Chapter 2: Emily's POV

The mocking voices inside the private room formed a stark contrast with the hurricane-battered street outside.

I stood at the doorway, my feet feeling as if they were filled with lead, unable to move.

My face was wet—I couldn't tell if it was rainwater or tears.

Fortunately, Evan's cufflink in my hand brought a little warmth to my cold heart.

I had heard taunting words since childhood, but those people couldn't represent Evan, because I hadn't heard his voice.

Two hours ago, Evan had instructed me that what happened in bed couldn't be known by a third person, so I thought those harsh words were just their wild guesses.

Thinking of this, the bitterness in my heart eased considerably. I didn't care about others' words and insults, as long as Evan was sincere to me.

He was my entire world.

"Miss! Are you in some kind of trouble?"

Just as my hand was still suspended in mid-air, a waiter suddenly called out to me from behind.

I snapped back to reality and turned around, quickly waving my hand.

"No! I'm not in any trouble!"

As soon as I finished speaking, the door of the private room behind me creaked open.

I turned my head, and a bright light stabbed at my eyes.

I felt a bit dizzy, supporting my forehead with one hand and squinting. It took me quite a while to clearly see their laughing faces.

"Evan, we really underestimated Emily's speed."

"She's really an agile fatty."

Before I could wipe away the tears on my face, my face had already turned completely red, but I was grateful for the hurricane and rainstorm outside, which concealed my embarrassment.

"Evan!"

I walked toward Evan with my head down. At this moment, my smile must have looked worse than crying.

Evan sat on a black sofa, his legs casually crossed, his eyes indifferent, raising his arm.

"Emily, help me put it on!"

Evan's friends stared at me and Evan as if watching a monkey show.

Already very nervous and trying to finish the task and escape immediately, I bent down and tore my dress.

I wished I could find a hole to crawl into.

I had forgotten that this cheap fiber dress would shrink when wet.

The moment the fabric ripped, my broad, thick back was exposed to everyone's gaze, followed by everyone's unrestrained laughter.

Evan frowned, and I, like a mouse seeing light, hugged my shoulders to cover myself.

But unfortunately, my size was too large. This action not only failed to achieve my intended effect but looked even more ridiculous.

"Emily! What are you covering? If I were you, I'd cover my face first."

After one of Evan's friends shouted loudly, everyone laughed even harder.

"Enough! In this kind of weather, what's there to be happy about!"

Just when I was at a loss, Evan stood up from the sofa with a dark face. He took off his jacket and draped it over me.

A familiar cigar scent quickly enveloped me. I secretly glanced at Evan, full of guilt, and lowered my head again.

"Alright, alright! We've had enough to drink. The hurricane is getting stronger. Everyone go back to sleep."

Seeing Evan's dark expression, the few people who were just joking immediately withdrew their smiles. Everyone understood Evan's temperament.

The matter of being drugged hadn't been investigated yet, and no one wanted to hit the muzzle at this time.

"Emily! Take this room card. When Dad calls later, tell him we attended a charity event and suddenly a hurricane came so we couldn't go back."

I took the room card, understood Evan's meaning, and nodded.

I wanted to say something more to Evan, but before I could speak, I was blocked behind by his friends.

Watching Evan leave with his friends, I could only return to my room first. After a simple shower, the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Miss, your ordered dress and dinner have arrived. Should I bring them in or leave them at the door?"

A gentle female voice came from outside the door.

"Please leave them at the door for me."

Wearing the torn dress, I really had no face to go out.

But my heart was very warm, because I knew this must have been arranged by Evan.

After waiting three minutes, hearing no sound outside the door, I gently pulled open the door like a thief. In front of the door was a golden trolley with a covered dinner on top and an exquisitely wrapped bag below.

I pulled the cart inside and quickly closed the door, afraid of being seen by Evan's friends.

The dinner was simple—a beef pasta, which I loved.

But I didn't rush to enjoy it. Instead, I opened the bag and took out the purple dress. I treasured everything Evan gave me.

I tried it on, and it fit perfectly, as if it were tailor-made. My heart felt even happier, and I instantly regained my confidence.

After fixing my hair, I took the room card and prepared to return Evan's clothes and thank him.

"Evan! Isabella is coming back to the country soon. Has Uncle Arthur put your marriage on the agenda? Or do you have another choice!"

In the smoking area of the corridor, I saw Evan and his best friend Jamie.

They were looking out the window and smoking cigars.

Fortunately, the hurricane was roaring quite loudly, otherwise I swear they would have noticed me.

I wanted to go back first, but when I heard Mia's name, I instinctively wanted to stay and eavesdrop.

"Who?"

Evan held the cigar between his fingers and took a shallow puff.

"Emily?"

Jamie asked tentatively, with a smile on his face.

Hearing my name, I covered my mouth tightly with both hands and held my breath!

Afraid my heart would jump out.

But my heart was filled with undeniable joy and nervousness.

"Evan! I don't mean anything else. It's just that your attitude toward her was a bit different just now. We all saw it! You... didn't sleep with her and get threatened by her, did you?"

Jamie's words made me very embarrassed. I didn't expect Evan to tell Jamie about such a private matter.

"Sleeping with her once could threaten me?" Evan chuckled lightly. "Then the people who could threaten me could fill all of Europe."

After speaking, Evan raised his hand and pressed the cigar into the marble ashtray.

"If it weren't for my father, for the entire Kane family, this pawn would have been out of the game long ago!"

Watching the remaining smoke from the cigar slowly dissipate in the dim light not far away.

I felt my soul, like that wisp of smoke, being pulled away from my body.

A pawn?

After living in Kane Manor for more than ten years, I never expected that in the end, I wasn't even as good as a servant!

Just a cold pawn to be manipulated?

But when I did that kind of thing with Evan, I could feel his desire. At least I was sure he had a little bit of affection for me.

I shook my head, not believing it!

But my body involuntarily leaned against the wall.

My head was filled with Evan's words.

"Evan! I'm relieved you said that! Buddy, I thought you had developed some special fetish. After all, she's a piece of fat meat that's hard to swallow."

Evan patted Jamie's shoulder.

"You're right, it is indeed disgusting!"