Chapter 205

Stepping out of the hospital, Evelyn Carter realized she'd acted impulsively.

She could've simply handed the documents to Olivia Lightfoot on Monday. Yet here she was, making an unnecessary trip today.

And of course, she ran into the one person she didn't want to see.

Peter Harrison remained calm. "Fate has a way of bringing people together, whether we like it or not."

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "He's been acting strange lately."

"Understandable." Peter chuckled. "That new woman he was with at the mall? She doesn't hold a candle to you. Men only realize what they've lost after it's gone."

"I'm sorry you got dragged into this."

"Actually, I'm glad."

"Oh?"

"If even Alexander Hamilton can't forget you, yet you chose me..." Peter turned the steering wheel. "That means I'm the better man."

Evelyn shook her head. "He just can't accept defeat."

Peter tapped his fingers lightly against the wheel.

The warmth of her small hand still lingered in his palm.

At the Hudson University basketball court, a group of young men craned their necks in anticipation.

"Peter! Over here!"

Peter waved from a distance, then leaned closer to Evelyn. "Can I hold your hand?"

She gave a soft "Mm."

His large hand enveloped hers gently, as if cradling something fragile.

Whistles erupted as they approached.

"Damn, Peter! Nice going!"

Peter's ears turned pink. "Knock it off. Let's play."

"Not so fast! Introductions first!"

Taking a deep breath, Peter announced, "This is Evelyn Carter. My girlfriend."

"Oho! So this is the legendary hair tie girl?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow in confusion as Peter lunged at the speaker. "Shut your mouth!"

The two tumbled to the ground, laughter echoing across the court.

When Peter returned, his hair was tousled. "Don't mind them. They mean well."

"You're clearly close."

"Known them since childhood." He pointed to each in turn. "That's David, Felix, Terry, and the one eating a banana is Monkey."

Evelyn nodded politely.

It struck her then—Alexander had never introduced her to his friends.

Vincent Wilson had inserted himself into their lives, and she'd only heard of Nathan York in passing.

These boys, however, lived up to their nicknames—David was built like a wall, Felix moved like a cat, Terry spoke in slang, and Monkey was indeed munching on a banana.

Peter handed her a water bottle. "We can leave if you're uncomfortable."

Evelyn twisted the cap open. "No need. This is fun."

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting golden flecks on his eyelashes.