Chapter 7
The sterile hospital room brightened instantly when Archibald Blackwood spotted Evelyn Sinclair entering. “Evelyn, my dear! Come here!”
In a heartbeat, Evelyn’s demeanor softened, her steps light as she approached his bedside. “Grandfather, how are you feeling? Are you in any pain?”
“Even if I were, seeing you would cure me.” Archibald clasped her hand, his aged fingers trembling slightly. His voice dropped to a whisper, laced with concern. “Evelyn, this fool told me you two are divorced. Is it true?”
Her lashes fluttered, a hollow ache settling in her chest. “Yes, Grandfather. We are.”
“You blind, ungrateful brat!” Archibald’s frail body shook with fury as he turned on Sebastian. “You had a gem of a wife and threw her away!”
Sebastian remained silent, his jaw clenched. He wouldn’t risk agitating his grandfather further.
“Don’t be angry with him.” Evelyn gently squeezed Archibald’s hand, her voice steady. “I chose this too. Some things just aren’t meant to be.”
Sebastian’s gaze sharpened. Is this another act? Using my grandfather to guilt me into taking her back? Evelyn Sinclair, what makes you think I’d fall for this?
“Evelyn, did the Blackwoods mistreat you?” Archibald’s voice cracked. “Did Isabella make your life difficult?”
“No, Grandfather.” She smiled faintly. “Sebastian and I simply don’t belong together. There’s no love left. Ending things is for the best.”
A shadow flickered in her eyes. “Don’t blame him. We had good moments too. I don’t regret any of it.”
Sebastian frowned. Good moments? He barely remembered speaking to her outside formalities. Their marriage had been a transaction—a signature under Archibald’s insistence. No ceremony, no celebration. She had moved into the Blackwood estate quietly, becoming his wife in name only. Did she truly cherish those empty years?
“Was this my fault?” Archibald’s eyes glistened. “I forced you together, hoping you’d find happiness. Instead, I’ve ruined your life.”
“Don’t say that.” Evelyn’s throat tightened. “Love fades. I’m free now. I’ve made peace with it.”
Liar. Thirteen years of loving him couldn’t vanish overnight. Letting go felt like carving out her own heart. But Sebastian was ice—unmoved, untouchable. She refused to grovel for scraps of affection.
“Edmund,” Archibald called weakly. “Bring me the gift I prepared for my granddaughter.”
Edmund, ever precise, donned white gloves before presenting an ornate velvet box. Inside lay an emerald bracelet, its intricate design whispering of centuries past. Evelyn recognized its value instantly—this was no ordinary heirloom.
“Grandfather, that’s Grandmother’s—” Sebastian stiffened.
“Yes. I gave this to Diana when we married. It’s been passed down through generations.” Archibald lifted the bracelet, sunlight catching its facets. His voice softened. “Before she passed, Diana made me promise to give this to the woman I deemed worthy of our family. Evelyn, you’re the only one.”
“I can’t accept this.” Evelyn recoiled. “It’s too precious, and I’m no longer—”
“You’ll always be my granddaughter.” Archibald’s grip tightened stubbornly. “Take it, or I’ll smash it right now.”
“Don’t!” She caught his wrist, panic flaring. “Alright, I’ll keep it. Thank you.”
Satisfied, Archibald fastened the bracelet around her slender wrist. The emeralds glowed against her fair skin, drawing Sebastian’s gaze. He’d never noticed how delicate her hands were—how perfectly jewelry suited her.
“What did you give Evelyn for her birthday?” Archibald demanded.
Sebastian’s fists clenched. His “gift” had been divorce papers.
“Sebastian gave me… an unforgettable present,” Evelyn said lightly.
“Evelyn, is there truly no hope for you two?” Archibald pleaded.
She cupped his wrinkled hands. “If you love me, let me go. Let me live my life.”
Archibald sighed. “Then grant me one wish. Stay until my birthday celebration. Just a few more days.”
“That’s unnecessary,” Sebastian cut in.
“Unnecessary?” Archibald’s voice rose. “So you can parade that woman in front of me instead? Never! Those vipers won’t control my family!”
Outside the door, Vanessa Delacroix paced furiously.
“Stop fidgeting,” Isabella snapped. “Archibald’s on borrowed time. Once he’s gone, Sebastian will marry you. Focus on him.”
“Easy for you to say!” Vanessa hissed. “If that old man doesn’t die soon, I’ll never be a Blackwood!”
Isabella smirked. “He didn’t accept me either. Yet here I am.”
The door creaked open. Edmund escorted Evelyn and Sebastian out.
Vanessa pasted on a sweet smile—until she spotted the emerald bracelet. Jealousy twisted her features. That should be mine.
With a calculated stumble, she lunged for Evelyn, fingers clawing at the bracelet—
Evelyn sidestepped smoothly. Vanessa crashed to the floor, her plan crumbling with her.
