𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫

CHAPTER 54

Chapter 54

The following days were filled with joy and anticipation as Evangeline and Klein prepared for their wedding. The air buzzed with excitement as they selected flowers, tasted cakes, and planned every detail of the ceremony. Their love seemed to grow stronger with each passing day, and Evangeline couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so hopeful about the future.

However, life has a way of reminding us that peace is often fleeting.

Late one night, Evangeline was stirred from her sleep by the faint sound of crying. At first, she thought it was a dream, but the sound persisted, growing clearer. She reached out for Klein, expecting to find him beside her, but his side of the bed was cold and empty. A prickle of unease ran down her spine.

Rubbing her eyes, Evangeline sat up and listened intently. The soft, sorrowful cries were unmistakable. She slipped out of bed, wrapping a robe around herself as she hurriedly left the bedroom. The halls of Klein's mansion were dark and silent as the only illumination was coming from the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the windows. The cries seemed to echo through the cavernous space, guiding her toward the source.

As she descended the grand staircase, the cries grew louder and more distinct. Her heart pounded in her chest, each step amplifying her anxiety.

What was happening? Was someone in distress?

She quickened her pace, her feet barely making a sound on the polished marble floors.

When she reached the living room, she froze. There, on the couch, was Klein. His strong arms encircled a woman who clung to him, her face buried in his chest. The woman sobbed uncontrollably, her body trembling with emotion. Klein held her gently, his hand stroking her hair in a comforting manner.

Evangeline's breath caught in her throat. The scene before her was like a nightmare come to life, dredging up painful memories of her past. She remembered all too well the day she found her ex-husband, Zach, with another woman. The betrayal had been a devastating blow, and now, standing in the shadowy room, she felt the same sharp sting of betrayal and insecurity.

For a moment, she couldn't move. Her feet felt like they were rooted to the ground. Her mind was drowned of negative emotions. Jealousy, fear, confusion—they all collided within her, leaving her paralyzed. She couldn't make sense of what she was seeing.

Who was this woman? Why was she here, in the middle of the night, in Klein's arms? In her fiancé's arms?

Evangeline's eyes darted to Klein's face, searching for an explanation. His expression was tender, his focus entirely on the woman he was comforting. There was a softness in his eyes that Evangeline had rarely seen, a gentleness that spoke of deep concern. It was a look that made her stomach twist with jealousy.

As if sensing her presence, Klein glanced up and met her gaze. Surprise flickered across his features, followed by a brief moment of hesitation. He gently hushed the woman, then raised a finger to his lips, signaling Evangeline to stay silent. The gesture felt like a slap in the face, a command to stay out of a situation she wasn't welcome to be part of. Her heart clenched painfully in her chest.

Evangeline's mind raced. She wanted to march over and demand answers, to know who this woman was and why Klein was comforting her so intimately. But Klein's silent plea for her to remain quiet held her back. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the unspoken request for trust. But how could she trust him when the scene before her felt like a betrayal?

As the woman in Klein's arms finally lifted her head, revealing a tear-streaked face, Evangeline felt a jolt of recognition. It was Daphnie, Klein's ex, the woman she had met that day. The memory of their encounter flashed vividly in her mind and it reminded her of the uneasy feeling she had experienced. Deep down, Evangeline had sensed something was amiss when Daphnie appeared out of nowhere. Despite trying to dismiss her suspicions, the sight of Klein with his ex stirred a storm of emotions within her.