The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Evelyn and Don marry and Evelyn is ecstatic to be “the most famous bride in the world” (72). Harry wonders if she’ll truly be happy, but Evelyn assures him that she is with Don, though she is curious why Harry never hit on her. Harry is gay, though he doesn’t articulate that exactly, but Evelyn knows. They decide to be best friends just as Don pulls her away to dance, telling her how much he loves her body and her talent. Two months into their marriage, he begins hitting her.

Six weeks into their marriage, Evelyn and Don shoot a movie together in Puerto Vallarta. The first few weeks of their marriage were “blissful,” but when his latest movie—his first attempt at a Western—does poorly, Don becomes explosive and obsessed. He wants Evelyn to take his name and start having babies, but Evelyn is adamant that she is not doing either of those—they’d negatively affect her career. He hits her while they’re in their trailer on set. When the director’s assistant knocks on the door, wanting them to come to set, Evelyn covers for Don; she tells him to leave, collects herself, and claims “lady troubles” (78). When she opens the door to the assistant, she knows that there is no way to hide the bright red mark across her cheek.