Chapter 9
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Nathan had Evelyn undergo a full set of tests.
3
When the doctor finally came back with the results, he frowned and said with a hint of helplessness, “Mr. Caldwell, Ms. Mercer’s test results came back fine. There’s nothing physically wrong with her.”
Nathan’s expression darkened instantly. His voice turned icy. “If she’s fine, then why hasn’t she woken up yet?”
The doctor flinched slightly under Nathan’s piercing gaze. After a moment of hesitation, he carefully worded his response. “Medically speaking, Ms. Mercer is in perfect health. As for why she hasn’t woken up yet… it could be psychological. Or perhaps… she’s simply resting.”
“Resting?” Nathan let out a sharp laugh, his patience wearing thin. “Are you saying she’s faking it?”
The doctor felt suffocated by Nathan’s aggressive demeanor and quickly waved his hands. “No, no, that’s not what I meant. I’m just saying that there’s no medical explanation for her unconsciousness.”
Nathan no longer paid him any attention. He turned on his heel and walked back into the ward, taking a seat beside Evelyn’s bed. His eyes remained fixed on her pale face.
He stayed by her side the entire day. At some point, his phone buzzed with a message, but he didn’t even glance at it.
It wasn’t until evening that Evelyn finally opened her eyes.
“Nate…” Her voice was weak, carrying a delicate fragility that made her sound pitiful.
Nathan immediately leaned in. His tone was softer than ever. “Evie, you’re finally awake. How do you feel? Are you in any pain?”
Evelyn shook her head, her eyes reddening. “I’m okay. Just a little dizzy. Nate, have you been here with me this whole time?”
Nathan gently took her hand. His gaze was filled with concern as he looked at her. “Of course. You were unconscious for so long. How could I leave you?”
Evelyn’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She choked out, “Nate, you’re so good to me. I don’t even know how to thank you.”
Smiling, Nathan reached out to wipe the corner of her eyes. “Don’t say such silly things. Just focus on getting better. I’ll go get you something to eat.” smiling.
He left the ward briefly and returned with a bowl of warm soup. He carefully fed her a few spoonfuls.
After taking a few bites, Evelyn gently pushed his hand away. Her voice was laced with concern as she said, “Nate, you’ve been here all day. You must be exhausted. Go get some rest. You don’t have to worry about me.”
Nathan was indeed tired. He nodded slightly and reached for his phone as he prepared to leave.
But the moment he unlocked the screen, a message from Annabelle popped up.
“Nathan, I heard everything you said that night at the club. They say hate comes from love. I don’t think I hate you anymore. Probably because I don’t love you anymore. The best thing about being older is that I know when to walk away. Best of luck winning over the woman of your dreams. We’re done.”
Nathan froze in place, his mind going blank.
What had he said that night at the club?
Then, all at once, the conversation he’d had with his friends over some drinks came rushing back to him. Every word now felt like a dagger stabbing into his chest.
“Fall for her? Would you ever fall for a toy you use for practice?”
Annabelle had heard everything
Nati:an’s heart sank, and his fingers trembled.
Suddenly, he understood why Annabelle had been so distant these past few days, why she’d kept avoiding him, and why her eyes had held a cold detachment he couldn’t understand.
She’d known all along.
