Chapter 22
Alexander's expression darkened instantly.
He moved closer, spotting Evelyn with her back turned, deep in conversation with Victoria's physician.
"How could this happen? I never thought Sophia would go this far..." Evelyn's sigh carried through the hallway.
Though Alexander hadn't caught the full exchange, he stepped forward to demand answers. The doctor shifted uncomfortably before confessing, "Frankly, it violates my oath to deceive patients, but your sister's actions are unconscionable. She fabricated an entire pregnancy - even used theatrical blood to simulate complications. When confronted, she threatened suicide unless we corroborated her lies. Absolutely disgraceful behavior!"
Ice flooded Alexander's veins.
A complete fabrication?
Sophia's pregnancy was staged? Even the blood had been fake?
"I understand her motivations, but coercing medical professionals? That's beyond reckless!" Evelyn's voice trembled with apparent concern.
"You need to intervene," the doctor advised sternly. "Her husband will discover the truth eventually." He turned to leave.
Evelyn rushed after him. "Please, Doctor Hayes, keep this between us. If Alexander learns the truth, I fear what he might do to her."
The physician sighed. "Handle this family matter yourselves. Medically, she's perfectly healthy - dischargeable immediately."
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Evelyn's gratitude echoed down the corridor.
As the doctor departed, Evelyn's face transformed - her earlier concern melting into calculated satisfaction.
"Sophia, you've crossed every line," she murmured. "Stealing my identity as Alexander's childhood sweetheart was one thing, but this pregnancy charade? Pathetic."
She spun around dramatically, gasping when she found Alexander mere feet away. "A-Alexander! How long have you been standing there?"
Alexander studied Evelyn's nervous fidgeting, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "You knew about this deception, yet chose to perpetuate it?"
Evelyn blinked rapidly, feigning confusion. "I don't understand what you mean. You must have misheard-"
"I heard every damning word," Alexander growled. "Stop lying to me."
Tears welled in Evelyn's eyes. "I would never deceive you, Alexander! You're misunderstanding-"
"The truth. Now." His voice could have frozen hell.
Evelyn crumpled, sobbing theatrically. "Fine! I lied to protect Sophia! If you knew the truth, you'd never forgive her!" She clutched his arm desperately. "Please don't confront her! She's learned her lesson!"
Her tears flowed freely now. "This is all my fault! I shouldn't have stayed at Blackwood Estate after your wedding. My presence drove her to this madness! And when I told her about our first meeting at Pinecrest Heights, she got this twisted idea to impersonate me as your childhood sweetheart. Punish me instead, Alexander! I'm the one to blame!"
Alexander's eyes turned obsidian.
Every moment had been a calculated lie.
Her entire persona - engineered to manipulate his emotions.
That gentle girl from his memories? She stood before him now - not the scheming viper in the hospital bed.
White-hot fury ignited in his chest as he recalled his tender treatment of Sophia moments earlier. He stormed back toward her room, ignoring Evelyn's frantic pleas. Behind him, her lips curled in triumph.
Sophia's eyes flew open when Alexander burst in, his expression murderous. "Alexander? What's-"
He advanced like death incarnate.
Before she could react, his hand closed around her throat.
"Alexander!" Sophia choked, her pale skin flushing crimson.
"Evelyn Sinclair," he hissed, "you've earned your death sentence." His glacial stare bored into her soul. "The pregnancy farce I might have forgiven. But stealing Victoria's identity? Did you truly believe you'd get away with this?"
Sophia's eyes widened in confusion, but the crushing pressure silenced her protests.
"You'll suffer for every lie," Alexander vowed.
With brutal force, he flung her across the room.
Sophia crashed against the bed frame, IV ripped from her arm. Gasping through the pain, she instinctively cradled her abdomen as she crawled toward him.
"Alexander, I swear I'm telling the truth!" She clutched his trousers desperately. "The pregnancy is real - take me for an ultrasound right now! Just this once, please believe me!"