Chapter 54

Summary

• The chapter revolves around a dramatic conversation between the protagonist Evelyn and her ex-partner Celia, and subsequently with her husband Max.
• Evelyn tries to rekindle her relationship with Celia, expressing her regret about her previous relationship with Max and confessing she’s still in love with Celia.
• Celia hesitates, pointing out the potential impact on their career and social standing. Evelyn, however, is determined and willing to risk it all for their relationship.
• Evelyn plans to visit Celia in Los Angeles for a dinner and a much-needed conversation. Celia eventually agrees.
• Right before Evelyn leaves for the airport, she decides to take with her the preserved letters from Celia that she had stored carefully at the back of her closet.
• In the process, she is discovered by Max who confronts her about the nature of the letters and accuses Evelyn of cheating on him and labels her a 'dyke'.
• Evelyn vehemently denies the cheating allegations but confesses that she is in love with Celia and planning to leave Max – not for Celia, but for her own sake.
• Max attempts to berate her and threaten her with the potential ruin of her reputation, assuming she identifies as a lesbian.
• Evelyn, asserting herself, insists on leaving Max – regardless of his threats or the consequences – expressing her determination to win back Celia, the love of her life.