If you and his beloved were in a car accident, who would your husband save? When Soren Fawkes carried his precious one away from the wreckage, three things died in that moment: Evangeline Whitmore's unborn child, her fading heartbeat, and whatever remained of her love. This marriage began as a transaction - Evangeline had schemed her way to the altar, stealing Soren from his true love. She'd believed time would prove her worth, that someday he'd finally see her. Then she buried the three-month life growing inside her. And she finally woke up. "Let's divorce." With those papers, all ties were severed. Three months later, under dazzling lights, Soren's mask slipped when he saw her accepting an award. "Yes," he told curious onlookers, "that's my wife." "Wife?" Evangeline smiled, placing the divorce decree in his palm. "The correct term is ex-wife, Mr. Fawkes." For the first time ever, the famously composed Soren shattered - eyes bloodshot, voice trembling as he snarled: "Ex-wife? I never agreed to that!"

Chapter 1"Mr. Fawkes, it's still dangerous at the crash site. You can't go in yet.""We've already called for rescue. The ambulance will be here any minute.""Mr. Fawkes—""Get out of my way! If you waste any more time and anything happens to her, I'll make sure you all pay for it!" Amid the chaos and shouting, that furious voice cut through the noise and slowly pulled Evangeline Whitmore back to consciousness.She struggled to lift her head, her vision swimming, but managed to catch sight of a tall, familiar figure pushing past the barricade, storming toward her like some avenging angel.Tears of relief spilled down her cheeks. She'd been trapped inside the overturned car for what felt like forever, bleeding and drifting in and out of awareness. She'd thought Soren Fawkes would never come.The last time they spoke, they'd been arguing. They were supposed to meet at his office last night, but Soren had received a call early that morning and bailed on her—didn't even bother to pick up when she called. By the time the accident happened, her phone was almost dead. She used the last bit of battery to shoot her location to his assistant, praying someone would come help.She thought, like always, Soren would ignore her messages.But now…"There's still hope, baby… Daddy's here…"Evangeline looked down at the blood still pooling beneath her. Even so, she clung to a shred of hope.Fighting off the waves of nausea, she tried to call out Soren's name, but her throat was raw—she could barely make a sound.It didn't matter. Soren had found her. She forced her trembling arm to lift, trying to wave him down—But in the next moment, Soren brushed right past her, not even glancing her way, his stride unbroken.Evangeline froze, confused.Maybe he hadn't recognized her. She wasn't driving the Fawkes family car today—her sister-in-law had borrowed it that morning. This was the car her mother had given her as a gift, something she rarely drove. Of course Soren wouldn't recognize it.Too dizzy to think straight, she summoned the last of her strength and tried to call his name.But blood loss had stolen her voice, and what came out was barely a whisper, swallowed by the chaos around them.Soren didn't hear her. He kept walking, stopping only when he reached a white sedan up ahead—the car that had caused the accident.Before Evangeline could figure out what was going on, Soren threw open the door and pulled a shaking woman into his arms.She wore a long coat, her frame delicate and elegant; she looked every bit the picture of frail beauty. And when Evangeline saw her face, she felt as if she'd been plunged into icy water.It was Poppy Yates—Soren's old flame, the one he could never forget.Suddenly, everything made sense: that white car had been swerving recklessly, giving Evangeline no time to react before slamming into her. Yet now, the driver sat quietly by the roadside, looking for all the world like a wounded child.And her "rescuer" was nestled in Evangeline's husband's arms.Evangeline couldn't even process why Poppy was back from overseas, or how she'd ended up in that car. None of it mattered. All Evangeline wanted now was to save her baby."Mr. Fawkes, there's someone else in that car!"As Evangeline tried to bang weakly on the window, one of Soren's bodyguards finally noticed the movement inside her vehicle. Something about the car seemed familiar, and he called out in alarm.Soren turned his head.Inside, Evangeline sat slumped in blood, her face streaked with it, battered and unrecognizable—yet beneath the mess, traces of her delicate features remained.She looked vaguely familiar.Soren hesitated for a heartbeat, about to say something, but the woman in his arms whimpered in pain."Poppy's hurt. Clear a path to the hospital. Now."He didn't spare another glance for anyone else."But, Mr. Fawkes—"The guard's protest died on his lips when Soren shot him a withering glare. "Yes, sir."Evangeline watched, numb, as Soren's gaze lingered