Chapter 228

Evelyn gave a slight nod, and an unspoken agreement passed between them to drop the previous subject.

The view outside the window captured her attention - the wedding venue she had painstakingly designed now stood as a cruel irony of fate.

Tomorrow would mark Nathaniel and Victoria's engagement.

A bitter smile touched Evelyn's lips as she lowered her gaze.

She had known this day would come, yet its arrival left a hollow ache in her chest that surprised even her.

As Julian parked at the hospital entrance, he turned to her. "Wait here, Evelyn. I won't be long."

"No need, Julian. I should get back to the studio. Let's have an early dinner tonight though."

His concerned eyes studied her. "Don't overwork yourself," he cautioned.

Watching Julian enter Peace Hospital, Evelyn flagged down a cab and directed it toward the private medical center.

An inexplicable urge pulled her toward Eleanor's room.

With Nathaniel and Victoria's engagement this week and Eleanor's surgery scheduled for the next, at least Victoria's capable brothers could ensure Eleanor received proper care.

That small comfort was all Evelyn could cling to now.

Flowers in hand, Evelyn entered to find Eleanor absorbed in a book. "Grandmother," she greeted softly.

"Evelyn darling!" Eleanor's face lit up. "Come sit. It's been too long - has work been keeping you away?"

Evelyn's lashes fluttered downward. "The studio's been hectic, and my university courses aren't helping matters."

"Don't exhaust yourself, dear. With Nathaniel providing so well, you needn't carry such burdens. Especially now..." Eleanor's meaningful glance dropped to Evelyn's midsection.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Evelyn forced a smile. "I'll be careful. How have you been feeling? Any discomfort?"

"Never better. It's your condition that worries me. Promise me you'll stop working at the studio when your second trimester begins."

Evelyn's hand instinctively cradled her stomach. "I promise."

Once her pregnancy became impossible to conceal, she planned to return to Nord City with her brothers.

There, far from Nathaniel's reach, she would bring her child into the world.

By then, Nathaniel and Victoria would be married, their lives too entangled to spare thoughts for Evelyn.

Their conversation flowed gently until the door swung open, bringing with it a draft of cool air.

Evelyn turned - and froze. Nathaniel's sudden appearance stole her breath.

Eleanor beamed. "Nathaniel! Here to collect your wife?"

Evelyn averted her gaze, but not before noticing the shoes Nathaniel wore - the custom-made pair she had selected for him years ago.

Simple, unbranded, yet crafted for comfort.

He'd worn them once, then never again. Evelyn had assumed their lack of status symbolism displeased him.

Yet here they were, gracing his feet once more.

Nathaniel's unpredictability confused her more each day.

He moved to stand beside her, his voice calm. "How are you today, Grandmother?"

"Wonderful now that I see you both. Nathaniel, no matter how busy, you must take care of Evelyn. She's carrying precious cargo!"

With that, Eleanor gathered their hands, pressing them together between her own.