Chapter 12 The early spring breeze carried a faint , unfamiliar floral scent across Evelyn's cheeks . She stood on the balcony of her apartment , gazing at the jagged outline of the city in the distance . It was her seventh day in this country , and everything had gone surprisingly smoothly . Her rented apartment was small but full of light . Morning sunlight poured through the floor - to - ceiling windows , gilding the beige sofa in a warm , golden hue . The potted greenery she'd just bought yesterday sat on the coffee table , its leaves unfurling with vitality . Her phone buzzed . It was a confirmation email from her new job . Evelyn exhaled softly , a smile curling unconsciously at her lips . Landing this design job had gone unexpectedly well . During the interview , the creative director had taken one look at her portfolio and made the decision on the spot . " Ms. Winston's style is unique , " he had said . " It's both commercial and artistic , exactly what we've been looking for . " She'd already swapped out her old SIM card and snapped the original in two before tossing it in the trash . None of her old contacts were saved , and all her social media accounts had been deleted . Her new phone only held numbers for her landlord , a few coworkers , and some grocery and delivery services . It was a clean slate , like she'd been reborn . The fridge was stocked with fresh produce . Evelyn tied on an apron and awkwardly fried an egg . When the oil splattered on her hand , she hissed in pain , then laughed out loud . Turns out , even a life not pampered by someone else's care still hurt in vivid , honest ways . That afternoon , when she went to the office to complete her onboarding , the receptionist gave her a friendly tour of the workspace . Her new colleagues greeted her war nly . No one stared or pried . No one knew she had ever been " Mrs. Roscente . " " This is your desk , " the receptionist said , pointing to a spot by the window . " There's a project kickoff meeting at 3 PM . Bring your notebook . " During the meeting , Evelyn sat quietly in the corner , taking careful notes on the project Chapter 12 9.52 % requirements . It was a luxury residential landscaping project . The client's representative hadn't arrived yet , and the creative director was presenting the background . Suddenly , the door swung open . " Apologies , got held up on the road . " A warm , clear male voice rang out . Evelyn looked up and saw a man in a light gray suit walk in . " This is Simon Carter , the lead architect on this project , " the director introduced . His gaze swept across the room and briefly paused when it landed on her . Then he gave her a polite nod . Though Evelyn was new , the director gave her a chance to present her preliminary concept . She was nervous , her fingers trembling slightly . " This layout is clever . " Simon's voice interrupted gently . His tone wasn't loud , but it made Evelyn freeze mid - sentence . He adjusted his glasses and looked at her with professional appreciation . " Ms. Winston , you've thought this through very thoroughly . " Evelyn's ears warmed . She gave a soft " thank you . " After the meeting , while she was packing up , a cup of coffee appeared in front of her . " Black , no sugar , " Simon said , standing beside her desk . His tone was casual . " It's a little bitter , but I figured you might need the caffeine boost . " " Thank you . " There was a trace of a smile between his brows . He picked up the design draft she'd left on the desk and handed it back to her . " This is a great concept . If you need input on any structural elements , feel free to come to me anytime . " And with that , he walked off , not lingering to chat . That evening , Evelyn ran into him again in the elevator . " Which direction are you headed ? " he asked as he pressed the floor buttons . Chapter 12 9.52 % " Havencrest Apartments . " " No kidding , my studio's on the next street over , " he said . When the doors opened , he stepped aside to let her out first . " There's a great bakery nearby . Try their new pastries for breakfast tomorrow . They're pretty good . " The night air was soft as Evelyn walked home , a bouquet of fresh flowers in her arms . Piano music drifted from a corner café , and a few blonde children laughed as they ran past her . No bodyguards watched her every move , no milk she was forced to drink at a precise hour , and no late - night moaning from the villa next door . She inhaled deeply , breathing in the taste of freedom in the air . Chapter 12