Chapter 439

Evelyn's hand froze mid-air, the teacup trembling slightly in her grip. She lowered her gaze. "No, it was with my business partner."

It had been weeks since she last saw Nathan after he left the hospital. Not even Chloe knew where he had disappeared to.

She took a sip of tea, but the moment the liquid touched her tongue, a wave of nausea hit her. Clamping a hand over her mouth, she bolted for the bathroom.

"Ms. Zara?" Julian's concerned voice followed her, but she couldn't respond.

She barely made it to the sink before retching violently, her lunch coming back up in painful heaves. The tap water gushed as she tried to wash away the evidence, but another wave hit her, leaving her trembling.

When there was nothing left, she splashed cold water on her face and dried it with a towel, her reflection pale and exhausted.

Julian was waiting outside. "You don't look well," he observed, brow furrowed.

"It's nothing. Probably just something I ate," Evelyn dismissed weakly, waving a hand.

"Should I take you to a doctor?"

She forced a smile. "No need, really. I just need to rest."

Julian hesitated but nodded. "Alright."

Back in her room, she sipped warm water, but the moment it settled, her stomach rebelled again. Another trip to the bathroom left her hollow and shaking.

Staring at her ghostly reflection, she frowned. She hadn’t eaten anything unusual—so why this?

The doorbell chimed.

She dragged herself to the door and froze.

Nathan stood there, his expression unreadable.

He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. "You're sick?"

A flicker of warmth sparked in her chest. Did Julian run into him?

She looped her arms around his neck, leaning into him. "Yes. Stay with me?"

Nathan exhaled but scooped her up effortlessly, carrying her to the bed. "What's wrong?" His voice was softer than usual, his breath warm against her cheek.

Her fingers curled into his shoulders. "My stomach." As if on cue, it twisted sharply.

His hand pressed gently against her abdomen. "Gastritis?"

She didn’t answer. It wasn’t pain—just relentless nausea. Mostly, she just wanted him close.

"I'll get you medicine." He moved to stand, but she clung to his arm. "No. Stay."

Nathan studied her, then sighed, brushing stray hairs from her face. "Fine. I’ll stay."

"Are you okay?" she asked suddenly.

He nodded. "Don’t worry about me."

She searched his face. He tucked a loose strand behind her ear. "What?"

Evelyn bit her lip, then looked away. "Nothing. Just... you're hiding something. I won’t ask, but—" Her voice cracked. "Don’t pull away from me."

She’d noticed. The distance. The unspoken tension.

If nothing was wrong, why did he keep withdrawing?

Nathan pulled her into his arms, his chin resting atop her head. "I just have things to handle, Zoe. That’s all."

Holding her like this, he never wanted to let go. She leaned into him completely—exactly what he'd always wanted.

But he couldn’t drag her into this. Not now.