Chapter 890

"What mother doesn't love her own child?" Grace Anderson gently held Evelyn Carter's hand. "You've done wonderfully. Don't be so hard on yourself."

Evelyn immediately tensed when she sensed her mother's shift in tone: "As for Alexander Hamilton..."

She braced herself, fearing the next words would be about that man.

Grace glanced around cautiously before lowering her voice: "I can see Alexander genuinely cares for you now. When I was pregnant with your sister, even your father wasn't this attentive."

At the mention of her father, Evelyn's expression softened. "Before Dad passed, I promised to take care of you both. This way, I haven't failed him."

"Your father entrusted you to Alexander out of desperation." Grace sighed. "But I know he'd want your happiness above all."

Warmth flooded Evelyn's chest, though she found it amusing. "Mom, I'm perfectly content. Alexander wouldn't dare mistreat me. As for marriage..." She hesitated. "This arrangement works well—it leaves room for an easy separation later."

"Separation?" Grace's face paled.

"Just a hypothetical." Evelyn quickly clarified, spending considerable effort to convince her mother she truly didn't care about marriage.

Finally, Grace relented. "As long as you're happy. But remember—a man unwilling to commit is hiding something. If he steps out of line again, you must tell me!"

Evelyn rubbed her nose, at a loss for words.

That evening, she recounted the conversation to Alexander: "My mother's started worrying about us not marrying. I'm thinking of moving to the apartment for a while."

Alexander was prepared. "I have an idea. Let's say we want more privacy as a couple—the family will approve."

Evelyn's eyes brightened, then dimmed. "But what about the baby?"

"Weekdays at the apartment, weekends home." He'd already planned it. "She's used to not seeing us during the day, and now there's preschool."

The realization struck Evelyn—preschool's greatest function was giving parents breathing room.

At breakfast next morning, Alexander's proposal received unanimous approval. By the time Evelyn came downstairs, everything was settled.

"What excuse did you use?" She intercepted Alexander in the yard, suddenly realizing "couple's privacy" might invite more complications.

He smiled knowingly. "I said the apartment's closer to the hospital for your shifts and better rest. They supported it immediately."

Though Margaret Hamilton and Grace exchanged knowing looks, they agreed for Evelyn's wellbeing—insisting only that Auntie Wu accompany them for meals.

Evelyn exhaled in relief. "Thank you. I'll pack."

"No need." Alexander gestured to the walk-in closet. "I organized everything last night."

Evelyn shook her head in amusement. This man left nothing to chance.

That afternoon at the hospital, Evelyn radiated energy. Olivia Lightfoot pulled her into an office, buzzing with excitement. "Dr. Carter! What happened yesterday? The whole hospital's talking!"

Evelyn's temple throbbed. "About what?"

"Some say you remarried! Others claim you're in some angsty lovers' game—you wanting freedom, him demanding remarriage, so he ambushed you at work..."