Chapter 44 The Stranger

Antonio noticed that Evelyn seemed a bit off and asked her, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, I just don't want to talk to him." Evelyn's voice sounded subdued. It was the first time Antonio had seen her being so emotional in a work setting.

Antonio could only gently comfort her, "Just bear with it. Later, we'll pour champagne together with him, and then..."

Evelyn realized what Antonio was going to say and directly cut him off, "Are you suggesting that I dance with him aside from the champagne?"

Antonio could only nod, as the arrangement had been determined beforehand. Seeing Evelyn acting so out of character, he couldn't help but feel curious. Antonio took the wine glass from her hand and replaced it with a similarly colored juice. Then he asked her, "What's wrong? Why are you so averse to him? You've never acted this way before."

Evelyn pressed her temples and said, "It's just strange. I always feel that there's more to it, really, a woman's intuition in this regard is spot on."

Later on, Antonio couldn't help but curse Evelyn. That damned woman's intuition!

But at this moment, Antonio could only smile and reassure Evelyn, saying that it's just a banquet after all. No matter how unbearable it is, it'll only last for one night.

Evelyn was plagued with an uneasy feeling, suppressed in her heart; lingering for a long time.

Their attention was drawn to a commotion at the entrance, as the surrounding crowd began to discuss amongst themselves.

"I never expected it. Philippe has such ability, inviting the heir of the Chevalier Group."

"Indeed! He rarely appears for such occasions. Look, his companion is Odile, his childhood friend."

"It really is."

As Evelyn and Antonio stood behind the crowd, all they could hear were such discussions. "Who is he?" Antonio wondered out loud.

"How would I know?" Evelyn turned around and saw the person entering through the door. Before she could finish her sentence, the glass in her hand spilled on the table. Startled, she picked up the glass in a frenzy, unable to believe that the person in front of her was William, someone she knew. Could it be just a resemblance? How could that be possible?

Evelyn's mind was in chaos. Why did the people around say he was the heir of the Chevalier Group? And why was he holding hands with the woman she saw at the airport last time? There were too many questions and far too much confusion in her mind.

When Antonio saw that it was William approaching, he too was greatly surprised. He turned around to ask Evelyn what was going on, but there was no trace of her.

How could she disappear so quickly? How would he find her amongst all these people? Antonio quickly took out his phone and called, but no one answered his call. Antonio looked around and couldn't even find Evelyn's shadow.

Holding her handbag, Evelyn hid in the restroom. She didn't know how to process the reality in front of her. For a long time, she had unquestionably trusted that William was reliable. He had given her so much support. But now, she couldn't help but doubt that everything was a lie.

Looking at her pale reflection in the mirror, Evelyn truly had no idea how to go back into the venue.

When William saw Antonio looking around nearby, his heart sank. Oh my god?! Antonio is here! Could this be about Evelyn's evening banquet? William couldn't care less about Odile beside him. He directly said, "I suddenly have something to attend to. I'll visit Uncle another time. I genuinely appreciate what happened last time. I can't accompany you today, and I'm sorry."

He walked straight over to Antonio. Odile stood alone helplessly in place, tears gathering in her eyes. Philippe approached Odile and asked, "What's wrong? Is there something going on?"

"I don't need your concern!" Odile knew this person always had ulterior motives. Despite rejecting him many times openly and secretly, he was like an annoying fly that couldn't be driven away. "Some things are boring to repeat. Can you please stay away from me?"

"Odile, is Étienne the only person in your eyes? Can't you see anyone else?" Philippe's face showed a hurt expression.

"Even if I can see other people, I won't spare a glance for someone like you!" Odile decisively replied. She was truly fed up with Philippe, who was too sinister and cunning.

"Fine! I'll make you regret it today!" Philippe said, then turned and left.

Odile felt relieved that she wouldn't be bothered him anymore, but when she looked for Étienne, she couldn't see him anywhere. She felt angry and annoyed, with no options left.

However, Philippe's final words still made her frightened and unsettled. She knew that if Phillippe's threat was carried out; she couldn't solve it on her own. Hence, she needed to find William.

Just as Evelyn came out of the restroom, someone pulled her into their embrace. "It's me."

How could Evelyn not know? She really didn't know what to ask William or what to say to him. Her heart was filled with resentment and heartache. How could he deceive her like this? She had trusted him so much, but now, what did that trust even mean?

Evelyn was reminded of Jovan, whom she had given her heart to, but ultimately, what kind of ending did that have? She felt deeply aggrieved. How come every time she decided that taking that step forward was right and correct; she would always realize that it was in fact a mistake?

