Chapter 104
"What if Nathaniel demands I end the pregnancy?" Evelyn's thoughts raced as she paced nervously.
A sudden honk shattered her reverie.
The sleek black Maybach pulled up beside her, its tinted windows hiding the occupant within.
She'd recognize that car anywhere - Nathaniel Whitmore's signature vehicle.
Through the partially lowered window, she caught a glimpse of his chiseled profile, his piercing gray eyes watching her with unnerving intensity.
"Get in." His command brooked no argument.
Evelyn hesitated only a moment before complying, aware of curious onlookers nearby.
The moment the door closed, she felt trapped in a soundproof cocoon with this dangerous man.
Perched on the edge of the leather seat, Evelyn couldn't escape the intoxicating scent of his cologne mixed with something uniquely Nathaniel.
Her fingers twisted in her lap as she waited for the axe to fall.
After an eternity, his voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Do you like children?"
Evelyn's throat constricted. "I... yes, I suppose I do."
This unexpected life growing inside her had awakened instincts she never knew she possessed.
Having grown up rootless, the idea of family resonated deeply with her abandoned heart.
Nathaniel's prolonged silence made her pulse race.
Finally, she blurted, "You don't need to worry. This child won't interfere with your life."
She'd already resolved to raise the baby alone, far from Nathaniel's world and his impending marriage to Victoria.
His head turned slowly, those stormy eyes assessing her. "Do you honestly think a child could affect me?"
The casual cruelty in his words made her flinch. "Message received."
"See that you do," he countered coldly.
Adjusting his cufflinks, Nathaniel continued, "After Grandmother's surgery, we'll stage a miscarriage."
Evelyn went deathly pale. "What did you say?"
Her hands flew protectively to her stomach.
Had she heard correctly? Was he really suggesting...?
His voice turned glacial. "What alternative do we have? Should we magically produce a child?"
"Or perhaps you'd prefer we try conceiving one tonight to satisfy Grandmother's expectations?" he added with biting sarcasm.
Understanding dawned - he thought she'd lied about the pregnancy to manipulate Eleanor.
In an odd way, this misconception relieved her. At least he wasn't actually demanding an abortion.
Nathaniel's gaze pinned her in place. "Evelyn, disabuse yourself of any fantasies. This child isn't happening."
He clearly believed she'd fabricated the pregnancy to take advantage of Eleanor's condition.
Evelyn lowered her lashes. "I understand perfectly."
Little did he know, she had no intention of telling him the truth about their baby either.
The remainder of the ride passed in suffocating silence.
When the car stopped, Evelyn recognized their marital home - a gilded cage she'd escaped months ago.
"You'll maintain this charade until Grandmother recovers," Nathaniel stated as the engine idled. "No mistakes."
Evelyn nodded stiffly. "Of course."
With university resuming soon, she could explain her absence to her brothers easily enough.
She just needed to play her part until Eleanor's surgery was complete.
Looking up, she asked, "Now that Eleanor's agreed, when is the procedure scheduled?"
"Given your... connection to the Sinclair family, arranging Victoria's medical team shouldn't be difficult, right?"
She couldn't help wondering what new scheme Nathaniel and Victoria might be concocting involving Eleanor.
"The surgery's scheduled for next week," Nathaniel replied tersely.
"Good," Evelyn breathed, genuine relief coloring her tone.
As she reached for the door handle, Nathaniel's voice stopped her. "Do you know how to convincingly play..."