Chapter 20

When Evelyn recalled her battered appearance, her stomach twisted with dread.

Every woman longed to show her most radiant self to the man she loved. Yet whenever she stood before Alexander, she was always at her most broken. Now, fresh scars from his cruelty marred her skin.

"Who permitted you to step foot here?" Alexander's voice cut through the air as he halted by the doorway.

Evelyn met his gaze. "This is my home."

"Your home?" A dark chuckle rumbled from his chest. "You dare claim this as yours?"

The light in Evelyn's eyes dimmed. Each word from Alexander pierced her heart like shards of glass.

"If Victoria hadn't shown mercy, you'd still be rotting behind bars." His voice softened when speaking of Victoria.

Evelyn's lips curled bitterly. "Yes, if not for her kindness, I wouldn't be in this living hell."

Alexander's expression darkened dangerously. "You still have the audacity to speak back?"

"Alexander, I'm not! I'm telling the truth!" Evelyn balled her fists, lifting her chin defiantly.

Yet the man's handsome features remained frozen. His icy gaze raked over her. "No? Fine. Kneel there until the rain stops. Then I might believe you."

Evelyn froze, her hand instinctively flying to her abdomen.

"Don't you want my trust? Why hesitate?" Alexander's voice was arctic.

Raindrops pelted Evelyn's skin as she stared at the man who once cherished her. "Alexander, I'm—"

"Alexander, I'm starving."

Victoria's saccharine voice interrupted from inside the house.

So she was here.

Agony spread through Evelyn's veins like poison. Her heart plummeted into an endless void.

Alexander regarded Evelyn with impatience. "Victoria's staying tonight. If you wish to enter, kneel until I'm satisfied."

The door slammed shut with finality.

Cold rain seeped into Evelyn's bones, her heart's temperature dropping with her body's.

As night fell, lights flickered on in the master bedroom. Two silhouettes danced across the curtains—a sight that tore at Evelyn's soul.

'Alexander, will you ever believe me?'

'In the end, my presence could never compare to Victoria's warmth in your bed...'

Dawn found Evelyn still kneeling, her consciousness wavering when Victoria's mocking voice pierced the morning air.

"Evelyn, who knew you'd grovel all night for Alexander's attention?"

Victoria's vibrant tone betrayed no sign of injury from her alleged fall. The child within her remained unharmed.

"If you enjoy kneeling, by all means continue!"

Her cruel laughter echoed as she departed.

Evelyn's throat burned. Weakness consumed her, leaving no strength for arguments.

After hours unmoving, her limbs screamed in protest as she staggered upright. She barely crossed the threshold when Alexander materialized before her.

Her knees buckled. Trembling fingers grasped his sleeve. "Alexander, please... I never pushed Victoria—"

"Why should I believe a venomous creature like you?" He shoved her away violently.

Pain exploded through Evelyn's skull as she collapsed. Clutching her abdomen, cold sweat beaded on her brow.

Thinking of her unborn child, she clawed at Alexander's trousers. "Alexander... the baby... hospital..."

"Enough with the theatrics," he sneered.

"No... Alexander... the pain..." Her whisper faded as darkness threatened.

Even as consciousness slipped, she clung to him. "Hate me... but the child... yours..."

"A child?" Alexander's laugh was cruel. "More lies? Disappear!"

His kick sent her sprawling. Evelyn's broken laughter mingled with tears as she gazed up at her tormentor. "Twelve years ago... a boy promised, 'Lillian, I'll protect you forever...' Was it all lies? These twelve years... just pathetic delusions? You're not my Alex anymore..."

Alexander's heart stuttered. A long-buried memory surfaced—a sunlit beach, a girl called Lillian with laughing eyes.

That innocent girl had captured his young heart. He'd vowed to marry her, to cherish her always.

When he'd learned Victoria was that girl, he'd sworn to protect her at all costs.

So why did Evelyn speak of promises meant for another?

Something primal stirred within him. Gripping Evelyn's shoulders, he demanded, "What did you say?"