Chapter 43

Annabelle had clearly planned this for a while.

The moment Evelyn accepted her friend request, her social media feed flooded like a broken dam.

In just minutes, nine wedding photos, nine traditional gowns, nine candy favor designs, and nine invitation mockups bombarded the screen.

The caption read: Can’t decide! Help me choose!

Evelyn scoffed and muted her updates without hesitation.

Vivian parked outside the trendy restaurant.

It was barely past six, but the line already stretched across the street.

"Wait here. I’ll grab snacks to tide us over," Vivian said before darting off.

Evelyn sighed at the endless queue. "This is ridiculous."

Her phone buzzed—Olivia’s name flashed on the screen.

"Dr. Carter! Come back to the hospital—it’s an emergency!"

The familiar black sedan sat idle outside the hospital entrance.

Alexander stood under the streetlamp, the ember of his cigarette flickering. The dim light elongated his tall frame, casting a lonely shadow.

His head snapped up, eyes locking onto her instantly.

He crushed the cigarette and strode forward.

Evelyn quickened her pace, but he seized her wrist. "Evelyn!"

The scent of tobacco and alcohol hit her.

"You’ve been drinking?"

His Adam’s apple bobbed. "Business dinner."

"Drunk driving is illegal."

"...I know."

She yanked her arm free. "Let go. I have patients to save."

"Five minutes."

"They don’t have five minutes."

His grip loosened. "I’ll wait."

She didn’t look back. "Don’t bother."

Olivia’s voice echoed from the entrance. "Dr. Carter! The patient’s hemorrhaging!"

Evelyn shook him off. "Mr. Hamilton, let’s end this cleanly. Yesterday you sent gifts, today Annabelle flaunts her wedding plans. If she finds you here harassing me, will she storm the hospital tomorrow for another scene?"

Alexander paled. "I’m sorry—"

"Disappearing would be apology enough."

Her white coat swirled as she sprinted toward the ER.

Olivia hurried after her. "He’s been standing there since afternoon. Like a statue."

Evelyn fastened the last button on her coat. "Focus on saving lives."