Chapter 11

The Blackwood Estate felt hollow as Evelyn returned alone. The weight of divorce papers and Alexander's cruel response pressed heavily on her chest. Each heartbeat sent sharp pains through her, as if invisible blades were carving her from within.

She had never imagined Alexander could despise her this much. His demand for her to terminate the pregnancy had been delivered with such chilling indifference. The thought terrified her. What if he actually forced her to go through with it?

The sound of the front door opening startled her. Alexander strode in, his tailored suit accentuating his commanding presence. His sharp features were as flawless as ever, but his eyes held their usual glacial disdain.

Evelyn's pulse quickened with nervous dread. She braced herself for another confrontation about the baby. Instead, he merely informed her they would be attending his mother's 50th birthday celebration at Blackwood Estate the following day - as husband and wife.

For a fleeting moment, hope flickered in her chest. Was this his way of reconsidering their marriage?

That fragile hope shattered instantly when he spoke again. His voice was arctic. "Don't mistake this for anything but obligation, Evelyn. I could never love someone as shameless as you."

His words cut deeper than any physical wound.

Evelyn laughed bitterly, a mischievous glint appearing in her clear blue eyes. "You're right, I am shameless. But tell me, Alexander, how does my shame compare to your precious Victoria's?"

Alexander froze mid-motion, his suit jacket half-removed. When he turned, his handsome face was a mask of fury. "Careful, Evelyn. You're playing with fire."

"I'm simply stating facts. Do you know why you slept with me three months ago?" Evelyn stepped closer, confidence radiating from her. "It was Victoria's scheme. She planned to seduce you that night."

Evelyn watched with satisfaction as his expression darkened. "But fate intervened. She ended up in another man's bed. So tell me, Alexander - is the child she's carrying even yours?"

Alexander moved with terrifying speed. His hand closed around her slender throat, cutting off her air supply. Evelyn clawed at his wrist as black spots danced in her vision.

"You expect me to believe your lies? How dare you compare yourself to Victoria!" He released her with a violent shove.

Evelyn gasped for breath, stumbling backward. Her stomach connected painfully with the sharp corner of their bed. White-hot agony exploded through her abdomen. Cold sweat broke out across her skin as she clutched her belly.

"Alexander... please... it hurts..." Her voice was barely a whisper.

He paused at the doorway, casting her a dispassionate glance. "Your acting improves daily. I wouldn't care if you were dying, let alone when you're clearly fine."

His indifference hurt more than the physical pain. Darkness swallowed her consciousness.

When Evelyn awoke, sunlight streamed through hospital windows. Memory returned in a rush. Her hands flew to her abdomen in panic.

The attending physician entered with a disapproving frown. "The pregnancy is stable - for now."

Evelyn's blood ran cold. "What do you mean 'for now'?"

The doctor's expression was clinical. "You have a malignant uterine tumor. The pregnancy must be terminated, or it will endanger your life as well."