Chapter 298

My palms were damp with sweat as I stood in the hospital corridor.

"The test results are in." The doctor adjusted his glasses. "Your uterus has healed well."

Sunlight streamed through the window, forcing me to squint.

"Theoretically, another pregnancy is possible." He flipped through the report. "But the risks would be higher than average."

My fingers tightened around my bag strap.

"We'll need more thorough examinations." The doctor looked up. "Have you thought this through?"

Footsteps echoed down the hallway.

"How's my wife?" A familiar voice spoke behind me.

I didn't turn. My nails dug into my palms.

"Mr. Kingsley, perfect timing." The doctor stood. "Regarding the possibility of another pregnancy—"

"We're in no rush." He cut the doctor off, moving beside me.

The faint scent of his cologne reached me.

"Let's go home." His warm hand enveloped mine. "We'll discuss this when you're ready."

I looked up and saw the worry shadowing his eyes.

"I want to try." The words escaped before I could stop them.

Both the doctor and Alexander froze.

"Are you sure?" His voice strained.

I nodded. Tears spilled without warning.

"This time, I'll keep you safe." He pulled me into an embrace, his voice rough.

The doctor cleared his throat. "We'll schedule comprehensive tests for next week."

Golden sunset bathed us as we left the hospital.

"Scared?" Alexander asked.

I watched the horizon bleed crimson, silent.

Terrified, of course.

But more terrified of losing my chance at motherhood.

"I'm here." His fingers squeezed mine.

I drew a deep breath and gazed into the distance.

This time, I would bring our child safely into the world.

The phone screen flickered as Alexander Kingsley's finger hovered over the end call button before slowly withdrawing.

When the screen lit up again, the words "Senior Julian" made his pupils constrict.

He jabbed the answer button with sudden force.

"Evelyn?" Julian Ashford's anxious voice came through. "Is it true about the Sullivan family?"

Only cold breathing answered him.

"Evelyn? Are you there?" Julian's tone grew uneasy.

A derisive laugh escaped Alexander's lips.

"The Sullivan matter," his voice grated like sandpaper, "is none of your business to ask my wife about."

Dead silence filled the line.

Three seconds later, the call disconnected with surgical precision.

Alexander stared at the darkened screen, his mouth twisting into a sneer. His gaze swept the room, finding no trace of Evelyn Sinclair, and his eyes darkened further.

Slender fingers swiped across the phone screen, bringing up the password prompt.

Her phone once stored his fingerprint.

Now every trace of him had been erased.

On the third attempt, the screen unlocked. He went straight to contacts and dragged that offensive number into the blacklist.

"He's still asleep."

Evelyn's voice floated from the doorway.

"The doctor said he needs rest—"

"Not working today, Evelyn?" Madeline Kingsley's shrill voice cut in. "I thought that company couldn't function without you."

"Mother," Eleanor Kingsley interjected hastily, "Evelyn's making time to care for Alexander despite her schedule."

Madeline sniffed. "Could've fooled me."

"Mother!" Eleanor's voice trembled.

Evelyn waited by the elevator to greet them, only to receive the old woman's icy glare.

"What?" Madeline snapped at her daughter-in-law. "Am I not allowed to speak now?"

"Alexander needs quiet," Eleanor murmured.

Hearing Evelyn's voice, Alexander on the hospital bed instantly closed his eyes and slipped his phone beneath the pillow.

Madeline's eyes reddened at the sight of her grandson's pallid face.

"Such misfortune..." She dabbed at tears. "Look how gaunt he's become in such short time."

She suddenly seized Evelyn's wrist. "Evelyn, forgive an old woman's bluntness. A wife's duty is to prioritize her husband. See what's become of Alexander?"

"Mother, Evelyn has—"

"Since when do you interrupt when I'm speaking to my granddaughter-in-law?" Madeline snapped.

Evelyn's voice turned glacial at Eleanor's discomfort. "Mother knows our situation best."

Madeline's face purpled with indignation.

This united front between mother and daughter-in-law made her the outsider.

"Evelyn," the matriarch rose abruptly, "come with me."

"Mother, whatever you need to say—"

"Mustn't disturb Alexander!" Madeline shot Eleanor a withering look before turning to Evelyn. "Just a few words."

Evelyn gave Eleanor a subtle headshake and followed the older woman out.

As the elevator descended, Evelyn watched the floor numbers change, her frown deepening.

"Let's be direct." Madeline stopped outside an examination room. "The Kingsley line must continue. You'll get checked today to see if you can still conceive."

Evelyn's head jerked up.

"Grandmother," her voice dripped ice, "you wept while promising never to interfere again."

"I tried!" Madeline's voice cracked. "But look at Alexander! A childless marriage is built on sand!"

"It's just a cold." Evelyn's laugh held no warmth. "Since when do adults need supervision when ill?"