Chapter 464
The moment they secured the baby cribs, Evelyn and Nathaniel moved toward the stroller section.
Determined to prevent Nathaniel from purchasing the entire store, Evelyn took charge. She carefully selected two sleek, modern strollers herself.
Surrounded by tiny onesies and plush toys, the reality of impending motherhood finally settled over Evelyn.
Checking her watch, she was startled to realize they had completed all their shopping in under an hour.
Nathanielโs no-nonsense efficiency had streamlined the process.
Yet, as they stepped out of the boutique, an unspoken tension lingered between them. This was, after all, their first shopping trip together.
Their path led them to an exhibition hall, its purpose unclear.
A staff member, Michelle Lexington, approached with a warm smile.
"Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore, as valued patrons of our mall, weโd love to offer you a complimentary parenting workshop."
"If you have time, weโd be delighted to have you join us inside."
Intriguedโand admittedly in need of guidanceโEvelyn agreed.
Nathaniel, however, remained rooted in place.
Michelle turned to him. "Sir, these sessions are most effective when both parents attend."
"Raising a child is a shared responsibility, after all."
Evelynโs lips twitched at the thought of Nathaniel, ever the stoic CEO, changing diapers. The image was almost laughable.
She waved a hand. "You can wait outside if you prefer. I wonโt be long."
To her surprise, Nathaniel stepped forward, his expression unreadable.
Evelyn studied him, sensing something different in his demeanor.
Inside the classroom, young couples were already engaged in the lecture. Evelyn found a seat, listening intently.
The instructor, Heidi Thurman, demonstrated prenatal yoga posesโsome requiring a partnerโs assistance.
As Evelyn attempted a stretch, a firm hand guided her arm upward. She glanced up, meeting Nathanielโs steady gaze.
"Let me help," he murmured, his voice low.
Evelyn nodded, refocusing on Heidiโs instructions.
Throughout the session, they moved in surprising harmony. Nathaniel adjusted her posture with quiet precision, his touch unexpectedly gentle.
By the end, Evelyn was pleasantly exhausted, her muscles warm and loose.
Stepping outside, she scanned the area. "Whereโs Victoria?"
"Likely on her way back," Nathaniel replied.
Evelyn smirked. "After todayโs shopping spree, sheโll have quite the report for your grandmother. You played your part wellโsheโd never suspect a thing."
A beat of silence passed before Evelyn ventured, "We didnโt make it to the courthouse today. Are you free tomorrow?"
Nathaniel halted, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.
Evelyn looked away. "If thereโs an issue, donโt worry. Victoria already destroyed the property agreement, and I signed the prenup."
"It wonโt affect you. Iโm not after your assets."
In response, Nathaniel pulled a crumpled document from Robertโs hand. "This?"
Evelyn recognized it instantly. "Yes, thatโs the original."
Without hesitation, Nathaniel tore it in half.