Chapter 739

"I need to use the restroom." Alexander Hamilton indeed used this excuse.

He hoped she'd press further, but Evelyn Carter simply urged him to hurry for his dressing change. When he emerged from the clinic sweating, she handed him a cup of water. "It's just the right temperature."

Olivia Lightfoot had been too excited while pouring and forgot to adjust it, yet it turned out perfectly by chance.

Alexander took a sip, his tense shoulders finally relaxing.

Evelyn drove them back. Glancing at Alexander in the passenger seat, a twinge of guilt surfaced. Perhaps she should show more concern for the patient.

"New Year's Day is next week. Any plans?" she asked, unusually initiating conversation.

He blinked. "Do you have something in mind?"

When he turned the question back, Evelyn explained, "You saved me, helped Vivian and Emily. I should express my gratitude. But I'm terrible at picking gifts—why don't you choose?"

"I'll love anything you give me." His reply came without hesitation.

Even if she plucked a random leaf, he'd treasure it.

Evelyn frowned. "Then... dinner?"

She'd used this too often, even she found it perfunctory.

Remembering how she'd once invited Gregory Wilson home for dinner, Alexander mused, "Since it's almost New Year's, why not spend New Year's Eve with me? The doctor said my leg will heal in a week."

Counting down to midnight was a trendy couple's ritual. Legend said holding hands at zero ensured lasting love.

Though he knew it was superstition, Alexander chose to believe.

"Alright," she agreed.

The week flew by. Alexander rehabbed with almost manic enthusiasm, even driving to pick up Lily and Lotus himself—just to prove his injury had healed.

Evelyn, riding shotgun, teased, "A sprain takes months to heal. Did you fast-forward?"

Alexander deadpanned, "Sitting in a wheelchair was embarrassing enough. Staying home longer would've made me moldy."

Truthfully, his wound still ached when walking. But for their New Year's date, he gritted his teeth through the pain.

Normally, the Hamilton chauffeur fetched the Waters siblings. Their homeroom teacher eyed the newcomers warily. "Who are you to these children?"

"Big brother and sister," the kids chorused.

The teacher squinted. "You're siblings too?"

Young people these days avoided having kids—yet this family had two sets of siblings?

As Alexander and Evelyn exchanged glances, preparing explanations, Lily tugged the teacher aside for a whisper.

The teacher's expression cleared instantly, waving them through.

Curious, Evelyn asked, "What did you tell her?"

She held Lotus's hand while Alexander guided Lily, the four strolling toward the gates.

Lily grinned mischievously. "I said you're divorced."

Privacy concerns meant the teacher asked no further.

Evelyn sighed. "That worked today, but what if someone else picks them up next time?"

Lotus suddenly piped up, "Just say you remarried. Teachers won't pry then."

The response left Evelyn torn between laughter and exasperation. She quickly changed subjects. "Roasted sweet potatoes ahead—want some?"

"Yes!" the children shouted in unison.

Alexander bought three, distributing them before offering the last to Evelyn.

"I couldn't carry four, and I don't like them," he claimed, though his gaze lingered on the treat.

Hiding a smile, Evelyn broke hers in half, handing him a portion. "In high school, I often ate these as midnight snacks..."

It was her first voluntary childhood memory share. Alexander listened intently, as if this granted him access to her past.

New Year's Eve streets glittered with decorations. Pushing a stroller, they blended into the festive crowd.

"No wonder the baby insisted on coming," Evelyn adjusted the infant's hat. "This excitement is rare. The old saying's right—look how cheerful everyone is."

Alexander steadied the stroller. "Which saying? Surely not 'since we're already here'?"

"'It's the holidays,'" Evelyn laughed.

Deliberately baiting more conversation, Alexander pointed at light displays. "Both apply now. No rush back—Mom took Lily and Lotus to celebrate with Uncle Andrew. Good thing you agreed to join me, or I'd be alone tonight."

His tone was light, but anticipation glimmered beneath.