Evangeline stepped off the rollercoaster, feeling sweat dampening her back and palms. It had been ages since she’d let herself have this much fun–maybe not since her mother died. 

Soren unscrewed the cap on a bottle of water and handed it to her. “So, what do you want to do next?” 

“Let’s try the haunted house,” Evangeline replied, taking a grateful sip. “I’ve heard this one’s actually pretty cool, but the line’s always ridiculous. I’ve never managed to get in.” 

Soren frowned. “You really like scary stuff, huh? That’s not very ladylike.” 

“Oh, come on. What does that have to do with being a woman?” She took another drink, feeling the cool water soothe her throat. 

She noticed Soren still holding the bottle cap, so she passed the water back to him, meaning for him to hold it for a moment. But before she could say anything, he took the bottle, tipped his head back, and drank a few gulps. 

He did it so naturally, without a second thought. It wasn’t until he noticed her wide–eyed stare that he seemed to realize what he’d done. 

“We’re married, Soren said, somewhat awkwardly. “It’s not a big deal.” 

Evangeline pressed her lips together. For most couples, it wouldn’t be. But Soren had always been a stickler for cleanliness, never sharing so much as a fork with her. 

Back when they were newlyweds, she’d once tried to use his coffee mug in front of him, hoping to bridge the distance between them. He hadn’t hesitated before tossing the mug straight into the trash, his expression disgusted. “That’s filthy. Gross,” he’d said, leaving her stung and humiliated. 

After that, she learned his boundaries. Unless they were being physically intimate, she never touched his things. And he, in turn, stayed away from hers. It was an uneasy truce that had lasted five years. 

But tonight, this casual sharing of water felt…off. Or maybe it was Soren himself who seemed different. On a night like this–one that held a special meaning for him–he’d always spent it with Poppy. Why had he shown up for her, and why was he willingly tagging along to do things he usually found childish and silly? 

She didn’t get to puzzle over it for long. A voice called out from behind. 

1/2 

Chapter 134 

“There you are!” 

Evangeline turned. Not far away, Flora was hurrying over, hand–in–hand with Poppy. 

Suddenly, everything made sense. 

Soren caught sight of them too, his brow furrowing. Once they reached him, he asked, voice low, “What are you doing here?” 

“I heard from Liam that you rented out the whole park, so I figured you were planning a surprise for Poppy,” Flora said, looking pleased with herself. “I thought I’d save you the trouble and bring her over myself.” 

Poppy smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Soren. Honestly, the gift you gave me earlier was more than enough. I’m really happy.” 

Flora wagged her finger. “A present is just a present–where’s the fun in that? Even a dog would be unimpressed.” She grinned at Soren. “But this? Renting out an amusement park? Now that’s romantic. My brother’s got style!” She gave him a thumbs–up. 

Evangeline watched them chatting, not even bothering to acknowledge her existence. The feeling of being invisible crept over her, and suddenly, she had no desire to stick around. 

She turned to leave. 

She’d barely taken two steps when Soren called after her. “Evangeline, where are you going?” 

“Home,” she replied coolly. 

What else was she supposed to do? Hang around awkwardly until he asked her to leave? 

Soren frowned. “Didn’t you want to check out the haunted house?” 

Evangeline gave a brittle smile. “No need anymore.” 

This whole situation was starting to feel like a haunted house anyway. 

Soren noticed her sudden deflation and realized it was because of Poppy’s arrival. He glanced at Flora and Poppy, uncertain. 

Flora had noticed Evangeline’s attempt to slip away. She’d assumed Soren would let her go, so his intervention caught her off guard too.