𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫

CHAPTER 40

Klein's eyes flutter open with the remnants of sleep still clinging to his consciousness. His hand instinctively reaches out, expecting to find Evangeline beside him. But the bed is empty. Panic surges through him as memories of that one night stand flooded his mind like a torrential downpour. He jolts and propels himself out of bed, his heart racing as he rushes to find her.

The second he enters the living room, his breath catches in his throat at the sight before him. He sees Evangeline sitting on the couch, bathed in the soft glow of morning light, engrossed in a book with a bowl of popcorn by her side. Relief washes over him like a soothing balm, dispelling his fears.

"Evangeline," he breathes, his worry lifting from his shoulders. She looks up with a warm smile gracing her lips as she meets his gaze.

"Good morning, babi," she greets him playfully, her voice like a melody in his ears.

Klein approaches Evangeline, his steps lighter now, his heart buoyed by her presence. He settles beside her on the couch, his eyes dancing with affection as he watches her read.

"What are you reading?" he asks softly, his voice a gentle caress in the tranquil morning air.

Evangeline looks up, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just a novel," she replies, holding up the book for him to see. "Nothing too exciting."

Evangeline and Klein who have now started their 47-day contract, got into their roles as husband and wife with surprising ease. They share sweet moments and small gestures of affection, their connection growing stronger with each passing day. Despite their hesitations and reservations, it's clear to those around them that they've developed genuine feelings. While Klein stays cool about it, Evangeline finds herself getting more attached, showing her affection through playful gestures and sweet displays of love.

"Are you heading to work today?" Evangeline inquires, resting her head on Klein's lap as she sets her book aside.

"Definitely. How about you?" he replies.

Evangeline shrugs, her hand caressing her growing baby bump. "I asked Jeremy to cover for me today. Feeling a bit queasy," she confesses, hoping for a more caring response from Klein.

"Hmm," he murmurs, turning on the TV without much concern.

Disheartened by his indifference, Evangeline resolves not to let it dampen her spirits. If she wants Klein to fall for her, she can't dwell on her insecurities. With determination, she rises from the couch, surprising Klein, who watches her leave the room.

She heads to the kitchen and quietly prepares breakfast, catching Klein's attention. "What would you like, Da?" she asks, using a new endearment that puzzles him.

"Da?" he questions out of curiousity as he joins her at the table.

Klein takes a sip on the coffee Evangeline made for him and is very much impressed by its flavor. "Because you're our daddy," Evangeline teases, placing a hand on her belly.

Klein nearly chokes on his coffee, amused by her playful remark. He's not accustomed to such sweet gestures, making his reactions endearingly innocent, much to Evangeline's amusement.

Evangeline jokes, "Caught you." As she chuckles on his expressions.

"You're adorable when you're flustered," she teases, nudging the plate towards him. "Eat before you go," she orders and eats her own food.

Klein observes Evangeline as she moves about the kitchen, he finds himself admiring her changing body. Her curves are becoming more pronounced, her belly rounding out despite the early stage of her pregnancy. Her newfound softness only adds to her allure, and Klein can't help but feel drawn to her.

'Ha... She looks beautiful swollen with my child.' He thought.

Evangeline glances up from her breakfast with a warm smile playing on her lips. "Da, do you want me to bring you lunch later? I can whip something up and drop it off at your office."

Klein's expression suddenly darkens, his brows furrowing in frustration. "No, don't bother. You don't need to play housewife to that extent, Evangeline."

Her smile fades and was immediately replaced by confusion and a hint of hurt. "What do you mean?"

He sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair. "I mean, act like my wife if you're only in this house but don't when you're not. This whole situation is just... temporary."

Evangeline's heart sinks at his words while the weight of disappointment settled in her chest. "I was just trying to be nice," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.

Klein's features soften slightly as he realizes the impact of his words. "I know, and I appreciate it. But we can't pretend like this is anything more than what it is."

She nods silently, her gaze dropping to her lap as she struggles to hold back the sting of tears. "I understand."

There's a heavy silence between them, filled with unspoken words and unaddressed emotions. Eventually, Klein clears his throat, a hint of regret in his voice. "I didn't mean to upset you, Evangeline. I just... I need you to understand."

She nods again, forcing a small, tight-lipped smile. "I do."

But inside, Evangeline can't shake the feeling of disappointment and rejection, no matter how much she tries to brush it aside. She knows their arrangement is temporary, but it doesn't make the sting of his words any less painful.

Evangeline forces a tight smile as her appetite was suddenly gone. She pushes her half-eaten breakfast away and rises from the table, her movements stiff and mechanical. With ease, she throws the remains of her meal into the bin and rinses her plate in the sink.

"Excuse me," she murmurs, her voice barely audible as she hurries past Klein and out of the kitchen. The disappointment hangs heavy on her shoulders as she steps into the cool morning air, hoping to find comforr in the familiar embrace of the garden.

The vibrant blooms greet her as their colorful petals swayed gently in the breeze. Evangeline takes a deep breath, letting the earthy scent of the flowers wash over her. With tender care, she begins to tend to the garden, her hands moving deftly as she prunes and waters the plants.

Evangeline's hands falter for a moment as Klein's voice breaks through her concentration.

"Evangeline." He suddenly spoke.

She can feel his presence lingering beside her. But she refuses to meet his gaze, her focus still fixed on the delicate petals before her.

"Thank you," she murmurs softly, her voice barely above a whisper, the words almost lost in the gentle rustle of leaves. The silence stretches between them, heavy with unspoken tension, until Klein's unexpected compliment pierces through the quiet.

"You're as beautiful as the flower you're tending to."

A blush creeps into Evangeline's cheeks at his words. Her heart fluttered with embarrassment and pleasure. She steals a quick glance at him from the corner of her eye, but he's already turning away, ready to leave for work.

As he starts to walk away, Evangeline's resolve wavers, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggles to voice the words that have been weighing on her mind. With a trembling breath, she whispers, "I... love you."

For a moment, the world seems to stand still. The air was thick with anticipation. But Klein's response is disappointingly casual, devoid of any warmth or emotion.

"Love you too."

Evangeline forced a tight smile, her heart sinking as she watched him walk away. She shouldn't have said that, but for that second, it felt like she really needed to say it, or she would regret it.

Evangeline decided to go back inside to get some rest as she was also feeling dizzy. But as she stepped into the house, a pair of strong arms suddenly grabbed her, pulling her close. Before she could react, a cloth was pressed over her mouth, muffling her cries.

Panic surged through her as she struggled against her assailant, but the cloth emitted a strange, sweet scent that made her head spin. Gradually, her strength ebbed away, and her vision blurred until darkness engulfed her, and she fell unconscious.