After Evangeline left, Old Mrs. Fawkes carefully unwrapped the gift she’d been given. 

Inside was a specially ordered herbal heating pad for her back. 

Her lower back had been bothering her for some time now, and she’d gotten into the habit of unconsciously rubbing at it. Evangeline hadn’t visited the family estate. in a while–just a video call not long ago–and yet she’d still noticed her discomfort. The maid standing nearby murmured, “Miss Whitmore really is thoughtful.” 

“She’s always been that way,” the old woman sighed. 

At first, she’d liked Evangeline simply because her mother had once saved her son’s life. But over time, as she got to know the girl, she found herself growing genuinely fond of her. 

No one else seemed to notice, but Old Mrs. Fawkes saw it as clear as day: Evangeline always took care of the little things, the details nobody else even saw, keeping everything in perfect order. But this kind of care was almost invisible while she was around. You only realized what you’d lost after she was gone–after the absence settled in. 

It was like the sun–always there, shining day after day. People get used to its warmth and light, never stopping to think how precious it is. Only when the sun doesn’t rise, and darkness falls, do you realize just how much it meant. 

She’d had this little sunbeam in her life all along. 

What a shame her grandson was too blind, too oblivious, to appreciate it. 

He didn’t deserve a granddaughter–in–law as good as Evangeline. 

The tears that had been gathering in her eyes finally spilled over. 

Seeing this, the maid whispered gently, “Ma’am, it’s drafty out here. Let me help you. back inside.” 

Old Mrs. Fawkes shook her head and kept her gaze fixed on the path where Evangeline had disappeared, her voice heavy with sorrow. “I just want to watch her leave. I’m getting old, and now that she’s made her decision…” 

She trailed off, exhaling a long sigh. “There will be fewer and fewer times we see each other, from now on.” 

Her voice quivered at the end. 

The maid, quick–witted as ever, had already pieced together most of what had just passed between them. 

She tried to comfort her softly. “Maybe Miss Evangeline will change her mind.” 

“She won’t.” Old Mrs. Fawkes shook her head. “I’ve watched her grow up. People think she’s gentle, but honestly, she’s as stubborn as they come.” 

“This time, she won’t look back.” 

Another sigh escaped her lips. 

The maid didn’t know what else to say. Everyone knew how much Old Mrs. Fawkes adored Evangeline, but what good did that do? At the end of the day, marriage was between two people. If Soren didn’t love her, no amount of support from the old lady could change a thing. 

And besides… 

She glanced at the old woman again and couldn’t help but notice how much frailer she looked these days, her hair whiter, her posture more stooped. 

Maybe Soren had dragged out the marriage because of his grandmother. But once the old lady was gone, divorce seemed inevitable. 

Old Mrs. Fawkes seemed to sense her thoughts, but said nothing. She just looked toward the corner where Evangeline’s figure had vanished and whispered, “Help me inside, will you?” 

Just before crossing the threshold, she paused and glanced back. 

She had a gift for Evangeline, too. 

It would be her last chance, in this lifetime, to help the girl–and perhaps her grandson–one more time. 

In the grand hall of the old estate, Evangeline returned from Old Mrs. Fawkes’s garden with the intention of saying goodbye. But as she reached the doorway, she saw the living room was alive with laughter and easy conversation. Helena, Poppy, and Flora were chatting animatedly, clearly enjoying each other’s company. 

Soren and Clyde sat on the nearby couch, deep in discussion–probably about the affairs at Fawkes Enterprises. 

2/3 

Chapter 41 

Evangeline realized that stepping in would only disturb their harmony; she’d be out of place in this scene. 

So, quietly, she turned away and slipped out. 

Soren caught a glimpse of her from the corner of his eye and instinctively looked up. For a moment, he hesitated, watching her retreating figure. 

Something felt off about Evangeline tonight, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on why. Was she upset that he’d brought Poppy to meet the family? But surely that was just a trivial matter. When had she become so petty? 

Evangeline had no inkling of Soren’s thoughts as she made her way through the courtyard, out to the parking lot. She was just about to get into her car when she heard footsteps approaching from behind. 

C