Chapter 380
From the very beginning, Nathaniel Whitmore had been unequivocal about not wanting children. If he discovered Evelyn Carter's pregnancy, he would undoubtedly demand she terminate it.
Evelyn's decision came swiftly. "You're absolutely right!" she declared.
His face darkened instantly. "So this is why you've been so desperate for a divorce? You're carrying another man's child? I knew your sudden change of heart was suspicious - bringing up divorce out of nowhere. Not only have you found someone else, but you're pregnant with his baby!"
Cold sweat trickled down Evelyn's back as she fought to maintain her composure. The timing was critical - with the pregnancy progressing, paternity tests could now be performed prenatally. She couldn't take that risk!
Her fingers curled into fists beneath the blanket, though her expression remained calm. "I conceived after we signed the divorce papers. Legally, I've done nothing wrong."
A bitter relief washed over her. Nathaniel's poor opinion of her actually worked in her favor this time, providing cover for the child's existence.
"We haven't finalized the divorce yet. You're still my wife!" Nathaniel countered sharply.
Evelyn met his glare without flinching. "And aren't you engaged to Victoria Sinclair? That's the pot calling the kettle black! We've only been maintaining this charade for Eleanor Whitmore's sake, with an agreement not to interfere in each other's lives. I've kept my end of the bargain."
As the words left her lips, the air grew thick with Nathaniel's silent, dangerous energy.
But retreat wasn't an option. Any sign of weakness could endanger her child.
Nathaniel's voice turned icy. "Our agreement never included you getting pregnant!"
"Did it include your engagement to Victoria?" Evelyn shot back, her protective instincts flaring like a mother bear's.
Nathaniel leaned in until their faces were inches apart, his dark eyes burning. "No man tolerates being cuckolded, Evelyn. I'll give you one choice."
She instinctively recoiled, but the headboard stopped her retreat.
At this proximity, she could see every perfect feature of his face - the flawless skin, the faint shadow of stubble, even the individual lashes framing his piercing eyes.
Their breaths mingled in the charged space between them.
Evelyn's lips trembled. "What choice?"
"Terminate the pregnancy," he growled.
"Never!" Her refusal was immediate and absolute.
Her heart shattered even as she spoke. He would never accept this child.
Nathaniel's expression hardened. "You misunderstand - this isn't a request. Since you refuse the easy way, I'll have a doctor perform the procedure."
"No!" Evelyn clutched his arm desperately. "Please!"
His fingers dug into her chin. "Since when do I grant favors? Until those divorce papers are signed, you remain my wife. Did you think I'd raise another man's bastard?"
Desperation clawed at Evelyn's throat. "Nathaniel Whitmore, you have no right to take my child from me!"
His cruel laugh sent chills down her spine. "It's not my child."
"Who says it isn't?" Evelyn screamed, her voice breaking with raw emotion.