Chapter 626

Emily's pupils constricted sharply.

She stared at her father's face, searching for any trace of a joke. But the heaviness in Andrew's eyes pressed down on her like a boulder, stealing her breath.

"Dad..." Her voice trembled. "You're lying, aren't you?"

Andrew's eyes reddened. He reached out to touch her head but stopped midair, settling for a gentle hand on her shoulder instead.

"Emily, when have I ever lied to you?"

Tears burst forth like a dam breaking. She threw herself into her father's arms, sobbing like a child robbed of candy.

Andrew's hands shook. He remembered his youngest daughter crying just like this when she was born. Back then, he could pat her swaddled form and say, "Daddy's here." Now, even that simple promise was beyond him.

"Stop crying." Evelyn's voice was soft but firm. She reached for her sister with ice-cold fingertips.

Emily jerked away, her cries growing louder.

Andrew took a deep breath. "Listen to me, Emily." His tone turned stern. "Your mother doesn't know yet. You must help me keep this from her."

The words doused Emily like cold water. She looked up through her tears, seeing the moonlight glint silver off her father's graying temples.

"Dad..." She hiccuped. "I'm scared..."

Tears finally spilled down Andrew's cheeks. His rough hands wiped her face. "Silly girl, don't I look perfectly fine now?"

Evelyn turned away. The night wind lifted her hair, hiding her red-rimmed eyes.

"It's getting late." Andrew released his daughter. "I'll walk Emily back. You two..." He glanced at Alexander, hesitating.

Alexander gave a slight nod.

Emily clung to her father's sleeve like a lifeline. Their figures gradually disappeared into the night as Evelyn stood frozen in place.

"Cry if you need to." Alexander's voice came from behind her.

Evelyn shook her head. Her nails dug into her palms, but she felt no pain.

"He hasn't..." Her voice was barely audible. "...held Emily's hand like that in years."

Silently, Alexander draped his jacket over her shoulders. The night dew was heavy, and her body trembled.

"You were right." Evelyn suddenly laughed, the sound uglier than tears. "I do need you now."

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed. "I know."

"This isn't fair."

"Feelings never are." His gaze drifted into the distance. "Just like the debt I owe you—one I can never repay."

Evelyn looked up. The stars burned bright tonight, yet her world was crumbling.

"Alexander," she whispered. "If this is a transaction, you're getting the short end."

He smiled. "I don't mind."

Light from the distant campsite cast tangled shadows at their feet.

The next morning, Evelyn examined her reflection in the tent mirror. The woman staring back was pale, with only faint redness lingering at the corners of her eyes.

She took a deep breath and unzipped the tent.

Emily stood nearby, holding toiletries. The sisters locked eyes without speaking. But Evelyn understood the resolve in her sister's gaze—they would protect this secret together.

At breakfast, Grace chattered excitedly about last night's meteor shower.

"Missed it." Evelyn stirred her porridge. "Some things vanish too quickly to catch."

Margaret looked at her son in confusion. "Why didn't anyone wake me?"

Alexander remained impassive. "You were sleeping too soundly."

Andrew suddenly spoke up. "Grace, let's go hiking today." His gaze softened impossibly. "Consider it... making up for our honeymoon."

Grace blushed instantly. "You old fool, the children are right here."

Evelyn's chopsticks creaked in her grip. Watching her parents exchange smiles, her throat tightened as if stuffed with cotton.

Sunlight bathed the breakfast table, illuminating everyone's flawless smiles. Only Evelyn knew—this was the calm before the storm.