Chapter 919

"I think this is perfect," Alexander Hamilton said hoarsely, his intense gaze fixed on Evelyn Carter.

"Other than not being able to carry the baby for you, I'm willing to endure any discomfort on your behalf. Maybe if your hormones affect me, you'll feel better."

He was determined to share the burdens of her pregnancy.

Evelyn realized Alexander's symptoms had become her unexpected comfort. Since he developed couvade syndrome, her own discomfort had noticeably eased. Sometimes, she even found herself reassuring him: "Hang in there. It'll pass soon."

Alexander, pale and weak from vomiting, could only nod faintly.

By the weekend, Evelyn had fully recovered, her mood lighter. While shopping with Vivian Dempsey, she couldn't help but laugh. "I've only read about cases like this in textbooks. Never thought I'd see it firsthand."

"Don't tell me you're thinking of writing a paper about it?" Vivian nearly choked on her boba tea, eyes wide as she gave a thumbs-up.

Evelyn nodded seriously, sipping honey-infused lemon water from her thermos. Her heightened sense of taste made store-bought drinks unbearable.

In the sweltering summer heat, Vivian gulped her iced tea. "If I had your dedication, Dempsey Group would be leading the industry by now. My dad would be over the moon."

"Uncle Dempsey is already proud of you. If you became any more ambitious, he'd be too excited to sleep," Evelyn said sincerely.

When the Dempsey family had faced crisis years ago, Vivian had been a sheltered heiress. That she'd pulled the company back from the brink was nothing short of miraculous.

Vivian beamed, holding up a loose sleep dress against Evelyn. "Keep complimenting me and I'll float away. Try this—bright colors suit your complexion."

Evelyn's fair skin, further protected by Alexander's ever-present parasol, refused to tan. She checked the fabric for allergens before reaching for her wallet.

"You're too casual!" Vivian groaned. "Pregnancy isn't an excuse to settle. This cut is more flattering—it'll still show off your waist."

Evelyn laughed. "At four months, my waist is disappearing. I'll be lucky not to look like a barrel."

The maternity boutique specialized in stylish comfort. Normally indifferent to fashion, Evelyn now needed a wardrobe overhaul. She sighed at her growing bump. "These clothes will be too small in weeks."

"Twins show sooner," Vivian counted on her fingers. "But don't just think about the babies. You deserve to feel beautiful. Enjoy this break—dress up however you want."

Another sigh escaped Evelyn at the thought of her extended leave from the hospital. Even at home, she revised research papers and kept up with medical journals.

"Dr. Carter, I beg you!" Vivian dramatically shook her. "No work talk during girls' day! Let me escape reality!"

"Fine, fine. No more shop talk," Evelyn surrendered with a smile.

Satisfied, Vivian resumed planning. "Lunch, boba, and then a movie! There's a new rom-com—"

Her phone interrupted. Assuming it was work, she grimaced—then lit up at the caller ID.

"Dad's bringing Grandma home!" Hanging up, she danced in place. Raised by her grandmother, Vivian adored the elderly woman.

Evelyn shared her joy. "Is Grandma Dempsey better?"

"The doctors cleared her for convalescence back home." Vivian suddenly gasped. "Oh no—Dad sprung this on me. I need to prepare..."

Evelyn understood. "Go ahead. I'll visit Grandma another time. Since when do we stand on ceremony?"

Vivian snapped her fingers. "I'll call Olivia Lightfoot to join you! The theater's right upstairs—tickets are already bought."