Finn could feel Evangeline''s sadness, and he knew this wasn''t the right time for such a reaction.


    He didn''t know why, or when it had started, but his feelings for her were gradually spinning out of his control.


    Worried she might notice his sudden awkwardness, Finn didn''t dare to move, simply letting her hold him.


    After what felt like a long time, Evangeline finally let go.


    Her eyes were terribly red, and her voice was a little hoarse when she spoke.


    "I''m sorry. I lost the ring you gave me."


    At her words, the tension that had gripped Finn finally eased, and he smiled. “Is that all?"


    "It''s okay. Once we get out of here, we''ll find a way to get it back."


    "Everything that was lost wille back."


    With that, he sat down beside her, adjusting his clothes to hide his earlier reaction,


    and said slowly, "When we get back, I won''t tell anyone I saw Theresa."


    This was something that had been weighing heavily on Evangeline''s mind.


    As close as she and Finn were, he was still connected to the Lockridges and had aplicated rtionship with Victor.


    Evangeline knew he would help her, but she wasn''t sure how he would choose between her and Victor.


    But if she actually asked him, it would show that she didn''t trust him.


    She didn''t want to create a rift between them with her own suspicions, especially at such a crucial point in their developing rtionship.


    After all, she needed Finn for the future of UME and to take down Victor.


    Not far away, Soren''s gaze had been fixed on Evangeline ever since she had left the room.


    Now, watching the two of them sitting side-by-side, their posture intimate, he felt his heart being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pressure so intense it was hard to breathe.


    One hand gripped the trunk of a tree so tightly that his fingertips were scraped raw, but he didn''t notice.


    Throughout their journey, he had thought he''d grown ustomed to their affectionate disys, but he now realized that wasn''t true at all.


    Seeing her with Finn, supported by her friend Theresa, and seeing how he himself was being pushed out her life, he finally recognized the deep well of resentment inside him.


    If he had never been with Evangeline in the first ce, maybe it would have been easier to bear.


    But he had once had her. They had been married for five years.


    If only he had realized sooner, he could have stopped the divorce.


    But now, all he could do was watch as she drifted further and further away,ughing


    and talking with another man.


    Was it possible? Had he really been wrong all along?


    As he was lost in thought, a sound came from nearby.


    Soren''s senses sharpened, and he immediately grew alert.


    "Who''s there?"


    Leo emerged from behind a tree, holding a te of food. "Hey, man. Come get something to eat."


    His tone was open and friendly. “I''m an outsider, so it''s not my ce to get involved


    in your business."


    "I don''t know why Theresa doesn''t


    like you, but I can tell you''re not used


    to this kind of hardship. With alt you''ve been through, your body must be struggling."


    Leo pushed the te of food toward him.


    Soren''s stomach was already growling, but he didn''t take it.


    Confused, Leo followed his gaze.


    When he saw Evangeline and Finn nestled closely together, he seemed to have a realization. He looked back at Soren.


    Then, as if he''d discovered a secret, he grinned yfully. "What''s this? You have a crush on her?"


    "Too bad. They look pretty serious to me."


    "During dinner, the way they were


    looking at each other... you could et


    practically see the sparks. I''d say you should give up now save


    yourself the heartache."