Chapter 304

The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension, neither uncomfortable nor hostile.

Alexander carried Evelyn across the remaining distance to the clinic, his strides purposeful yet measured. The familiar white building stood unchanged after two decades, its freshly painted walls the only evidence of time's passage.

To their astonishment, the same physician still practiced there. Dr. Hayes' silver hair caught the afternoon light as she adjusted her glasses, her movements precise despite her age.

Recognition flashed in her eyes the moment Alexander stepped through the door. "I never forget a face," she remarked warmly while cleaning Evelyn's wound. "Especially one as striking as yours, young man."

Evelyn offered a grateful smile. "Thank you, Doctor."

Dr. Hayes peered closer, her experienced fingers working deftly. "I always knew you two would find your way back to each other."

Evelyn's breath hitched. Swallowing the bitter irony, she feigned confusion. "You...remember us?"

"Of course!" The doctor chuckled. "This young man carried you in here years ago, drenched in sweat from running under the summer sun. The panic on his face - I've never seen someone so terrified over a scraped knee." Her eyes twinkled. "You made such a striking pair. Some patients stay with you forever."

Evelyn hadn't anticipated this living relic of her past. Not from Alexander, who'd long since buried those memories.

Her gaze flickered to him. The deep furrow between his brows surprised her. Was he actually remembering? Or merely regretting?

"All set," Dr. Hayes announced. "Take your wife home now. Childhood sweethearts marrying - how lovely."

The term landed like a physical blow. Childhood friends. Former lovers. Once husband and wife. The doctor had guessed the beginning but never imagined the tragic middle or bitter end.

Alexander lifted Evelyn effortlessly, his expression distant as they retraced their steps. The doctor's words echoed in his mind. That summer day...but the girl had been Victoria, hadn't it? Evelyn must resemble her enough to confuse the aging physician.

"Put me down here," Evelyn said quietly. "I'll call a car. Let's pretend last night never happened."

Alexander halted abruptly, his grip tightening. "I meant what I said about marriage. Last night changes nothing - my decision was made before then." His voice brooked no argument. "Your wedding to Sebastian won't happen, because you'll be my wife first."

He delivered her to her apartment door with infuriating determination, carrying her up the stairs without hesitation. Only when he'd gone did Evelyn step into the shower, watching her reflection emerge through the steam. The innocent girl from the clinic was gone, replaced by someone far more dangerous.

Her lips curved. The game was progressing exactly as planned.

Alexander found the Blackwood Estate restored to order upon his return, every discarded item miraculously returned to its place. Only Victoria's presence in the sitting room disturbed his fragile peace.

"Where were you?" Her wounded whisper cut through the silence. "Do you think less of me now? Is that why you stayed away?"

He studied her face with new suspicion, Dr. Hayes' words still ringing in his ears. "That seashell you gave me when we first met," he said abruptly. "I gave you something in return. Do you still have it?"