Cassian’s POV
“Welcome back, my dear beloved wife,” I said the moment Evelyn stepped through the door.
I’d heard the sound of an engine pulling into the driveway and, without thinking, I left what I was doing to check. My chest tightened when I saw her step out of the car, her hair slightly windblown and her eyes tired.
It was her.
I leaned in and pressed a quick peck to her cheek, my hand sliding naturally to take her handbag.
“Did you miss me that much?” she asked, one brow raised as if she were teasing, but her voice carried a faint weariness.
“Of course,” I replied smoothly, the lie rolling off my tongue. I didn’t love her in that way—but I played the part, holding her hand in my free one as we moved inside.
“How was work?” I asked, trying to sound light.
She let out a short, d
