Chapter 14: I Set You Free
At the end of her shift, Evelyn Carter hailed a cab straight to the hotel.
A familiar figure at the entrance made her pause.
Alexander Hamilton leaned against his car door, a cigarette between his fingers. The curling smoke obscured his expression. For once, he wasn’t in a suit—casual wear softened his usual sharp edges.
“You came.” He stubbed out the cigarette and approached.
Evelyn glanced at the hotel sign. This place was clear across the city from their apartment.
“How did you find me?”
“Hamilton Group owns shares in this hotel.”
Her brow furrowed. She’d never paid attention to his business empire, yet somehow, she still couldn’t escape his reach.
“Where’s Annabelle?”
“At home.” Guilt tinged his voice. “She can stay there. I’ll stay here with you.”
Evelyn shook her head. “She needs care.”
The elevator doors opened. She stepped in quickly. Alexander caught up, holding the door. “I requested your vacation days. Let’s go to Cloud Terrace Resort for a few days. We have a property there.”
“I just want rest.”
“Your choice. Sightsee or stay in. Whatever you prefer.” He hesitated. “I hired a caregiver for her.”
Silence filled the elevator.
“Alexander.” Evelyn met his gaze. “Do you still want this marriage?”
His expression froze.
“If you can’t let her go, I’ll step aside.” Her tone was calm, as if discussing the weather. “We can part amicably.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed.
“Annabelle and I… it’s impossible.” His voice was barely audible. “Forever impossible.”
In the room, Alexander busied himself with boiling water and ordering room service, deliberately avoiding the subject. Adults understood the courtesy of preserving each other’s dignity.
Vivian Dempsey’s call came at the perfect time. “Go! You have to! That’s a luxury resort—free stay, why not?”
Evelyn checked the room rates and gasped.
“Annabelle isn’t going?” Vivian pressed.
Alexander’s assurance echoed in her mind: “She’s pregnant. Not suitable for mountain trips.”
But fate loved cruel jokes.
The next morning, they froze at the sight of Annabelle in the parking lot, her baby bump prominent.
“Alexander,” she said sweetly, “I’m visiting my parents. It’s on the way.”
He frowned. “I’ll call you a cab.”
“Is your car full?” Her gaze slid past him to Evelyn. “Dr. Carter wouldn’t mind, would you?”
Evelyn smiled. “Does the sanatorium allow overnight guests?”
“Of course not.” Annabelle’s tone was pointed.
Meaning they’d share the hotel.
Evelyn tossed the car keys to Alexander. “Your call.”
