Chapter 461

Evelyn had asked Nathaniel countless times before, but he remained stubbornly opposed to keeping her twins.

This only intensified her desperation to leave Bern City and put as much distance between them as possible.

Nathaniel frowned slightly, his expression puzzled by Evelyn's words. Was she implying that she wanted to have children with him someday?

His voice was solemn as he reassured her, "I won't have any biological children. You have my word."

After all, the two children Evelyn carried were more than enough for him.

Evelyn's breath hitched. She pressed her lips together, ready to press further—

But before she could speak, Victoria Hawthorne caught up to them, interrupting, "Mr. Whitmore, Mrs. Whitmore, you're still here?"

Evelyn quickly released Nathaniel's arm and glanced up at him, unable to ignore how devastatingly handsome he looked under the soft lighting.

His dark, unreadable eyes met hers. Then, with a faint touch, Nathaniel tapped her forehead lightly. "Let's go."

The ghost of his fingertips lingered on her skin as Evelyn quickly averted her gaze, choosing silence.

With Victoria nearby, she couldn't risk revealing anything.

Despite Nathaniel's outwardly gentle demeanor, Evelyn knew it was nothing more than a carefully constructed façade for their audience.

As they stepped into the elevator, Victoria followed, chirping, "Perfect timing!"

"Mrs. Whitmore Senior was worried you two might struggle with the selection, so she asked me to tag along and assist. Don't worry, I won't be in the way."

Inside the elevator, Evelyn studied their reflections on the polished doors—Nathaniel's tall, imposing figure, Victoria's cheerful smile, and her own guarded expression.

Amidst the quiet hum of the elevator, her mind churned over Nathaniel's earlier words, leaving her emotions in turmoil.

Nathaniel stood silently, his gaze briefly flickering toward Evelyn in his periphery, yet unable to decipher her expression.

Despite his composed exterior, Nathaniel was anything but calm.

After speaking those words, he questioned his own sanity. Could he truly stomach the idea of Evelyn carrying another man's child?

Once known for his decisiveness, Nathaniel was startled to find himself wavering—overwhelmed by emotions he couldn't control.

The car ride was silent, tension thick between them, until they finally arrived at an upscale mall specializing in luxury maternity and baby products.

Stepping out, Evelyn took in the sight before her. She had longed to visit before, but fear of its grandeur—and the risk of running into someone she knew—had always held her back.

Yet by some twist of fate, here she was, walking in without hesitation.

The store manager greeted them warmly the moment they entered. "Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore, welcome! It's an honor to assist you today."

"If you'd prefer privacy, I can arrange a VIP room where we can bring everything for your selection."

Evelyn turned to Nathaniel. "You go ahead. I'd like to browse on my own first."

Now that she was finally here, she wanted to explore, to see what she might need with her own eyes.

Photos in a VIP room wouldn't compare to seeing the actual products.

She started walking with Victoria, knowing Nathaniel despised wasting time on such trivialities.

But after only a few steps, Nathaniel caught up effortlessly.

Startled, Evelyn couldn't help stealing another glance at him—his noble features, the sharp line of his jaw, the way he carried himself with effortless authority.

"Victoria, take a break," Nathaniel instructed.

"Of course. It's better for Mr. Whitmore to accompany you anyway," Victoria said before excusing herself.

Evelyn paused, her voice softening with disbelief. "Nathaniel, did you take the wrong medication today?"

He loomed over her, his presence overwhelming.

His dark eyes bore into hers, unreadable. "What's so strange about a husband accompanying his pregnant wife to shop for their child?"