Chapter 647

The past two days had been uneventful for Evelyn Carter.

She remained at the Hawthorne Estate, and Richard Hayes didn't dare voice any objections.

Alexander Whitmore would call periodically to update her about the medical situation.

Today was the day the ophthalmologist would examine Isabella Morgan's eyes. They'd soon know if treatment was possible.

Evelyn had spent these days composing a new musical piece at home.

But her distracted mind made the composition feel hollow, lacking its usual depth.

Though she wanted to refine it, she couldn't pinpoint where to begin. Needing space, Evelyn decided to take a walk for inspiration.

The class reunion wasn't until evening, so she had time.

Seeing Evelyn preparing to leave, Margaret Hayes spoke up from the couch. "You're in your third trimester now. You shouldn't go out alone. Let me accompany you."

Evelyn shook her head gently. She needed solitude to clear her thoughts.

Having Margaret along would only make her feel constrained.

"I'll be fine," Evelyn assured her.

Margaret didn't press further.

Once outside, Evelyn wandered aimlessly.

She checked the time.

Exactly one year ago, she and Alexander had been en route to obtain their marriage license.

Time had flown astonishingly fast. Their first anniversary had arrived.

Evelyn hesitated with her phone in hand, tempted to call Alexander.

But would mentioning their anniversary seem desperate?

If he truly cared, he'd remember without prompting. Calling might feel like forcing him to acknowledge it.

The short walk exhausted Evelyn in her condition, so she rested on a park bench.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

"Evelyn, are you alright?" Margaret's concerned voice came through.

She'd noticed Evelyn's unusual melancholy today.

Evelyn paused, touched by the concern. "I'm fine."

"Really? Something's bothering you. Did Richard say something again?"

"No, it's nothing like that."

"Then what—"

"Really, don't worry. I'm just taking some air and heading back soon."

Evelyn ended the call.

Margaret had heard the rumors circulating.

Whispers claimed Alexander was enchanted by some hospital patient, attending to her every need.

But Margaret knew better. She'd seen Alexander visiting Hawthorne Estate nightly to be with Evelyn.

Physical presence mattered less than where one's heart truly resided.

And Alexander's heart unquestionably belonged to Evelyn.

This separation might actually strengthen their bond, Margaret believed.

After wrestling with her thoughts, Evelyn decided to call Alexander about the situation.

The call connected briefly before disconnecting.

Evelyn stared at her phone in dismay.

If connected, why hadn't Alexander spoken?

This emotional limbo was wearing her down.

She hadn't seen Alexander since their parting two days prior.

Suddenly, she realized how intensely she missed him.

Meanwhile, Isabella stared at Alexander's phone.

He'd left it unattended when visiting the restroom.

When it rang, she'd instinctively picked it up.

She'd accidentally answered it.

Remembering her supposed blindness, Isabella panicked.

How could a blind person answer a call?

She tried deleting the call log, but Alexander's phone was password-protected.

After hanging up, the screen locked. She tried Evelyn's birthday—incorrect. The phone remained inaccessible.

Hearing the bathroom door open, Isabella quickly replaced the phone, feigning blindness. "Alexander, were you in the bathroom?"

"Yes."

"I've been confined here for days. I need air. Will you guide me outside?"

Guide her?

Alexander frowned. "It's unsafe for you to walk unaided. I'll arrange a wheelchair."

"No!" Isabella insisted. "I want your hand!"

Alexander turned to Simon Graves at the door. "Simon, escort her."

Simon entered immediately.

Isabella's enthusiasm vanished at Simon's presence.

She'd wanted private time with Alexander. What purpose did walking with Simon serve?

She quickly abandoned the idea.

Near noon, Simon left for lunch, leaving Alexander and Isabella alone.

When Evelyn arrived and reached for the door handle—

She froze at the sight before her.

From her angle, Isabella appeared to be embracing Alexander, arms around his neck.

Were they...kissing?

Evelyn's pulse raced as icy dread crept through her veins.

She swayed unsteadily, nearly collapsing.

On their anniversary, Alexander had gifted her this devastating scene!

Tears burned behind her eyes. Alexander's two-day absence suddenly made sense.

Had their relationship progressed this far?

Public displays of affection, just like that?

Evelyn wanted to confront them.

But her chaotic thoughts warned that confrontation might end everything.

After agonizing hesitation, Evelyn turned away.

Arguing wouldn't help. In her condition, she needed to protect the baby.

Distraught, Evelyn accidentally knocked over a hallway trash can, creating a loud crash.

Hearing the noise, Alexander turned.

He stood to investigate.

"Alexander, where are you going? Don't leave me!"

Isabella, who'd actually gotten something in her eye and requested his help, now pretended to grope blindly for him.

She'd spotted Evelyn's arrival.

Her staged "kiss" had worked perfectly—Evelyn had fled in distress.

The toppled trash can confirmed Evelyn's distraught departure.

Isabella couldn't let Alexander leave now and discover Evelyn outside.

She clung desperately to his hand.