Chapter 2

The morning light filtered through the curtains as Evelyn Sinclair stirred awake.

Before she could fully gather her senses, a small box landed on the bed beside her.

"Take it."

She lifted her gaze to find Alexander Blackwood already dressed, his sharp features as cold and unreadable as ever.

The man standing before her now bore no resemblance to the ruthless predator who had claimed her the night before.

Evelyn's fingers trembled as she picked up the box of birth control pills.

Her stomach twisted. She was already carrying his child—she couldn't take these. It would harm the baby.

"Why the hesitation? Need me to force them down your throat?"

Alexander's voice was laced with impatience when she didn’t move.

"Evelyn, let me make this clear. You will never bear my child. You're nothing but a treacherous viper who bites the hand that feeds her. You don’t deserve that privilege."

His words struck like a blade, piercing deep.

Though it was summer, an icy chill settled in her chest.

She had foolishly hoped this child might bridge the chasm between them. But now, she couldn’t even bring herself to tell him.

Under his merciless stare, she had no choice. She popped a pill into her mouth, pretending to swallow while hiding it beneath her tongue.

Guilt gnawed at her. What if he noticed?

Then, his phone rang.

Alexander glanced at the screen and answered immediately, his expression darkening.

"What? Victoria tried to kill herself? I'm on my way!"

Evelyn's breath caught. Victoria had attempted suicide?

Ignoring the lingering soreness in her body, she scrambled out of bed, hastily dressed, and rushed downstairs.

Alexander was already in his car, engine roaring. She yanked open the passenger door.

"Get your filthy hands off my car. Who gave you permission?"

His voice was a whip of disdain, making her recoil. In his eyes, she was nothing but dirt.

"Alexander, please. I need to see her—I'm worried."

"Worried?" His laugh was cruel. "Shouldn’t you be celebrating if she dies?"

With that, he sped off.

Evelyn stood frozen for a moment before hailing a cab, following him to Willowbrook General Hospital.

Inside Victoria’s room, Evelyn lingered near the doorway, watching as Alexander strode to the bed.

Victoria sat there, pale and fragile, tears glistening on her cheeks.

At least she was alive. Evelyn exhaled in relief.

The moment Victoria spotted Alexander, she crumpled into his arms with a broken sob.

"Alexander…"

Her voice was honey-sweet as she whispered her sorrows against his chest.

To Evelyn, they looked like the perfect couple—while she remained the unwanted outsider.

Swallowing her pain, she stepped forward.

"Victoria—"

"You ungrateful wretch! How dare you show your face here?"

A familiar voice lashed out before Evelyn could approach.

Margaret Dawson, Victoria’s mother, stormed in, her face twisted with rage.

Evelyn barely had time to turn before a stinging slap sent her reeling. Her vision blurred from the impact.

"You vile little snake! We took you in out of pity, clothed you, fed you—and this is how you repay us? Stealing Victoria’s fiancé?"

Margaret launched into a tirade about the night Evelyn had spent with Alexander months ago.

But it hadn’t been her choice.

Evelyn opened her mouth to explain—only for another slap to crack across her other cheek.

Blood welled on her lip. Her head spun, legs buckling.

Then Richard Montgomery, her adoptive father, delivered the final blow.

"Evelyn Sinclair, from this moment on, you are no longer a Montgomery. We disown you."

Before she could react, his foot connected with her ribs, sending her crashing to the floor.