Bab 3: Quiet Before The Storm.

Evelina walked steadily toward her car, feeling numb. She didn't know what to think or feel anymore. Liam—the one man she had loved with all her heart, the one man she thought would never look at anyone else—was the same man who had been sleeping with her half-sister behind her back.

"I should have known," she mumbled, recalling the moments she had caught Liam's gaze lingering on Maya.

Evelina looked up at the evening sky as she stopped in her tracks, her thoughts swirling bitterly. Maya always gets what's mine… it's unfair… she gains, and I keep losing…

She ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. This was the breaking point, and yet, she still didn't know how to let go, how to end it and move on… because part of her still loved him.

Just as she was about to continue walking, Liam called out, "Evelina."

Her heart raced as she stopped, her voice sharp as she answered without turning around. "What?"

A small part of her hoped he would follow her out, that he would try to convince her it was all a mistake, something he regretted… but that was far from her reality.

Instead, his voice came out cold. "First of all, why did you barge into my house without calling or texting?"

Evelina froze, Liam's words slicing through her. She turned slowly, her eyes narrowing as she took in his unapologetic stance. "Excuse me?" Her voice was dangerously low.

Liam folded his arms, his expression cold, as though she were the one who'd wronged him. "You heard me. What were you doing barging in here without any warning? I could have been doing anything."

A bitter laugh escaped Evelina. "And you were. You were in bed with my sister, Liam."

He flinched but quickly recovered, brushing off her words as if they were trivial. "Look, I don't owe you an explanation for every little thing. You were gone, and things just… happened. But you're overreacting. You need to calm down."

Evelina's heart pounded, her hands shaking at his dismissiveness. "Overreacting? Calm down?" Her voice broke as she took a step forward, anger and heartbreak flashing in her eyes. "I have been more than calm!"

"I loved you, Liam. I trusted you. And you… you betrayed me with my own sister, then have the nerve to blame me?"

Liam sighed, barely meeting her gaze. "Evelina, you don't understand. It's not what it looks like."

Her throat tightened. "Then what is it? Because from where I stood, it looked like a betrayal."

He finally looked at her, his eyes cool and distant. "Fine, maybe things got out of hand. But if you'd been more… let's say important and available, maybe I wouldn't have needed anyone else."

Evelina's breath caught. She could only stare at the man she once loved, seeing him now for what he truly was—a stranger.

"More important? More available?" She scoffed, her voice dripping with disbelief and disgust.

Liam shrugged with a callous smile. "Honestly, I'd prefer it if I were engaged to Maya instead. She's… well, it'd be more beneficial, don't you think?"

Something inside Evelina shattered, her heart hardening as she looked at him one last time.

"But unfortunately, you can't be Maya's fiancé…" Evelina's voice was low, each word filled with a cold, biting edge. "Father won't allow it. What will you do, then? You're stuck with me."

Liam's face twisted with irritation, but Evelina held his gaze, refusing to back down. She watched as his confident mask faltered just a little, the reality of his situation sinking in. He had played his hand, but she still held the winning card.

She allowed a small, bitter smile to play on her lips. "So tell me, Liam, how does it feel to be trapped with the woman you just discarded?"

He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. For once, he was speechless, and Evelina took one last look at him and turned, walking away without a second glance.

The tears threatened to spill, burning behind her eyes, but she bit them back. She couldn't fall apart here, not in front of him.

When Evelina got home, she saw Claire still seated in the living room, a rare smile on her face as she spoke into the phone. "Yes, tomorrow is fine," Claire said warmly.

As she hung up, she noticed Evelina standing by the doorway. Evelina quickly averted her gaze, but Claire called her over. "You're finally back? I was just about to call you." She gestured for Evelina to join her.

Nodding mutely, Evelina walked over. "We're having—" Claire started, but the front door suddenly opened and closed, and Maya rushed into the room.

Claire's face lit up at the sight of her. "Finally, you're home! Come here, Maya. I have something to tell you both."

Maya smiled, throwing a subtle, triumphant glance at Evelina, as if to say, Of course, she didn't tell Mother.

Then, turning her attention back to her mother, she replied sweetly, "Yes, Mom?"

Claire's expression turned serious. "We're expecting important guests tomorrow morning. I want you to look your best and be on your best behavior."

I wonder who these guests are, Maya thought as she answered obediently, "I'll do as you say, Mother."

Claire gave her a fond smile and nodded approvingly, then turned to Evelina.

"As for you, Evelina, you're to prepare the snacks for our guests tomorrow. And everything must be perfect," she added, her tone stern. "Is that clear?"

Evelina simply nodded, her expression carefully blank. As much as she tried to seem indifferent, a part of her ached at being treated this way.

"I'll leave now," Evelina said quietly, exiting the room without waiting for a response. She made her way to her room and shut the door behind her, sinking against the sturdy wood.

