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CHAPTER 2 — THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEIR EYES
Music drifted softly through the Hart ballroom—violins weaving a graceful melody that should have soothed the evening's tension.
But to Evangeline Hart, the sound felt worlds away.
Eryn's arms wrapped protectively around her, shielding her from the sight she couldn't unsee:
her fiancé smiling at another woman as if Evangeline had never existed.
Evangeline drew in a quiet breath and gently pulled away from her twin.
"I'm alright," she whispered.
Eryn frowned.
"No, you're not."
She didn't deny it.
She simply lifted her chin, her elegance sliding back into place like armor.
"Guests are watching," she murmured. "If we cause a scene, people will talk."
"And if we don't," Eryn said sharply, "people will still talk—because he's giving them something to talk about."
Evangeline's heartbeat faltered.
Across the hall, Adrian had turned away from Vivianne.
His eyes searched through the ballroom—and finally landed on Evangeline.
A flicker of something—guilt? awareness?—passed over his face.
But then Vivianne touched his arm lightly, smiling up at him again, and whatever softness he had vanished.
Evangeline's chest tightened painfully.
She forced her lips into a gentle smile for Eryn's sake.
"It's fine," she lied softly.
"Eva."
He stepped closer.
"You don't have to pretend with me."
She exhaled, eyes lowering for just a moment.
"…It hurts more if I don't pretend."
Eryn's expression broke a little.
Before he could respond, a voice approached from behind.
"Miss Hart."
Evangeline turned, her mask instantly perfect.
Mr. Rowan, one of her father's business partners, offered a polite bow.
"Your presence is requested at the east hall. The donors would appreciate a few words from you."
"Of course," Evangeline replied with graceful composure. "Thank you for informing me."
When Mr. Rowan left, Eryn scowled.
"You don't have to go if you're not—"
"I have to," she interrupted gently. "This is our family's event. I won't let anyone say the Hart daughter cannot fulfill her duties because she's upset."
Eryn touched her shoulder.
"You won't be alone. I'm going with you."
She offered a faint smile.
"Thank you."
---
As They Walked
Evangeline held her posture perfectly straight, though her thoughts were anything but calm.
She told herself she wouldn't look back.
But she did.
Just once.
Only to see—
Vivianne leaning closer.
Adrian letting her.
And Vivianne's eyes meeting Evangeline's—
with a victorious, poisonous smirk.
A silent declaration:
"I'm taking him."
Evangeline's steps faltered.
Eryn noticed instantly.
He followed her gaze and clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles whitened.
"I swear," he hissed under his breath, "if he hurts you—"
"Eryn," she whispered, "please don't make a scene."
"I won't," he said.
"But I'm not forgiving him. Not anymore."
Evangeline didn't know what to say.
Her heart felt heavy, almost numb.
The memory of Adrian's smile—
the one he used to give her so tenderly—
now belonged to another.
---
IN THE EAST HALL
Guests welcomed Evangeline warmly.
Compliments poured in—
her elegance,
her grace,
her poise.
And she responded flawlessly, as she always did.
But inside, she felt as if she were watching herself from a distance.
Smiling.
Talking.
Perfect.
While her heart quietly bled underneath the silk of her gown.
When the formalities finally ended, Eryn guided her back to a quieter corridor.
As soon as they were alone, he asked softly:
"…Eva. Do you still love him?"
Evangeline closed her eyes.
For a moment, the elegant façade slipped—
revealing exhaustion, sadness, fear.
"I don't know anymore," she whispered.
Eryn's face hardened.
"Then let me help you figure it out."
She opened her eyes, puzzled.
"Tonight," Eryn said quietly, "I'm going to follow him."
Evangeline froze.
"Eryn—"
"I won't confront him," he assured gently. "I won't cause a scandal. But I'll see what he's hiding. I'll see where he goes. Who he meets. What he's doing."
Evangeline's fingers trembled.
"What if… what you find hurts more?" she whispered.
Eryn stepped closer, lifting her chin with a careful, protective touch.
"Then you'll know the truth," he said.
"And the truth will set you free."
Her breath hitched.
Because deep down—
as much as it terrified her—
Evangeline wanted the truth.
Even if it shattered her completely.
---
END OF CHAPTER 2