Chapter 2: Breaking Off the Engagement

Evelyn adjusted the navy-blue gown hugging her frame, straightened her shoulders, and marched toward the towering office building of Sinclair Enterprises. The Evelyn in the novel had spent years chasing after Adrian's affection. Today, she was doing the opposite.

"I'm here to see Mr. Sinclair," she told the receptionist at the front desk, flashing the coldest, most dignified expression she could muster.

The woman looked startled. "Miss Carter, Mr. Sinclair is in a meeting."

Evelyn didn't blink. "Then I suggest you inform him that his fiancée wishes to speak with him immediately."

The receptionist hesitated but eventually picked up the phone. Moments later, a sleek-haired assistant led her to the top floor, where Adrian Sinclair's office loomed like a fortress.

The heavy oak doors swung open to reveal him.

Adrian Sinclair was every bit as intimidating in person as he was described in the novel. Dark hair, stormy gray eyes, and an aura of absolute authority. He sat behind an elegant desk, his fingers interlaced as he studied her with unreadable intensity.

"Evelyn," he greeted, his voice cool, distant.

She exhaled sharply. "Adrian, we need to talk."

His brow arched slightly, but he gestured for her to continue.

She took a deep breath. "I want to end our engagement."

Silence.

Adrian didn't so much as flinch. If anything, he seemed... amused?

"You want to end our engagement?" he repeated slowly, as if testing the words.

Evelyn nodded firmly. "Yes. We both know this arrangement isn't working. Let's not waste each other's time."

A long pause. Then, to her absolute horror, Adrian leaned back in his chair and smirked.

"No."

Evelyn's brain short-circuited. No?!

"What do you mean, no?" she demanded.

Adrian stood and walked around his desk, stopping a few steps away from her. "I mean exactly what I said." His voice was dangerously low. "You don't get to decide this alone."

Evelyn's heart pounded. Why was he acting like this? In the novel, he had wanted nothing to do with her!

She forced a laugh. "Come on, Adrian. I'm doing us both a favor. You and Amelia—"

His gaze darkened. "This has nothing to do with Amelia."

Oh, great. The brooding billionaire had suddenly decided to be possessive?

She swallowed hard. Time for Plan B.

"Fine," she said, stepping closer, tilting her head in challenge. "If you won't agree to break it off, let's make a deal. Give me one month. If, at the end of that time, you still want to be engaged, I'll stay."

Adrian studied her for a long moment. Then, his lips curled into an almost predatory smile. "One month? Fine. But if you lose, you're mine, Evelyn. No more running."

Her stomach twisted. Why did that sound like a trap?