Chapter 11

Evelyn's lips curved into a faint smile.

"But if you two have been... intimate lately, you should be careful. The baby is still so small." Vivian's voice carried a hint of shyness. "You're the professional here. You know better than I do."

"Mm. I know."

Alexander kept one hand on the steering wheel and glanced at her. "Who has you smiling like that?"

"Vivian."

"That's an unusual name. Did her parents choose it?"

Evelyn chuckled. "She changed it herself. The day she turned eighteen, she rushed to the police station—couldn’t wait a single day."

"Why?"

"Some guy broke her heart in high school. She swore off love forever. Hence, 'Vivian'—as in, 'ending love.'"

Alexander shook his head. "Teenage heartbreak. No need to be so dramatic."

"What about you?" Evelyn suddenly asked. "Do you have an unforgettable first love?"

His grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. "...Too long ago. I barely remember."

"Oh."

"And you?" he countered. "Ever liked someone before?"

"I did," Evelyn said, watching the scenery blur past the window. "But I was very young. Maybe four or five."

"That early?"

"What do kids know? I just thought they were special. Seems silly now."

Alexander laughed softly. "Five or six is when gender awareness starts. It’s normal."

Evelyn raised a brow. "Sounds like you speak from experience?"

He reached over to brush aside a low-hanging branch. "Careful. Don’t let it scratch your eyes."

The apartment was only a ten-minute drive from the hospital.

The complex wasn’t high-end, but Alexander had chosen it for Evelyn’s convenience. To him, an extra twenty minutes of driving each day meant nothing.

Beep— The fingerprint lock clicked open.

"Surprise! Welcome home!"

Evelyn nearly dropped the bouquet in her arms. That voice—

She bent to set the flowers down, only to freeze at the sight before her.

Annabelle stood there in Evelyn’s pink slippers, wearing a silk nightgown, her face bare of makeup.

Their carefully decorated home had been completely transformed.

The floral curtains Evelyn loved had been yanked down and crumpled in a corner. The plush toys neatly arranged on the sofa were gone. The lace tablecloth had vanished, leaving the glass dining table bare—except for the toys now haphazardly taped to its edges.

Alexander’s expression darkened. "Annabelle. What are you doing?"

"Redecorating for you," Annabelle said sweetly. "Dr. Carter is so busy. She must not have time for housekeeping."

"You could’ve at least asked us first!"

"Ask what?" She tilted her head. "I’ve always handled your living arrangements, haven’t I?"

Evelyn clenched her fists, her voice trembling. "Miss Taylor, this is my home with Alexander."

"Oh?" Annabelle stroked her rounded belly. "Is your name on the deed?"

"..."

"You couldn’t afford this neighborhood on your salary, could you? Since Alexander paid for it, the right to decide is his." She lifted her chin proudly. "And his affairs have always been my call."

Alexander pulled Evelyn close, his voice icy. "Annabelle, that was then. This is our marital home now. Evelyn is the lady of this house."

"Marital home?" Annabelle blinked. "Pre-marital asset, more like. In a divorce, she wouldn’t get a cent. But as your best friend, I can visit whenever I please."

"Enough!" Alexander snapped.

Annabelle’s eyes instantly welled up. "Alexander, you’re yelling at me for her? You never treated me like this before!"

"I didn’t— You could at least show Evelyn some respect."

"You yelled at me!" Annabelle suddenly clutched her stomach. "Ah— It hurts..."

Alexander rushed to steady her. "What’s wrong? Sit down!"

She slumped weakly onto the sofa, tears glistening. "If anything happens to the baby..."

"Let Evelyn check you," Alexander turned to his wife, his tone pleading. "She’s a professional—"

"I don’t want her!" Annabelle turned away. "After that male anesthesiologist incident? I don’t trust her."

Evelyn smirked coldly. "This is my personal time. I’m not on duty."

"Evelyn..." Alexander lowered his voice. "Pregnant women are emotional. Be understanding—"

"Fine." Evelyn pulled out her phone. "Specialist consultation fee: 15 dollars. Scan to pay."

Annabelle let out a derisive laugh. "Keeping score between husband and wife? How thrifty of you, Doctor."

"Exactly," Evelyn met her gaze squarely. "I’m saving for my own place. Then no one can barge in and rearrange my home without permission."