Chapter 178
No.1
"How?" She pointed at the ring. "By recycling your ex-fiancée's engagement ring design?"
His face darkened. "This isn't—"
"Enough." Evelyn cut him off. "You always presume to know best."
As she turned, Alexander suddenly embraced her from behind.
"Don't go..."
Evelyn went rigid.
"Alexander," her voice shook, "this only makes me despise you more."
No.2
"Then despise me." His arms tightened. "I'd rather you hate me than lose you."
A distant car horn blared.
Evelyn pried his fingers open one by one. "I'm going home."
At 3 AM, the doorbell shattered the silence.
Julian Ashford knelt on her doorstep, reeking of alcohol.
The acrid scent of liquor mixed with night dew assaulted her senses.
Evelyn stared at the senior who'd protected her since childhood, seeing a stranger for the first time.
No.3
"Julian?"
Evelyn's fingers trembled as she knelt beside Julian Ashford. His entire body shook violently, as if all strength had been drained from him.
She had never seen him like this.
"Evelyn..." His voice was raw with emotion. "I'm sorry..."
Those always steady hands now gripped her shoulders with bruising force, knuckles turning white. She could feel the violent rise and fall of his chest against hers.
"Julian, let's get you up first." She tried to help him stand, but was suddenly yanked into a scorching embrace.
The heavy scent of alcohol clung to him.
No.4
"Just once..." His broken plea sent shivers down her spine. "Let me hold you just this once..."
Evelyn froze.
The embrace was crushing, as if he wanted to fuse her into his very bones. She felt his frantic heartbeat against her chest—and something wet and hot dripping onto her neck.
"Julian..." She pushed weakly against him.
He suddenly cupped her face. Those usually gentle eyes were now bloodshot, burning with unfamiliar intensity.
"We'll leave tonight." His breath scorched her skin. "Abroad... I'll marry you."
Evelyn's pupils contracted sharply. She clapped a hand over his mouth.
No.5
After swiftly closing the door, she turned to find Julian slumped against the wall. His dazed yet stubborn gaze followed her movements.
"You're drunk, Julian."
"I know exactly what I'm saying." His laugh was uglier than a sob. "She went to see you, didn't she? Told you about the pregnancy rumor..."
Evelyn's breath hitched.
"Such a fool..." He dragged a hand down his face. "To think she'd ever change..."
Last night's argument replayed vividly. Mrs. Ashford's hysterical shrieks still echoed—
"That girl isn't worthy of our family! Either abort it or hand the baby over!"
No.6
Julian suddenly punched the wall. Blood bloomed across his knuckles.
"Julian!" Evelyn grabbed his injured hand. "This isn't your fault."
"Isn't it?" His grip turned punishing. "I could have protected you..."
His voice dropped to a whisper: "Evelyn... if the baby needs a father..."
She yanked her hand away.
The air turned glacial.
"I see." Julian's smile was bitter. "You still..."
No.7
"I don't want to think about this now." She turned her face away. "With anyone."
......
Dawn light filtered through the curtains as Julian sat up, massaging his temples.
A soft clatter came from the living room.
"Awake?" Evelyn was slipping on her shoes. "There's congee on the table. I need to—"
Julian cornered her against the door in three strides.