The days following Katherine’s visit blurred into a series of cold silences and tense encounters in the sprawling Thorne mansion. Evelyn tried to focus on her work, her responsibilities, and the semblance of a normal life. But every interaction with Augustus felt like walking on thin ice—fragile, tense, and always threatening to crack. 

Despite her attempts to act indifferent, her mind kept replaying that evening. The way Augustus had smiled at Katherine, the warmth he so effortlessly displayed, the ease with which they interacted—it all lingered in her thoughts like an unwelcome guest. 

But Evelyn was not one to let her feelings consume her. She resolved to live her life on her terms, even if that meant existing in a marriage that felt more like a contract than a relationship. 

---

One evening, a few days later, Evelyn was working late in the mansion’s sunroom. Her laptop screen illuminated her face as she reviewed the quarterly reports for Everhart Enterprises. The soothing hum of the night outside helped her focus, but her concentration was abruptly shattered by the sound of the front door opening. 

Glancing at the clock, she realized it was nearing midnight. Augustus was home late—again. 

Evelyn sighed, saving her work and closing her laptop. She didn’t want to run into him, but as she stepped out into the hallway, she found him there, shrugging off his coat. 

Their eyes met, and for a moment, she saw something flicker in his expression—fatigue, perhaps, or frustration. But as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by his usual cold mask. 

“You’re up late,” he commented, his voice neutral. 

“So are you,” she replied, her tone just as distant. 

He didn’t respond, brushing past her on his way to the study. 

“Augustus,” she called after him, surprising even herself. 

He stopped but didn’t turn around. “What?” 

She hesitated, unsure of what she wanted to say. “Is this how it’s always going to be?” 

Now he did turn, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. “What are you talking about?” 

“This,” she said, gesturing between them. “The silence. The avoidance. The constant… tension.” 

He studied her for a moment, his gaze unreadable. “I told you on the night of our wedding not to expect anything from me.” 

“And I didn’t,” she shot back, her voice rising. “But I didn’t expect to feel like a ghost in my own home either.” 

Augustus’s jaw tightened. “You chose this too, Evelyn. Don’t act like a victim.” 

Her chest tightened, anger and hurt bubbling to the surface. “I didn’t choose this. Neither of us did. But we’re stuck with it, so maybe we could at least try to be civil.” 

He didn’t answer, turning and walking away without another word. Evelyn stood there, her fists clenched, wondering how two people could live in the same house yet feel so far apart. 

--- 

The next day at Everhart Enterprises, Evelyn threw herself into her work, determined to forget about Augustus and his maddening aloofness. But even here, his shadow seemed to follow her. 

During a mid-morning meeting with her legal team, her assistant, Mia, entered the room with a hesitant expression. 

“Sorry to interrupt, ma’am,” Mia said, “but there’s someone here to see you.” 

Evelyn frowned. “I’m in the middle of something. Can it wait?” 

Mia bit her lip. “It’s Mr. Thorne.” 

The room fell silent. Evelyn’s colleagues exchanged curious glances as she quickly composed herself. 

“Send him in,” she said, her tone brisk. 

Augustus entered the conference room, his presence commanding as always. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored navy suit, his expression unreadable. Evelyn stood to greet him, her surprise carefully hidden behind a professional mask. 

“What brings you here?” she asked, her tone polite but clipped. 

“I need to speak with you,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Privately.” 

Evelyn’s colleagues glanced at her, clearly intrigued by the sudden appearance of her enigmatic husband. She nodded at them, and they quickly filed out, leaving the room empty. 

Once the door closed, Evelyn crossed her arms and faced Augustus. “What’s so important that you had to show up unannounced?” 

Augustus didn’t answer right away. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folder, placing it on the table between them. 

“What’s this?” she asked, opening it. 

“These are documents relating to a potential merger between Thorne Industries and one of your subsidiaries,” he said. “Our legal teams have been in discussions, but I wanted to go over the specifics with you personally.” 

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. “And you couldn’t have called or emailed?” 

“I prefer face-to-face interactions for matters like this,” he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. 

She couldn’t tell if he was being genuine or if this was just an excuse to assert control. Either way, his presence was unnerving. 

As they discussed the merger, Evelyn noticed something strange in his demeanor. He was professional, but there was an underlying tension in his posture, as if he was holding something back. 

--- 

Later that evening, Evelyn returned home, her mind still racing from the unexpected visit. She decided to make herself a simple dinner and eat alone in the kitchen, relishing the rare moment of peace. 

But, of course, peace was fleeting in the Thorne household. 

As she sat at the small kitchen table, Augustus walked in. He paused when he saw her, as though surprised to find her there. 

“You’re eating here?” he asked. 

“Why not?” she replied, not looking up from her plate. 

He didn’t respond, moving to pour himself a glass of water. The silence between them was heavy, but Evelyn was determined not to let it bother her. 

As she finished her meal, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house. Evelyn’s heart sank. 

Katherine’s voice floated into the kitchen, her laughter light and musical. “Augustus, are you here?” 

He set down his glass and walked out to greet her without a second glance at Evelyn. She remained seated, her appetite suddenly gone. 

Katherine’s presence in their home had become a pattern, and each time, it chipped away at Evelyn’s resolve. She didn’t understand why it affected her so much—after all, she had no real feelings for Augustus. 

*Or do I?* 

The thought unsettled her, and she quickly pushed it aside. 

---

That night, as Evelyn lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, she heard Augustus’s voice drifting from his study. He was on the phone, his tone serious and commanding. 

“Focus on the numbers,” he said. “I don’t care about excuses. I need results.” 

Evelyn couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Work was his first love, and perhaps Katherine was his second. Where did that leave her? 

She rolled over, determined to get some sleep, but the sound of footsteps outside her door made her pause. The handle turned slightly, as if someone was about to enter, but then it stopped. 

For a moment, she thought she heard him sigh. But then the footsteps retreated, and the silence returned. 

Evelyn closed her eyes, her emotions a tangled mess. 

Somehow, despite everything, she couldn’t shake the feeling that beneath Augustus’s cold exterior, there was something deeper—something he was unwilling to show. 

And she wasn’t sure if she wanted to uncover it or guard herself from the heartbreak it might bring.