Chapter 292

Alexander's finger hovered in midair, about to withdraw when Olivia and Nathaniel's adamant voices echoed through his mind.

'She's Evelyn!'

'There's no way two people could look this identical!'

How could they be so certain? Unless...they'd seen some distinctive mark?

A mark.

Alexander remembered the tiny birthmark above Evelyn's left collarbone.

His mind flashed to Vivian clutching her towel tightly that night she'd stayed over for Ethan. Had it been nervousness...or fear of discovery?

His pulse quickened. Gazing at Evelyn's sleeping form, his fingers moved to the top button of her hospital gown.

One. Two. Three buttons undone in rapid succession.

The door burst open just as his hand brushed the fourth button.

"What do you think you're doing, Alexander?" Sebastian strode in, immediately pulling the blanket over Evelyn's exposed shoulders.

Alexander withdrew his hand, his piercing gaze locking with Sebastian's.

"How exactly did you smuggle my wife out of the country back then?"

Sebastian's lips curved in a calm smile. "What nonsense are you spouting now? Surely you don't still believe Vivian is Evelyn?"

Alexander's jaw tightened, refusing to answer.

A soft chuckle escaped Sebastian as he sighed. "The dead don't return, Alexander. Nor do I possess such miraculous powers. Evelyn's death grieves me too, but perhaps...for her, it was a mercy."

Alexander's eyes darkened. "Mercy?"

"Was I wrong? She gave you her heart, her soul, waited her whole life for you. And what did she receive in return? Not even basic human decency. You never truly saw her."

Ice flooded Alexander's veins at Sebastian's words.

"You only wish Vivian were Evelyn because you can't bear the weight of your guilt. In your eyes, she's just a vessel for your atonement."

"Enough!" Alexander's voice cut through the room like a blade, his chest heaving.

The memories of how he'd hurt Evelyn were unbearable. Each recollection made his very existence feel like a crime.

She'd loved him unconditionally until her last breath.

And he'd repaid her with nothing but torment.

"I'm getting Vivian's medication. Don't do anything foolish." Sebastian warned before turning on his heel.

Outside the door, Sebastian allowed himself a small, satisfied smile as he watched Alexander's hollow stare.

'No pill can erase regret, Alexander. Love lost is love wasted. You don't deserve Evelyn anymore.'

In her unconscious state, Evelyn began to dream. She was back on Pinecrest Heights beach where she'd first met Alexander years ago. The salty sea breeze carried the sweetness of young love.

They ran hand in hand, carefree and laughing. How simple life had been then.

Perhaps that's when the first thorn had pierced her heart. With every subsequent meeting, it dug deeper until the pain became unbearable - until death seemed preferable...

Evelyn's brows furrowed as the dream shifted to that fateful night three years ago. Her fingers twisted in the sheets as she began murmuring in her sleep.

"Why, Alex? Why couldn't you just believe me..."