Chapter 657

Ethan Caldwell's mood was darker than the storm clouds gathering over Cresthaven tonight.

When Grace's call came through about Vanessa Hart's hospitalization, his first instinct was to laugh bitterly.

He'd just left their alumni reunion two hours ago. Of course Vanessa would find some dramatic way to pull him back in.

She could've easily hailed a cab. Cresthaven's taxi service was impeccable. Even if none were available, a simple Uber would suffice. There was absolutely no reason for him to personally chauffeur her home!

After years of dealing with Vanessa, Ethan knew her games all too well. This hospitalization stunt reeked of another desperate ploy for attention.

His heart held no affection for Vanessa. Every thought was consumed by Evelyn Carter - the woman he'd seen at the reunion with Alexander Whitmore as her husband.

He'd convinced himself he'd moved on. Yet seeing Alexander proudly parade as Evelyn's spouse tonight had ripped open old wounds, especially after Alexander's deliberate humiliation.

The Eclipse Lounge's dim lighting did little to mask Ethan's growing intoxication. Between sips of whiskey, memories surfaced - their first meeting when Evelyn was being bullied, curled up in the school bathroom. Those red-rimmed eyes like a frightened rabbit had awakened something primal in his sixteen-year-old self.

Childhood sweethearts. Stolen kisses. Promises whispered in the dark.

All gone now. Alexander had stolen her heart completely.

The realization made Ethan smash his glass against the bar counter.

Trevor Moss materialized beside him, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Ethan, you're drowning yourself. Heard Dominic Powell kidnapped your wife? Shouldn't you be at the hospital?"

"Can't stand the sight of her," Ethan slurred.

Trevor sighed. "She's carrying your child, man. Hate her all you want, but that baby's innocent."

Ethan barked a laugh. "A clump of cells. Means nothing to me." He lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around his bitter expression.

His violent outburst sent glasses shattering across the floor, summoning manager Jason Wood.

"Mr. Caldwell," Jason began diplomatically, "is our service unsatisfactory?"

Trevor waved him off. "We'll cover the damages."

Only one woman could reduce Ethan to this state - Evelyn Carter. Seeing her tonight must have reopened old wounds.

"Women aren't worth this agony," Trevor advised, snapping his fingers at Jason. "Bring us some fresh company."

Moments later, Jason returned with a doe-eyed brunette named Lillian Harper. Unlike the other bar girls, her modest attire and shy demeanor stood out.

"Lillian will ensure your evening improves," Jason winked before departing.

Lillian approached cautiously. Noticing whiskey dripping down Ethan's collar, she dabbed it gently with a tissue. Ethan kept his eyes closed, barely acknowledging her presence.

Trevor leaned in conspiratorially. "Vanessa's pregnant. How long has it been since you two...?"

Even without the pregnancy, Ethan had no desire to touch Vanessa.

The memory of Grace's call resurfaced. Reluctant as he was, hospital formalities demanded his attention.

"I'm leaving." Ethan grabbed his jacket but staggered drunkenly.

Lillian caught him instinctively.

Ethan moved to shove her away - until their eyes met.

Those wide, innocent eyes. That vulnerable expression. For a heart-stopping moment, he saw Evelyn gazing back at him.

Trevor seized the opportunity to slip away. "Enjoy yourself, Ethan. I'll be on the dance floor."

Lillian's cheeks flushed as she bent to retrieve his jacket. "Mr. Caldwell, let me help—"

Ethan gripped her chin suddenly. "Why don't you call me Ethan anymore?" His voice cracked with longing - Evelyn always used his first name.

"Ethan," Lillian whispered, the name slipping past her lips like a secret.

That soft, breathy tone sent heat coiling through him. Before reason could intervene, Ethan pinned her to the leather couch, his movements rough with desperation.

"Evelyn," he growled against her neck, "is Alexander really better than me? I can give you everything he can. Why won't you even look at me?" His hips pressed insistently against hers. "Love me again, please..."

Lillian trembled beneath him, her inexperience evident. Yet fearing his displeasure, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Ethan... slower," she pleaded.

Her submission shattered his last shreds of control. In his whiskey-hazed mind, it was Evelyn beneath him as he lost himself completely.