The CEO’s Hidden Bride: Leaving After 2555 Days - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Evelyn spotted Vivian’s car in the parking lot. She pulled open the passenger door and leaned inside, catching a brief glimpse of someone in the back seat.
Not wanting to stare, she quickly averted her eyes, assuming Vivian would introduce them when the time was right. Once she settled in and buckled her seatbelt, Vivian remained silent.
Then, a familiar voice came from behind her.
"Did you sleep well, Evelyn?"
Her head snapped up. She glanced at the rearview mirror and met a pair of piercing eyes—Lucas Sinclair.
Only a day had passed since they last saw each other, but he looked exhausted, as if he hadn’t slept in weeks. Yet, his gaze was sharp, unwavering.
A hundred thoughts rushed through Evelyn’s mind, but none of them formed into words. She stayed quiet, and the car filled with heavy silence.
Vivian, sensing the tension, glanced between them before forcing a cheerful tone.
"Evelyn, this is Lucas Sinclair. You remember him from university, right? He just flew in and called to catch up. Since you two were classmates, I thought we could all have lunch together. You don’t mind, do you?"
Evelyn absolutely minded. But Vivian had no idea about their history, so she forced a polite smile.
"Whatever you’ve planned is fine," she said lightly. "I’m just a little tired from the flight, that’s all."
Vivian nodded sympathetically before turning to Lucas. "Lucas, are you sure you’re up for this? We could reschedule if you need rest."
He hadn’t slept in over thirty hours, but rest was the last thing on his mind.
"No," he said firmly. "I’m fine."
"Great! I’ve already booked a table." Vivian smiled, oblivious to the tension. "You two didn’t interact much back in school, did you? Funny how you’d run into each other here in Falverton after all these years."
Run into each other?
Evelyn kept her gaze lowered but could feel Lucas’s stare burning into her. She knew exactly why he was here.
She was nobody—just a woman who had dared to ask for a divorce from the CEO of Sinclair Industries, a man who had spent his entire life being adored and admired. He must have been furious.
Evelyn closed her eyes, rubbing her temples, bracing for whatever came next.
Meanwhile, Vivian and Lucas continued talking.
"It wasn’t a coincidence," Lucas said, his voice low. "I came to Falverton for a reason. Running into Evelyn was inevitable."
His words made it sound like they were close, but Evelyn’s stiff posture suggested otherwise. Vivian frowned slightly, confused.
"So you came here specifically to see Evelyn? Have you two kept in touch since graduation?"
"Not really," Evelyn cut in before Lucas could respond.
His jaw tightened, his expression darkening.
"Well, you were classmates for years," Vivian said, trying to smooth things over. "Even if you’re not close now, spending time together might change that."
She turned to Lucas. "So, are you in Amethria for business? Did you come alone? No family with you? I heard you married one of your old classmates."
Evelyn’s pulse spiked. Her fingers curled into fists.
A beat of silence passed before Lucas answered, his voice rough.
"Yes. But recently, she asked for a divorce. I’m here to settle it."
Vivian froze, realizing she’d stumbled into something deeply personal. The air turned thick with discomfort.
Evelyn had no intention of letting this conversation continue.
"Vivian," she interjected smoothly, "did you book an Amethrian restaurant or something from back home? How much longer? I haven’t eaten since I woke up, and I’m starving."
Vivian shot her a grateful look and seized the lifeline.
"It’s Amethrian cuisine, just a few minutes away. We’re almost there."