Chapter 118

Evelyn shoved hard, sending Alexander stumbling backward until his back slammed against the wall.

A muffled groan escaped his lips as his face drained of color.

His tall frame slid slowly down the wall until he crumpled into the corner.

Evelyn froze.

She hadn't expected her casual push to leave Alexander in such disarray.

"Alexander."

He lifted his head, bloodshot eyes meeting hers. "Yeah."

"...Can you stand?"

His knuckles turned white as he braced against the wall. "Yeah."

The movement was painfully slow, as if each inch cost him dearly.

Watching his unsteady form, Evelyn reached for the shopping bags.

"Let me."

"No."

Alexander grabbed them first, his fingers straining against the weight.

"Just open the door."

When he stepped closer, the strong scent of alcohol hit her.

Evelyn frowned and turned to retrieve her keys.

As light flooded the apartment, she saw Alexander hesitating at the threshold.

"Should I... take off my shoes?"

"Don't bother."

He entered cautiously, placing the bags by the wall.

"I'll help you put things away later."

"Worry about yourself first."

A bitter smile twisted his lips. "Must be quite a sight."

The tiny apartment only had one armchair.

It creaked ominously when Alexander sat down.

Evelyn filled the kettle with bottled water.

"Talk."

"About what?"

"How you found this place."

Only Vivian knew about her move.

Alexander pulled out his phone and opened social media.

Vivian's midday post glared back at them - a photo of Evelyn's retreating figure with luggage, captioned "Daughters grow wings" with a crying emoji.

The fatal detail was the location tag.

"A friend saw it and told me."

Evelyn stared at the post, brow furrowed.

Vivian openly supported Gregory. This made no sense.

"How much more do you need for the house?"

"Stop meddling."

"I just want to help."

"You're sabotaging me." Evelyn's laugh was cold. "We both know what Annabelle would do if she found out."

"She won't."

"Don't you love her?"

Alexander's head snapped up, turbulent emotions swirling in his eyes.

The kettle's shrill whistle pierced the air.

Steam rose between them like a curtain.