on her for barely a second before he swept Poppy into the waiting car."Soren, help me! Please, save our baby…" She tried to scream, but blood filled her throat, choking off her words.No one heard her.Soren's car tore away, sirens blaring, leaving her behind.Evangeline watched as the car disappeared down the road, her vision blurring, her heart shattering. A wave of agony crashed over her, and as the pain overwhelmed her, darkness swallowed her up once more."Damn shame. The mom pulled through, but the baby didn't make it. She didn't get to the hospital in time.""Where's her family?""No one was here. The mother signed the consent forms herself."The words drifted into Evangeline's consciousness as she slowly surfaced from anesthesia, the terror of nearly dying still clinging to her. She heard the doctor and nurse talking just beside her bed.Almost involuntarily, she laid a trembling hand on her stomach.Just as the doctor had said, the baby was gone.Where her belly had once begun to swell, there was only emptiness now.She would never again feel that tiny life fluttering under her palm.She knew she should be sobbing, hysterical, shattered. But for some reason, not a single tear would come.Maybe she'd simply run out of tears a long time ago.When the doctor saw she was awake, he asked about her pain, then offered a few gentle words before leaving, assuring her that she'd get another chance, that there would be other children someday.Evangeline only nodded.She didn't bother to explain that there wouldn't be another child. This one had never truly been hers to begin with—just like her marriage was never really hers, only borrowed, stolen for a time.She had once gotten her wish: marrying Soren Fawkes, the golden boy of Serenity City's most prominent family. But Soren had always looked at her like she was some calculating usurper, his disdain obvious from the start. On their wedding night, he'd gone out of his way to humiliate her, making a show of leaving for a club so everyone would know exactly what he thought of her.She'd become the laughingstock of Serenity City.After five years together, he'd mellowed—at least a little. Sometimes, when the gossip and mockery got especially cruel, Soren would take pity and step in to defend her.People say even strangers develop some affection after seeing each other day after day. Maybe that's why, after pretending to be husband and wife for so long, there seemed to be a sliver of kindness between them.But Soren had made himself clear to her from the very beginning.He would only ever desire her—not love her. And he would never allow her to have his child.Every time, they were meticulous—never letting down their guard. On the rare occasions things got out of hand, he'd make sure she took the morning-after pill.Evangeline spent years walking on eggshells, dutifully playing the part of Mrs. Whitmore, following all his unspoken rules.Then, three months ago, everything changed. Soren stumbled home wasted, whiskey heavy on his breath, and they had sex—no protection.Afterward, Evangeline went to take her pill—but the box was empty. She'd meant to buy more, but life got busy and somehow she forgot.She thought, surely, one time wouldn't matter. But fate had other plans.For weeks, she was anxious, uncertain. She hid the truth for nearly three months before finally deciding she would tell Soren today.She'd hoped that maybe, with the baby, things would change between them. Maybe they could be more than just strangers under the same roof. But on her way to meet him, the car accident happened.Her parents were long gone. The Fawkes family barely tolerated her.Before the surgery, she'd glimpsed the doctor trying to call Soren, sending him a message about the accident. Soren hadn't even answered. In the end, he must have found her such a nuisance, he simply turned off his phone.Evangeline knew he was cold, but she never imagined he could be this heartless.Lying there, she stared up at the hospital's sterile white ceiling.Five years of marriage—a dream from which she was only now waking up.She needed the bathroom, but everyone in the corridor seemed rushed and preoccupied. No one offered to help, so she dragged her IV stand step by step toward the restroom.At least the hospital gowns didn't have buttons, she thought with a bitter smile.Something that should have taken minutes stretched into half an hour, her body slow and clumsy after surgery.As she left the bathroom and started back, a woman's voice drifted from the nearby office.She froze mid-step, recognizing the gentle, sweet tone."Soren, it's just a sprain. I told you, it's nothing. You're fussing over me for no reason," the woman said, her voice full of warmth and playful reproach.There was no trace of blame, just a soft, affectionate lilt that made her sound impossibly pure and innocent. Even Evangeline, standing there as another woman, felt the urge to protect her.This time, Evangeline saw her clearly—the girl Soren