Chapter 403

Evelyn's expression shifted at Eleanor's words.

Birthmark.

Her carefully constructed facade would crumble if Eleanor mentioned the butterfly-shaped mark on her skin.

"What birthmark?" Alexander inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"It's a—"

"I'm feeling lightheaded, Alexander..."

Evelyn's brows knitted together just as Eleanor began to speak. She swayed slightly before leaning weakly against Alexander's chest.

His attention snapped back to her instantly.

Without hesitation, he scooped her into his arms. "I'm taking you to the hospital."

"It's nothing serious," Evelyn murmured, resting her head against his shoulder. "Just exhaustion."

Eleanor and William exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with unspoken concern as they watched Alexander carry Evelyn away.

Night deepened, the evening breeze rustling the leaves outside the window.

Evelyn lay in bed, eyes closed, feigning sleep despite the restless energy coursing through her.

Tonight was supposed to be their first night as husband and wife. While she had no idea what Alexander was thinking, she had no intention of letting their relationship progress physically.

Moments later, she heard the bathroom door click open. Alexander's footsteps were deliberately soft, as if he didn’t want to disturb her.

Then, the mattress dipped beside her.

His warmth enveloped her, his familiar scent wrapping around her like an invisible embrace.

Evelyn's pulse quickened. She curled her fingers beneath the sheets, resisting the urge to pull away.

Surely, he wouldn’t expect anything from her tonight.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, she felt his breath ghost over her cheek.

Afraid he might kiss her, she fluttered her eyes open.

Dark, fathomless eyes met hers.

"Did I wake you?" His voice was a low, velvety murmur.

Evelyn forced a small smile. "No."

"Good," he whispered. His fingers brushed her cheek as he leaned in, his lips grazing the corner of hers.

She pressed a hand against his chest. "I'm pregnant, Alexander. We shouldn’t."

He pulled back slightly, studying her with an unreadable gaze. "I’ll wait until you’re ready. Sleep now."

"Goodnight," she murmured, exhaling silently in relief. Yet, she couldn’t shake the strange intensity in his eyes.

Darkness settled over the room, the only sounds their quiet breaths and the steady rhythm of their hearts.

Evelyn had already been awake, but the unfamiliar weight of Alexander beside her made sleep impossible.

She turned away, trying to put distance between them—only for his arm to slide around her waist, pulling her back against him.

His palm rested lightly over her stomach, warmth seeping through the thin fabric of her nightgown.

She stiffened but didn’t push him away.

She had come too far to retreat now.

Just a few more days.

Alexander’s lips curved faintly as he inhaled the faint minty scent of her hair.

The next morning, Evelyn woke to find herself curled against Alexander’s chest, his arms securely around her.

Her eyes flew open in alarm.

With a sharp inhale, she shoved him away and scrambled out of bed.

Alexander merely rolled over, undisturbed, his breathing steady as he continued to sleep.