Chapter 20

Alexander's knuckles turned white, veins bulging. He stared at Evelyn, his Adam's apple bobbing. "You're always so rational."

"Those who aren't rational only end up hurting more."

"You won't even give me the chance to hurt?"

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Give you a chance, and then what? Watch you and Annabelle argue over this child? Watch my baby grow up unwanted?"

Alexander abruptly turned his face away.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting fragmented shadows across his profile. His lashes trembled like a dying butterfly's wings.

"Alexander, let's be realistic. This child shouldn't be your burden or Annabelle's resentment."

"How do you know she—"

"I've seen too many stories like this." Evelyn cut him off. "A hospital is where human nature is laid bare."

She remembered the woman last week, enduring twenty hours of labor pains while her husband played games outside the delivery room. When a nurse spoke up, he snapped, "None of your damn business."

Or last month’s case—a mother-in-law insisting on natural birth because a C-section would "ruin" the chance for a second child. Even as the mother hemorrhaged, the family was still debating the baby’s astrological fate.

"Alexander, ask yourself honestly." Evelyn met his gaze. "If it were Annabelle lying here, would you let her suffer like this?"

His pupils constricted.

The answer was obvious.

"So, this is where we end." Evelyn pulled the blanket higher. "I’ll handle the baby."

"Evelyn!" Alexander suddenly seized her wrist. "Let me think—"

"Think about what?" Her laugh was cold. "How to balance two women? Or how to explain this to Annabelle?"

She yanked her hand back, leaving a red mark on her wrist.

"Leave. While I can still speak to you calmly."

Alexander stood frozen, like a statue. The setting sun stretched his shadow long across the floor.

Finally, he turned and walked out.

The door closed softly—like a sigh.

Evelyn stared at the ceiling, counting the cracks. One, two… By the seventeenth, her pillow was soaked.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Olivia: Dr. Carter, the family of Patient 3 is causing a scene again. They’re accusing us of refusing a C-section on purpose…

Evelyn wiped her tears and replied: On my way.

She pulled out the IV needle. A bead of blood welled up. What was this pain compared to the women screaming alone in delivery rooms?

In the hallway, she passed Alexander.

Neither looked back.