could never let go of. Poppy.Evangeline never knew whether Soren truly hadn't seen her in the hallway just now, or whether he'd seen her and simply didn't care—just left her to fend for herself, as always.It didn't matter anymore.She understood now. All these years, the absurdity of her marriage—so much of it could be traced back to Poppy.Even if things hadn't come to a head today, it was only a matter of time before they did."Poppy, Soren's only worried about you, that's all," someone teased."You should've heard his voice when he called me just now—he was practically shaking, asked me to book every test we had. I thought something terrible had happened!" The young doctor in the crisp white coat grinned as he spoke.That was Liam Leigh, Soren's childhood friend, and a constant witness to the tangled history between Soren and Poppy.Poppy's cheeks flushed. She tilted her head back to look at the man holding her so tightly, so anxiously.How could any woman not fall for that face? Handsome and chiseled, broad-shouldered, every inch of him radiating a quiet strength. Even through the thin fabric of his shirt, she could feel his warmth. Just being in his arms, she felt safe—like even if the world came crashing down, he'd somehow hold it up for her."Well, after a car accident, it's better to be thorough," Soren said quietly.Liam shot him a knowing look. "You're only this careful because it's Poppy. I don't see you this anxious about anyone else."He was right, and they all knew it. Soren had only married Evangeline because his family forced his hand.When Liam mentioned "anyone else," he meant Evangeline, of course.Over the years, Evangeline had always come to the hospital alone. Sometimes, Liam would mention seeing her to Soren, but Soren never reacted—never asked, never cared.Liam had already heard about what happened earlier: Evangeline barely escaping death, losing her pregnancy.In theory, as both Soren's friend and Evangeline's attending physician, Liam should have checked on her, or at least stopped by her room. But he hadn't so much as glanced her way.Why bother? In his eyes, Evangeline had brought this all on herself.Her marriage to Soren had never been simple. Liam had even tested the waters with Soren when news of the pregnancy broke; Soren hadn't known a thing.Anyone with half a brain could see what Evangeline was doing—trying to trap Soren with a baby.But her scheming had come to nothing.Losing the baby was just fate, Liam thought. Nothing to pity."I'll get you a private room, Poppy—just to be safe. You should stay a couple more days for observation," Liam said, snapping back to the present and flashing them both a reassuring smile.Poppy nodded. "Thank you, Liam."He puffed out his chest, playing it up. "No need to thank me. Your problems are Soren's problems, and anything Soren cares about, I'll look after too."Poppy couldn't help but smile, clearly pleased by the attention. Her gaze drifted unconsciously to the doorway.Standing there, Evangeline met Poppy's eyes for just a moment.Before Evangeline could process it, Poppy looked away, turning to Soren with a gentle smile. "Soren, I remember Evangeline called you earlier—she sounded pretty desperate. Maybe you should call her back, just to check in?"At the mention of Evangeline's name, Soren's brow drew tight.Before he could say a word, Liam jumped in, barely looking up from his clipboard. "Ignore her. Evangeline's always bothering Soren—calls him nonstop. He's sick of it.""Poppy, you just need Soren here with you. Focus on getting better.""Sooner or later, Evangeline will have to make room for you anyway."Poppy gave Liam a playful glare. "Liam, don't say things like that."He raised his hands in defense. "I'm just saying what Soren's thinking."Soren didn't deny it. He just frowned deeper, saying nothing.Evangeline stood in the silence that followed, the chill in the air unmistakable. She managed a bitter little smile.It's all right, she thought. That day would come soon enough.Chapter 2"Mr. Fawkes, it's still dangerous at the crash site. You can't go in yet.""We've already called for rescue. The ambulance will be here any minute.""Mr. Fawkes—""Get out of my way! If you waste any more time and anything happens to her, I'll make sure you all pay for it!" Amid the chaos and shouting, that furious voice cut through the noise and slowly pulled Evangeline Whitmore back to consciousness.She struggled to lift her head, her vision swimming, but managed to catch sight of a tall, familiar figure pushing past the barricade, storming toward her like some avenging angel.Tears of relief spilled down her cheeks. She'd been trapped inside the overturned car for what felt like forever, bleeding and drifting in and out of awareness. She'd thought Soren Fawkes would never come.The last time they spoke, they'd been arguing. They were supposed to meet at his office last night, but Soren had received a call early that morning and bailed on her—didn't even bother