Chapter 539

Evelyn didn't return home.

As twilight painted the sky, she found herself drifting through the city streets without direction.

This weekend was supposed to mark her reunion with Alexander after seven long days apart - a moment she'd been counting down to with restless anticipation.

They say distance makes hearts grow fonder. Earlier while practicing her cello, she'd wondered if their time apart might rekindle the spark between them. But Isabella's sudden appearance had shattered that fragile hope.

Alexander had promised to collect her from the symphony hall, yet Isabella sat smiling in his passenger seat.

He'd spoken of a romantic dinner for two, only for Isabella to appear at the restaurant as well.

It felt like a calculated invasion of their relationship.

A wave of melancholy crashed over Evelyn.

Was it just her pregnancy hormones making her overly sensitive? Was she blowing things out of proportion?

She struggled to push down the ache in her chest.

Her phone buzzed. Claire's name flashed on the screen. "Evelyn, where are you?" came the worried voice.

Evelyn nodded silently, the weight of disappointment pressing down on her.

She should have been celebrating - her part-time position at the luxury hotel paid five thousand monthly, more than she'd ever earned. Yet all she could think about was how desperately she wanted this disastrous day to end.

"Come stay with me tonight," Claire soothed. "You need rest, especially in your condition."

They settled into Claire's bed, pajamas exchanged. Claire, heavy with child, could only sleep on her side, exhaustion lining her face.

Evelyn's throat tightened. Soon that would be her reality.

At least Claire had Julian by her side.

Though not officially together, Julian's affection for Claire was undeniable. Given time, their friendship might blossom into something more. Julian was the epitome of thoughtfulness - warming milk for Claire each night, and tonight, for Evelyn too.

But who would be there for her?

When her time came, when she lay vulnerable in that hospital bed at midnight, would Alexander abandon her for Isabella without hesitation?

The thought chilled her to the bone.