Chapter 698

Evelyn's eyelashes fluttered as consciousness returned.

She opened her eyes slowly, the harsh hospital lights making her blink.

The news about Isabella's kidney theft sent shockwaves through her.

"What kind of monsters would do this?" she wondered. "How can anyone be so cruel?"

Yet within moments, she steadied her breathing.

"Isabella's suffering is tragic," she thought, "but haven't I endured my own nightmare?"

Isabella lost an organ. Evelyn had survived a horrific car crash while pregnant.

Her life and baby's had hung in the balance. Yet Alexander, her husband, remained absent since the birth.

A bitter taste filled Evelyn's mouth. It seemed their lives mattered less than Isabella's.

The clock's ticking reminded her - nearly twenty-four hours had passed.

She'd given him that time.

Now time was up.

The door burst open as Claire rushed in.

Seeing Evelyn, Claire enveloped her in a fierce embrace, tears threatening to spill.

"Evelyn! Why didn't you call me? My heart stopped when I heard about the accident!" Claire's voice trembled.

She'd raced to the hospital upon hearing the news.

Evelyn's pallor made Claire's chest tighten. "Where are you injured?"

"My lower back," Evelyn admitted.

"Let me see." Claire secured the door before lifting the hospital gown.

Her breath caught.

An angry purple bruise marred Evelyn's spine area - dangerously close to paralysis territory. Evelyn had been silently enduring excruciating pain with every movement.

"This is severe! What did the doctors say?" Claire's face mirrored her concern.

"Internal bruising. Mobility will be limited for weeks." Evelyn knew from experience this injury might leave lasting effects.

Had Dominic not shielded her during impact, neither she nor the baby might have survived.

Her gaze dropped, emotions swirling.

Noticing her friend's distress, Claire asked the inevitable: "Where's Alexander?" This constant question only deepened Evelyn's resentment.

"Isabella was kidnapped. They took her kidney. She's likely still in surgery. Alexander's with her."

Silence fell between them.

Evelyn turned to Claire. "Tell me honestly - if I'm angry at Alexander now, am I being unreasonable? Isabella's fighting for her life while I'm upset about my feelings. Does that make me selfish?"

Claire cut her off sharply. "You're his wife. You should be his priority. You deserve his attention."

"Isabella's suffering isn't your burden to carry. Her pain isn't your fault."

"You were pregnant, Evelyn. You survived a horrific crash. That's miraculous."

"Imagine if Dominic hadn't been there? Your situation is equally critical."

"Evelyn, you're too kind. As your best friend, I need you to remember - don't let others' warped perspectives make you doubt yourself."

"Alexander's place is beside you and your newborn. Everything else comes second."

"You're a mother now. You must put yourself first to protect your child."

Evelyn sat stunned. Claire's words struck like lightning, clearing her mental fog.

She hadn't expected such wisdom from her usually carefree friend.

The truth resonated - Alexander had chosen Isabella.

"Thank you," Evelyn whispered.

Claire grinned, plucking a ruby-red apple from the basket. "Want one? I'll even peel it - a rare honor."

She stayed to keep Evelyn company, fearing dark thoughts might creep in.

Her peeling skills were amateurish, but the fruit tasted sweet.

Evelyn smiled between bites. "Claire, you're incredible. If I were a man, I'd marry you."

Claire winked dramatically. "Is this a confession? I've been meaning to tell you - I prefer women. Let's spend our lives together."

Laughter bubbled up, dispersing Evelyn's gloom.

"Stop! Laughing hurts my stitches." She touched her abdomen, knowing Claire's antics were intentional.

The room warmed with companionship. After dinner, Claire stayed until Evelyn slept before slipping out.

Silence returned like an unwelcome guest.

With Claire gone, loneliness crept back in.

Not seeing her baby hurt most.

The doctors had told Claire visiting wasn't permitted yet.

Simon had gone home to rest, leaving two guards outside.

Exhausted yet restless, Evelyn threw on a robe to walk.

The guards blocked her exit.

"Am I a prisoner?" she asked, bewildered.

"Mrs. Whitmore, Mr. Whitmore worries for your safety. It's late, and you've just delivered -"

Evelyn's cold laugh cut him off. "Suddenly he cares?"

"If he truly cared, he'd be here."

The guards exchanged uneasy glances before reluctantly stepping aside.

Evelyn clutched her aching back, taking one painful step forward.

The elevator doors slid open.

Alexander emerged.