to pick up when she called. By the time the accident happened, her phone was almost dead. She used the last bit of battery to shoot her location to his assistant, praying someone would come help.She thought, like always, Soren would ignore her messages.But now…"There's still hope, baby… Daddy's here…"Evangeline looked down at the blood still pooling beneath her. Even so, she clung to a shred of hope.Fighting off the waves of nausea, she tried to call out Soren's name, but her throat was raw—she could barely make a sound.It didn't matter. Soren had found her. She forced her trembling arm to lift, trying to wave him down—But in the next moment, Soren brushed right past her, not even glancing her way, his stride unbroken.Evangeline froze, confused.Maybe he hadn't recognized her. She wasn't driving the Fawkes family car today—her sister-in-law had borrowed it that morning. This was the car her mother had given her as a gift, something she rarely drove. Of course Soren wouldn't recognize it.Too dizzy to think straight, she summoned the last of her strength and tried to call his name.But blood loss had stolen her voice, and what came out was barely a whisper, swallowed by the chaos around them.Soren didn't hear her. He kept walking, stopping only when he reached a white sedan up ahead—the car that had caused the accident.Before Evangeline could figure out what was going on, Soren threw open the door and pulled a shaking woman into his arms.She wore a long coat, her frame delicate and elegant; she looked every bit the picture of frail beauty. And when Evangeline saw her face, she felt as if she'd been plunged into icy water.It was Poppy Yates—Soren's old flame, the one he could never forget.Suddenly, everything made sense: that white car had been swerving recklessly, giving Evangeline no time to react before slamming into her. Yet now, the driver sat quietly by the roadside, looking for all the world like a wounded child.And her "rescuer" was nestled in Evangeline's husband's arms.Evangeline couldn't even process why Poppy was back from overseas, or how she'd ended up in that car. None of it mattered. All Evangeline wanted now was to save her baby."Mr. Fawkes, there's someone else in that car!"As Evangeline tried to bang weakly on the window, one of Soren's bodyguards finally noticed the movement inside her vehicle. Something about the car seemed familiar, and he called out in alarm.Soren turned his head.Inside, Evangeline sat slumped in blood, her face streaked with it, battered and unrecognizable—yet beneath the mess, traces of her delicate features remained.She looked vaguely familiar.Soren hesitated for a heartbeat, about to say something, but the woman in his arms whimpered in pain."Poppy's hurt. Clear a path to the hospital. Now."He didn't spare another glance for anyone else."But, Mr. Fawkes—"The guard's protest died on his lips when Soren shot him a withering glare. "Yes, sir."Evangeline watched, numb, as Soren's gaze lingered on her for barely a second before he swept Poppy into the waiting car."Soren, help me! Please, save our baby…" She tried to scream, but blood filled her throat, choking off her words.No one heard her.Soren's car tore away, sirens blaring, leaving her behind.Evangeline watched as the car disappeared down the road, her vision blurring, her heart shattering. A wave of agony crashed over her, and as the pain overwhelmed her, darkness swallowed her up once more."Damn shame. The mom pulled through, but the baby didn't make it. She didn't get to the hospital in time.""Where's her family?""No one was here. The mother signed the consent forms herself."The words drifted into Evangeline's consciousness as she slowly surfaced from anesthesia, the terror of nearly dying still clinging to her. She heard the doctor and nurse talking just beside her bed.Almost involuntarily, she laid a trembling hand on her stomach.Just as the doctor had said, the baby was gone.Where her belly had once begun to swell, there was only emptiness now.She would never again feel that tiny life fluttering under her palm.She knew she should be sobbing, hysterical, shattered. But for some reason, not a single tear would come.Maybe she'd simply run out of tears a long time ago.When the doctor saw she was awake, he asked about her pain, then offered a few gentle words before leaving, assuring her that she'd get another chance, that there would be other children someday.Evangeline only nodded.She didn't bother to explain that there wouldn't be another child. This one had never truly been hers to begin with—just like her marriage was never really hers, only borrowed, stolen for a time.She had once gotten her wish: marrying Soren Fawkes, the golden boy of Serenity City's most prominent family. But Soren had always looked at her like she was some calculating usurper, his disdain obvious from the start. On their wedding night, he'd gone out of his way to humiliate her, making a show of leaving for a club so