𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫

Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Evangeline stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom, carefully adjusting the hem of her dress. She chose a sophisticated, deep green dress that accentuated her figure without being too revealing. She needed to look confident and composed, especially after the events of the past night. She brushed her hair back, securing it with a delicate clip, and applied a touch of makeup to highlight her features. Today, she would visit Klein at his company, determined to clear the air and assert her place in their relationship.

As she fastened a pair of simple gold earrings, she heard a soft knock on the door. "Come in," she called, glancing toward the doorway.

Lydia, the on-call nanny, stepped inside, carrying one of the triplets in her arms. "Good morning, Evangeline," she greeted warmly. "You look lovely."

Evangeline smiled, appreciating the compliment. "Thank you, Lydia. How are the little ones doing?"

"They're doing well," Lydia replied, gently bouncing the baby in her arms. "I just fed them, and they're ready for their morning nap."

Evangeline walked over to Lydia, her eyes softening as she looked at her child. She reached out and stroked the baby's cheek. "Thank you for taking such good care of them. I'll be visiting Klein at his company today, so I need to make sure everything is in order here."

Lydia nodded understandingly. "Of course. You don't need to worry about a thing. I'll take care of them as if they were my own."

Evangeline smiled gratefully. "I know you will. But just in case, here are a few things to keep in mind." She paused, thinking carefully about what to say. "They love their morning stroll around the garden, so make sure to take them out for a bit of fresh air. And if they get fussy, singing their favorite lullaby usually helps calm them down."

Lydia nodded, listening attentively. "Got it. Morning stroll and the lullaby."

Evangeline continued, "And if anything comes up, don't hesitate to call me. I'll have my phone with me the entire time. I know it's only a few hours, but I can't help but worry."

"I understand, but everything will be just fine here." Lydia answered smiling reassuringly.

Evangeline took a deep breath, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Lydia."

Lydia gently placed the baby in the crib and gave Evangeline a warm look. "You're a wonderful mother, Evangeline. Remember to take care of yourself too."

Evangeline nodded with a smile.

With a final glance at her children, Evangeline grabbed her handbag and headed towards the door.

Evangeline drove her way to Klein's company with her thoughts racing as she gripped the steering wheel tightly. The familiar streets blurred past her as she tried to organize her thoughts, thinking of how she would approach Klein. She needed to be calm, collected, and firm. But no matter how many times she rehearsed her words in her mind, still, uncertainty gnawed at her.

As she drove through the winding roads, her gaze shifted to her left hand, and she noticed the ring. The ring Klein had given her when he proposed. It sparkled in the sunlight, catching her eye and momentarily pulling her out of her thoughts.

The ring she treasured so much.

Her grip on the steering wheel loosened as she allowed herself a moment to reflect. That ring had symbolized a new beginning, a promise of love and commitment. It had given her hope for a future filled with happiness, a future where she could finally put her past behind her and build a life with Klein and their children.

But now, doubt had crept in, casting a shadow over that promise. The events last night replayed in her mind—Klein's reaction, his words, the way he had looked at her. It all felt so distant from the man who had placed this ring on her finger with such tenderness.

Evangeline sighed deeply while her heart ached. She couldn't let this go on. She needed answers, and she needed to understand where they stood. Was she still the woman he wanted to spend his life with, or had something changed?

With renewed determination, Evangeline refocused on the road ahead. But as she drove closer to Klein's company, her breath hitched when she saw something she wasn't supposed to. Klein was standing on the sidewalk, and next to him was Daphnie. Evangeline's foot instinctively slammed on the brakes, avoiding the scene but sending her heart into a frenzy.

She quickly pulled the car to the side of the road, parking a little further away from them. Her hands trembled as she gripped the steering wheel, her eyes locked on the two figures ahead. Klein's expression was one of concern, his gaze soft as he looked at Daphnie. Then, he reached out and gently touched her cheek, brushing his thumb across what seemed to be a bruise. His other hand wiped away her tears with such care that it made Evangeline's stomach churn.

"Didn't she look fine earlier this morning when she left the house?" Evangeline mumbled to herself, her voice filled with confusion and growing anger. But her musing was cut short when she saw Daphnie suddenly collapse into Klein's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. The sight made Evangeline's blood boil, and the jealousy and rage that she had tried to keep at bay surged through her like wildfire.

Without thinking, she stormed out of the car, her feet carrying her quickly towards them. They were so absorbed in each other that they didn't even notice her approach. When she was close enough, Evangeline reached out and yanked Daphnie away from Klein, her hand connecting with Daphnie's face in a sharp, resounding slap.

"You bitch! Haven't I told you to stay away from my man?!" Evangeline's voice rang out, full of fury, catching the attention of passerby. But instead of defending her, Klein immediately reacted by pulling Daphnie away from her, his expression twisted in anger.

"Evangeline?! What the hell are you doing? Enough already!" Klein's voice was harsh, almost unrecognizable in its intensity. The sound of it shocked Evangeline, and she froze, staring into his eyes.

No.

She wouldn't cry.

She wouldn't allow herself to look pathetic, not again. She had been through this kind of betrayal before, and she had vowed never to let it break her again.

Evangeline took a deep breath, steadying herself. Without a word, she slipped the ring off her finger and grabbed Klein's hand, placing the ring in his palm. The look of surprise on his face did nothing to soften her resolve.

"Here. In case you need it to comfort her," she said, her voice bitter and cold. Then, without another glance, she turned and walked back to her car.

"Evangeline! We're not done yet!" Klein called out, still holding Daphnie close. But Evangeline didn't stop. She simply raised her middle finger in their direction with her back facing them as she opened the car door.

"Oh, we are so done! Go fuck yourselves!" she shouted back, her voice carrying the full weight of her pain and anger. She slammed the car door shut, not caring who heard or saw. Klein's voice followed her, filled with anger as he tried to catch up.

"Where are you going?!" he demanded, but she was already starting the engine, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I'm off to comfort someone too!" she shot back, her voice laced with sarcasm and finality. She floored the gas pedal, the car speeding away as if to leave behind every hurtful memory of that moment.

As she drove, the tears she had been holding back finally began to fall, but her resolve remained strong. She wouldn't let herself be broken, not by him, not by anyone.

"Two can play this game." She uttered to herself.

~~~~~~

A/N: Aaaaah! Finally, the third chapter of book 2 and I'm done! :>  See you all at GoodNovel ^^ xoxo, lovelies!

~Y