Chapter 913

Lily Flores huddled in the corner of her dormitory bed, fingers clutching the sheets. It wasn't that she didn't want to keep the baby—but reality had left her with no way out.

"He refuses to acknowledge the child..." Her voice trembled. "If my parents find out I had a baby out of wedlock, they'll beat me to death. Even my little brother will be shamed because of me... Please don't call the police..."

Tears rolled down her gaunt cheeks, soaking the wrinkled hospital gown.

Evelyn Carter glanced at Alexander Hamilton's bloodied hand where Lily had bitten him. "Wait downstairs," she said firmly.

Alexander frowned at the couple canoodling at the end of the hallway but held his tongue.

"It's fine." Evelyn shook her head gently. This girl was too weak to even stand, let alone hurt anyone. And those eyes held nothing but fear and despair.

"I'll wait for you downstairs." Alexander left reluctantly, pausing every few steps before finally standing under the scorching sun, staring up at the window.

The dorm was cramped, with four bunk beds leaving barely any room to move. Lily's bed was a mess, a half-empty water bottle and some stale bread on the nightstand.

"Don't be afraid." Evelyn's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze.

Lily suddenly grabbed her hand, her bony fingers icy cold. "Dr. Carter, I'm not trying to skip out on the bill... I'll pay you back once I find a job..."

"I know." Evelyn squeezed her trembling hand. "Right now, your health and the baby's are what matter most. Even if... even if you eventually decide to give up custody, she still needs to grow up safely first."

Those words were like a key, unlocking Lily's tightly guarded heart. She bit her lip and nodded, tears falling onto their clasped hands.

Evelyn helped her pack a few changes of clothes and left a note for her roommate. By the time they reached the ground floor, Alexander's T-shirt was drenched and clinging to his back.

"I'll get the car." He wiped sweat from his face, his gaze lingering on Lily's pale face for a moment.

The air conditioning in the car was on full blast. By the time they reached the hospital, Alexander's hair was plastered flat from sweat. Evelyn silently handed him her comb, which he took quickly—as if afraid she'd change her mind.

Olivia Lightfoot stormed into the office with a fierce expression, but it vanished the moment she saw Lily.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Lightfoot." Lily kept her head down, her voice barely audible.

"Never mind that," Olivia waved it off. "Let's get you to your room first. Even after a natural delivery, you need three days of observation."

Lily turned to Evelyn, her lips parting.

Evelyn spoke first. "Go see your baby. She misses her mom." Then, lowering her voice, she added, "You're registered as Lily Flores now..."

"I changed it two months ago." Lily suddenly smiled—the first time Evelyn had ever seen her do so. "I was going to steal my household register to get married..."

The smile was faint, but it instantly brought life to her exhausted face.

After they left, Alexander asked, "Should we contact an orphanage?"

Evelyn shook her head.

"Why not?"

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting golden flecks on her lashes. "Because the child will grow up with her mother."