everyone would know exactly what he thought of her.She'd become the laughingstock of Serenity City.After five years together, he'd mellowed—at least a little. Sometimes, when the gossip and mockery got especially cruel, Soren would take pity and step in to defend her.People say even strangers develop some affection after seeing each other day after day. Maybe that's why, after pretending to be husband and wife for so long, there seemed to be a sliver of kindness between them.But Soren had made himself clear to her from the very beginning.He would only ever desire her—not love her. And he would never allow her to have his child.Every time, they were meticulous—never letting down their guard. On the rare occasions things got out of hand, he'd make sure she took the morning-after pill.Evangeline spent years walking on eggshells, dutifully playing the part of Mrs. Whitmore, following all his unspoken rules.Then, three months ago, everything changed. Soren stumbled home wasted, whiskey heavy on his breath, and they had sex—no protection.Afterward, Evangeline went to take her pill—but the box was empty. She'd meant to buy more, but life got busy and somehow she forgot.She thought, surely, one time wouldn't matter. But fate had other plans.For weeks, she was anxious, uncertain. She hid the truth for nearly three months before finally deciding she would tell Soren today.She'd hoped that maybe, with the baby, things would change between them. Maybe they could be more than just strangers under the same roof. But on her way to meet him, the car accident happened.Her parents were long gone. The Fawkes family barely tolerated her.Before the surgery, she'd glimpsed the doctor trying to call Soren, sending him a message about the accident. Soren hadn't even answered. In the end, he must have found her such a nuisance, he simply turned off his phone.Evangeline knew he was cold, but she never imagined he could be this heartless.Lying there, she stared up at the hospital's sterile white ceiling.Five years of marriage—a dream from which she was only now waking up.She needed the bathroom, but everyone in the corridor seemed rushed and preoccupied. No one offered to help, so she dragged her IV stand step by step toward the restroom.At least the hospital gowns didn't have buttons, she thought with a bitter smile.Something that should have taken minutes stretched into half an hour, her body slow and clumsy after surgery.As she left the bathroom and started back, a woman's voice drifted from the nearby office.She froze mid-step, recognizing the gentle, sweet tone."Soren, it's just a sprain. I told you, it's nothing. You're fussing over me for no reason," the woman said, her voice full of warmth and playful reproach.There was no trace of blame, just a soft, affectionate lilt that made her sound impossibly pure and innocent. Even Evangeline, standing there as another woman, felt the urge to protect her.This time, Evangeline saw her clearly—the girl Soren could never let go of. Poppy.Evangeline never knew whether Soren truly hadn't seen her in the hallway just now, or whether he'd seen her and simply didn't care—just left her to fend for herself, as always.It didn't matter anymore.She understood now. All these years, the absurdity of her marriage—so much of it could be traced back to Poppy.Even if things hadn't come to a head today, it was only a matter of time before they did."Poppy, Soren's only worried about you, that's all," someone teased."You should've heard his voice when he called me just now—he was practically shaking, asked me to book every test we had. I thought something terrible had happened!" The young doctor in the crisp white coat grinned as he spoke.That was Liam Leigh, Soren's childhood friend, and a constant witness to the tangled history between Soren and Poppy.Poppy's cheeks flushed. She tilted her head back to look at the man holding her so tightly, so anxiously.How could any woman not fall for that face? Handsome and chiseled, broad-shouldered, every inch of him radiating a quiet strength. Even through the thin fabric of his shirt, she could feel his warmth. Just being in his arms, she felt safe—like even if the world came crashing down, he'd somehow hold it up for her."Well, after a car accident, it's better to be thorough," Soren said quietly.Liam shot him a knowing look. "You're only this careful because it's Poppy. I don't see you this anxious about anyone else."He was right, and they all knew it. Soren had only married Evangeline because his family forced his hand.When Liam mentioned "anyone else," he meant Evangeline, of course.Over the years, Evangeline had always come to the hospital alone. Sometimes, Liam would mention seeing her to Soren, but Soren never reacted—never asked, never cared.Liam had already heard about what happened earlier: Evangeline barely escaping death, losing her pregnancy.In theory, as both Soren's friend and Evangeline's attending physician, Liam should have checked