Chapter 456

The hospital corridor buzzed with activity, yet to Evelyn Carter, everything felt unnervingly still.

The world around her muted into white noise.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she stared at the aged photograph in her hands.

Time had worn its edges, leaving faint creases where someone had held it too often.

A thin layer of protective film covered the image—a deliberate attempt to preserve what clearly mattered.

Her mind raced.

Does Alexander love someone else?

Then why did he marry me?

He swore he’d loved me for ten years.

Her lips pressed into a tight line as she slid the photo back into the wallet with mechanical precision.

Just as she closed it, Alexander returned, medication in hand.

His steps faltered when he saw his wallet in her grip.

Alexander gave a subtle nod, his expression unreadable as he discreetly opened the leather wallet to inspect its contents.

Evelyn noticed how his gaze lingered on the photo tucked inside for a full five seconds. His thumb brushed over the protective sleeve, as if confirming the image remained untouched, before he exhaled softly in relief.

A sharp ache twisted in Evelyn’s chest. "Alexander… that photo in your wallet—"

Before she could finish, he smoothly diverted the topic. "It's handled. Eleanor won’t trouble you again."

"How?" Evelyn asked, momentarily distracted.

"I sent her the security footage from the accident."

The recording laid everything bare. Anyone who watched it would see the truth instantly.

It showed Vanessa deliberately swerving into Evelyn’s lane, cutting her off with dangerous precision.

Even the officers had remarked on Vanessa’s reckless driving during their investigation. Though Evelyn bore partial blame for not braking in time, the fault was ultimately shared.

Then, almost as an afterthought, Alexander added, "Oh, and Ethan’s awake."

Evelyn arched a delicate brow.

"Would you like to visit him?" Alexander murmured, his piercing gaze tracing the contours of her face.

He uncapped the antiseptic, soaking a cotton pad before dabbing it gently against Evelyn's cheek. The sting was sharp but fleeting.

Her answer came swift and firm. "No. Why would I? He means nothing to me now."

"But he's asking for you."

Alexander's voice softened, weighted with something unspoken. "Are you certain? Ethan barely survived. He nearly died."

Evelyn studied him, a thought flickering through her mind—Why does he sound almost... jealous?

She lifted her chin, meeting his eyes squarely.

"His wants don't dictate mine. Stop testing me, Alexander. Whatever I once felt for Ethan is gone."

His lips pressed into a thin line.

Even he couldn't explain this restless unease coiling in his chest.

Across the city, Vincent and Eleanor's expressions darkened as they watched the footage Alexander had sent.

Vanessa had told her that Evelyn had rammed into her car, making Eleanor picture a fiery confrontation between two women battling for a man's affection.

She even mused that her son was rather fortunate—women were literally risking their lives for him while he lay unconscious in a hospital bed.

But the truth was far from what she imagined.

Vanessa had deliberately cut off Evelyn's car, and in the end, she was the one who suffered, losing her unborn child in the process.

She had orchestrated her own downfall.

When Richard noticed the grim expressions on their faces outside the operating room, he frowned. "What happened?"

Vincent handed him the phone. "See for yourself."

After watching the footage, Richard's expression darkened.

He knew instantly—this had just escalated into something far more dangerous.

Secret Longing: A Second Chance at Love (Evelyn) novel