Evelyn's POV.
The drive to the Whitmore twin's mansion was awfully slow, with Ethan trying to raise a conversation at every chance he got.
"I'd be glad if we could move past our...differences, and start putting efforts to make this marriage work." He said, confidence dripping off his voice. "With that check, I am going to turn my life around and make you happy."
I rolled my eyes, and turned to the side. "I don't need your money." I breathed, clearly irritated. "I'm sure you know that."
"Yes, I do. But staying in your house after marriage—it's absurd."
"But you didn't care about that when you fucked someone else there, right?" I snapped, facing him.
His eyes darted between the road, and my face, as his mouth opened. "I...I'm sorry, baby. It won't—"
"Happen again. I'm aware." I said softly, already tired of the conversation. "Let's just get to our destination."
Thankfully, minutes later, we did.
As the car slowed down, I gazed up, and saw the towering mansion, every block of it reeking of wealth. Stone pillars, manicured lawns, a huge driveway. It had it all.
"Every house on this private road belongs to the family." Ethan declared, as he opened the door for me.
"Including you?" I corked a brow, as my eyes darted around in awe.
"Well, just my stepbrothers' and father's." He said in a low tone. "I'm not included."
"I'm sure you caused it because of your insecurity." I quietly said under my breath. He didn't hear me, but his shoulders did square up.
He took my hand into his, as we started off inside the mansion. A butler matched up to us seconds later.
"Good day, Mr and Mrs Whitmore. This way, please." We were led towards a huge door that had heavy gold intricate designs on it. It was opened, revealing one of the biggest dining halls that I had ever seen.
It was almost bigger than mine.
We walked towards the huge table at the center, our steps firm and confident. My father was already seated, as well as Ethan's father.
Lucas and Dominic were nowhere to be seen, making my heart drop a little.
We all exchanged pleasantries, before I took a seat.
Ethan started talking to me, but I wasn't listening, as my eyes kept on darting everywhere, as I waited for them.
Minutes later, the door creaked open, cutting through the hall. Lucas and Dominic prowled in, their presence immediately filling the hall.
I smiled. Brightly, tucking my hair behind my ear so I could see them properly.
"I'm glad you were all able to make it." Dominic's deep voice carried through the hall, as they both took the seats opposite mine and Ethan's in a smooth, practiced step.
"We had to." I responded, and they both looked at me for the first time that night, making my heart skip.
For a few seconds, neither of us looked away, as the air crackled around us. My heart pounded hard against my chest, as my lips parted involuntarily.
I—I wanted to climb over the table, grip their collars and—
"Evelyn?" Ethan's deep voice dragged me out of my dirty, dirty thoughts.
Hesitantly, I dropped my gaze, and flashed a small smile at everyone.
"Are you okay?" He whispered again, and I just pressed my legs together.
"Yes." I said sharply, and fixed my eyes on the table, my eyes tracing every little detail on it.
"Let's eat!" My father cooed loudly, as the servants trooped in, serving the meals.
I tried not to look at the twins, but every time I briefly did for a split second, their eyes were already on me, assessing and soft. It also felt like they were caressing me with their gaze.
I felt so hot and wet...in different places.
"So, the reason why this dinner was important tonight is because—" Mr Whitmore started softly, as he fixed his eyes on Ethan. "I am writing you back in the will."
Wait, what?
Ethan gasped slightly beside me, as he froze, his fork hanging over his plate.
"I'm stepping back from everything. Your brothers will handle everything — including you."
"I'm a part of the will now?" He asked, disbelief masking his tone.
"Precisely. You have to come tomorrow so we can see the lawyer together. Congratulations."
My lips parted and hung for a few seconds. I didn't know what to say — or where to start from.
"Why...now? Why wasn't he a part before?" I asked, even though I already knew some of the reasons.
"Well, years ago, he told us that he didn't need any of the assets as he wanted to build his, but—" he swallowed, dropping his utensil. "He's married to you now. He needs something to hold the family together."
"We are doing well financially. We—"
"He's not. And we know that." He faced Ethan now, his face stern. "Ethan, this marriage is your probation. You break it, you lose any claim to the Whitmore name, assets, and future holdings."
Both Ethan and I exchanged a knowing glance. Our marriage had already scattered before it got officiated.
I opened my mouth to speak again, but he held my hand tight under the table, his eyes throwing pleas at me.
The twins cleared their throats, their eyes narrowed. They definitely understood everything that was going on.
"This is so nice!" I squealed to lighten the mood. I pulled Ethan in, capturing his lips with mine. "Congratulations, baby!" I smiled and kissed him again.
"We should make a toast." Lucas interrupted, as he grabbed his glass and stood up. Dominic followed suit immediately, and we had to do the same.
As I clinked my glass with theirs at the same time, their eyes seared into mine, making my chest flutter a little.
But I lowered my gaze, and swallowed.
The rest of the dinner was a blur of stolen glances, rising tension and congratulatory messages.
Ethan and I walked to the car and the moment I was about to step into the open door, I heard a deep voice call behind me.
"A second, Mrs Whitmore." Lucas called from behind me. Dominic led the way to me, and I breathed shakily through my lips.
"We just wanted to thank you for coming tonight." Dominic stretched his hand towards me, his eyes squinted and piercing. "It was a pleasure seeing you...and Ethan, of course."
I took it and shook Lucas's too, and he almost didn't pull away.
"We hope to see you soon."
"Yes, I—"
"Let's go, Evelyn." Ethan helped me into the car, and I breathed, trying to calm my body down, even though every nerve was still vibrating from their touch.
"This night...this dinner," Ethan started softly. "I didn't know that I needed it. Hell, I didn't know that I needed the will. I'm so happy!"
"But you said that you didn't need—"
"Yes, baby. But...I actually do. Jamie called me before I came to pick you up earlier and said that it was a false alarm and she doesn't want any of my artwork."
I averted my gaze. I didn't think she was going to act that fast.
"So, this is nice. Really nice. Now..." He took my hands into his. "We have to make this marriage work. I lose this marriage, and I lose my shares. And I can't, not now."
I swallowed the small bile that had risen in my throat. "Well, the ball...is in your court."
"I know, baby. Now, nothing can go wrong." He said firmly, as he nodded. "Nothing."
"So, no Bianca then?" I asked, my voice steady.
"No. That's done." He said without hesitation. "I promise."
I nodded slowly and deliberately.
It was too late for that already.
You don't erase betrayal by ending it. You don't undo a choice just because it no longer benefits you.
His relief filled the car, heavy and smug, like he believed he had just fixed everything.
To the world now, nothing could go wrong.
Which meant no mistakes.
No wandering eyes.
No lingering touches.
No Lucas.
No Dominic.
Fine.
If this marriage was a performance, I would play my part flawlessly. I would smile, stay composed, let him believe he had regained control.
But promises didn't erase the past.
They only bought time.
And I had all the patience in the world.