on her, or at least stopped by her room. But he hadn't so much as glanced her way.Why bother? In his eyes, Evangeline had brought this all on herself.Her marriage to Soren had never been simple. Liam had even tested the waters with Soren when news of the pregnancy broke; Soren hadn't known a thing.Anyone with half a brain could see what Evangeline was doing—trying to trap Soren with a baby.But her scheming had come to nothing.Losing the baby was just fate, Liam thought. Nothing to pity."I'll get you a private room, Poppy—just to be safe. You should stay a couple more days for observation," Liam said, snapping back to the present and flashing them both a reassuring smile.Poppy nodded. "Thank you, Liam."He puffed out his chest, playing it up. "No need to thank me. Your problems are Soren's problems, and anything Soren cares about, I'll look after too."Poppy couldn't help but smile, clearly pleased by the attention. Her gaze drifted unconsciously to the doorway.Standing there, Evangeline met Poppy's eyes for just a moment.Before Evangeline could process it, Poppy looked away, turning to Soren with a gentle smile. "Soren, I remember Evangeline called you earlier—she sounded pretty desperate. Maybe you should call her back, just to check in?"At the mention of Evangeline's name, Soren's brow drew tight.Before he could say a word, Liam jumped in, barely looking up from his clipboard. "Ignore her. Evangeline's always bothering Soren—calls him nonstop. He's sick of it.""Poppy, you just need Soren here with you. Focus on getting better.""Sooner or later, Evangeline will have to make room for you anyway."Poppy gave Liam a playful glare. "Liam, don't say things like that."He raised his hands in defense. "I'm just saying what Soren's thinking."Soren didn't deny it. He just frowned deeper, saying nothing.Evangeline stood in the silence that followed, the chill in the air unmistakable. She managed a bitter little smile.It's all right, she thought. That day would come soon enough.Chapter 3"Mr. Fawkes, it's still dangerous at the crash site. You can't go in yet.""We've already called for rescue. The ambulance will be here any minute.""Mr. Fawkes—""Get out of my way! If you waste any more time and anything happens to her, I'll make sure you all pay for it!" Amid the chaos and shouting, that furious voice cut through the noise and slowly pulled Evangeline Whitmore back to consciousness.She struggled to lift her head, her vision swimming, but managed to catch sight of a tall, familiar figure pushing past the barricade, storming toward her like some avenging angel.Tears of relief spilled down her cheeks. She'd been trapped inside the overturned car for what felt like forever, bleeding and drifting in and out of awareness. She'd thought Soren Fawkes would never come.The last time they spoke, they'd been arguing. They were supposed to meet at his office last night, but Soren had received a call early that morning and bailed on her—didn't even bother to pick up when she called. By the time the accident happened, her phone was almost dead. She used the last bit of battery to shoot her location to his assistant, praying someone would come help.She thought, like always, Soren would ignore her messages.But now…"There's still hope, baby… Daddy's here…"Evangeline looked down at the blood still pooling beneath her. Even so, she clung to a shred of hope.Fighting off the waves of nausea, she tried to call out Soren's name, but her throat was raw—she could barely make a sound.It didn't matter. Soren had found her. She forced her trembling arm to lift, trying to wave him down—But in the next moment, Soren brushed right past her, not even glancing her way, his stride unbroken.Evangeline froze, confused.Maybe he hadn't recognized her. She wasn't driving the Fawkes family car today—her sister-in-law had borrowed it that morning. This was the car her mother had given her as a gift, something she rarely drove. Of course Soren wouldn't recognize it.Too dizzy to think straight, she summoned the last of her strength and tried to call his name.But blood loss had stolen her voice, and what came out was barely a whisper, swallowed by the chaos around them.Soren didn't hear her. He kept walking, stopping only when he reached a white sedan up ahead—the car that had caused the accident.Before Evangeline could figure out what was going on, Soren threw open the door and pulled a shaking woman into his arms.She wore a long coat, her frame delicate and elegant; she looked every bit the picture of frail beauty. And when Evangeline saw her face, she felt as if she'd been plunged into icy water.It was Poppy Yates—Soren's old flame, the one he could never forget.Suddenly, everything made sense: that white car had been swerving recklessly, giving Evangeline no time to react before slamming into her. Yet now, the driver sat quietly by the roadside, looking for all the world like a wounded child.And her "rescuer" was nestled in Evangeline's husband's