Chapter 3: Emily's POV

When I felt the tears streaming down my face, the hallway was already empty.

I had always believed that after sleeping with Evan, our relationship would progress further.

I had fantasized that the distance would weaken the bond between Isabella and Evan.

I would gradually work my way into Evan's heart, become his wife, and become part of the Kane family.

Now it seemed that all of this was just my own imagination.

From beginning to end, I was just a pawn used as an antidote, a pawn to uphold the Kane family's reputation.

Clutching Evan's jacket, I returned to my room like a ghost.

I didn't sleep all night, and the next day, after the hurricane subsided, I left the hotel alone.

When I returned to Kane Manor, Uncle Arthur and his wife Sophia were sitting in the dining room having breakfast.

"Emily! Why didn't Evan come back with you?"

The Arthurs were very comfortable with Evan and me going out together, because since I was fifteen, I had been by Evan's side.

In a flash, more than three years had passed.

Thinking about it now, I could only be considered a personal housekeeper back then, helping Evan manage his food, clothing, and daily life.

Unfortunately, I naively thought that was intimacy, that it was an opportunity to spend time alone with Evan.

Thinking about it now, it was truly ridiculous.

Although helpless, I still showed my signature smile—at least the Kane family had always been good to me.

"Uncle Arthur, Evan is helping Jamie handle some personal matters! He'll be back soon."

Arthur placed his knife and fork on either side of his plate and nodded.

"Emily! The weather is wonderful today. I'm planning to invite a few good friends to go out on the yacht, sunbathe, and enjoy the day. Go prepare, and tell Evan not to be late."

Having not closed my eyes all night, I really didn't know if I would faint when I saw the beautiful sun on the yacht later.

But I had no right to say no.

"Okay, Uncle Arthur!"

I went to the kitchen to instruct the servants to prepare the food and wine needed for the yacht, and told the workers to check and prepare the marine equipment and fishing gear.

As for everyone's personal items and intimate clothing, I personally prepared them every time.

For example, Mrs. Sophia was allergic to certain chemical substances, so when preparing sunscreen, I had to choose physical sunscreen. Uncle Arthur was allergic to high-intensity ultraviolet rays, so I had to constantly remind him to stand under the sun umbrella.

As for Evan, he unfortunately had both conditions.

After preparing everyone's items, I took out my phone and sent Evan a message.

【Setting sail at ten o'clock!】

Normally, I would definitely tell Evan the time, place, and purpose of the outing, as well as the situation at home and Uncle Arthur's attitude.

But since hearing Evan's words yesterday, I seemed to have suddenly grown up and understood some truths.

For people without value, there's no need to waste too many words.

Evan came back at nine-fifty. He wouldn't be late—that was Uncle Arthur's bottom line.

We were already sitting in the van, ready to depart.

"Oh my God! Look at my terrible memory, I actually left my sunglasses in the bathroom of the study."

"Then I'll go get them, Uncle Arthur."

I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of the car, while hearing a voice behind me.

"Dad! Lend me your high-protection sunglasses. You wouldn't mind, would you?"

Evan half-jokingly got out of the car with me.

Evan's action was unexpected to me. I simply thought he was really going to get the glasses.

After all, in Evan's heart, I was a disgusting person.

"Emily!"

I had just opened the door to Uncle Arthur's study.

A dark shadow, wrapped in a faint cigar scent, lunged toward me. My waist was embraced by Evan, and before I could scream, the door had already clicked shut.

I looked at Evan, who was so close, in disbelief, my heart pounding like I was at a disco.

"Evan! Let me go. This is the manor. Uncle Arthur and the others are still downstairs."

Although I enjoyed the feeling of being held in Evan's arms, I struggled instinctively, and even thinking of last night's events, I raised my hand and desperately pounded his chest.

Evan controlled both my hands with one of his. For Evan, who went to the gym every day, it took almost no effort.

"Emily! Do you think that just because you slept with me, you can do whatever you want? Disappearing all morning—you made me lose face."

Evan's voice was low, but every word was heavy.

"Evan! You're hurting me."

Pinned against the wall by Evan, I felt short of breath, and my heart felt even more uncomfortable.

It turned out that everything Evan said was true. I was just a pawn to him. Yesterday, braving the hurricane to deliver a cufflink was just to save face in front of his friends?

"Hurt? Don't you love this feeling the most?"

Evan's breath circled around my ear. His other hand lifted the hem of my skirt and climbed upward bit by bit.

This feeling was tingling. My whole body tensed as I gasped for breath. Just as I was about to compromise and moan, Evan pushed me hard. My back hit the wall heavily, and I instantly sobered up.

"Emily, you're like a cat in heat. Who taught you these dirty tricks?"

Evan took two steps closer to me, and an unprecedented sense of oppression hung over my head.

I was too ashamed to look up.

What was I just doing?

"Emily! You drugged me, didn't you?"

I suddenly looked up and stared at Evan, saying word by word, "I didn't!"

Evan laughed lightly.

"Emily! A thief who hasn't been caught will never admit to being a thief!"

Being repeatedly humiliated by Evan, I felt very sad, but more than that, I was angry.

"Evan! Believe it or not!"

My voice suddenly became loud, but after shouting this sentence, my heart felt like some passage had suddenly opened.

This was an unprecedented feeling, so I continued.

"I will never admit to something I didn't do, even if I die. And!" I walked up to him, mimicking Evan's manner.

"Evan, I must remind you that when we were in bed, you were the one begging me to help you!"

Evan had actually coaxed me, but for some reason, I wanted to use the most unpleasant words to provoke him.

"Emily!"

Evan grabbed my neck, very hard.

"We'll see about this!"

After Evan left, I quickly composed myself. A refreshing sensation swept through my heart, as if I had won a battle, and the corners of my mouth turned up slightly.

Buzz buzz buzz!

The handbag vibrated.

I searched for my phone while taking Uncle Arthur's sunglasses downstairs.

"Emily! Thank you!"

Uncle Arthur nodded at me as he put on his sunglasses.

"Darling, you're so lucky! Unfortunately, our Evan didn't find his favorite glasses and is a bit upset!"

Mrs. Sophia shrugged jokingly.

The driver started the car.

From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Evan's dark expression.

The van fell silent.

I looked at the message my aunt had sent me.

【Sweetheart! Have you made up your mind? Come live with your aunt! I respect whatever decision you make.】

I looked at the familiar streets outside the window and took a deep breath.

【Dear Aunt Chloe, I've decided to come! I'm looking forward to seeing you!】

A simple line of text that I typed slowly and heavily. I stared at the dialogue box and hesitated for a few seconds before finally pressing the send button.

My mood was like finishing a long marathon.

I put away my phone, raised my eyes to secretly look at that familiar yet strange back, and smiled gently.

"Evan, goodbye."