Chapter 643

Twenty minutes after ending the call, anticipating Alexander's arrival, Evelyn crept downstairs to unlock the front door.

The instant the door cracked open, she was swept into Alexander's arms.

His chest heaved against hers, his breath ragged. He must have sprinted from his car.

"Forgive me for making you wait," he murmured into her hair, his embrace tightening.

She hadn't waited long at all.

A drive that typically took half an hour had been slashed to twenty minutes. Concerned about the chill, Alexander guided Evelyn upstairs immediately. Once in the bedroom, he produced a neatly wrapped sandwich from his coat. "Most places were closed. Try this. If it's not to your liking, I can cook something fresh."

The sandwich still radiated warmth, freshly grilled.

Evelyn took a bite. It was perfect.

Alexander perched on the edge of the bed, watching her devour it.

"How's our little one behaving?" His gaze dropped to her belly, now noticeably rounded beneath her thin nightgown. Her slender frame and winter coats had concealed it in public, but here, the evidence of her pregnancy was undeniable.

He pressed his ear to her stomach.

"I read that in the third trimester, the baby's movements can cause discomfort," he said, listening intently.

As if responding, a tiny kick pressed against his ear.

"Was that—?" Alexander's palm cradled her bump, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Behave. Don't trouble your mother." Evelyn couldn't suppress a smile.

No sooner had she finished eating than Alexander, like a magician, produced a bottle of milk.

He warmed it, inserted a straw, and held it to her lips.

She took a sip. Perfect temperature.

"Too cold?" He sipped from the same straw, then nodded. "Just right."

His attentiveness softened the edges of her lingering resentment.

Then, his phone rang.

At this hour, there was no mystery about the caller.

Alexander declined the call, but within minutes, it rang again.

Evelyn lowered her lashes. "You should go back to her."

"I've arranged for specialists. They'll handle her treatment."

She nodded.

"Once they're done, I'll return to you immediately."

Their anniversary was mere days away.

A year had slipped by since their wedding day. Alexander pulled her close, his stubble grazing her shoulder.

His lips brushed her ear, warm and lingering.

"I hate being away from you," he confessed.

The phone rang again—Isabella growing increasingly frantic.

Evelyn glanced at the clock. 2 AM.

When Alexander ignored it, she plucked the phone from his pocket and answered.

Isabella's saccharine voice dripped through the line. "Alexander, where are you? I can't sleep without you."

Evelyn's reply was honeyed. "Oh? Can't sleep? Shall I come tuck you in instead?"

The moment Isabella recognized Evelyn's voice, her tone curdled.

"You? Where's Alexander?"

"Who else would it be? It's 2 AM, and we're married. Naturally, he's with me." Evelyn's voice was light, almost amused.

"He won't be coming tonight. We just finished an... exhausting session. Your Alexander is sound asleep beside me. Be considerate, won't you?"

Isabella's breath hitched audibly.

Then, a venomous snap: "Careful, Evelyn. Wouldn't want to lose two lives instead of one."

Alexander snatched the phone.

"Isabella, apologize. Now."

Silence. Then, a sudden flood of tears.

"Apologize? What about my pain? Who apologizes to me?" Her voice fractured. "I'm blind because of her! If I lash out, isn't that normal? You've abandoned me here—what if something happens?"

Alexander massaged his temples.

Evelyn cut in. "Isabella, what could possibly happen while you're lying in bed?"

"I need to use the bathroom! Who'll carry me if Alexander isn't here?"

Evelyn's breath stalled.

A cold wave crashed over her.

Had Alexander been... helping her these past days?

Her chest constricted.

Alexander interjected. "There's a nurse for that."

"But she's a stranger! It's embarrassing!"

Evelyn's voice turned glacial. "Then hold it."

She ended the call, Isabella's voice severed mid-whine.

The warmth from Alexander's midnight snack had evaporated.

Now, looking at him made her chest ache.

She burrowed under the covers, turning away.

"Go help her. I'm going to sleep."

Alexander exhaled sharply, frustration tightening his jaw.