Chapter 48

Evelyn's breath grew increasingly uneven as she dwelled on the thought.

Could this mean Dominic truly loved her?

Why else would a man like him waste his precious time on something so trivial?

An icy shiver raced down her spine.

Her fingers unconsciously brushed against her still-flat stomach.

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At three months pregnant, her careful diet had kept any visible signs at bay.

She could probably conceal it with loose clothing until month five or six.

But what about when she reached full term?

No expecting mother, no matter how slender, could hide that telltale bump forever.

If she remained by Dominic's side that long, discovery would be inevitable.

Evelyn wandered the city streets like a ghost.

The chilly evening air bit through her thin t-shirt, yet she barely registered the cold.

Her emotions toward Dominic were a tangled mess.

Just like she'd confessed last night.

She lacked the courage to love him, still resenting his past arrogance and controlling ways.

Yet she couldn't deny the flutter in her chest whenever he was near.

Too ashamed. Too scared to voice it aloud.

These unborn children stood between them like an impassable wall.

Keeping them meant leaving him.

She wasn't some unfeeling automaton - her heart and body didn't always obey logic's commands.

When had she started falling for Dominic? She couldn't pinpoint the moment.

She'd despised him when he demanded the abortion.

Returning home that evening, Evelyn spotted a gift box on the living room coffee table.

"Mrs. Wilkins, that's for Dominic. Please give it to him later," Evelyn instructed.

The housekeeper beamed. "Now that's more like it! Life's easier when Master Blackwood's pleased. If only for your own sake, you should mind his moods more."

Though sensible advice, Evelyn replied flatly, "I'm hungry."

"Dinner's ready. Why not eat now, then join Master Dominic when he returns?" Mrs. Wilkins suggested.

Evelyn shook her head sharply. "We're fighting. Separate meals are better for both of us."

Mrs. Wilkins fell silent.

What had Evelyn done to anger him this time?

Dominic's temper was legendary, but he rarely lost it without cause.

At Blackwood Group headquarters, Dominic remained in his office long after hours with no intention of leaving.

He'd arrived at five o'clock radiating dangerous energy.

Staff gave him wide berth; he spoke to no one.

Just worked relentlessly from five to six.

Nathan called Lucas for backup.

He didn't dare leave before the boss.

Dominic's foul mood had everyone on edge.

Hadn't he gone to a concert with Evelyn?

Why was he back before it ended?

Did she stand him up? Or did they argue?

Lucas arrived promptly after Nathan's call.

They conferred outside Dominic's office.

"She probably ditched him again," Nathan muttered. "I'd love to meet this Evelyn Thorne. There's something wrong with that woman. Of all people to provoke daily, she picks the boss."

"Maybe that's her strategy," Lucas mused. "Swimming against the current gets attention. No one else dares cross Dominic. Isn't it refreshing for him?"

"Nobody enjoys constant frustration," Nathan countered. "Unless Mr. Blackwood's secretly a masochist."

The office doors flew open. Dominic stormed out. Both men sprang to attention.