The car was enveloped in silence as Evelyn pressed an ice pack against her swollen cheeks, the cold offering little relief from the warmth of her emotions.
"I'm sorry," she managed to whisper, her voice barely breaking through the tension, but he remained silent, his eyes fixed ahead as he navigated the road. She wished she could take back her words, to have stayed quiet until the end, she should have try her best not be offended with his sister's behavior.
Stealing a glance at him, her heart filled with sympathy. In that moment, she understood why he had turned into the "cold and evil demon" others whispered about. The weight of his family's cruelty bore down on him, and the disdain from his brother must have felt like an insurmountable hurdle. How lonely he must be, she thought. A sudden urge to reach out, to embrace him, to soothe his pain surged within her.
Recalling Cole's revelations, she realized that his father's death had likely left deep scars, and the relentless accusations from his own family must have been devastating. Her heart ached for him; he was a man who wore a mask of strength but bore a heavy heart beneath.
When they finally arrived at the dark mansion, it felt almost desolate. The silence was overwhelming, broken only by the soft welcome of the staff. Carlos walked past them without a glance, heading straight to his study. Evelyn watched his retreating figure, sadness washing over her. This time, she wasn't afraid of the consequences like before; instead, she felt the weight of his struggles pressing down on her heart.
That night, as she tossed and turned in bed, she searched for solace, but sleep remained elusive. He never came to her, and morning greeted her with a sense of emptiness.
Dressed and determined, she made her way downstairs the next day, spotting him deep in concentration, his attention absorbed by his tablet.
"Good morning," she said softly, attempting to bridge the gap between them.
"Mm," he grunted in reply, his gaze fixed on the screen, oblivious to her presence.
Evelyn's heart sank; he hadn't even touched his breakfast, the food untouched as he fixed his eyes on the screen with a distant expression. Without a word, he left the house, accompanied by his secretary, leaving her hollow and heartbroken.
Suddenly, an idea sparked within her, igniting a smile that crept to the corners of her lips. She turned to the old butler, her eyes bright with hope. "Grandpa, what is Carlos's favorite food?"