Chapter 24

Evelyn shook her head, a bitter smile twisting her lips.

What difference would it make if she told him?

Alexander wouldn’t care. To him, her death would be a relief.

But for the sake of the child growing inside her, she had to keep fighting.

The doctor’s words haunted her—the baby was fighting against her.

The more the little one grew, the worse Evelyn’s condition became. The tiny life nestled right above the tumor, pressing against it, accelerating its spread.

She had sent out countless job applications, all met with silence. Until finally, a small company responded.

They wanted her to design a pair of rings. The pay was decent.

She accepted without hesitation. Locked in her room for hours, she only emerged to grab a quick meal.

Three months pregnant, but the thick winter sweater hid the subtle curve of her belly.

Alexander hadn’t asked about her. Not once. She had grown used to the silence.

Then, the sound of footsteps at the front door shattered the quiet.

He was back.

Dressed in a sleek black leather jacket, he exuded an air of cold elegance, breathtaking as always.

In his hands were two shopping bags, adorned with cartoon prints. Children’s clothes.

Her heart leapt—until his icy voice cut through her hope.

"These are for Victoria."

The tenderness in his tone was reserved for her.

Evelyn’s fragile hope shattered instantly.

"You didn’t actually think these were for you, did you?" His mocking laugh was sharp as a blade. "As if I’d ever want a child with you."

The words crushed what was left of her heart.

She stared at his merciless face, pain twisting inside her. "Alexander, you’re cruel."

"Should I be kind to a woman like you?" His dark eyes raked over her pale face. "Do you even deserve kindness?"

With a cold chuckle, he turned and walked upstairs.

Evelyn watched his retreating figure, her lips trembling. Softly, she whispered to the empty room.

"If I’m truly so undeserving… then why did you make me that promise?"

Evelyn kept her hospital appointment. Her condition had worsened since the last check-up.

Olivia was frantic, begging her again to terminate the pregnancy. But Evelyn only smiled faintly. "Olivia… come somewhere with me."

The winter wind at the beach was brutal, slicing against their skin like knives.

Olivia didn’t understand why they were here—until Evelyn spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"If I don’t make it… promise me you’ll scatter my ashes in this sea."