Chapter 535

"How much longer until the baby arrives?" Alexander asked, tracing circles on Evelyn's swollen belly with a frustrated sigh. The forced abstinence was driving him mad.

As a man with an insatiable appetite, going from nightly passion to cold showers felt like cruel punishment. He might as well have taken monastic vows.

Evelyn did quick calculations in her head. "Five or six months, I suppose."

Alexander's jaw dropped.

Suddenly changing topics, he asked, "That child in Claire's womb - is it really Lucas's?"

Evelyn blinked in surprise at the unexpected question about her best friend.

But it made sense. Alexander and Lucas were close. Of course he'd be curious.

She hesitated, torn between honesty and loyalty. "I'm not sure," she murmured.

Alexander noticed her evasion but didn't press. Instead, he playfully booped her nose. "Keeping secrets from your own husband now?"

Evelyn responded with a mysterious smile.

Just then, Simon returned - with Isabella in tow.

To Evelyn's astonishment, the woman rapped on their car window, flashing Alexander a dazzling smile. "Heading to dinner? Mind if I join? I've been dying to try that new bistro."

After Simon had escorted her upstairs earlier, Isabella had asked him to wait outside her door. When she reappeared minutes later, she'd transformed - clad in a designer cocktail dress with freshly painted lips, clearly having put considerable effort into her appearance.

Now, her uninvited dinner request made Simon visibly uncomfortable. She knew perfectly well this was meant to be a romantic date, yet here she was, inserting herself deliberately.

Alexander's voice turned icy. "You really want to come with us?"

Isabella batted her eyelashes innocently. "Oh come on, Alex! They serve my favorite dishes there. I'm absolutely famished!" Without waiting for permission, she yanked open the passenger door and slid in.

Simon rolled his eyes at her shamelessness. Why couldn't this woman take a hint? Her constant pursuit of taken men reeked of desperation.

Noticing Evelyn's pursed lips, Alexander explained, "That new French place at Willow Mall. Just opened today."

The car ride became painfully silent despite Isabella's multiple failed attempts at conversation.

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the mall's parking garage.

A hostess greeted the awkward trio and led them to their table. Alexander immediately noticed Evelyn lagging behind, her expression troubled.

"Not feeling French cuisine? We could go somewhere else - just us two?"

"Don't bother!" Evelyn interjected. "You two enjoy. I have work to do." Turning to the hostess, she asked, "Where's the dressing room?"

As the hostess pointed the way, Evelyn strode off with her bag.

Alexander stood frozen, watching her retreating figure.

Isabella winced dramatically. "Did I upset your wife? I'm so sorry, Alex. I didn't mean to intrude. I just really wanted to try this place."

Alexander remained silent.

Minutes later, Evelyn emerged in her performance gown, taking her place at the restaurant's grand piano. With a few expert adjustments, she began tuning the magnificent instrument.