Chapter 218

Evelyn shook her head. "I still didn't handle it well enough. Otherwise, he wouldn't keep suspecting me of being his damned ex-wife over and over."

Bitterness laced her words, but she quickly forced a faint smile for Sebastian.

"Don't worry about me. I'm not that naive and foolish Evelyn Sinclair anymore. I won't waste the second chance you've given me."

Sebastian's lips curled slightly. His bright, enigmatic eyes held a depth that was impossible to decipher.

Evelyn helped him remove his rain-dampened coat and fetched fresh toiletries for him.

After his shower, he emerged in a white bathrobe, towel-drying his damp hair. He walked into Evelyn's room as if it were his own, bending down to press a tender kiss to Amelia's sleeping cheek.

"Sebastian, the guest room is ready," Evelyn murmured as she entered.

He turned toward her. "I'll be returning to Blackwood Estate in two days. You're coming with me."

"Alright," Evelyn agreed with a nod.

"Rest well. Goodnight." Sebastian lowered his head, brushing his cool lips briefly against her forehead before stepping out and closing the door behind him.

Evelyn stood frozen, emotions tangled in her chest.

She wasn't blind. Sebastian's unwavering support stemmed from something deeper than mere kindness.

Especially after Victoria had framed her six years ago—back then, he had secretly provided evidence to clear her name.

He had been watching over her long before she even realized it.

Yet in the three years she had spent with him, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was shrouded in mystery. Unpredictable.

A gentleman, yes—but one with secrets.

Evelyn shook her head, forcing the thoughts away.

Meanwhile, Alexander remained in his car long after the lights in Evelyn's apartment dimmed.

"Sebastian Whitman."

The name left his lips like a curse.

The way Sebastian had always been attuned to Evelyn's every move—it gnawed at him.

"No."

He abruptly dismissed the thought, remembering Evelyn on that operating table, lifeless.

No pulse. No breath. She had been pronounced dead.

Yet if Vivian Prescott was truly just Vivian, why did she stir such suspicion? Her closeness to Sebastian only fueled his doubts.

Her mannerisms, her speech—they all screamed Evelyn.

Alexander's fingers traced the freshly bandaged wound on his arm, as if he could still feel the ghost of her touch.

His gaze softened.

Evelyn, I'd rather it be you.

Even if you despise me, even if you never forgive me—

Just be alive.

As long as you're in this world, I'll follow wherever you go.

The next morning, Evelyn rose early to prepare breakfast for Amelia. Noticing Sebastian still resting, she quietly closed the door and took Amelia to kindergarten.

As she turned to leave, Alexander's car pulled up in front of her.

"Mr. Blackwood?" She kept her tone neutral.

He stepped out and opened the passenger door. "Future Aunt-in-law, care to join me?"

The title made her stiffen, but she masked it smoothly and slid into the car.

They drove through the bustling streets before stopping at a busy intersection.

"There's a breakfast spot here with the best pastries in town," Alexander said, opening her door.

Had he brought her here just to eat?

Evelyn hesitated, stepping out. Amid the crowd of rushing office workers, a familiar figure suddenly caught her eye.

Her breath hitched.

"Ev—Evelyn?!"