Chapter 132

Evelyn wore a cheerful expression, assuring Nathaniel that it was just a minor cold, nothing life-threatening.

Still, the warmth of her family's concern wrapped around her like a soft blanket.

After ending the video call, she settled into bed, hoping sleep would come. But rest eluded her.

She reached for her phone, scrolling through WhatsApp messages until one from Nathaniel caught her eye.

She had missed it earlier while talking to her family.

Maintaining the charade for Eleanor's sake, she replied with a simple, "Got it."

Closing her eyes, Evelyn recalled the wedding dress she'd seen at Victoria's boutique. The pristine white fabric had stung her vision like salt in a wound.

Thankfully, one month wasn't an eternity.

It would pass soon enough.

The next morning, Evelyn headed straight to the private hospital where Eleanor was staying.

As she slid into the backseat of a cab, Sophia's message popped up. "Evelyn, you're the one in the mask, aren't you?"

"And you swore you had nothing to do with that A-list actor. I gave you that tote bag for your birthday last year."

A knot of dread twisted in her stomach.

Evelyn tapped the trending article. Just as she'd feared—she was entangled in another scandal with the famous actor!

"After Wrapping Filming, Award-Winning Actor Returns Home with Mystery Girlfriend"

A single glance at the photo confirmed it was taken outside their neighborhood.

Now the acclaimed actor apparently had a girlfriend without even knowing it himself.

Evelyn didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

She'd clarified her position before, but now? She couldn't be bothered.

In show business, truth and fiction blurred together. No one took these stories seriously anyway.

"Evelyn, I'm not the only one who recognized you. Our classmates are blowing up the group chat asking if it's you."

She exhaled slowly, grateful she'd worn the mask leaving the hospital yesterday.

Without it, she'd be public enemy number one right now.

Then, with a smirk, she retweeted the article. "Time to come clean—yes, that's me. I'm his girlfriend."

Likes poured in instantly.

Most took it as a joke rather than truth. They simply thought she bore a resemblance to the woman in the photo.

Exactly as Evelyn had predicted.

After all, why would a megastar like him date someone outside the industry like her?

Stepping off the elevator, she spotted a tall figure in the corridor deep in conversation with a doctor.

Her steps hitched briefly before she continued toward them.

Robert noticed her first. "Mr. Whitmore, she's arrived."

Nathaniel turned, his gaze sweeping over her. "You're late."

"You said morning. You didn't specify a time," Evelyn fired back without hesitation.

Now that he was engaged to Victoria, she refused to bite her tongue at his condescending tone.

His lips thinned. "I knew it. You've found a new target. Your attitude toward me has changed."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Playing dumb? Who was that arrogant doctor yesterday? What's your relationship with him?"

Her eyes widened. So Nathaniel had misunderstood her connection with Julian.

Mockery danced in her eyes as a smirk curved her lips. "Mr. Whitmore, I know you're an important man, but not an omniscient one. Am I wrong?"

"Consider this a friendly warning. Don't mistake that doctor's intentions. He's quite the heartthrob here—female doctors, nurses, patients, they all adore him."

"His kindness? Just his way of getting you into bed."

Evelyn nearly choked on laughter. "How flattering. That means he's charming enough to have options."

She made a mental note to ask Julian why someone so popular remained single.

Turning away, she announced, "I'm going to see Grandma now."

"Wait." His voice stopped her. "Prenatal tests first."

At those words, her expression flickered.