The day dragged on in silence for Eva after Andrew left to drop his parents at the airport. She had spent hours wandering the mansion, feeling its vast emptiness more acutely than ever. “What kind of husband even works on Sundays?” she muttered, pacing restlessly. Her frustration with Andrew’s coldness was building, and the silence of the house only amplified her thoughts.

“I guess I should make lunch for him and take it to the company,” Eva decided, hoping maybe a small gesture could break the ice between them. With that in mind, she busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a meal with the quiet hope that it might bring them closer—if only by a small step.

When she arrived at Andrew’s company, reality hit her hard. She couldn’t just stroll in and announce herself as his wife. Their marriage was still a secret from most, and she had to play the part of a stranger in his life.

Eva called Edward, Andrew’s loyal assistant, explaining she was at the entrance with lunch for Andrew. “Is Andrew free?” she asked nervously, fiddling with the container in her hands.

Edward reassured her, “He’s not busy at the moment. You can take the back elevator straight to his office. There aren’t many employees here since it’s the weekend.”

Relieved that she could sneak in without drawing attention, Eva followed Edward’s directions and soon found herself standing outside Andrew’s office. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of nerves and anticipation. But as she reached for the door, she overheard voices inside.

Inside, a woman’s voice purred, “Andrew…” The tone was unmistakable—sultry, seductive. It sent a wave of unease coursing through Eva. She pushed the door open slightly and saw the scene before her.

Ann, a woman Eva didn’t recognize, was standing far too close to Andrew, her hand resting on his desk as she leaned in toward him. Eva swung the door open and stepped in, “Andrew.” 

“Who are you, and how dare you call him by his name like that?” Ann snapped, glaring at Eva.

Eva swallowed hard, the warmth she had felt moments before quickly draining. “I brought lunch for Mr. King…” she began, but before she could finish, Andrew—without even glancing at her—grabbed Ann by the waist and pulled her onto his lap.

“Baby, not now,” he murmured to Ann, his tone icy yet familiar. Eva froze, the world around her shattering in an instant.

“I’ll wait outside,” she choked, the tears already brimming in her eyes. She left before she could break down, feeling the sting of betrayal cut deep. Not again.

As she walked down the hallway, tears spilling freely, her mind spiraled back to the past. Josh… The memory of her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal resurfaced, the way he’d cheated on her, and now here she was, reliving it with Andrew. Why is this happening again? she thought bitterly, feeling her heart crack with every step she took.

Edward found her moments later, his face creased with concern. “Eva, Andrew’s looking for you.”

She wiped her tears hastily, trying to pull herself together, though her heart was still raw. “I’m coming,” she whispered.

Back in Andrew’s office, she knocked softly before entering. Andrew sat behind his desk, his expression unreadable. “Sit,” he said, his voice cool and detached.

Eva did as she was told, sitting across from him. Her hands clenched tightly in her lap.

“What brings you here?” Andrew asked, his eyes cold as they met hers.

“I brought you lunch,” Eva replied, forcing her voice to stay steady, though her heart ached from the interaction she had just witnessed.

Andrew’s lips curled into a scoff. “Did I ask you to?”

The question stung, but Eva held her composure. “No.”

“Then why make lunch and show up here?” His tone was harsher now, as though her very presence was an inconvenience.

Eva looked down, feeling small under his scrutiny. Her throat tightened, and she could feel the tears she’d fought so hard to contain threatening to spill over again. She couldn’t meet his gaze as she whispered, “I thought it might help.”

Andrew laughed, a low, bitter sound that cut through the air. “Help? Don’t kid yourself, Eva.” He leaned back in his chair, watching her closely. “You think you can win this little game between us?”

Her heart twisted painfully at his words. “I’m not trying to win—”

“Don’t be so naïve,” he cut her off coldly. “I know exactly what you’re doing. Trying to play the perfect wife, trying to win me over. But let me make one thing clear: I won’t lose. I never lose.”

Eva’s tears finally broke free, but she quickly wiped them away. Andrew, however, seemed unmoved by her vulnerability.

He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll be joining the company as my assistant.”

Eva blinked in surprise, looking up at him. “What?”

“Did you not hear me?” His voice was sharp. “You’re my new assistant.”

Tears welled up in her eyes again, but this time, she managed to hold them back as she nodded.

“Words, Eva,” he snapped. “I want words, not a head nod.”

“Yes,” she forced the word out, her voice cracking slightly under the pressure.

Andrew leaned back in his chair, clearly satisfied. “Good. You can leave now.”

Eva stood, her legs shaky as she gathered the untouched lunch she had brought for him. As she turned to leave, Andrew sighed, his voice softer now but still distant. “I shouldn’t fall for you, Eva. You’re too innocent for my world.”

Those words cut deeper than anything else he’d said. She barely made it out of his office before the tears came rushing back. The walk to the mansion felt impossibly long, and by the time she made it to her room, she collapsed onto her bed, letting the sobs she had been holding back all day finally break free.

“Maybe you’ll win, Andrew,” she whispered to herself, the pain of his rejection still fresh in her heart. “From tomorrow, I won’t bother you anymore. I’ll just let the next three months pass... and then I’ll leave you.”

Eva clutched her pillow tightly, tears streaming down her face as the reality of their loveless marriage weighed heavy on her. How could she ever make Andrew see her when he was so determined to keep her at arm’s length? How could she survive the next three months when every day with him felt like a battle she was destined to lose?

And yet, deep down, a part of her still hoped that maybe—just maybe—something might change before time ran out.