Chapter 66

Evelyn was lying on the examination table in a small county hospital, the cold gel on her belly making her shiver slightly. The ultrasound wand moved over her skin as the doctor studied the screen intently.

"The babies are growing perfectly," the doctor said with a warm smile. "Come back for your anomaly scan when you hit the five-month mark."

Evelyn exhaled in relief, her fingers curling into the paper sheet beneath her. "Thank you, Doctor."

"Don’t mention it," the doctor replied, handing her a printout of the ultrasound. "Your mother and I were close back in school. She told me the father isn’t involved, so you came all the way out here for privacy." The doctor hesitated, then added, "Evelyn, raising twins alone won’t be easy."

Evelyn took the scan, her lips curving into a determined smile. "I’ll manage."

"As long as you’re ready."

"I’ll call ahead next time," Evelyn said, sliding off the table and smoothing her shirt down. She stepped out of the room, where Clara was waiting anxiously.

"How are they?" Clara asked, immediately reaching for her daughter’s hand.

"Perfect," Evelyn murmured, stifling a yawn. "God, I’m exhausted."

She hadn’t slept at all the night before.

After slipping out of the Blackwood estate at dawn, she’d met Clara and endured a three-hour bus ride to this remote hospital. The bumpy roads had made her nauseous, but she’d forced herself to stay awake.

Now, with the confirmation that the babies were healthy, the weight on her shoulders lifted—just enough to let exhaustion take over.

"Should we get a room and rest before heading back?" Clara suggested, her eyes softening at Evelyn’s tired expression.

Evelyn shook her head. "It’ll take another three hours to get home. We should leave now."

"At least let’s eat first. You haven’t had anything all day." Clara tugged her toward the exit.

Evelyn’s stomach growled in agreement. "Fine, I am starving."

She pressed a hand to her lower belly, frowning slightly. "It feels different now. Not showing yet, but… firmer."

She guided Clara’s hand to the spot.

Clara chuckled. "Just wait until you’re further along. This is nothing compared to the third trimester." She sighed wistfully. "Four months already. Time flies."

Evelyn’s eyes flickered with both excitement and apprehension. "Soon, they’ll be here."

Clara hesitated before asking, "What about the divorce? Any progress?"

Evelyn’s jaw tightened. "Dominic is impossible. The more I push, the more he refuses. So I’ve stopped bringing it up."

"I’ve never even met him properly," Clara mused.

Evelyn scoffed. "Trust me, you’re not missing anything. He’s cold, arrogant—"

"He’s young, powerful, and used to getting his way," Clara interrupted gently. "You can’t judge him by normal standards."

Evelyn shot her a look. "Whose side are you on?"

Clara laughed awkwardly. "Let’s eat. Then we’ll go."

On the bus ride back, Evelyn dozed off with her head in Clara’s lap.

Clara stroked her hair absently, her fingers brushing against Evelyn’s left cheek—

Evelyn flinched in her sleep, murmuring, "Ow…"

Clara frowned, tilting her daughter’s face toward the light.

Evelyn had applied thick foundation, but up close, Clara could see the faint bruising beneath.

"Evelyn!" Clara gasped, shaking her awake. "What happened to your face?"

Evelyn blinked groggily. "Huh?"

Clara touched her cheek again, and Evelyn winced.

"Who hit you?" Clara demanded, her voice sharp. "Was it Dominic?"

Evelyn sighed. "No. I got into it with his mother last night." She rubbed her temple. "Honestly, I thought provoking her might make him finally sign the papers. Didn’t work."

"You idiot!" Clara hissed. "Don’t pick fights just to force a divorce!" She exhaled sharply. "Why didn’t you get this treated at the hospital?"