Chapter 80 Past Wounds, Hard to Heal
This was Evelyn's deepest, most painful secret.
Two years ago, after losing her child, she couldn't go near baby stores, hear anyone talk about kids, or even see a baby on TV without breaking down.
She always remembered that snowy Christmas night when she drove to the beach with Ronald. They had a car accident, and she ignored her own injuries to rush Ronald to the hospital.
Everyone from Riverside Villa was on vacation in Yatuok, and Edward was in Mythorica with Nicole.
Evelyn endured severe abdominal pain until Tyler arrived. She finally collapsed from exhaustion.
"Mrs. Wellington! You're bleeding!" Tyler said.
In a daze, Evelyn saw blood trickling from her lower body, a memory that haunted her.
That was when she realized she had been two months pregnant.
But Evelyn lost the child before she could even feel the joy of being a mother.
"Mrs. Wellington! I'll call Mr. Wellington right away!" Tyler fumbled for his phone, but Evelyn grabbed his hand and pleaded, "No, please."
Heartbroken and scared, she pleaded, "Edward doesn't know. If he finds out, he'll be devastated and furious with me. Please, keep this secret."
Evelyn closed her eyes, covering her stomach, her throat tight with sorrow.
Seeing Evelyn's pain, Susan hugged her tightly, while Joyce and Donna clung to each other, heartbroken.
"It's all my fault! Evelyn, I promise I won't mention it again! Don't be sad," Susan said, usually sharp-tongued but now at a loss for words.
"Actually, we should be grateful for that child."
Evelyn's pale lips curved into a bitter smile, "It's better they didn't come into this world to see their parents' miserable relationship and lack of a father's love."
That night, Evelyn barely slept.
When she closed her eyes, she saw the bright red blood and the unformed embryo. She curled up in pain, unable to escape the cold reality.
After losing the child, she cried every day.
On the battlefield, she wouldn't flinch, but for that tiny life, she was in excruciating pain, as if her soul was falling apart.
'Baby, Mommy is sorry. Mommy has lost you forever and doesn't know if there will ever be a chance to have you again.'
In the morning, the sleepless Evelyn got up early. Coming downstairs, she became the noble, radiant lady once again.
"Evelyn, I made all your favorites for breakfast. Have some before you go?" Joyce, wearing an apron, noticed the red veins in her eyes and felt a pang of sorrow.
"Please pack it for me. I'll eat on the way."
Evelyn smiled, hiding her sorrow. "I have to attend Victor Walsh's meeting at the hotel this morning. I must be on time."
"Alright, I'll pack it for you and bring William's share too," Joyce said gently.
"Thank you." William quickly bowed in gratitude.
Evelyn, accompanied by William, walked out of the villa quietly, not disturbing Charlie who was still asleep, planning to return to Mugden.
"Evelyn, if you have any trouble managing the hotel in Mugden, let us know. If anyone from Riverside Villa bullies you, don't hold back. Tell us."
Donna, recalling the last time Evelyn was besieged by Tiffany and her group at the auction, gritted her teeth. "Next time, I'll make sure they can't gossip again!"
"Donna, you should give them a shot that paralyzes them! Let's see if those Riverside Villa folks can still jump around!"
Susan cracked her knuckles. "Dare to bully you? They must be tired of living!"
Evelyn was both amused and exasperated.
Donna came from a family of medical experts. Several major hospitals in Mugden and Hameen were owned by the Mays family, and Donna was also skilled in pharmaceuticals and medicine. Poisoning someone would be all too easy for her.
"Actually, I do have a favor to ask."
Donna and Susan replied together, "Don't hold back!"
"Well, actually," Evelyn cleared her throat, "I want the Pocotimi wood armchair that Charlie had Aunt Donna bid for at the last auction."
Donna and Susan widened their eyes. "You really don't hold back!"
Charlie was the kind of person who wouldn't hesitate if you asked for a house, money, or a luxury car. But if you asked for antiques or paintings, even a small gem, he wouldn't part with it, let alone a hundred-million-dollar antique!
"Charlie is unlikely to give it up. What do you need it for? I will endeavor to find a rationale to persuade him," Donna asked, troubled.
"If I tell you, he's even less likely to give it."
"Evelyn, don't worry, leave it to me!" Susan patted her chest confidently. "If Charlie won't give it, I'll steal it for you!"
Evelyn laughed.
'It's true. We can guard against anything, but not a "thief" at home!'
After returning to Mugden from Hameen, Edward had a rough night's sleep at home and dragged his tired body to the company the next day.
During this time, Nicole called twice. Although he answered, he was distracted.
Nicole was rambling on about the wedding preparations. After all, next weekend was Byron's 80th birthday party, and her wedding with Edward was finally on the agenda.
"Edward, do you think my ideas are good? I spent over a month with a team to come up with them!" Nicole coquettishly sought Edward's approval, eager to show her smarts and capability.
"As long as you like it." Edward responded absentmindedly, looking at the broken gemstone bracelet in the jewelry box in front of him, his mind filled with thoughts of Lily and the people at Oasis Villa, their cold rejection and indifference towards him.
He exhaled a frustrated breath, snapping the box shut.
"Edward, I've even picked out your suit. You need to make time today to meet with the designer. I can handle everything else, but for a custom suit, you have to be there," Nicole said pitifully. "The internationally renowned designer is hard to get. If we miss this chance, we'll have to wait a long time."
Edward snapped back to reality, his tone tinged with guilt. "Sorry, I've been too busy to focus on the wedding. It's my oversight."
Nicole smiled sweetly. "It's okay. I'm willing to bear the burden for you."
"I'll pick you up this afternoon."
"I'll be waiting for you."
As soon as Edward ended the call, Bart hurried over with a document and placed it in front of him.
"Edward, our hotel's PR department has contacted the agent of international superstar Ada Wang. This is the proposal for Ada Wang's top-tier luxury wedding. Please review it."
"Mm." Edward flipped through the pages, his expression serious.
Due to Debra's negative news, the reputation of Wellington family hotel had taken a nosedive, while KS WORLD's popularity soared, frequently trending on social media, almost becoming a viral hotel.
Although Edward wouldn't help Debra restore her image, as the CEO, he couldn't ignore the Wellington family's interests.
Therefore, he tried his best to secure the opportunity to collaborate with Ada Wang. If Ada's wedding could be held at the Wellington family hotel, it would be a highly anticipated grand event. If the Wellington family did well, it would undoubtedly attract new attention and increase their influence.
"I need to review the proposal thoroughly and have a meeting with Victor Walsh at the hotel. Securing this project is crucial for us." Edward's expression was stern as he closed the document.
"Edward, there's something I need to report to you. You should be prepared." Bart's eyes flickered.
"Don't beat around the bush."
"This time, competing with the Wellington family for Ada Wang's wedding rights is KS WORLD's general manager, Evelyn."
As Edward heard this name, hiss face turned as hard as iron, his brow twitching violently.
'Why is it Evelyn again!'
