Chapter 649

The village elder's laughter rang out clearly in the night. "Young couples reunited after so long apart should have time to talk. We won't disturb you."

Evelyn's cheeks warmed as she quickly pulled Alexander away. Under the moonlight, she noticed his complexion growing paler.

"There's a drainage ditch over—" Before she could finish, Alexander was already rushing toward it.

He doubled over, unable to suppress the nausea any longer. Evelyn stood behind him, gently patting his back. "I could tell you weren't feeling well earlier. Why force yourself to eat so much?"

Beads of sweat dotted Alexander's forehead. He was too weak from vomiting to respond.

When he finally straightened up, Evelyn saw his ashen face in the moonlight. "This place really doesn't suit you."

"Wherever you are is where I belong." His voice was hoarse but resolute.

On their way back to the clinic, Evelyn made a detour to the village store. She emerged holding two packets of instant beef noodles.

The dim light of her dorm room revealed Alexander sitting weakly on her bed. Evelyn efficiently boiled water and prepared the noodles, the aroma soon filling the small space.

"Eat something," she said, handing him the steaming cup. "Better than an empty stomach."

Alexander managed a few bites, his color gradually improving. As Evelyn cleaned up, she added, "Tell me if you feel worse."

"I don't want to be a burden."

"That's not what I meant." Her hands stilled.

A comfortable silence settled between them. Alexander nodded slightly, reluctant to disrupt this rare moment of peace.

Giggles suddenly erupted outside. A group of young nurses clustered at the doorway, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Mr. Hamilton visiting Dr. Carter?" the lead nurse teased.

Before Evelyn could explain, the girl waved her off. "We understand!" She brandished a deck of cards. "We're pulling an all-nighter in the duty room. You two enjoy your reunion!"

The nurses scampered away before Evelyn could respond.

Alexander turned to her. "Now what?"

Evelyn sighed. "You take my bed. I'll stay with a colleague." She hesitated. "In case your stomach acts up again..."

The night grew quiet. Evelyn soon fell asleep, but Alexander tossed and turned—the bed too short, the blanket too small, the wooden frame too hard.

Finally, he turned on his side, watching Evelyn's sleeping face in the moonlight. As the breeze fluttered the curtains, his gaze softened even more than the silvery light.