Chapter 287
No.1
Her lips formed silent words: For pregnancy.
Evelyn's ears burned.
This midnight delivery was clearly an inspection in disguise.
"Where's Alexander?" Eleanor's eyes swept the room.
"Showering." Evelyn forced the lie.
Alexander played along—water sounds promptly emanated from the bathroom.
Eleanor's knowing "Oh" stretched as she settled on the sofa.
No.2
"I'll wait. Wouldn't want you drinking the wrong one."
Her gaze lingered on the neatly made bed, sighing almost imperceptibly.
Her foolish son couldn't recognize an opportunity if it slapped him.
The bathroom door opened.
Alexander emerged towel-drying his hair, scowling at Eleanor.
"Just leave the soup."
"Absolutely not." She pointed. "This bowl's for pregnancy. That one's calming."
No.3
Alexander smirked. "Let her drink first then."
"I'm watching to be sure." Eleanor stood her ground.
Evelyn suddenly grabbed a bowl and drained it.
"Your turn." She set the empty dish down, staring at Alexander.
Alexander: "......"
Eleanor arched a triumphant brow.
After a tense silence, Alexander snatched the remaining bowl and gulped two mouthfuls.
No.4
"Happy now?"
Eleanor rose, sniffing as she passed him: "Someone always tames you."
Silence reclaimed the room after the door clicked shut.
Evelyn returned to bed, cocooning herself in blankets.
Alexander eyed the sliver of remaining mattress and stalked back to the study.
Ten minutes later.
Knock knock knock!
No.5
The pounding resumed.
Alexander yanked the door open, scowling.
Eleanor stood unabashed. "Evelyn left her phone."
"My phone's here." Evelyn held it up.
"Must've been mistaken..." Eleanor craned her neck, peering past him.
Alexander slammed the door.
"Keep this up and I'll knock all night!" Eleanor's hissed threat slipped through the gap.
No.6
Inside, Alexander's expression darkened.
He strode to the bedroom and threw back the covers.
Before Evelyn could react, the mattress dipped beside her.
Evelyn's fingers trembled as she finally understood Eleanor's intention.
She had noticed Eleanor's subtle maneuvers but chose to ignore them. The older woman clearly knew about their marital struggles and was trying to reconcile them.
"Sleep." Alexander's voice cut through the darkness, strained with restraint.
Evelyn lay rigid beside him.
No.7
Sharing a bed felt foreign now. Those midnight intrusions in her rented apartment had left scars.
Silence stretched between them.
"Waiting for me?" Alexander suddenly growled through clenched teeth.
Evelyn flinched at the accusation.
Fabric rustled as he abruptly sat up, muttering a curse before storming into the bathroom again.
She bolted upright.
The shower's roar seeped through the door as she sat frozen, pulse hammering.