Chapter 111
Evelyn could feel the steady rhythm of Alexander's heartbeat against her back.
What had happened last night?
She struggled to piece together her memories. She recalled fleeing, not wanting Alexander to see her disfigured face. Then darkness had swallowed her consciousness.
Just as she was reconstructing events, Alexander stirred awake beside her.
Startled, Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut. Her pulse raced so violently she feared he might hear it.
Alexander stretched his arm from around her waist and sat up.
Evelyn thought he'd left until she felt his warm breath ghost across her skin. His forehead pressed gently against hers, checking for fever.
She couldn't comprehend this tenderness. Even more unbelievable - he carefully tucked the blankets around her before departing.
Only when the door clicked shut did Evelyn dare open her eyes.
Two medicine boxes sat on the nightstand - anti-inflammatory pills and pain relievers. The wound on her face had been professionally dressed with fresh gauze.
Evelyn picked up the medications with trembling fingers. Impossible.
Then she remembered - in her delirium last night, she'd called Alexander's name before collapsing. Had that stirred some remnant of their old promise in his heart?
Her thoughts spiraled, a dangerous hope flaring briefly before reality doused it.
She had so little time left. Yesterday's excruciating pain confirmed that.
And nothing could bridge the chasm his cruelty had carved between them. She might forgive many things, but never the blood of their child on his hands.
After washing up, Evelyn prepared simple oatmeal.
Sebastian called, his voice laced with concern. He promised to be available whenever she needed help.
On this bleak morning, his kindness felt like sunlight piercing storm clouds.
Though her life was ending, she cherished finding genuine friendship in these final days.
As she lifted the first spoonful, the door burst open.
Alexander stood framed in the doorway, his intense gaze locking onto hers. The spoon clattered into the bowl, splashing hot cereal onto her wrist.
Evelyn gasped, jerking her hand back.
Why had he returned?
She scrambled to her feet, but Alexander caught her arm in an iron grip, yanking her close.
"Can't bear to look at me? Too busy dreaming of Sebastian?" His voice carried an unfamiliar edge.
Evelyn almost laughed at the absurdity. Jealousy? No, this was possessiveness - anger that his discarded toy might belong to another.
Meeting his stormy eyes, she answered bitterly, "Yes, there was once a Sebastian in my heart. But that man died when he murdered our baby in cold blood."