Chapter 709

After Claire finished her outburst, a weight lifted from her shoulders, but Alexander's expression darkened like a storm cloud.

Without ceremony, Claire pushed Alexander out of the hospital room and swiftly locked the door behind him.

Having endured similar pain herself, Claire understood Evelyn's suffering intimately. She was resolved to shield her friend from further heartbreak. "Once you're discharged," Claire offered, "come stay at my penthouse. It's spacious, and I rattle around there alone most days."

Claire and Lucas alternated caring for little Bella over the following days. During Claire's shifts, the infant was conspicuously absent from her home.

Evelyn hesitated only briefly before nodding her agreement.

Later, Claire went to complete Evelyn's discharge paperwork.

Alexander remained rooted in the corridor.

Their eyes met. Claire lifted her chin and swept past him with the regal bearing of a queen dismissing a peasant.

Once Claire disappeared around the corner, Alexander eased open the hospital room door. "Evelyn," he asked softly, "are you leaving today?"

In his hands, he carried Evelyn's favorite takeout - undoubtedly fresh from the restaurant.

Evelyn regarded Alexander with quiet composure. "Yes," she confirmed, "the doctor cleared me this morning."

"I've prepared everything at Whitmore Manor," Alexander said quickly. "The heating's on, staff are ready. It's windy - bundle up. I'll have Simon bring the car around."

"That won't be necessary." Evelyn's voice was feather-light but firm. "I'll be staying with Claire."

Alexander recoiled as if struck. "What? You're not coming home?"

Evelyn's nod was definitive.

"No! Absolutely not!" Alexander's voice cracked with barely restrained emotion. "You're my wife! You can't recuperate at someone else's home after childbirth! I promised to care for you!"

"I may be your wife," Evelyn countered calmly, "but I'm still my own person. I choose where I stay. If you truly care about me, respect my decision."

Alexander fell silent, regretting his earlier words instantly.

He frowned, wanting to argue further but recognizing the futility.

Evelyn's mind was made up, and he owed her this respect.

"Fine," he conceded through gritted teeth. "If Claire's is where you want to be, so be it. But when I visit, you will see me. No avoiding me."

A faint, sad smile touched Evelyn's lips. "Alexander, you're clever enough to understand that avoiding you is precisely why I'm going to Claire's."

The words lanced through Alexander like a physical blow.

Some part of him had known this truth, but hearing it aloud left him breathless with pain.

He looked utterly shattered.

Meanwhile, Evelyn finished packing her belongings.

"My lawyer will send divorce papers when they're ready," she said evenly. "If the terms are acceptable, sign them and we'll arrange to finalize everything."

Alexander's brow furrowed. "Evelyn, what will it take to change your mind? You must know you mean more to me than Isabella ever could! If this is about her-"

"Are you certain?" Evelyn interrupted, her gaze piercing. "Truly certain I matter more than Isabella?"

Alexander met her stare.

Though Evelyn looked at him, her focus seemed to extend beyond, as if seeing something distant.

"I made myself clear that night. We're not right for each other anymore."

"Alexander, it's time to let go."

"Not every love story gets a happy ending."

"Thank you for the time we shared. Take care of yourself - I'll do the same."

Evelyn lowered her head, tears threatening.

Her heart ached, but she'd resolved that love shouldn't consume her entire existence.

Life held other treasures beyond romance.

She didn't regret loving Alexander - only that their marriage had reached its inevitable conclusion.

For years, she'd lived constrained. Now, she contemplated the life she truly wanted.

When Evelyn looked up again, her smile was bittersweet.

Alexander's face darkened. "I don't want to hear this, Evelyn. Stop!"

"We are meant to be. Look how long we've lasted!"

"Don't lie to yourself! You still love me - that's why you look so heartbroken!"

Alexander pulled Evelyn into a crushing embrace, his voice thick. "Don't do this. When Bella comes home, we'll be happy. Isabella means nothing to us. Don't throw us away!"

Evelyn did feel regret.

But life overflowed with regrets.

Accepting reality was part of growing up.

She couldn't bear knowing her husband prioritized another woman. She'd wanted to be cherished.

Yet if crisis came, she knew Alexander would save Isabella first. The thought alone was agony.

"Alexander," she asked mockingly, "if I demanded you stop caring for Isabella right now - leave her to fate in the ICU, stop paying her medical bills - could you do it?"

Alexander gaped. That would mean abandoning Isabella to die.

He couldn't ignore someone in need.

He was shocked that kind-hearted Evelyn could suggest such cruelty. Their love had nothing to do with Isabella!

"Evelyn, you..." he stammered.