Chapter 495

Dominic stood motionless at the wrought iron gates of Evelyn's estate, his broad shoulders casting a long shadow in the early morning light.

Evelyn's pulse quickened as she spotted him from her bedroom window. She scrambled back to her nightstand, grabbing her phone to check for missed calls or messages. Nothing. Not a single notification from him all morning.

How long had he been waiting there? What brought him here at this ungodly hour? Would he have remained there silently if she hadn't noticed him? Evelyn hastily pulled a cream-colored sundress from her closet and hurried downstairs.

The heavy oak door creaked open, revealing Dominic's piercing gaze. His hawk-like eyes swept over her as she stepped onto the porch.

Dominic glanced at his platinum wristwatch. "Seven fifteen," he noted, his voice rough with fatigue. "You're up early for someone who should be resting."

Evelyn walked down the garden path, the morning dew dampening her sandals. "What are you doing here?" she asked, taking in his disheveled appearance. The dark circles under his eyes told their own story.

"Came to drive you to your appointment," he rasped, clearing his throat. "You should go back to bed."

"I'm wide awake now," Evelyn countered, crossing her arms against the morning chill.

"Breakfast then?" Dominic suggested, his stomach growling audibly.

"I'm fasting for the bloodwork," Evelyn reminded him.

Dominic's jaw tightened. "Then let's get to the hospital." He didn't want her going too long without food.

Evelyn nodded and ducked back inside for her purse. When she returned, she slid into the passenger seat without buckling up. "We're going to St. Elizabeth Medical Center."

"Fine." Dominic's immediate agreement surprised her.

This was Wesley Ashford's workplace, and Evelyn vividly remembered the tension between the two men.

The car purred to life as Evelyn fastened her seatbelt. The streets were still empty at this hour.

They arrived before eight. Wesley was already waiting in the lobby, clipboard in hand. "We'll start with bloodwork," he announced, leading them toward the phlebotomy station.

Evelyn leaned toward Dominic as they walked. "Did you ask Wesley to come in this early?"

"He told me to text when we were on our way," Dominic murmured back.

"You've been in contact?" Evelyn's eyebrows shot up.

"For some time now." Dominic's reply made her think of Professor Sebastian Whitmore.

Time had a way of smoothing over old rivalries. Evelyn had nearly forgotten that Dominic knew the renowned neurologist long before she did - back when he'd moved heaven and earth trying to find treatment for Sophia.

By noon, the battery of tests was complete. Wesley invited them to his townhouse for lunch.

Wesley's mother took one look at Dominic and beamed. "Such a distinguished gentleman, Mr. Blackwood. If I were Evelyn, I'd choose you too."

Two spots of color appeared on Dominic's cheeks. Evelyn felt heat creeping up her neck.

"Mother, please," Wesley groaned. "Their situation isn't what you think."

The older woman chuckled. "With your emotional intelligence, no wonder you're still single. Why else would they be having a baby together?"

Wesley opened and closed his mouth like a fish.

Evelyn shifted uncomfortably, about to explain. Then she felt Dominic's warm hand close over hers beneath the table. A jolt of electricity shot up her arm, setting her entire body aflame.