Save Her Lose Us (Evangeline and Soren) novel Chapter 112

"You couldn't find any record of me giving birth because the child died before it was ever born," Evangeline said quietly, her tone calm and matter-of-fact.

Soren froze where he stood.

He stared at her, searching her face for any sign of pain or sorrow, but she looked so composed it was almost unsettling. After a moment, realization flickered in his eyes, and he let out a short, disbelieving laugh. "Evangeline, you're lying to me, aren't you?"

No mother could talk about losing her child with such detachment.

And he knew Evangeline. She'd always craved his attention; if she had really lost a child, she would have used it to win his sympathy, sobbing and falling apart in front of him.

He remembered the time she'd rescued a stray kitten. When it died after a failed surgery, she'd called him all the way overseas, barely able to form words through her tears.

And now, her own child was gone, and she didn't even bat an eye?

Evangeline caught the skepticism in his gaze.

Maybe it was because she'd long prepared herself for this moment, but hearing his doubt didn't hurt anymore. She didn't feel disappointed, just numb.

She let out a cold, humorless laugh, said nothing further, and turned to leave.

Soren quickly stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "Evangeline, enough with the games. Tell me—where is the child?"

He didn't get to finish. Suddenly, a melodic ringtone sounded from his pocket.

Soren pulled out his phone.

Poppy's name flashed brightly on the screen.

Evangeline saw it too. Figuring he'd answer, she moved to step around him.

The old Evangeline would never have dared speak to him like this. Was she emboldened because of the child?

The fact that the child had existed was now undeniable, so Soren stopped pressing her.

He was just about to say something else when Poppy's call came through again. This time, Soren accepted.

As soon as the line connected, Poppy's shaky, tearful voice filled his ear. "Soren, the power's out at the house. It's so dark—I'm scared. What should I do?"

Soren's tone changed instantly, losing its earlier chill and softening. "Probably a blown fuse. There's a flashlight under the TV stand in the living room—grab that for now. I'll send someone over right away."

"Okay, I'll go get it," Poppy replied, her voice still trembling.

He could hear the rustle and shuffle of her footsteps as she made her way toward the living room on the other end of the line.