Finally alone, the weight of everything she'd held back came crashing down on her. She wanted to cry but forced herself to stay composed. Leaning against the door, she let out a shaky breath, feeling the emptiness clawing at her from within.

All the pent-up emotions she'd buried since leaving Liam's place surged to the surface. She felt like a complete fool, and her chest ached with a pain she could barely contain. She wanted to cry, but didn't dare. Instead, she went to her closet, opened her jewelry box, and took out the engagement ring Liam had given her a year ago.

As she slipped it onto her finger, she was struck by how empty it felt. She stared at the ring, a hollow ache filling her as she realized how much had changed.

Tears stung her eyes, and she wiped them away furiously, unable to stop a silent sob from escaping. I know I shouldn't break down like this, but I can't help it… it hurts so much.

Struggling to regain control, her thoughts drifted back to him. His image danced through her mind—she remembered him running toward her, wrapping his strong arms around her, his lips pressing gently against hers...

Was I the only one holding on to this relationship?

After a few minutes, she finally pulled herself together. She placed the engagement ring back in its velvet box, tucked it into her jewelry box, and then quietly went to bed, feeling the weight of the evening settle over her.

The next day, Claire and Richard were seated on the sofa in the living room when they heard the doorbell ring.

"I'll get it!" Claire said, her tone bright as she hurried to open the door.

She returned a moment later, followed by a dignified-looking couple. Richard stood and greeted them with a warm smile. The man extended his hand, and Richard shook it gladly. "Thank you for coming, Mr. and Mrs. Hargrave."

Richard then shook Mrs. Hargrave's hand. Her amber eyes held a sharp, almost severe look, and she quickly withdrew her hand, maintaining a blank expression. In contrast, Mr. Hargrave had a softer, approachable demeanor, with black hair and bright, attentive eyes.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable. Would either of you care for some coffee or tea?" Claire asked politely.

"No, thank you," Mrs. Hargrave replied curtly as she and Mr. Hargrave took their seats. "We don't have all day; we're busy people. Let's finalize everything as quickly as possible."

Claire's smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly recovered, nodding. "Yes, of course."

Just as she turned her attention back to the Hargraves, Mr. Hargrave raised a hand with a kind smile. "Actually, if it's not too much trouble, I'd love a cup of tea."

Mrs. Hargrave shot him a sharp glare, her expression hinting at disapproval, but Mr. Hargrave met her gaze calmly, as if entirely unfazed.

Claire, eager to please, called out, "Evelina, could you bring Mr. Hargrave some tea?"

Evelina entered the room a moment later, carrying a delicate tea set. She carefully poured Mr. Hargrave a cup, ignoring Mrs. Hargrave's pointed look as she watched Evelina closely.

' This girl...I feel like I have seen her before.' Mrs Hargrave thought.

Evelina quietly withdrew and Mr Hargrave thanked her for the tea.

"Maya!" Claire called.

Maya appeared at the top of the stairs, dressed beautifully in a light pink gown. "Yes, Mom?" she replied as she descended, casting a curious, slightly surprised look at the Hargraves before returning her attention to her parents.

"Oh, good morning," she greeted them politely.

Mr. Hargrave seemed pleased, but Mrs. Hargrave's expression remained unreadable.

Clearing her throat, Mrs. Hargrave asked, "Is this your daughter?"

"Yes," Richard replied.

"Maya, these are Mr. Ambrose Hargrave and Mrs. Camille Hargrave," Claire introduced. "I'm sure you're familiar with their names."

Maya's eyes widened as she processed the information. The Hargrave family? The wealthiest family in the country?

"It's an honor to meet you," Maya said softly, bowing lightly to Mrs. Hargrave. "My name is Maya Moore."

" Hold on, then who was the girl earlier?"

Mrs. Hargrave's question hung in the air, her piercing gaze shifting toward Claire.

Claire hesitated for a moment, glancing at Richard before responding smoothly, "Oh, that was our housekeeper."

Mrs. Hargrave narrowed her eyes, as if dissecting every word. "I see..."

Mr. Hargrave took a sip of his tea, glancing between his wife and their hosts with a polite but cautious smile. "Maya, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said warmly, diverting the conversation.

Maya smiled and nodded, though she seemed a bit wary under Mrs. Hargrave's intense gaze. "Thank you, Mr. Hargrave. It's an honor."

Camille Hargrave leaned back, her tone sharp as she continued, "Well, now that we're all acquainted, let's discuss the matter of the wedding arrangements. Ambrose and I have high expectations, and naturally, we want everything to reflect the prestige of our family name."

Claire's face lit up with excitement. "Oh yes, of course!" Maya's eyes widened further, stunned by the sudden revelation. In the kitchen, Evelina overheard the conversation, her thoughts sharp and bitter. A wedding proposal for Maya? With the wealthiest family in the country? What a lucky brat.