Chapter 5 He's Back
1168 Words
When Ethan pulled the covers aside, bringing a chill with him, Evelyn's body stiffened.
Thankfully, he didn't do anything more.
It wasn't until she sensed his breathing becoming steady—he must have fallen asleep—that Evelyn relaxed completely.
Her body could no longer hold up, and she drifted off into a hazy sleep.
*****
The next morning, when Evelyn woke up, the space beside her was already cold.
She let out a sigh of relief. She hadn't figured out how to face him yet.
Today, she planned to visit Liam at the hospital first.
What she didn't expect, however, was to run into an old friend she hadn't seen in years.
"Evelyn! It's been so long!"
The man in front of her was wearing a white doctor's coat, exuding warmth and humility. His charming face seemed to draw more patients to the department than usual.
"Andrew!"
Andrew Carter was Evelyn's senior in high school. He had always looked out for the younger students and was an incredibly kind person.
She had grown close to him after one particular incident outside of school. A group had been harassing him, and she stepped in to help. That experience brought them closer.
But one day, he suddenly transferred to another school and disappeared from her life.
Counting the years, it had been six or seven since she last saw him.
Now, he looked more mature and composed, yet still carried that warm and courteous demeanor.
"I've heard about your family's situation, Evelyn," Andrew said, his voice tinged with concern. "You've been through a lot. If you need a lawyer, I know some good ones I could introduce you to." His gaze softened as he looked at her, the affection in his eyes barely concealed.
Finally, he was seeing her again.
But he hadn't expected her to have endured so much hardship over these years.
Evelyn felt a warmth bloom in her chest. "Thank you. If I need help, I won't hesitate to ask! My grandpa..."
"Liam's condition isn't looking good. He's too old, and the recent stress has taken a toll on him. Spend as much time with him as you can," Andrew said gently.
The news hit Evelyn like a lightning bolt.
'How could that be?'
Just a short while ago, her grandfather's kind voice had been calling for her and Ethan to come home for dinner. How could things change so suddenly?
If her father in prison found out about this, his deep sense of filial piety would crush him with guilt—and who knew what he might do?
"Andrew, can I ask you not to tell anyone about this?" Evelyn said, her voice hoarse as she struggled to get the words out.
If her stepmother found out, her father and brother would surely hear of it too.
If her grandfather became aware, she was terrified it would push him further into despair.
Andrew nodded in understanding. "Don't worry, I'll keep it confidential."
"Thank you!" Evelyn said as she continued walking down the corridor, though her steps faltered, and she nearly stumbled.
Andrew caught her in time.
"I'm fine. You should get back to your work," Evelyn said quickly, not wanting to trouble him any further. She steadied herself and continued forward.
But her head felt heavy, nausea churned in her stomach, and dizziness swept over her. The next moment, her legs gave out, and the world spun around her as she collapsed.
Andrew's expression shifted. He quickly caught her and lifted her into his arms. "Evelyn, what's wrong? I'm taking you for a checkup right now."
Cradled in his arms, Evelyn slowly regained some awareness.
"I can walk on my own," she murmured, trying to get down. But Andrew refused.
As they moved down the corridor, Evelyn suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Ethan, isn't that Evelyn? Why is she in another man's arms? Don't be mad—she must be sick, that's all," Linda said sweetly.
The moment Linda spoke, Evelyn felt a piercing gaze full of anger and scrutiny fall on her.
Her body stiffened, and tension gripped her heart.
If she went for a checkup and the pregnancy was exposed, the baby...
No.
She quickly whispered to Andrew, "Let's go!"
She could only hope Ethan wouldn't care and assume Linda had made a mistake.
But the thought of Ethan being here so early—accompanying Linda—left a bitter taste in her heart.
Andrew didn't hesitate. He quickened his pace, carrying Evelyn away.
They had barely taken a few steps when Ethan appeared and blocked their path.
"Are you a doctor? Where are you taking my wife?" Ethan asked coldly, gripping Andrew's arm where he held Evelyn.
Andrew's eyes flickered with disbelief. 'Evelyn is married?'
The revelation hit him like thunder. But the way Evelyn had just urged him to leave—that could only mean she was trying to avoid this man. Did that mean she wasn't happy?
His gaze turned firm, his usual gentle demeanor replaced by quiet strength. "I'm a doctor. I'm taking my patient for a checkup. She passed out. Are you sure you want to delay her treatment?"
Ethan's dark eyes locked onto Andrew's, sensing the hostility emanating from him.
He sensed the hostility emanating from the man in front of him.
So, this man knew Evelyn.
The tension between the two was almost palpable.
"Ethan, Evelyn fainted—it's serious. Let's just wait here until she's done," Linda said, her voice laced with fake concern. "But why was she fine yesterday and suddenly collapsed today?"
Her words sounded caring, but the implication was clear—she was accusing Evelyn of faking it.
Andrew cast Linda a cold glance. "Not everyone is as healthy as this young lady here. But you're not a doctor, so it's best not to jump to conclusions. Excuse me while I get her treated."
Ethan didn't stop them, though his eyes darkened as he watched Andrew carry Evelyn into the examination room. His emotions were unreadable.
As soon as the door closed, Evelyn opened her eyes and pressed her hand against Andrew's arm. "Andrew, I'm fine. Can you just step out in a moment and tell them it's nothing serious? Maybe something like a cold or drinking too much?"
She didn't want any tests. She couldn't risk revealing the pregnancy.
Andrew hesitated, concern flashing across his face. "Evelyn, ignoring your health isn't a good idea. We won't know for sure until we check. But if you insist... I'll tell them what you asked. By the way, who were those two outside?"
As he asked, his eyes flickered with unease and tension.
Evelyn knew he had misunderstood and quickly explained, "That was my husband and... the woman he loves."
The last few words were hard to say, leaving a sour ache in her chest.
She forced a weak smile and looked at Andrew pleadingly. "Andrew, I'm not avoiding treatment. It's just that... I'm pregnant. Andrew, can you help me keep it a secret?"
- Writer
