Chapter 999

Evelyn's fingers absently traced the sofa armrest. Her voice was feather-light. "Vivian may seem carefree, but she feels things more deeply than anyone."

Memories surfaced—Vivian sobbing over her first love in college, then forcing smiles through her divorce.

Alexander's palm suddenly covered her chilled hand.

"Why are you so cold?" His brows knitted together. "Aren't pregnant women supposed to run hot?"

Evelyn lifted her gaze. "Reading my research papers again?"

Since her leave from work, she'd been compiling pregnancy observations into an academic paper. Medical journals littered the sunroom chaise.

His Adam's apple bobbed. "You've been dozing off mid-page lately. I—"

The elevator's ding cut him off. He stepped protectively in front of her, shielding her in the corner like a human barricade.

Evelyn studied her rounded belly. At six months with twins, she'd experienced backaches sooner than most expectant mothers. Fine lines had begun framing her eyes.

"Page 37 notes that drowsiness is more pronounced in twin pregnancies," she murmured.

Alexander stared blankly at the elevator buttons, missing this crucial detail entirely.

Vivian's car was already gone. Evelyn gazed at the empty parking spot, recalling her red-eyed friend vowing, "This time I'll choose wisely." She touched her stomach, words dissolving unspoken.

During the drive home, Evelyn counted streetlights from the backseat. At the third right turn, she caught Alexander stealing glances in the rearview mirror. Their eyes met—then darted away, both feigning interest in the scenery.

The aroma of fish soup greeted them. Grace poked her head from the kitchen with a plate of sweet-and-sour ribs. "Perfect timing!"

Dinner brimmed with warmth. Aunt Margaret served Evelyn a fifth bowl of soup while Alexander's chopsticks hovered over steamed fish for ten minutes—meticulously removing every bone.

Evelyn's appetite fled at the mountain of deboned fish in her bowl.

The shower stopped. Changing into maternity pajamas, she found Alexander sitting rigidly on the bed. They spoke simultaneously: "We need to talk."

His robe gaped open, revealing his chest. He sat like a defendant awaiting sentencing, spine unnaturally straight.

"Sit down first." Evelyn paced, hands supporting her aching back. Two tiny boxers practiced kicks inside her.

"I'm carrying twins."

Alexander shot upright, his robe falling open completely. His face drained of color. "The babies...are they—"

His voice shattered as ICU scenarios flashed through his mind. Private jets, global specialist consultations—emergency plans assembled at lightning speed.

"They're perfectly healthy." She cut off his spiral. "Just...there's two."

His pupils dilated violently. Jaw working, he suddenly dropped to one knee, trembling hands cradling her belly. "Two?"

Moonlight through the sheer curtains caught the glimmer in his reddened eyes. Evelyn realized—this man who commanded boardrooms now had fractured light clinging to his lashes.

"Yes, two." She clasped his hands. "You're going to be a father to two babies."

His throat convulsed. Burying his face against her soft abdomen, warm tears soaked through the nightgown. A tiny foot nudged against Evelyn's palm—answering its father's overwhelming love.