Unmasking the Heiress (Evangeline and Walte)

Chapter 454

Evangeline was not just going to Walter's birthday ban to celebrate her almost ex file was going make sure she left with no regrets.

She planned to close the chapter regarding all the feelings she had for Waller, believing that with each memory put to rest, her attachment to him would fade away. Quickly, he would be nothing more than a ghost in her past. Hanging up the phone, she went to her secret hideout. It was a cozy studio apartment, nothing fancy, bot it was her own little world.

Tucked away in an unremarkable neighborhood, the place was simple, yet it had everything she needed. She called it her secret hideout because it was her private sanctuary that no one else knew about.

Ever since she started violin lessons with Loberni, music had become her forte. The first song she penned for her bestie Roslyn took the country by storm, and with it, she earned her first big paycheck.

Evangeline had always dreamed of a place she could call her own. Thus, she went behind everyone's back and snagged a cozy little house. It was not that she could not splash out on something bigger, but living alone in a mansion would just echo with emptiness and make her feel even more alone.

The best thing about a snug home was how it wrapped her in warmth, even when it was bursting at the

seams.

Her own little corner of the world was filled with gifts. They were scattered everywhere on the bed, across the floor-each one tucked inside a box wrapped with care and tagged with a number. There were 30 in all, each unique and special, just like the moments they were meant to celebrate for Walter.

For his first birthday, a golden charm to wish him a long life. For his second, a playful rattle drum with at doll's face. His third, a rare Disney puzzle that was all the rage.

She had a rule: No repeats, ever.

It had become second nature, picking out presents for Walter's birthdays.

Whenever she stumbled upon the perfect gift, she would scoop it up, dress it in a pretty box, slap on a number, and stash it away in her sanctuary.

Her fingers brushed over the boxes, then cloaked in a layer of dust. It was a reminder of the time that had passed, and it pricked at her heart. Her eyes, usually so bright, threatened to spill over with tears.

However, Evangeline had made a promise to herself. After that horrific day in the car, when Walter had treated her worse than anyone should ever be treated, she swore she would never cry over him again. Hence, she held back the tears. She had to be strong, to not let the floodgates open.

At that moment, she was oddly thankful for David. He gave her news that felt like a lifeline. Without it, who knew how long those gifts would have remained hidden, gathering more dust in her little haven?

Gifts were just things, but if Walter kept his feelings locked away like those presents, when would she ever be free to embrace her slice of happiness? They had been tangled up in each other's lives for so long that it was time for her to wave goodbye to who she used to be.

Evangeline's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, while Minnie was practically doing cartwheels with

excitement. She was so excited that she might as well have crafted a victory banner and paraded it in front of Evangeline.

Even with Walter's promise, Minnie could not shake off her worries. She would only believe sh only one in Walter's heart when she saw him cut ties with Evangeline for good. So, with a scheme

she cuddled up to Walter once more.

was the

In the past, any woman bold enough to distract him at work would have been shown the door in no time.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 455