Chapter 244

After the heartbreak of her failed marriage, Evelyn Sinclair vowed never to love again. Yet if fate gave her another chance, she might just take it.

...

Alexander Blackwood strode into Blackwood Estate with his phone gripped tightly in hand. The answers he sought were just one tap away.

But the scene in the kitchen stopped him cold.

Victoria Lancaster stood at the stove, surrounded by maids guiding her through dinner preparations. The domestic tableau sent a sharp pang through Alexander's chest.

Memories of Evelyn flooded his mind - how she used to cook for him every evening, only for him to reject her efforts. He'd rather spend nights anywhere but home, avoiding the woman he'd wrongly believed to be deceitful.

"Alexander!" Victoria's voice snapped him back to the present. She rushed to him, eyes shining. "You're home! I picked up Ethan and made dinner especially for you both. It's my first time cooking, so be kind."

Her gaze turned pleading. "Alexander, Mother received an invitation to Lady Belle's anniversary gala. Will you accompany me?"

His brows drew together. "I'm unavailable."

"Alexander." Her smile faltered. "Are you still punishing me? That incident was months ago! I was manipulated by Evelyn. How can you be so cruel over something so trivial?"

"Trivial?" A humorless smile twisted Alexander's lips, his expression unreadable. His voice dropped to an icy timbre. "I'll make a public announcement soon - our engagement is over."

Victoria's face paled. She grabbed his arm desperately. "Alexander, please! You promised! That day at the beach, you swore to take care of me forever!"

The memory gave Alexander pause. He couldn't act rashly without considering their shared history.

After a heavy silence, he spoke coldly. "I'll provide for you. But I won't marry you."

"Why?" Victoria's voice broke. "Why are you doing this?" Her composure shattered as she clung to him.

"Is it Vivian? Do you feel guilty about Evelyn, so now you're transferring that debt to her lookalike?"

"This has nothing to do with her." Alexander's sharp gaze pinned Victoria's distraught face. "You want reasons? Look in the mirror."

"Alexander!"

"The Victoria I married was kind and pure. You've changed. You're not the woman I fell for."

Victoria stood frozen as his expression hardened further.

Changed? No. The truth was far worse.

She'd never been that woman to begin with.

Alexander peeled her fingers from his arm and turned away.

"Alexander!" Victoria threw her arms around his waist from behind. "Please don't do this! Yes, I've changed - I love you more now! I was terrified Evelyn would steal you through marriage. I was desperate!" Tears streamed down her cheeks. "If I become that Victoria again, will you take me back?"

Alexander offered no response, forcibly removing her hands.

Her pleas followed him up the stairs, but he didn't look back. The bedroom door closed firmly behind him.

The king-sized bed held no trace of Evelyn, yet Alexander automatically sat on her former side. With trembling fingers, he opened the email containing the DNA results.

Amelia's test. His answer.

This time, he didn't hesitate before clicking.