"I too want the same Mom but seems like I have made some bigger mistakes that I don't remember but I do want to be with her till my last breath" I said looking towards the door where Evelyn went.

"You have my blessings Son" She said smiling.

"Will you help me in knowing her habits, likes and dislikes. I want to win her" I asked holding her hands and she nodded excitedly.

I realized I was not alone now I have someone to turn to know my wife's likes and the one who can help me win her back.

Evelyn's POV

It was getting more and more difficult to stay with Richards, given that he was making every effort to make me happy. It was very difficult each time to keep my face blank for his every effort. The last four months were more like torture. First time I was surprised by the garden which was full of lavender my favorite flower. I thought it was just a coincidence but later on he called his office staff and planned for a picnic.

I didn't take it seriously but when he insisted I attend that I had little choice. I went there and saw his staff came with family and there were separate places allocated for the family and so I was made to sit next to him.

I was wondering on the thoughts when I realized my phone was ringing continuously. I lifted the call and immediately the caller said "Thank God you lifted my call Cara. I was worried about you. You haven't come back home nor do you lift my calls".

I let him talk and when he didn't hear anything from my end he stopped. 

"I know Ivan you are worried but knowing you have your men around who have been giving you updates makes me feel less concerned" I said smiling.

"You know even though I hear updates from them. I wanted to hear everything from your voice" He said.

I told him about all that happened till now. He took deep breath and said "Let me take care of that Cara. Don't Worry".

I was confused as to what was in his mind, but let the thoughts be and wondered what will be Richards new plan. It was giving me headache that he didn't do any of these things when we got married and now that we are at the verge of divorce he's putting the efforts to save our broken marriage.

Day passed and nothing new happened, I was reading a fiction book when a maid informed me that someone came to meet me. When I entered the hall I saw a man with his back facing me and was talking with Richards.

"See she's here" Richards said smiling at me.

I smiled at him but when the man turned to me I could not believe Ivan was standing in front of me.

"You... here.. how?" I was shocked and fumbled with my words.

"Well dear cousin, how could you not tell your favorite cousin that you are married and have even shifted to new house" He said.

I looked at him and then at Richards who was smiling as if he didn't realised that it was Ivan who was standing next to him.

"So Evelyn how did you not tell me that you have a distant cousin who is a famous businessman" Richards asked me while walking towards me. 

I was frozen for a minute when Richards kept his hand behind my back and I found Ivan clenching his jaw but covered it when Richards made eye contact with him.

Richard's POV

I saw Evelyn was surprised and then suddenly Ivan strode towards her and took her in his arms. Though it was sibling hug but It was weird because it seemed like Ivan held her longer than necessary and the monster of jealousy rose in my heart.

"Well seems like we can chat in living room" I said breaking their hug.

Evelyn nodded and both of them went to living room and I saw Evelyn started serving him breakfast which she never did for me unless I trick her into that or beg her to do so. The conversation between them was so live I felt like an outsider.

I sighed in relief when the breakfast was over and I thought he will leave but when he said he is planning to stay and Evelyn offered him to stay in our home, I didn't like it at all.

But seeing her smiling face made me not deny anything so like a good caring husband I agreed. You know they say that there are fools who dig their own grave and that's what I did. I wanted to spend time with my wife to win her heart but this cousin he stuck to her like gum.

I planned to throw a party in her honor and he was there dancing with her. I planned a long drive and he became the man of the hour and drove her in the passenger seat while I sat in the back seat. She planned to work and I suggested she can join mine when the dearest cousin entered and suggested that she can join his and that way she will learn the tricks and tips to be in an official environment. Whatever I do he was there stealing the limelight and I felt like he was my contender for her love.

When everything failed I called Mama to discuss things and I was shocked to know even she was unaware of this distant cousin of my wife. I decided we will have dinner together and asked her to stay for a while. When the time came and we were sitting for dinner I saw Ivan stiffen when he saw my mother in law or should I say Mama and I was delighted but when I saw the expression on Mama's face I understood there is more to the story. I let them be and excused myself to my room and asked Evelyn to assist me.

Ivan's POV

The time I entered Richard's Mansion I knew I will expect surprise but I never expected I will meet someone from the past. The dinner was quite and Richards left us alone taking Evelyn and though I felt Evelyn looking at me for help I refused to look at her.

"Tell me how's she?" She asked.

"Why would you want to know " I asked

"You know why? She's my best friend" She said.

"Now you remember your best friend. What were you doing from the past 8 years? You never tried to look for her?" I said angrily.

"You know why I did that. She would have been in danger and I could not let that happen" She replied.

"Do you think now there is no danger?" I asked.

"I know it's not but she has a son like you to protect her" She said with tears in her eyes.

"Yes, she does " I said about to leave.

"Why are you here?" she asked.

"To protect someone" I replied.

"You don't have to do that. She's married now" She replied.

"Doesn't mean she's safe" I replied.

"It does and you don't have to protect her anymore" She said.

"You know she's mine to protect, actually she was my bride and I will not leave her" I replied.

"She was your bride but she's Richard's wife now. Leave her, forget her. You two were never meant to be" She said.

"Maybe we are meant to be because out of all women in the world I met her in BoraBora" I replied and left her.

She begged me to listen to her but I already drove off.

Evelyn's POV

I could see the awkward environment when Mom saw Ivan. The dinner was quiet and it seemed like Richards also noticed and looked like he wanted to move away from there as soon as possible and he took me also away with the pretense that he needs head massage. Once I was done I eavesdropped on their conversation.

I was shocked to hear when I heard when Ivan said "You know she's mine to protect, actually she was my bride and I will not leave her" 

It was shocking to hear my mother not denying when she said "She was your bride but she's Richard's wife now. Leave her, forget her. You two were never meant to be" 

"Maybe we are meant to be because out of all women in the world I met her in BoraBora" His word was repeating in my head.

I thought we agreed on not having any secrets. He had already told me all the information about my parents. But he never shared that he knew my adopted parents. He never told me that my adopted mother was his mother's best friend and I was never aware that I was betrothed to him. I thought we just met in Borabora and became friends. Now it is making sense his possessiveness, him taking care of me as he knew me before. I didn't recognize when I reached my room and was startled when I was grabbed and pushed near the wall.