Chapter 499

Not long ago, Leonard had offered to take Evelyn as his student, but she had refused.

Now, looking back, she realized playing the cello wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Claire saw right through her. "Are you so heartbroken that you’re replacing romance with hobbies?"

"I used to love the cello," Evelyn admitted. "But after Ethan’s accident, I blamed myself and stopped."

Claire gave an understanding nod. "Do it. Whatever makes you happy, I’m behind you a hundred percent."

Evelyn smiled. Claire’s unwavering support gave her the push she needed.

Then, without warning, Claire grabbed Evelyn’s hand and pressed it against her stomach.

"You know medicine, right? Can you tell if it’s a boy or a girl?"

Evelyn flushed. "I only know the basics. Do I look like an ultrasound machine to you?"

"Basics?" Claire scoffed, unconvinced. "Stop being modest. I know how brilliant you are!"

She was barely two months along. Far too early for—

A knock at the door interrupted them.

Julian stood there, holding a beautifully wrapped box. His gaze flickered to Evelyn’s hand still resting on Claire’s belly.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Claire grinned. "Just a little gender prediction session."

Julian arched a brow. "And?"

Evelyn pulled her hand back, flustered. "And nothing. It’s impossible to tell this early."

"Pity." Julian stepped inside, handing the box to Claire. "For the little one. A welcome gift."

Claire’s eyes lit up as she tore into the wrapping. Inside lay a delicate silver rattle, engraved with tiny musical notes.

Evelyn’s breath caught.

Julian met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Thoughtful, don’t you think?"

Too thoughtful.

The way he was watching her—like he knew exactly what she’d been considering moments before he walked in.

Claire beamed. "It’s perfect. Thank you."

Julian merely nodded, but his attention never left Evelyn.

She swallowed.

Something told her this wasn’t just about the cello.

Not even close.

If she had known just a little more, her assumption wouldn’t have been so spot-on.

Evelyn hesitated briefly before carefully examining Claire.

After a moment, she announced, "It's a girl."

Claire exhaled in relief. "Thank goodness. All the outfits I bought are pink."

They spent a long while chatting in the living room, but Evelyn couldn’t help but notice Julian’s absence. It struck her as odd.

The moment she arrived, he had disappeared into his room. No one had any idea what he was up to, though the occasional sound of zippers sliding could be heard through the door.

Curiosity getting the better of her, she approached and peeked inside—only to find the guest bed completely covered in an explosion of items. Women’s socks, pajamas, baby swaddles, tiny outfits, hats, feeding bottles, wet wipes, tissues… and an open suitcase in the middle of it all.

It was…

"I’m packing for her hospital stay."

Julian looked utterly serious, one hand resting thoughtfully against his chin as if solving a complex equation.

"Evelyn, can you double-check if I’ve missed anything? I’ll run out and get it if I have to."

Evelyn stood frozen in shock. She hadn't anticipated Julian to be this considerate.

Beside her, Claire was equally stunned. "Julian, you—"

Noticing her bare feet, Julian immediately retrieved her slippers and knelt to slide them onto her.

"Even with the heating on, pregnancy makes you feel warm, but you still need to wear slippers."

His voice was gentle, patient. He remained crouched before her, gazing up with a playful grin.

His eyes sparkled with amusement.

"I looked it up—catching a cold right before delivery makes everything harder. You don’t want a C-section, do you?"

Julian’s tone was light, teasing, yet undeniably charming.

He rose, his gaze lingering on Claire’s face.

"Take care of yourself, Claire."

The heater hummed softly, warm air brushing against the windows.

Claire’s cheeks burned. Her thoughts scattered, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Claire?

Since when did he call her by her first name?

She had always seen Julian as nothing more than a charming distraction.

A pretty face with empty promises.

But the truth hit her like a storm.

He wasn’t just a dancer.

He wasn’t just a model.

He was something far more dangerous.

A predator wrapped in silk.

And now, Claire was caught in his web.

Would she be foolish enough to fall for him?

Or would she see through the illusion before it was too late?

The answer terrified her.

Because part of her already knew.

She was slipping.

And he wasn’t letting go.

She had always seen Julian as nothing more than a charming distraction.

A beautiful face with empty promises.

But the truth struck her like lightning.

He was so much more.

The way he moved, the way he spoke—every gesture carried a depth she hadn’t noticed before.

Could Claire really fall for him?

Her pulse quickened at the thought.

She had spent years guarding her heart, building walls no one could breach.

Yet here he was, dismantling them effortlessly.

It terrified her.

Because if she let him in, there would be no going back.

And that was the most dangerous part of all.

Would she dare to take that risk?

The answer lingered in the air, heavy with possibility.

Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table.

She wasn’t ready.

But maybe, just maybe, she didn’t have to be.

Maybe this time, she could let fate decide.

The question remained—would she regret it?

Or would it be the best decision she ever made?

Only time would tell.

She had always seen Julian as nothing more than a carefree young man.

Claire had shared the same impression.

But tonight, beneath the golden glow of the chandeliers at the charity gala, he had surprised them all.

The way his strong arms had caught Evelyn before she stumbled on the marble steps—gentle yet firm.

The quiet intensity in his gaze when he assured her, "I've got you," his voice deeper than she remembered.

This wasn't the playful dancer who joked his way through photoshoots.

This was a man who noticed the way Claire's fingers trembled around her champagne flute, who wordlessly swapped her glass for sparkling water before anyone else saw.

A man who remembered Evelyn couldn't eat shellfish after one glance at the passed hors d'oeuvres.

Claire's laughter faltered when Julian discreetly redirected the waiter.

Evelyn watched realization dawn in her best friend's eyes.

That dangerous, delicious question hovered between them like the notes of the string quartet:

What if we were wrong about him all along?

Secret Longing: A Second Chance at Love (Evelyn)