Chapter 65

[Evelyn’s POV]

I gave myself the chance to look around some more but ultimately settled on the hibiscus. When the vendor was kind enough to package that up for me, I gave myself a little more time to roam around the market, wondering if I should bring back anything particular for Alexander.

I kind of had a feeling that he wasn’t going to be too keen on any type of plant or herb, but maybe I could browse around the fruit and vegetable stands and have the kitchen staff prepare something special...

Right as I left the flower section, I headed toward the fresh produce areas. But on my way, I must have walked past some kind of essential oil stand because I was heavily wafted by several overwhelming scents.

I clamped my hand over my face and tried to keep the unbearable smells from hitting me all at once. Look, I enjoyed the scent of lavender and mint as much as the next person. However, when they were overly potent and heavily concentrated, it was far too much for me to handle at the moment.

Maybe it was because I was still getting over my sickness...But good God, I was severely lightheaded.

I, unconsciously, reached my hand out to steady myself against the nearest stand. The last thing I wanted was to attract attention to myself.

But things were growing more and more unstable by the second. The very ground felt like it was spinning and I had no control over my footing. My knees felt like they were on the verge of buckling beneath me.

Goddamnit, I should have insisted on having one of the staff members accompany me today.

I had no idea if this bout of dizziness was just a passing wave or if it was going to turn into something more.

Soon, I was met with a crashing wave of nausea that I was almost certain would have done me in.

“Evelyn.”

I heard someone calling my name but I didn’t dare turn my head to find out who it was. I was far too nauseous and wasn’t willing to take the risk.

But I soon felt a pair of sturdy hands on my upper arms, calmly and firmly guiding me away from the stands and toward the picnic tables and benches. Slowly but surely the fresh air was allowing my head to clear. My steadiness gradually came back and I was able to gain control of my movements.

God. I was burning with embarrassment yet thankful for whoever was helping me.

Once I felt confident enough to lift my head up, I was met with a familiar smile and striking green eyes and a concerned smile.

“Michael?”

“Hey,” he greeted. “Are you alright?”

I lowered my head and took in several deep breaths.

“I’m...I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?” he pressed.

I couldn't stop myself from smiling. His worried tone reminded me of Alexander. It was moments like this when I really missed him because of the sense of security that he gave me.

“I think so,” I said quietly. “Believe me, I don’t normally have these moments. I think I was just overwhelmed by all the scents around me.”

“Well, take it easy,” he told me. “If it’s a migraine, you shouldn’t move too quickly. Are you susceptible to having vertigo?”

I waved him off and half-hazzardly shook my head.

“Trust me, it’s neither of those things.” Having taken in another deep breath, I lifted my eyes back up to meet his. “I’m getting over the effects of Belladonna poisoning.”

Michael’s eyes widened almost comically as he gaped at me in sheer shock.

“You what? Oh my God! How the hell—”

“It’s kind of a long story,” I mumbled.

He folded his hands over his chest and raised a brow at my remark.

“Well, it’s a good thing I don’t have any pressing plans I need to deal with for the rest of the day,” he stated. “And based on how pale you look right now, I wouldn’t suggest moving from that spot for a little while.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, worrying that this inconvenient episode was going to make me extremely late heading home. The last thing I wanted was to make everyone worried about my unexpected delayed absence.

But it appeared that I really didn’t have a choice.

I gestured for Micahel to take a seat next to me. From there, I went on to talk about the insanity that endured for the last couple of days while keeping everyone’s names censored for privacy purposes. Michael was locked into my telling of how Fiona purposely poisoned the tea mix with the intention of hurting hundreds of people.

“All because she was—what? Jealous?” he asked incredulously.

I nodded my head and dared to glance at the time on his watch. Oh my God.

The time read a little past four. I needed to head back to the house before I ended up facing a flustered Nina and a furious Alexander.

“I should really go,” I said. “It was nice meeting you, Michael. I mean, despite having almost fainted in public, I’d say that today was decently surprising and eventful.”

Michael laughed and nodded his head in agreement. “You’re right. I wasn’t even planning on coming here today. And to think, I almost missed out on meeting someone as unique and honest as you.”

My stomach flipped.

What the hell is wrong with me? I don’t even know this person and already I’m feeling giddy around them. For Christ’s sake, get it together, Evelyn. You’re not attracted to him, you’re just not used to someone giving you this kind of attention.

As sad as it sounded, my inner voice was right. I wasn’t someone who just randomly fell head over heels for the first guy who glanced in my direction. Nor should any of that matter now anyway.

I was a married woman. Alexander and I were gradually working through our marriage one step at a time. And I was more than happy with it...

These estranged feelings that I had toward Michael, weren’t necessarily for him. They were a brutal reminder of the feelings I wished were more prevalent between Alexander and myself.

I wanted Alexander to look at me the way that this guy was—I wanted to experience that intensity with him but there always seemed to be some kind of barrier to get through.

He’d told me that he was scared for my well-being when I’d been sick; however, he closed up right after that. I should have pressed him to expand on those feelings.

Then again, who was I to talk? I was the one who tried to pull away from him in the beginning.

I just wish I wasn’t filled with so many damn doubts. Our relationship hadn’t started off on any normal basis. We were an arranged marriage and Alexander had put me through trial after trial, testing my devotion as well as my intentions.

I’d faced people from his past who made me feel horribly inadequate and filled with self-conflict. Sure, we were getting closer but, at the end of the day, was I really what he wanted?

Michael made sure I got up slowly before letting me head back toward the parking lot where the car was waiting.

“Perhaps, I’ll be lucky enough to see you again,” he said with a hopeful note.

I returned his smile but decided not to say anything in return. It wouldn’t have been fair to boost his expectations when there was no telling what the future had in store.

“Goodbye, Michael.”