arms.Evangeline couldn't even process why Poppy was back from overseas, or how she'd ended up in that car. None of it mattered. All Evangeline wanted now was to save her baby."Mr. Fawkes, there's someone else in that car!"As Evangeline tried to bang weakly on the window, one of Soren's bodyguards finally noticed the movement inside her vehicle. Something about the car seemed familiar, and he called out in alarm.Soren turned his head.Inside, Evangeline sat slumped in blood, her face streaked with it, battered and unrecognizable—yet beneath the mess, traces of her delicate features remained.She looked vaguely familiar.Soren hesitated for a heartbeat, about to say something, but the woman in his arms whimpered in pain."Poppy's hurt. Clear a path to the hospital. Now."He didn't spare another glance for anyone else."But, Mr. Fawkes—"The guard's protest died on his lips when Soren shot him a withering glare. "Yes, sir."Evangeline watched, numb, as Soren's gaze lingered on her for barely a second before he swept Poppy into the waiting car."Soren, help me! Please, save our baby…" She tried to scream, but blood filled her throat, choking off her words.No one heard her.Soren's car tore away, sirens blaring, leaving her behind.Evangeline watched as the car disappeared down the road, her vision blurring, her heart shattering. A wave of agony crashed over her, and as the pain overwhelmed her, darkness swallowed her up once more."Damn shame. The mom pulled through, but the baby didn't make it. She didn't get to the hospital in time.""Where's her family?""No one was here. The mother signed the consent forms herself."The words drifted into Evangeline's consciousness as she slowly surfaced from anesthesia, the terror of nearly dying still clinging to her. She heard the doctor and nurse talking just beside her bed.Almost involuntarily, she laid a trembling hand on her stomach.Just as the doctor had said, the baby was gone.Where her belly had once begun to swell, there was only emptiness now.She would never again feel that tiny life fluttering under her palm.She knew she should be sobbing, hysterical, shattered. But for some reason, not a single tear would come.Maybe she'd simply run out of tears a long time ago.When the doctor saw she was awake, he asked about her pain, then offered a few gentle words before leaving, assuring her that she'd get another chance, that there would be other children someday.Evangeline only nodded.She didn't bother to explain that there wouldn't be another child. This one had never truly been hers to begin with—just like her marriage was never really hers, only borrowed, stolen for a time.She had once gotten her wish: marrying Soren Fawkes, the golden boy of Serenity City's most prominent family. But Soren had always looked at her like she was some calculating usurper, his disdain obvious from the start. On their wedding night, he'd gone out of his way to humiliate her, making a show of leaving for a club so everyone would know exactly what he thought of her.She'd become the laughingstock of Serenity City.After five years together, he'd mellowed—at least a little. Sometimes, when the gossip and mockery got especially cruel, Soren would take pity and step in to defend her.People say even strangers develop some affection after seeing each other day after day. Maybe that's why, after pretending to be husband and wife for so long, there seemed to be a sliver of kindness between them.But Soren had made himself clear to her from the very beginning.He would only ever desire her—not love her. And he would never allow her to have his child.Every time, they were meticulous—never letting down their guard. On the rare occasions things got out of hand, he'd make sure she took the morning-after pill.Evangeline spent years walking on eggshells, dutifully playing the part of Mrs. Whitmore, following all his unspoken rules.Then, three months ago, everything changed. Soren stumbled home wasted, whiskey heavy on his breath, and they had sex—no protection.Afterward, Evangeline went to take her pill—but the box was empty. She'd meant to buy more, but life got busy and somehow she forgot.She thought, surely, one time wouldn't matter. But fate had other plans.For weeks, she was anxious, uncertain. She hid the truth for nearly three months before finally deciding she would tell Soren today.She'd hoped that maybe, with the baby, things would change between them. Maybe they could be more than just strangers under the same roof. But on her way to meet him, the car accident happened.Her parents were long gone. The Fawkes family barely tolerated her.Before the surgery, she'd glimpsed the doctor trying to call Soren, sending him a message about the accident. Soren hadn't even answered. In the end, he must have found her such a nuisance, he simply turned off his phone.Evangeline knew he was cold, but she never imagined he could be this heartless.Lying there, she stared up at the hospital's sterile white