Chapter 929

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the asphalt road. Evelyn Carter and Alexander Hamilton walked side by side along the tree-lined path toward home. A gentle breeze stirred the loose strands of hair framing her forehead.

As they passed a convenience store, Evelyn's gaze lingered on a little girl licking an ice cream cone. The sight transported her back to childhood summers.

Alexander abruptly stopped and turned toward the store. Before Evelyn could speak, he disappeared behind the glass door.

Five minutes later, he returned with a vanilla cone, carefully wrapped in a napkin before handing it to her.

"How did you know I wanted this?" She accepted the treat, her fingertips brushing against his warm palm.

Alexander's lips curved slightly. "You stared at that girl for three full seconds."

The ice cream melted quickly under the scorching sun. After just two bites, a drop of cream landed on Evelyn's pastel dress.

"Oh no." She froze, staring at the spreading stain.

Alexander immediately pulled out his handkerchief, but it was too late. Evelyn's obsessive cleanliness left her paralyzed in place.

"Let's go home." He decisively wrapped an arm around her shoulders and quickened their pace.

At the villa, Grace Anderson and Margaret Hamilton were arranging flowers in the living room. Before they could greet the returning couple, Evelyn rushed upstairs.

"What happened?" Margaret asked in confusion.

"Ice cream stain," Alexander explained briefly before following his wife.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Standing outside the door, Alexander heard a muffled groan.

"Evelyn?" He knocked.

No response.

He knocked again, firmer this time. "Are you okay?"

A faint gasp mixed with the running water. Alexander's chest tightened as he pushed the door open.

Through the steam, he saw Evelyn gripping the edge of the bathtub, her face pale. Water droplets fell from her hair, creating tiny splashes on the tiles.

"Don't come in!" She frantically reached for a towel, only to have it snag on a hook in her haste.

Alexander crossed the room in three strides and turned off the shower. Without glancing elsewhere, he retrieved the towel and wrapped it securely around her.

"Can you walk?" His voice sounded rough.

Evelyn shook her head, the cramping pain in her abdomen stealing her voice.

Alexander scooped her into his arms. Water trailed behind them, leaving damp footprints from the bathroom to the bedroom.

The sheets grew damp where they touched. Alexander fetched a dry towel and gently blotted her wet hair.

"I'll call the doctor." He turned to leave.

Evelyn caught his sleeve. "No need. The baby just kicked really hard."

Only then did Alexander notice the subtle movements beneath her rounded belly. Kneeling beside the bed, he carefully placed his hand over the spot.

A strong kick responded against his palm.

"They're energetic," he murmured, his tone completely different from his earlier urgency.

Watching his focused profile, Evelyn suddenly found their earlier embarrassment insignificant. She reached up to brush aside the damp strands clinging to his forehead.

"Your shirt is soaked too."

Alexander only then realized his dress shirt was dripping. As he moved to change, Evelyn caught his hand.

"Wait." She pointed to the nightstand. "Call Olivia first."

Understanding immediately, Alexander dialed the number. Olivia Lightfoot's tense voice came through: "Is Dr. Carter alright?"

"She had abdominal pain," Alexander summarized concisely.

Olivia exhaled in relief. "Strong fetal movement is normal during the second trimester, but she should rest. Also, the ice cream—"

"My oversight," Alexander admitted, watching Evelyn's flushed cheeks with self-reproach.

After hanging up, silence settled over the room. Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled patterns on the floor.

Evelyn peeked out from the blankets. "Today was really..."

"My fault," Alexander interrupted. "Next time I'll bring a cooler bag."

Evelyn couldn't help laughing. "Are you opening a mobile concession stand?"

Their laughter dissolved the lingering awkwardness. Alexander leaned down to press a light kiss to her forehead. "I'll change, then make you ginger tea."

As he turned, Evelyn noticed how his soaked shirt clung to his back, outlining defined muscles.

She quickly buried her face in the blankets. This chain of unexpected events would likely become one of her most unforgettable memories.