Even if she spoke up now, with the divorce papers still unsigned, everyone would. only urge her to reconsider for the sake of appearances. 

But deep down, they all hoped she and Soren would split. 

So, better to say nothing at all. 

Evangeline felt her own grip tighten a little, her fingers twitching against her palm. She caught the complicated look in Old Mrs. Fawkes‘ eyes–somewhere between worry, disappointment, and a trace of sadness. 

Clyde, who’d been silently observing for a while, finally stepped in to ease the tension. He smiled and said, “It’s still early, Evangeline. I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare dinner now. Please, stay and eat with us–you won’t be late picking up your friend, I promise.” 

Then he turned to Poppy. “Since you’re a friend of Soren’s, you’re a friend of the Fawkes family. You’re very welcome here–please, join us for dinner.” 

His words made Poppy’s place at the table clear, which seemed to please Old Mrs. Fawkes and neatly resolved the awkwardness from earlier. 

With the current head of the Fawkes family having spoken, no one else had anything to add. 

Still, Flora’s mention of “divorce” cast a strange pall over the meal. The dinner was hardly a pleasant one. 

Evangeline found herself seated between Old Mrs. Fawkes and Soren. On Soren’s other side sat Poppy. 

Throughout the meal, Poppy often smiled and served Soren food from her own plate, and Soren never refused. 

Evangeline remembered how Soren had always claimed to be a germaphobe. 

Back when she was first learning how to show her affection–clueless, nervous–she’d looked up advice online, which told her that serving food was a caring gesture. So she’d tried it, using the serving fork. Soren’s face had darkened at once, and he’d told her not to do it–that he didn’t like anyone touching his food, that he was particular about cleanliness. 

But now, Poppy was serving him with her own fork, and he didn’t seem to mind at all. 

Chapter 39 

So, Soren was never truly a germaphobe. He just didn’t love her. Everything she did was wrong simply because it was her. 

At least she’d finally seen things clearly, and had the sense to halt their marriage before it dragged on any further. 

Lost in thought, she snapped back when a scallop landed in her bowl. 

It had come from her right. 

Soren sat on her right. 

Evangeline looked up at him, puzzled, only to find Soren’s face impassive, his dark eyes unreadable. 

Noticing her gaze, Soren said coolly, “Stop picking at your rice. Eat some real food, will you? Otherwise, people will start saying the Fawkes family’s starving you.” 

Evangeline paused, then glanced to her left. 

Seeing Old Mrs. Fawkes‘ face soften a little, she suddenly understood. 

“Thank you,” she replied, forcing a small smile. 

Of course. Even if everyone knew the truth, they still had to play their parts. 

After dinner, the housekeeper brought out a platter of fruit as usual. 

Evangeline peeled a clementine out of habit and held it out 

Flora. 

Flora loved the tart sweetness of these fruits, but hated getting her hands sticky, so Evangeline had always peeled them for her. 

She hardly thought about it anymore–it was just routine at this point. 

Flora was chatting happily with Poppy when Evangeline offered the fruit. Without thinking, she reached for it, but as her hand hovered, she noticed Poppy watching. 

If she accepted Evangeline’s offer, Poppy might think they were close. 

And, truthfully, Flora was still annoyed at Evangeline for showing her up earlier with those gifts. 

Instead, Flora drew her hand away and picked up an unpeeled clementine, turning to Poppy with a syrupy smile. “Poppy, would you mind peeling this for me?” 

Poppy blinked in surprise, then beamed. “Of course!” 

“Thank you, Poppy! I bet whatever you peel will taste even better.” 

2/3 

Chapter 39 

Flora’s tone was saccharine sweet, and she shot a triumphant glance at Evangeline as if to say: My brother Soren is such a catch. If you don’t know how to keep him, there are plenty of others lining up to win my favor. 

Evangeline understood perfectly. Feeling awkward, she started to withdraw her hand. 

But before she could, a slender, steady hand reached out and took the peeled fruit from her. 

Chapter 40