Chapter 4

Evelyn POV

The second day after being discharged, I made an excuse about meeting friends and went alone to a law firm.

I signed donation agreements for all the properties, cars, and company shares Ethan had transferred to me after marriage.

The recipient was a charity organization specifically for rescuing critically ill orphans.

"Ms. Hart, are you certain you want to donate everything? This is an incalculable fortune." The lawyer looked at the documents, repeatedly confirming in shock.

"I'm certain." I signed the last character without a moment's hesitation. "It takes effect in fifteen days. During this time, please keep this absolutely confidential from my husband."

After handling everything, I walked out of the law firm building and stepped into an old elevator.

The elevator descended halfway when there was a loud "clang," and it suddenly stopped mid-air.

Then the lights in the car flickered twice and went completely out.

Everything plunged into deathly darkness.

I have severe claustrophobia.

When I was ten, I was kidnapped and locked in an abandoned basement for three days and nights. Since then, I couldn't stand darkness.

Ethan knew about this condition. For these ten years, he never let me stay alone in the dark. Even during power outages, he would rush over immediately to hold me tight.

But now, darkness surged like a tide, instantly drowning me.

I trembled all over, breathing rapidly, cold sweat instantly soaking through my clothes. I pressed the emergency call button, but there was no response.

The intense sense of dying left my mind completely blank.

With shaking hands, I pulled out my phone and instinctively dialed that familiar number.

The phone rang for a long time before being answered.

"Hello, Ethan..." I grasped at it like the last thread of hope, my voice trembling uncontrollably.

"Evelyn?"

On the other end came Sophia's voice.

All the blood in my body instantly froze.

"Ethan's in the shower. Do you have something urgent? Should I have him call you back later?" Sophia's tone carried unconcealed provocation and pride.

In the darkness, I gasped for breath, my throat feeling stuffed with cotton, unable to make a sound.

"Oh my, Ethan, hurry up in there. I can't wait anymore~" Sophia's deliberately amplified coquettish voice came through the phone, followed by the sound of the bathroom door opening.

I closed my eyes in despair, my hand loosening as the phone fell heavily to the ground.

The screen shattered, the call disconnected.

I curled up in the corner of the elevator, arms wrapped tightly around my knees, consciousness gradually fading.

Ethan, I'm not afraid of the dark anymore.

Because my world. You already destroyed it with your own hands, leaving not a trace of light.

When I woke again, I was already on a hospital bed.

I'd been rescued by building security who forcibly pried open the elevator doors.

I opened my eyes. The hospital room was empty except for a nurse changing my IV.

"You're awake? Do you know how long you were unconscious? You almost died!" the nurse said worriedly.

I stared blankly at the ceiling, not speaking.

It wasn't until three hours later that the door was suddenly pushed open.

Ethan rushed in breathlessly, his tie askew, covered in sweat.

"Evelyn! I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm late!" He rushed to the bedside, hugging me tightly, his voice trembling. "There was an emergency meeting at the company. I left my phone in the office. When I finished the meeting and saw the hospital's call, I was scared to death."

I let him hold me, my gaze passing over his shoulder to land on his white shirt collar.

There was an extremely obvious lipstick mark that hadn't been wiped clean.

The exact same color lipstick Sophia wore today.

I looked at that red mark and suddenly laughed.

Laughed until tears came out.

"Evelyn, don't scare me. Does something still hurt?" Ethan was thrown into panic by my laughter, cupping my face and asking anxiously.

I gently pushed his hand away, my tone so calm it was devoid of emotion.

"Ethan, I'm not afraid of the dark anymore."

Ethan froze, a flash of panic in his eyes. "Evelyn, what are you talking about?"

I closed my eyes and turned my head away, no longer looking at him.

Ten more days.

Endure ten more days, and I can be completely free.