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It was a shame he’d realized too late.
It was too late to stop her from leaving.
But no more.
He’d come to his senses.
If Evelyn would forgive him, he’d do anything she asked.
The thought of her returning to him brought a smile to Reuben’s lips.
Joy swelled in his chest, making every second of the wait feel unbearable.
After an eight–hour flight, the plane finally landed.
Reuben couldn’t wait to rush to the agreed address to see the one he loved.
The meeting spot was a café.
When
When Reuben pushed open the door, the bell jangled.
His eyes immediately found Evelyn in the corner.
A month apart had felt like a year of torment.
Seeing her now left Reuben dazed.
She’d changed a lot.
When she was with him, tied to the demands of the household, she’d always dressed simply.
Now, in casual clothes with her hair tied back, her fair, slender neck exposed, she reminded him of the past and the shy Evelyn who’d once had a crush on him, back when they’d first met.
He hesitated for a few seconds, then walked over to greet her with a smile.
“Evelyn. Long time no see.
He fought the urge to pull her into his arms, simply staring at her face, greedy and transfixed.
“Well, to put it plainly, I agreed to meet you only to settle things once and for all.”
Evelyn showed no interest in reminiscing.
She took a sip of her coffee, ready to speak, but Reuben cut in hastily.
“I get it. It was all my fault. I was blind to my own feelings, and that’s how Addison hurt you. Evelyn, I see it now. I love you. You’re the only one I’ve ever truly loved.”
He blurted it out, eyes shining, waiting anxiously for Evelyn’s response.
In his mind, Evelyn loved him so deeply that she’d surely forgive him, agree to return home with him.
But from start to end, her expression remained unchanged.
She merely tugged at the corner of her mouth.
“Reuben, it’s too late both for your apology and your love. If you’re done, I’ll be leaving. There’s no point in talking further.”
Reuben’s face paled.
He reached out instinctively, grabbing her hand, panic etched across his features.
“It’s not too late! We still have a future. I’ve punished Addison. Come back, and I’ll give you everything. I know you’re just angry. Hit me, yell at me. Anything. Please, Evelyn come back.”
Evelyn pulled her hand free, her voice steady and calm.
“I don’t love you anymore, Reuben. And I won’t go back. I hope you and Addison have a long, happy life.”
She stood to leave, but Reuben was stunned.
This wasn’t the reaction he’d imagined.
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In his mind, Evelyn’s love for him ran too deep to fade.
How could she just stop loving him?
A terror he’d never known surged through him.
When he’d first heard Evelyn had left, he’d clung to the belief she still cared.
Now, face to face, she claimed she didn’t love him anymore!
Her words felt like a blade to his heart.
He grabbed Evelyn’s hand, refusing to let go.
His proud frame shook.
He stooped slightly, his voice cracking with a desperation he’d never shown.
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“Evelyn, don’t do this. I know I was wrong. Forgive me, and no one can ever hurt you again. Please. Just this once. We’ve been through so much, you can’t leave over one mistake.”
Once, such words would have cheered Evelyn up.
She’d
She’d loved him enough to play the stand–in, to swallow her pride.
But Addison had killed that love, leaving only the bitter taste of regret.
She regretted wasting years on a man who’d never seen her.
She took a deep breath, prying Reuben’s fingers open with steady resolve.
“Reuben, I’ve made myself clear. There’s no future for us.”
The look in her eyes was calm, final.
It made Reuben realize that he was losing her.
He shook his head wildly, tears spilling over for the first time in front of another person, his voice breaking as he reached for her again.
“Evelyn, I was wrong. Let me make it right. Just… come back home with me, even for a day. I have a surprise. And the kids, Wes and Nolan, they miss you. They’re waiting for you to come back.”
Any onlookers would have gaped at Reuben’s humility, but he cared for none of it.
If groveling would make her stay, he’d drop to his knees without hesitation.
Evelyn hesitated, then nodded.
She never intended to forgive Reuben, nor did she miss the children.
She was simply curious about this ‘punishment” he spoke of.
A man who’d once risked everything for Addison, now begging her so shamelessly.
Why?
She needed to see it for herself.
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