The feeling was unbearable, overwhelming in fact.

Evelyn had no response, she just stood there allowing William to hold her.

Now William was really panicked, and could only murmur into Evelyn's ear, "I'll tell you the truth, I'll tell you everything, alright? Don't stay silent, you can scold me, you can hit me, just don't ignore me, okay? I beg you, please? Hm? Talk to me! Evelyn, please."

Only then did Evelyn coldly push him away, "There's nothing to say, we're breaking up."

"No!" William held her tightly, "We can't break up! I can't let go of you, we can't! I was wrong, I thought that not telling you these things would make us happier, but I shouldn't have hidden it from you, shouldn't have deceived you. You finally opened up to me, and I shouldn't have let you down."

Evelyn couldn't hold it in any longer, tears streamed down her face, her lips pressed together, allowing the tears to flow quietly as William held her tightly.

William kept saying, "Do you know? I really like you, Evelyn. I don't want to lose you; I want to be with you always. Although I am the heir of the Chevalier Group, I don't like that version of myself at all. I live such a tiring life, but everything changed when I met you, I'm no longer as miserable. Please, don't break up with me. I need you."

Evelyn's voice was soft but audible enough for William to hear, "I hate deception."

William pleaded, "Is Who I am really that important? Are all our moments together less significant than this identity? Evelyn, I truly love you, you have to believe me. Besides this, I swear I've never lied to you about anything else. Really! Evelyn, I'm sorry, I was wrong. Truly wrong."

Images of those two photos flashed in Evelyn's mind, along with the woman he was with that night. Thinking about the words "no deception," she suddenly found it rather ridiculous. How could she believe him?

"Let it go, okay," Evelyn said softly.

Only then did William weakly lower his arms, realizing that his long-lasting companionship and care were unexpectedly fragile, so easily shattered. He had nothing to say as he watched Evelyn walk away after he released her. He knew he must be in tears by now.

William reached out and grabbed her arm, pleading in a low voice, "Don't go! Don't go! Don't go... Evelyn, please don't go!"

He had never begged so meekly before. As the words left his mouth, he felt as though something in his heart was slowly being pulled away.

Even though Evelyn saw the tears in his eyes, she still walked away. William just stared blankly at her retreating figure. He comforted himself with the thought that giving her a little time would be enough, as long as there was just a little more time, everything would become clear.

Evelyn silently walked alone in the long corridor.

Walking step by step, she felt like a fool at this moment. Although, she had seen his tears, but could she really believe it?

Arriving on the deck, the cruise ship had already departed from the land. She looked up at the sky, the stars were truly beautiful. It reminded her of the time when she was sick in the hospital, watching the stars with William on the rooftop. The night sky was also beautiful back then, but now it seemed a bit ridiculous to think about it.

Evelyn was really afraid, afraid of deception, afraid of harm. Unfortunately, every time she chose to believe, she would be deceived and hurt like this. It's really exhausting.

Unconsciously, she returned to the banquet hall where Antonio approached her anxiously. "What's wrong with you? Why are you crying?"

Evelyn simply shook her head and said nothing.

"You're going to dance with Philippe later, can you manage?" Antonio asked again.

"It's fine." Evelyn replied absent-mindedly.

"Your complexion looks really bad, should I help you canceal it?" Antonio couldn't bear to see her like this. However, Evelyn insisted that she could handle it, so Antonio had to give up. Looking at her, he couldn't help but feel heartache, knowing that it must have to do with William.

Not long after, William and Odile entered the banquet hall together.

Evelyn watched them walk in from the corner, feeling an indescribable bitterness in her heart. It turned out to be a deception, and it's ridiculous that she even believed his tears.

The music was about to start, so Evelyn drank a sip of red wine and walked towards Philippe. No matter what, she had to smile, she kept telling herself that.

Philippe looked at Evelyn approaching him and felt pleased. He reached out and made an inviting gesture, so Evelyn reluctantly placed her hand in his. They twirled and glided into the dance floor. Evelyn could clearly feel that Philippe's hand was getting restless, so she had to warn him in a low voice.

But it was useless. Just as Evelyn was about to explode, a strong force brought her into another embrace. William tightly held her waist, and despite Evelyn's struggles, he whispered in her ear, "If you've truly decided, will you please just dance with me one more time?"

Evelyn was still struggling, but William was unusually determined, constantly pleading with her, "Just one dance, can't you? I'm begging you, Evelyn..."