Skip to content
Novel Catalog
As Adrian quickly made his way down the hallway, holding Eva in his arms, Vivian struggled to keep her emotions in check. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of anxiety and something darker swirling inside her. She hadn’t expected this, not this soon. Eva’s sudden outburst had caught everyone by surprise, and now there was no turning back.
“Adrian, wait! I’ll go with you,” Vivian called out, her voice almost desperate as she followed behind him.
Adrian, still holding Eva with an almost protective grip, turned slightly, his expression hard. He glanced at Vivian but didn’t stop his stride. “This is not the time, Vivian. Stay here.”
Vivian’s face tightened, but she didn’t back off. “I know you want to take care of her, but I’m Granny Blackwood’s granddaughter-in-law too. I should be there. Besides, it might be nothing serious. I just want to make sure.” Her voice had a forced calmness to it, but inside, she was anything but calm.
Adrian’s jaw clenched, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—a recognition of her persistence, though it grated on him. He wasn’t sure if it was worry for Eva or annoyance at Vivian that made his decision harder. But finally, he sighed, almost begrudgingly. “Fine. But stay out of the way.”
Vivian gave a small, triumphant nod, though she masked it well. She’d never let an opportunity slip through her fingers when it came to securing her place.
Eva was slumped against Adrian in a dazed, exhausted state, too drained from the episode to register much. Her breaths came in shallow intervals, and her body felt too weak to hold herself up. Adrian’s grip on her waist was firm but careful, the strength he was using only making his concern more evident. Eva, though she was grateful for the support, couldn’t quite muster the energy to speak.
The hospital was only a short drive away, but the silence in the car seemed heavier than usual. Adrian kept his eyes on the road, his mind racing with thoughts, though he kept them to himself. Vivian sat in the backseat, casting occasional glances at Eva, who was resting her head against the window.
When they arrived, Adrian swiftly carried Eva into the emergency room, not waiting for Vivian to catch up. Vivian, feeling a twinge of frustration, hurried after them.
Inside, the nurses and doctors quickly took over. Adrian stood at Eva’s side, his face still taut with concern, but there was no sign of the anger that had been brewing earlier. His usual icy exterior was gone, replaced by something far more vulnerable. He watched as the doctor asked Eva a few questions, his gaze softening when she gave minimal responses. The medical staff worked efficiently, moving with practiced urgency, and soon enough, they had Eva lying on a bed, attached to an IV for fluids.
Vivian hovered near the doorway, unsure of where to place herself. She hadn’t expected the situation to escalate like this. What if Eva’s pregnancy really was the cause? And what if she found out, found out before Vivian was ready?
Adrian stood near the bed, his hand resting lightly on Eva’s, his eyes scanning her face with an intensity that Vivian couldn’t ignore. He looked almost… protective. The sight made her feel oddly small, as though she was being pushed out of the frame entirely. Eva had always been a step ahead, hadn’t she? Now, even in her weakened state, Adrian’s focus was entirely on her.
She stepped forward, clearing her throat, her voice tight with unspoken tension. “Adrian, you should sit down. You’ve been on your feet for a while. Let me help with Eva.”
Adrian barely looked at her, his attention still entirely on Eva. “I’m fine.”
Vivian watched him closely, her smile tight. “Of course you are. But we all know how you get when you’re overworked.”
Adrian didn’t respond, and Vivian, frustrated, looked at the doctor instead. “So, is she going to be okay?” Her voice was more brittle now, a little too eager to know what was going on, what Eva might be hiding.
The doctor nodded after a quick examination. “She’s physically fine. Just dehydration and exhaustion. Likely the result of not getting enough rest and nourishment. It’s important she takes it easy for a while. We’ll monitor her for a bit, but it shouldn’t be serious.”
Vivian’s breath caught, but she managed to keep her composure. No mention of pregnancy. That was all she needed to hear. No one knows yet. She kept the relief from showing on her face, but inside, the weight lifted a little.
Adrian sighed, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction. “I’ll stay with her,” he muttered, his gaze flicking to the doctor before returning to Eva.
Vivian hesitated but then nodded, though her smile was strained. “Of course. I’ll let you two be.”
As she backed away, her eyes darted between Adrian and Eva. This changes everything. Vivian knew she had to tread carefully now. Whatever secrets Eva was keeping, whether it was about her health or the child, Vivian had to find a way to use it to her advantage. The game wasn’t over. It was just beginning.
Vivian’s smile faded as she stepped out of the room. Eva had an edge now, one she couldn’t ignore. But so did I.
Inside the hospital room, Adrian took a seat beside Eva’s bed, his hand still resting over hers, the warmth of his touch grounding him, though his mind was anything but calm. He wanted to say something, but words seemed impossible right now. Instead, he simply watched over her, his thoughts churning. He’d never let anyone see him this vulnerable. But with Eva, there was something different. Something that made him want to protect her.
Even if it meant facing his own frustrations head-on.
As Eva continued to sleep, her breathing slow and steady, Adrian sat silently beside her, lost in thought, waiting for her to wake up.
