The CEO’s Hidden Bride: Leaving After 2555 Days - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Lucas didn’t wake until midday.
His head throbbed, but his first thought was of Isabella. "How was her surgery? Is she awake? Is she okay?"
Evelyn, exhausted from staying up all night, gave a weary nod. "The doctor said she’ll recover. It’ll just take time."
Relief flickered in Lucas’s eyes, but tension still gripped him. He threw off the hospital blanket and tried to stand, desperate to see Isabella for himself.
Evelyn protested, but he wouldn’t listen—until a nurse arrived with an IV bag and physically blocked him.
His jaw clenched as he glared at the IV line. His mind was still on Isabella. Then, his gaze landed on the fruit basket nearby, and he seized the opportunity.
"Evelyn," he said, voice rough. "Isabella’s parents flew in last night. They’re probably here now. Take this to them, check on her for me?"
Evelyn studied him for a long moment before finally nodding. She picked up the basket and left. Isabella’s room was just one floor above.
As Evelyn approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar. Through the gap, she saw Isabella curled against a man she didn’t recognize.
"Adrian," Isabella murmured, her voice soft with affection. "You said you’d introduce me to your parents. Why come alone?"
"I wanted to," Adrian replied, stroking her hair. "But you’re still healing. Once you’re discharged, I’ll take you home to meet them, okay?"
Evelyn’s fingers tightened around the basket. Isabella was already planning to meet his family—while still stringing Lucas along.
Just then, the doctor pushed the door open, startling Isabella and Adrian. Her eyes snapped to Evelyn, and her expression darkened instantly.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded.
Evelyn didn’t answer. She set the basket down and turned to leave. Despite her injuries, Isabella scrambled after her, catching her at the stairwell.
She grabbed Evelyn’s wrist, nails digging in. "You’re not going to run and tell Lucas, are you?"
Evelyn turned, catching the flash of panic in Isabella’s eyes.
"Why keep Lucas on a leash if you already have someone else?" she asked coldly.
Isabella smirked, regaining her composure. "Because I like having two men obsessed with me. I love watching them fight for my attention. Isn’t it obvious?"
"Do you enjoy breaking people?" Evelyn snapped.
Isabella laughed, tilting her head. "I have the power to make them both adore me—even a man like Lucas, who could have anyone. Jealous, Evelyn? Maybe if you beg, I’ll teach you how it’s done."
Evelyn was speechless. The sheer arrogance in Isabella’s voice was staggering.
But her silence only fueled Isabella’s smugness. Her gaze dropped to Evelyn’s wedding ring.
"You were just a placeholder, Evelyn. Did you really think you had the right to question me? Here’s a little secret—I never actually left the country back then. I was too busy partying with two college seniors. You only became Mrs. Sinclair because Lucas was mad at me."
Something inside Evelyn snapped. Her hand flew out, striking Isabella across the face.
The hit wasn’t hard, but Isabella let out a dramatic cry, tumbling down the stairs as if she’d been thrown.
Before Evelyn could react, the elevator doors slid open—and Lucas stepped out.
He shoved past her without hesitation, rushing down the stairs to scoop Isabella into his arms. His face paled at the sight of her bruises.
When he looked up at Evelyn, his eyes burned with fury. "She never hurt you. Why would you do this?"
Isabella whimpered, pressing a hand to her reddened cheek. "It’s okay, Lucas. Evelyn’s just bitter because of our past. Let’s just go."
Evelyn opened her mouth, but no words came. The cold disappointment in Lucas’s expression told her it was pointless.
Her silence was all the confirmation he needed. Without another word, he turned away, carrying Isabella off—and never once looked back.