Chapter 2 - The Unexpected Arrival
Colin pulled his car into the winding driveway, a genuine smile softening his usually sharp features. He had wrapped up his meetings three hours early, a rare victory he intended to celebrate. In his passenger seat sat a pristine, delicate pink birthday cake in a bakery box, alongside a small, silver-wrapped box resting in his jacket pocket.
It was Evelyn’s birthday. With the chaos of the new baby and his grueling schedule, they hadn't celebrated properly. He wanted to surprise her, to see the relief wash over her tired eyes.
He bypassed the formal garden where his mother's guests were mingling, opting for the side entrance that led directly into the kitchen. He balanced the cake carefully in one hand, pushing the heavy oak door open with his shoulder.
"Evie, I'm—"
The words died in his throat. Colin froze.
The kitchen was a disaster zone of dirty dishes, but that wasn't what stopped him. It was the sight of his wife. She looked completely broken, mechanically scrubbing plates with a stained apron tied around her waist, their newborn son pressed against her chest. She looked like a scullery maid in her own home.
"Evelyn," Colin said sharply, his voice slicing through the hum of the running water. "What are you doing?"
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Evelyn jumped, nearly dropping a plate. She turned slowly, her eyes red-rimmed and glassy. She saw the cake in his hand. She saw the sharp, dark suit he wore, a stark contrast to her ruined clothes.
"Your mother..." Evelyn's voice cracked, exhausted and hollow. "Your mother said I had to earn our keep."
