Chapter 495

"Evelyn, I'm only looking after Isabella on behalf of her brother. She's like a sister to me. Don't let your thoughts spiral."

Alexander's voice was firm, his gaze steady.

"I'll introduce you properly later."

His fingers tightened slightly around his glass.

"Isabella isn't the reason we'd ever divorce unless—" He paused, his eyes darkening as they locked onto hers. "Unless you've fallen for someone else."

Evelyn's breath hitched.

She hadn’t.

"I haven’t."

The tension in Alexander’s shoulders eased, but his expression remained unreadable.

"Then stay with me." His voice dropped lower, rougher. "The thought of you with another man—it unsettles me."

A shadow crossed his face.

"When we married, I made it clear—divorce was never an option."

He reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers—then froze.

Her ring finger was bare.

The wedding band was gone.

"I'm actually glad you're jealous."

His voice was low, amused.

"It proves you still care."

Alexander pulled Evelyn closer, his arms wrapping around her waist.

A warm, lingering kiss pressed against her forehead.

His lips lingered, as if imprinting the moment into her skin.

"Where's the ring?" he murmured, his breath brushing her skin. "Let me put it back on you."

Evelyn tilted her head, feigning indifference. "I threw it away."

Alexander stilled.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken tension.

His jaw tightened.

She had thrown away their wedding ring?

His gaze darkened as he studied her face, searching for any hint of deception.

When she didn’t deny it, he exhaled sharply.

"Fine," he conceded, though his voice was rough. "I’ll get you a new one."

Evelyn met his eyes—deep, unwavering.

She hadn’t actually thrown it away.

The moment she’d gotten home, she’d tucked it into her jewelry drawer, intending to return it when she filed for divorce.

But now…

Had she misjudged everything?

Yet, the memory of that bracelet—worth a staggering hundred million—still burned.

He’d given it to Isabella.

The thought twisted inside her, sharp and unrelenting.

A hollow ache settled in her chest.

Alexander lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed.

His kiss was fierce, possessive, as if trying to erase every doubt between them.

When he finally pulled back, his reluctance was palpable.

His arms tightened around her.

He had almost lost her.

Thankfully, the misunderstanding had been cleared.

Or so he thought.

Moments after they settled, his phone buzzed.

Alexander glanced back.

Evelyn’s eyes were closed, her breathing even.

She’d attended an auction today, and as a pregnant woman, exhaustion had claimed her quickly.

Not wanting to disturb her, he slipped out into the hallway.

The door clicked shut.

Evelyn’s eyes snapped open.

The night was silent, amplifying his voice.

"How could it be that bad? She was fine when I left."

A pause.

Then, clipped and urgent: "I’m on my way."

Thirty seconds later, he returned.

Evelyn shut her eyes just in time.

The mattress dipped as he climbed back in.

But sleep didn’t come for either of them.

The room was shrouded in darkness, save for the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. Alexander remained seated beside the bed, his gaze lingering on Evelyn's peaceful sleeping face. His fingers traced the delicate curve of her cheekbone, his heart swelling with tenderness.

He didn’t want to leave.

But duty called.

Isabella Morgan was in critical condition—severe blood loss, unconscious, and in desperate need of a transfusion. The hospital’s blood bank had exhausted its supply of type B, and fate had deemed him the perfect match.

"Evelyn," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His thumb brushed lightly over her lips before he reluctantly withdrew his hand. "Sleep well. I’ll be back soon."

She didn’t stir.

With one last lingering look, he rose from the bed, his movements silent as he slipped out of the room. The door clicked shut behind him, sealing her in warmth while he stepped into the cold uncertainty of the night.

The hospital awaited.