Chapter 517

"Absolutely not!" Alexander answered without missing a beat.

"You weren't trying to hurt this baby?"

"This is my child. Why would I ever want to harm them?"

Evelyn searched Alexander's eyes, probing for deception, but all she found was raw sincerity.

"Then why... lately, you've been so insistent about... wanting me."

She had wondered if he was trying to cause a miscarriage.

Alexander exhaled heavily. "Evelyn, I'm completely in love with you. Sometimes, I lose control. I'm sorry for that. I've been reflecting on it a lot lately."

Evelyn curled her fingers into her palms, recalling how Alexander hadn't touched her in weeks.

"Alexander, I might be leaving for a while," she said.

He froze, his gaze dropping to the suitcase. "What? Where are you going?"

"I'm planning to study cello with Maestro Leonard."

Alexander had heard of Leonard Herty’s prestigious orchestra and its intensive training program.

Given everything else happening, it looked like she was storming off in frustration...

"Evelyn, you—"

"I'm not angry," she said calmly.

"It's an incredible opportunity. Maestro Leonard rarely takes students. I'm honored to be his apprentice."

Alexander rubbed his temples as a dull ache formed.

He studied Evelyn’s face, searching for any flicker of hesitation or doubt.

But her expression remained unreadable.

His suspicions slowly faded.

Self-improvement was a good thing. He had no reason to object.

Of course, he would support her decision. If this was what she wanted, he wouldn’t stand in her way.

A pang of sadness tugged at his chest, but he pushed it aside.

Evelyn, meanwhile, didn’t see distance as an issue.

If Alexander truly cared, their relationship wouldn’t suffer just because she joined the orchestra.

If a man wanted to see you, he’d find a way. He’d make time.

But if his heart wasn’t in it, then even being together every day would be meaningless.

Alexander was silent for a moment before speaking. "What do you need? I’ll help you pack. The weather’s been unpredictable—bring some warm clothes."

The orchestra had weekends off, so Evelyn could come home then. Besides, he could visit her. Seeing each other wouldn’t be a problem.

Silently, Alexander opened the wardrobe and began carefully folding her clothes into the suitcase.

Watching him, Evelyn felt an odd swell of emotion. His care for her was quiet but steady, like the gentle touch of morning dew.

She had expected resistance, even anger, but instead, he was letting her go without protest, indulging her wishes.

"What about Harold?" she asked.

Alexander smiled and ruffled her hair. "Just focus on what you want. I’ll handle my father."

The Whitmores had a tradition—when a woman became pregnant, she was expected to stay at Whitmore Manor until the birth.

Evelyn had only been there a few days, and now she was leaving. It went against tradition.

With her staying at Whitmore Manor, running into Ethan was inevitable. And with Alexander so busy, it was practically handing Ethan an opportunity. Maybe it was better she left for a while.

Early the next morning, Alexander personally saw her off.

As she wheeled her suitcase toward the car, they bumped straight into Harold, who was adjusting a vase in the foyer.

Harold’s eyes narrowed at the suitcase. "What’s this about?" he demanded.