OUR VOWS 40

Chapter 3 

I sat up when I heard the notification. 

Evan was still texting. 

“I saw Claire’s post. Don’t read too much into it.” 

“I only stayed with her for a little while.” 

Then came another money transfer. 

His way of giving me an out. 

Since my mom died, I’d stopped taking money from him unless he pushed me–over and over–until I gave in. 

But this time, I took it without blinking. 

“Thanks, Mr. Cross.” 

As soon as the message sent, my phone started ringing. 

His voice on the other end was surprised. 

“You took it pretty fast this time.” 

Before I could respond, Claire snatched the phone. Her voice was bright and cheerful. 

“Miss Ellis, since you’re still up, could you bring us a pumpkin pie to the hotel?” 

“Evan says you make a great one. You don’t mind sharing, do you?” 

I was about to say no when Evan transferred more money–this time with the note: For the trouble. 

The kind of bonus usually reserved for maids. 

And now, I guess, for me–the so–called Mrs. Cross. 

I laughed to myself and hung up, accepting the money. 

We were almost divorced anyway. Might as well cash in while I still could. 

By the time I delivered the pumpkin pie to their suite, it was 2 a.m. 

The door was open, like they’d left it that way on purpose. 

I stepped onto the plush carpet and heard Claire’s voice inside. 

“Evan, someone told me when Raine’s mom passed, you hugged her. Is that true?” 

“Did you fall in love with her?” 

I froze in place, holding my breath. 

I’d made my decision to leave–but my heart still raced like it hadn’t gotten the memo. 

That rainy night came flooding back, the night I fell for Evan. 

Evan–do you remember it too? 

Inside, he was staring out at the rain, lost in thought. 

Just like that night six months ago… 

08:18 

Our Vows Were Lies. But Your Revenge Will Be Very Real 

Chapter 3 

Claire nudged him, annoyed. 

“Evan, you haven’t answered me.” 

He blinked, coming back to himself. 

His voice was calm but strangely conflicted. 

“No… I just… pitied her.” 

“Like a stray cat or dog on the street. Nothing more.” 

Crash! 

The pumpkin pie slipped from my hands and hit the floor. 

Both of them jumped. 

Evan stepped out and froze the moment he saw me. 

“How long have you been standing there?” 

I ignored him and started cleaning up the mess. 

He crouched to help, but I instinctively moved away. 

His hand paused midair before he pulled it back like nothing happened. 

Claire saw it all. Her eyes flashed with spite. 

Then she picked up her purse and pulled out a crisp bill. 

“Miss Ellis, thanks for the delivery. Here’s a tip.” 

The red paper fluttered through the air, slapping my pride over and over. 

Back when Mom was sick, I endured this kind of humiliation for her sake. 

Now she was gone–and I was still being humiliated. 

I smiled bitterly. 

“Thanks.” 

I pocketed the money and turned to leave. 

But Evan grabbed my arm, frowning. 

“Raine, you’re really not mad at all?” 

My eyes trembled. 

I wanted to ask him–what exactly should I be mad about? 

Or rather–do I even have the right to be mad? 

I was just a stray he picked up on a good day. 

Something to pat on the head when he was in the mood. 

Something to kick aside, when he wasn’t. 

“It’s late. I should go.” 

But my self–control didn’t earn me any kindness. 

08:18 

Our Vows Were Lies, But Your Revenge Will Be Very Real 

Chapter 3 

Evan blocked the door, his expression unreadable. 

“You didn’t used to be like this.” 

“You used to get upset when people mistreated you.” 

Two years ago, when his cousin mocked me for being poor and tacky, Evan kicked him out of the company on the spot. 

One year ago, when I was pushed into a pool at a business party, Evan dragged the guy into the water and kept him there all night. 

Except for not loving me–he really had treated me well. 

Evan seemed to remember too. 

His hand clenched slightly. 

“L…” 

But I’d already let the memories go. 

I gave them both a polite smile and turned to leave. 

Just before I walked out the door, Evan said, “Raine, I know you went to the hospital.” 

Chapter 4