Chapter 6

Evelyn's face drained of all color. Terror gripped her heart as she witnessed Alexander's uncharacteristic brutality.

Never had she imagined the man she once loved could be so vicious. Her hands instinctively flew to her stomach, shielding the fragile life within from his rage.

But Alexander gave her no chance to escape. His iron grip imprisoned her against his body.

The realization struck her like a physical blow - he despised her with an intensity that bordered on madness.

Hours later, Evelyn collapsed into exhausted slumber, her body screaming in protest. In her dreams, she returned to that golden summer twelve years past.

Sunlight danced on the ocean waves that day at Pinecrest Heights. Beneath the ancient oak tree, a lonely boy sat watching the tide.

Young Evelyn collected seashells along the shore, stealing glances at the melancholy figure. Even at twelve, Alexander possessed striking features - tall for his age with an aristocratic bearing that contrasted sharply with his somber expression.

Barefoot, she approached cautiously, offering her most prized shell. "This is for you," she whispered. "May it bring you happiness."

Alexander's guarded eyes flickered toward her. His designer clothes marked him as someone from a different world than her faded sundress.

Yet to her astonishment, he accepted her gift.

They met again the following day. This time, Alexander presented her with a frothy strawberry milkshake - her first taste of such luxury. The sweetness paled in comparison to her radiant smile.

That summer became their secret paradise. They met daily at their special spot, building sandcastles and chasing waves.

When Evelyn cut her foot on broken glass, Alexander carried her to safety. Pressed against his back, her cheeks burned not from the sunset but from the wild pounding of her heart.

"Alexander," she murmured shyly, arms tightening around his neck. "I want to stay with you always. To play together every day."

"Then marry me when we grow up," he answered without hesitation. "We'll never have to be apart."

But childhood promises proved fragile. After their final goodbye, Evelyn didn't see Alexander again until fate reunited them - with Victoria Lancaster already claiming his heart.

Evelyn awoke to sterile white walls and the sharp tang of antiseptic. Every movement sent fresh waves of pain through her battered body.

"Well, look who decided to join the living." Victoria's venomous voice dripped with sarcasm. The beautiful socialite's fox-like eyes burned with barely contained fury.

Jealousy? Evelyn almost laughed at the absurdity.

"Only you, Evelyn, would resort to such dramatic measures for attention," Victoria sneered, gesturing to the hospital room.

Memories flooded back - Alexander's violent possession, her desperate pleas. Understanding dawned, and despite everything, a triumphant smile curved Evelyn's lips.

"You conniving little slut!" Victoria's perfectly manicured hands clenched into fists, veins protruding. "How dare you look pleased about this!"