Chapter 403

The burn wounds were a horrifying sight.

Unlike clean knife cuts, these large patches of festering flesh looked like they'd been mauled by wild beasts, grotesquely covering Alexander Hamilton's entire back and creeping onto his shoulders, neck, and arms.

Evelyn Carter's gaze lingered on the injuries before she pointed to the sofa. "Sit."

"Hmm?"

She'd already opened the first aid kit with practiced efficiency, rummaging for disinfectants. "You're too tall. I can't reach."

Alexander obeyed, turning his back to her. "Are you sure you want to do this yourself?"

"What?" Evelyn didn't look up. "Don't trust my expertise?"

"No." His voice was low. "The wounds are ugly. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"I've seen worse in OB-GYN." She cut him off. "Where are the meds from last night?"

"I'll get them—"

Her hand pressed down on his shoulder. "Stay put. Just tell me where they are."

"Nightstand in the master bedroom."

Evelyn strode into the bedroom and returned moments later with several boxes. She scanned the labels and gave a slight nod. "These should work."

"The doctor prescribed them."

"How were you applying them?"

"..." Alexander hesitated. "I waited for Emily to bring the doctor."

Evelyn leaned closer to examine the damage, her fingers hovering just above the inflamed tissue. "The infection's spread too far. Oral meds won't cut it—you need IV antibiotics."

"I'll go tonight." His tone was calm. "After I drop you at the hospital. There's a meeting first."

She twisted open a bottle of antiseptic, soaking a cotton swab. "Not worried about scarring?"

"Doesn't matter."

"It'll look terrible."

"Can't see my own back anyway." A faint chuckle. "Think of it as a patterned shirt."

Evelyn's hand stilled briefly. "This disinfectant stings. Brace yourself."

The moment the swab made contact, Alexander's back muscles tensed violently. His jaw clenched, beads of sweat forming at his temples.

Evelyn worked with clinical precision, thoroughly cleansing every lesion. Three bottles later, his entire back was treated.

"Just a temporary dressing." She secured the gauze. "Have the burn unit redo it at the hospital. No water—at all."

Alexander's brow furrowed. "...Understood."

A germaphobe's nightmare.

Evelyn could practically feel his agony over the coming days. She eyed the wounds suspiciously—had he secretly showered?

"Wear loose clothing. Keep it ventilated."

"Mm."

Suddenly she asked, "Does it hurt?"

A pause. Then, quietly: "Yes."

"At least you're honest." A soft laugh. "Expected you to tough it out."

"Pain reminds me I'm alive." His voice was barely audible. "These past weeks... I've been a walking corpse. Only this ache... proves I can still feel."