ceiling.Five years of marriage—a dream from which she was only now waking up.She needed the bathroom, but everyone in the corridor seemed rushed and preoccupied. No one offered to help, so she dragged her IV stand step by step toward the restroom.At least the hospital gowns didn't have buttons, she thought with a bitter smile.Something that should have taken minutes stretched into half an hour, her body slow and clumsy after surgery.As she left the bathroom and started back, a woman's voice drifted from the nearby office.She froze mid-step, recognizing the gentle, sweet tone."Soren, it's just a sprain. I told you, it's nothing. You're fussing over me for no reason," the woman said, her voice full of warmth and playful reproach.There was no trace of blame, just a soft, affectionate lilt that made her sound impossibly pure and innocent. Even Evangeline, standing there as another woman, felt the urge to protect her.This time, Evangeline saw her clearly—the girl Soren could never let go of. Poppy.Evangeline never knew whether Soren truly hadn't seen her in the hallway just now, or whether he'd seen her and simply didn't care—just left her to fend for herself, as always.It didn't matter anymore.She understood now. All these years, the absurdity of her marriage—so much of it could be traced back to Poppy.Even if things hadn't come to a head today, it was only a matter of time before they did."Poppy, Soren's only worried about you, that's all," someone teased."You should've heard his voice when he called me just now—he was practically shaking, asked me to book every test we had. I thought something terrible had happened!" The young doctor in the crisp white coat grinned as he spoke.That was Liam Leigh, Soren's childhood friend, and a constant witness to the tangled history between Soren and Poppy.Poppy's cheeks flushed. She tilted her head back to look at the man holding her so tightly, so anxiously.How could any woman not fall for that face? Handsome and chiseled, broad-shouldered, every inch of him radiating a quiet strength. Even through the thin fabric of his shirt, she could feel his warmth. Just being in his arms, she felt safe—like even if the world came crashing down, he'd somehow hold it up for her."Well, after a car accident, it's better to be thorough," Soren said quietly.Liam shot him a knowing look. "You're only this careful because it's Poppy. I don't see you this anxious about anyone else."He was right, and they all knew it. Soren had only married Evangeline because his family forced his hand.When Liam mentioned "anyone else," he meant Evangeline, of course.Over the years, Evangeline had always come to the hospital alone. Sometimes, Liam would mention seeing her to Soren, but Soren never reacted—never asked, never cared.Liam had already heard about what happened earlier: Evangeline barely escaping death, losing her pregnancy.In theory, as both Soren's friend and Evangeline's attending physician, Liam should have checked on her, or at least stopped by her room. But he hadn't so much as glanced her way.Why bother? In his eyes, Evangeline had brought this all on herself.Her marriage to Soren had never been simple. Liam had even tested the waters with Soren when news of the pregnancy broke; Soren hadn't known a thing.Anyone with half a brain could see what Evangeline was doing—trying to trap Soren with a baby.But her scheming had come to nothing.Losing the baby was just fate, Liam thought. Nothing to pity."I'll get you a private room, Poppy—just to be safe. You should stay a couple more days for observation," Liam said, snapping back to the present and flashing them both a reassuring smile.Poppy nodded. "Thank you, Liam."He puffed out his chest, playing it up. "No need to thank me. Your problems are Soren's problems, and anything Soren cares about, I'll look after too."Poppy couldn't help but smile, clearly pleased by the attention. Her gaze drifted unconsciously to the doorway.Standing there, Evangeline met Poppy's eyes for just a moment.Before Evangeline could process it, Poppy looked away, turning to Soren with a gentle smile. "Soren, I remember Evangeline called you earlier—she sounded pretty desperate. Maybe you should call her back, just to check in?"At the mention of Evangeline's name, Soren's brow drew tight.Before he could say a word, Liam jumped in, barely looking up from his clipboard. "Ignore her. Evangeline's always bothering Soren—calls him nonstop. He's sick of it.""Poppy, you just need Soren here with you. Focus on getting better.""Sooner or later, Evangeline will have to make room for you anyway."Poppy gave Liam a playful glare. "Liam, don't say things like that."He raised his hands in defense. "I'm just saying what Soren's thinking."Soren didn't deny it. He just frowned deeper, saying nothing.Evangeline stood in the silence that followed, the chill in the air unmistakable. She managed a bitter little smile.It's all right, she thought. That day would come soon enough.