Trapped in Love

Chapter 21

Chapter 21 Haven’t You Learned Your Lesson?

Caroline’s weariness was instantly evident as she retrieved her phone and saw her father’s call.

Suppressing the pain in her ankle, she hurriedly left the kitchen to answer the call.

“Hello,” Caroline’s voice sounded dull.

“Why didn’t you call me, Carol?” Bradley asked

Caroline replied, “You added my number to your blacklist because you were afraid someone would trace you through me. Did you forget?”

Bradley let out an awkward laugh. “Yes, I forgot. Never mind. Where are you now?”

“I’m working overtime,” Caroline responded Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Bradley commented, “Ah, working overtime is good. You can earn more. Carol, do you have any money now?”

Caroline tightened her grip on the glass in her hand. Did he care about nothing besides money? Had he forgotten so quickly that he left her alone at the casino the other day?

“I don’t. I used all my money to repay your debt!” Caroline’s voice turned harsh.

“Even if you have a few dollars, it’s fine. Don’t you have anything? Bradley grew anxious.

Bitterness welled up in her heart. “Dad, are you trying to push me to a desperate end? You never paid for Mom’s medical expenses, and I even repaid your debt. What more do you want?”

“Why are you saying that? I raised you. So what if I use some of your money?” Bradley retorted.

A brief sniff escaped her before she suppressed her emotions and explained, “I don’t have any money. Just wait until next month.”

“No!” He angrily interrupted. “I want the money now. If you don’t give it to me, you’re ungrateful!”

“Do you want to gamble again? Haven’t you learned your lesson from the other day?” Caroline trembled with anger.

“Show some respect. You’re talking to your father!” Bradley shouted. “Fine, you don’t want to give it to me? Then I’ll cause a scene at your workplace. Let’s see who will be embarrassed!”

“30 dollars!” Caroline’s voice trembled with fury. “That’s all I have right now.”

“Fine! It’s enough for me to get a meal. Transfer it to me now.”

After ending the call, Caroline weakly leaned her hand against the kitchen counter, tears streaming down her cheeks incessantly.

Why did she have such a father?

For consecutive days, Caroline hardly left her bedroom.

She was suffering from severe morning sickness and rapid weight loss due to the looming deadline for a competition draft.

Finally, she came up with an idea and completed her draft, allowing her to finally rest that day.

In the evening, she went downstairs to have dinner.

Coincidentally, Evan entered the house with determined strides.

Upon noticing her exhausted and pale appearance, his brows furrowed deeply.

Though they had only been apart for a few days, she had evidently subjected herself to such

torture.

Did she intentionally push herself to such limits in order to gain his sympathy?

Caroline averted her gaze from him indifferently and took a seat at the dining table.

As she laid eyes on the dishes, the overwhelming nausea forced her to rush towards the

washroom once again

Evan’s mood darkened at the sight, wondering if she found him repulsive

Just then, Lily emerged from the kitchen with dishes in hand. Upon spotting Evan, she quickly approached him. “Mr. Jordan, you’re back.”

He loosened his tie. “Hasn’t she been eating?”

Worry filled Lily’s face. “Ms. Shenton has been burning the midnight oil lately. She has become noticeably slimmer, and her eating habits have become irregular.”

“Burning the midnight oil?” Evan glanced towards the tightly shut washroom. “What has she been

working on?”

Lily gestured towards the discarded drafts on the table that she had yet to dispose of. “She has

-been sketching.”

Evan casually picked up one of the discarded drafts and examined it.

‘A fashion design draft? He fell into deep thought. Designing was not listed on her resume. When did she start learning it?‘

While Evan was still perusing the drafts, Caroline emerged from the washroom. Her expression changed when she noticed that he was looking at her drafts, She rushed forward to snatch them

“Don’t look at those.”

Evan raised an eyebrow and shot her a sidelong glance.

Caroline quickly fabricated a lie. “I was bored, so I learned it online to pass the time. Otherwise, I would have been extremely bored since I can’t go out.”

Evan fell silent for a moment. “Accompany me to an auction tomorrow.”

Caroline was taken aback by the request. In the past, when she accompanied him to auctions, she had to drink wine on his behalf. But now that she was pregnant, she couldn’t consume alcohol. Hence, she tried declining. “I’m experiencing discomfort in my stomach, so I can’t have wine.”

Displeasure instantly marred his handsome face. “That’s not my concern.”

Lowering her gaze, Caroline inquired, “Why don’t you ask Ms. Love to accompany you?”

He sat down at the dining table and picked up a fork gracefully. ‘It’s not suitable for her to attend such events.”

A bitter laughter escaped her lips.

Auctions were often associated with social interactions, and scenes like these often had

individuals with questionable intentions. It didn’t surprise her that he wouldn’t want his beloved woman to be exposed to such people.

Unable to refuse him, she reluctantly agreed.

It was the sad truth, that in his eyes, she was insignificant.

On Saturday afternoon, Evan arranged for a stylist to assist Caroline in getting ready.

Caroline possessed delicate facial features and exuded a classical charm.

With just a touch of makeup from the artist, her allure surpassed that of others.

Her gown was a black, shoulder–baring dress with a high slit, lending a mysterious aura to her already charming and flawless figure.

Once she had changed her attire, she approached Evan

However, his eyes darkened upon a single glance. “Put on a different dress.”