Chapter 631

The hospital room echoed with heart-wrenching sobs.

Evelyn jolted awake to find her father's body already covered with a white sheet, being wheeled out by nurses.

In her dazed state, she saw flashes of her childhood self chasing after her father—running through the years until she became the woman she was today.

"Dad! Wait for me..."

But this time, her father didn't turn back.

"Evelyn! Wake up!"

Alexander's voice pulled her from the nightmare.

She opened her eyes to his exhausted face. His chapped lips betrayed how long he'd been keeping vigil.

"Where's my dad?" Her fingers dug into his arm.

Alexander spoke softly, "Mr. Anderson passed peacefully. He was smiling."

Evelyn's hands clenched the sheets as silent tears fell.

When her breathing steadied, he continued, "Grace fainted from crying. Emily's taking care of her. The funeral home... I told them to wait."

He hesitated, unsure whether to ask if she wanted to see him one last time.

Evelyn nodded blankly, unresponsive to anything.

Alexander watched her, remembering how shattered she'd been after losing their child. His heart ached.

"You barely touched dinner. I had someone bring congee—"

"Did Mom and Emily eat?"

"It's been taken care of."

He lifted a spoonful to her lips. "Just a little."

Evelyn opened her mouth mechanically but gagged after the first swallow.

"Alexander..." Her face was streaked with tears.

"I'm here."

"I can't eat."

He set aside the bowl and offered water instead. "Some water, then?"

She managed two sips before bolting to the bathroom to vomit.

Alexander followed, rubbing her back gently.

Back at the bedside, he knelt to adjust her slippers. Evelyn remained limp, letting him move her like a marionette.

"Evelyn," he murmured, "let it out."

She turned her head slowly.

"I'm right here with you."

"Alexander..."

"Yes?"

"I don't have a father anymore..."

She collapsed against him, wailing.

His shoulder grew damp with her tears. When exhaustion finally claimed her, he carefully shifted to cradle her more comfortably.

That night, Evelyn drifted between sleep and weeping until dawn.

Days later, the funeral home called.