Chapter 725
The drive home felt endless for Evelyn.
Alexander's actions today only solidified her decision to end their marriage.
With Isabella awake now, Evelyn believed everything would be fine.
She couldn't bear the thought of Isabella constantly caught between them.
Letting go was the only solution.
The interview results arrived unexpectedly fast.
Perhaps yesterday's conversation had gone exceptionally well.
The moment she stepped through the door, the acceptance email from the conservatory glowed on her screen.
Evelyn's fingers trembled as she reread the letter three times.
The heavy disappointment in her chest dissolved into quiet exhilaration.
Her phone buzzed. Natalie's name flashed across the screen.
"You got the email?"
Evelyn exhaled softly. "How did you know, Natalie?"
The warmth in Natalie's voice carried through the line. "I'm close with the admissions committee. I personally submitted your materials. They were impressed by your musicality during the interview. When the decision was finalized, I received word immediately."
Evelyn hadn't realized Natalie had been monitoring her application.
In her musical journey, Natalie had always been her guiding light.
Gratitude swelled in Evelyn's throat.
Orientation began in four weeks—around the time her son would be released from neonatal care.
But before then, there were mountains to move.
Alexander arrived home long after sunset.
Evelyn sat at the dining table, sipping Giselle's delicate bone broth.
The moment he entered, her eyes flickered toward him before returning to her spoon.
The cello case on the sofa caught Alexander's attention immediately.
Surprise flickered across his features. "You're playing again? So soon after delivery?"
Because she'd be leaving soon to study cello abroad.
Evelyn set down her spoon. Her gaze lingered on the instrument.
This cello had been Alexander's gift.
During Titan Capital's gala last year, he'd purchased this professional-grade instrument from Natalie so she could practice for her department's performance.
Little did she know that transaction would intertwine her fate with Natalie's.
Only twelve months had passed, yet it felt like another lifetime.
So much had changed.
They'd gone from strangers to lovers in this fleeting year.
Fate could be cruelly ironic.
"Just keeping my fingers nimble," she murmured.
She didn't mention the divorce papers hidden upstairs.
Alexander shrugged off his coat, his movements fluid.
Seeing her nearly empty bowl, his lips curved. At least her appetite had returned.
Evelyn studied his face. "You're late."
He never missed dinner with her. Until today.
"Emergency at the office."
"Is that so?" Her voice was distant.
She'd seen him holding Isabella's hand at the hospital.
Yet here he was, lying straight to her face.
Evelyn's lashes fluttered downward. The ache was unbearable.
She'd loved him. They had a child together.
Just days ago, he'd pleaded for their family's wholeness, and she'd hesitated.
Now...
She asked no further questions.
No arguments.
Only the cello's mournful cry as she played "The Swan's Lament."
Alexander recognized the sorrow woven through each note.
The melody dragged him into its melancholy embrace.
His chest constricted painfully.
As the final note faded, Evelyn sat motionless, her eyes glistening.
Alexander crossed to her. "What's wrong?"
Her delicate skin flushed pink from emotion.
With her red-rimmed eyes and slight frame, she looked heartbreakingly fragile.
Evelyn shook her head. A single tear escaped.
"The piece... it overwhelmed me."
Alexander crushed her against his chest. His thumb brushed away her tears.
"Then play something happier next time."
Evelyn inhaled sharply.
The scent of hospital antiseptic clung to his clothes.
Hours earlier, he'd held Isabella exactly like this.
She said nothing.
Some lies deserved dignified silence.
"I won't play it again." Gently, she extricated herself. "Finish your dinner. I need to rest."
Alexander reached for her as his phone rang.
One missed moment—and she was already climbing the stairs.
He had come from the office.
His hospital visit had been brief before urgent matters demanded his attention.
Perhaps the accident had matured Isabella—she'd released him without protest when he mentioned work.
Their conversation had been clear. He saw her only as a sister.
Isabella had simply nodded, mentioning rehabilitation abroad.
Simon's voice crackled through the phone. "Mr. Whitmore, the meeting minutes are ready. But the London trip—"
Alexander's jaw tightened. "Evelyn just delivered. Push it back two weeks."
Simon calculated quickly. "Shall we schedule for fortnight from now?"
That would give Evelyn time to recover.
And coincide with Isabella's planned transfer to the London sanatorium.
"Confirmed."
As he hung up, the cello's lament echoed in his mind.
He finally recalled the piece's meaning—a swan abandoned by the world.
Why had Evelyn chosen that particular song tonight?