions with Klein carried an undertone of unease and distance.

One afternoon, as Evangeline indulged in an apple, Klein's gaze lingered on her, quietly studying her every move. As she sensed his scrutiny, Evangeline tensed slightly, aware of the weight of his gaze upon her.

Klein broke the silence as he spoke up, his tone laced with curiosity and concern. "I've noticed you haven't accompanied me to the office ever since that last visit. Aren't you feeling restless staying at home?"

"I'm fine," were the only words that came out of her mouth.

Klein's eyebrow twitched at her response, but he chose to remain patient. "Do you want to go out with me today?" he asked.

Evangeline paused for a moment, staring into her apple before responding. "No."

Klein took a sharp breath, almost losing his patience, when Evangeline suddenly added, "I'm meeting someone today."

His head immediately snapped to look at her. "Meeting who now?" he asked, his tone tinged with concern.

"Someone," she replied cryptically, avoiding his gaze as she glanced at her watch. Evangeline rose from her seat, making her way towards her room to retrieve her bag.

Klein followed closely behind, his curiosity getting the better of him.

As soon as Evangeline grabbed her bag, she turned to exit the room but collided with Klein, causing her to stumble back onto the bed.

"What are you doing?" she asked, startled.

"What am I doing?" Klein scoffed. "I'm asking YOU where you're going."

Evangeline averted her gaze slightly and replied, "I don't think it's any of your concern." She attempted to pass by him.

But Klein reached out and grabbed her arm, preventing her from leaving.

Just as tension thickened between them, Evangeline's phone pierced the silence with its insistent ringtone. Brushing off Klein's hand, she fumbled through her bag to retrieve it, stealing a quick glance at the caller ID before answering.

"Jeremy," she greeted, a small surge of relief coursing through her at the familiar name.

"I'm outside, are you done?" Jeremy's voice came through the speaker, his tone filled with the usual warmth.

"Yeah, I'll be right there," she replied and ended the call.

Klein's demeanor softened, his concern evident in his expression. "I'll come with you," he offered quietly.

Evangeline sighed as she felt her resolve falter for a moment before she replied, "No, thank you."

Klein's brows furrowed with concern. "Make sure you're back before 5," he instructed firmly.

Evangeline didn't acknowledge his demand, simply turning away and leaving the house without a word.

As Evangeline exited, Klein's mind raced with worry, considering the possibility of her meeting someone else. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration before sinking onto the couch lost in his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Evangeline settled into Jeremy's car.

"How's it going, preggo?" Jeremy teased, flashing a mischievous grin.

Rolling her eyes at her brother's playful nickname, Evangeline gazed out the window as Jeremy pulled away from the curb.

"What do you wanna talk about, by the way?" Jeremy inquired, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

Evangeline took a deep breath before responding, straightening in her seat. "Actually, I just needed you to come with me," she admitted.

Jeremy arched an eyebrow in curiosity. "Where to?" he asked, glancing briefly at his sister.

"To that cafe near our company," Evangeline replied with her voice tinged of tiredness.

Jeremy chuckled at Evangeline's request. "To a cafe? You needed your brother to go with you just to have a coffee? What are you? Dying?" he teased, his tone light.

Evangeline fell silent at his jest, causing Jeremy to tense slightly. "Wait... You're not, are you?" he asked, his tone shifting to one of concern.

Evangeline retorted with a hint of sarcasm, "Maybe I am. I'm dying to land a fist on your face, you moron."

Jeremy let out a hearty laugh, relieved by her playful response. "Well, lucky for me, I'm quite skilled at dodging punches," he quipped, shooting her a playful grin.

As they arrived at the cafe, Evangeline spotted the man in the gray shirt at a table and made her way over. "Dr.," she greeted him warmly as she took a seat, gesturing for Jeremy to join her.

Jeremy settled into his chair, intrigued but trying not to appear too nosy, opting instead to observe the interaction between Evangeline and the man.

With a hint of uncertainty, Evangeline accepted the envelope from the doctor, shooting a quick glance at Jeremy. She debated for a moment whether to involve him, but then shrugged inwardly, knowing she couldn't keep secrets from her brother.

Breathing deeply, she tore open the envelope and extracted the paper, unfolding it with cautious fingers. With Jeremy's curious gaze fixed on her, she began to read through the DNA test results for her baby.

Evangeline's eyes widened as she scanned the paper, her heart pounding with both relief and worry at the same time. She read the words again, just to be sure as her mind struggled to comprehend the revelation.

"It's... it's Klein's," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers trembled slightly as she traced the lines of the document.

Jeremy leaned in closer, his brow furrowed with concern. "What? What does it say?"

Evangeline looked up, her eyes meeting her brother's. "It's Klein's," she repeated.

Jeremy's expression softened, still not understanding what was dawning before his eyes. "Wow," he breathed, placing a hand on her shoulder. "That's... that's something."

Evangeline nodded, her hands trembling slightly as she folded the paper with care and slipped it back into the envelope.

"Thank you, doctor," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, as the mysterious man smiled wordlessly and left.

Jeremy took a sip of his coffee, oblivious to the weight of the moment. "Well, that was weird. What's the deal with Klein anyway?" he asked casually, unaware of the bombshell lurking in Evangeline's words.

Evangeline hesitated for a moment, steeling herself before she replied, "The baby... it's Klein's," she confessed.

Jeremy's eyes widened in disbelief, and he sputtered, nearly choking on his coffee in shock. "What?!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing with disbelief.