Chapter 304

The day Evelyn was discharged from the hospital, Harrison surprised her with an enormous bouquet of white roses.

"Evelyn, may every day from now on bring you health and happiness."

Her fingers brushed against the delicate petals as she accepted the flowers with a genuine smile. "Thank you, Harrison!"

Julian approached them both, his cheerful expression belying the worry lines still etched around his eyes.

"You really gave us a scare this time, little sis. That night... I've never been so terrified in my life." He turned to Harrison with undisguised gratitude. "If it weren't for Harrison tracking down Dr. Benedict, we might have lost you. We owe him everything."

At the mention of the renowned physician, Julian glanced around the hospital corridor. "Come to think of it, where is Dr. Benedict? I haven't seen him since the surgery."

Harrison adjusted his cufflinks casually. "He's taken an extended vacation. The man's practically a ghost when he's not saving lives. Don't waste your energy looking for him."

"Still," Evelyn said firmly, "he saved my life. I want to properly thank him when he returns."

"I'll arrange it," Harrison promised with a nod.

As they walked toward the elevator, their footsteps faltered simultaneously.

There, leaning against the opposite wall, stood Nathan Sterling. His usually immaculate appearance showed signs of exhaustion, but his piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn with startling intensity.

Julian opened his mouth to speak, but Harrison placed a restraining hand on his arm. "Evelyn, we'll wait for you downstairs."

The silence stretched between them after the others left.

Finally, Nathan spoke, his voice rougher than usual. "How are you feeling?"

Evelyn maintained her polite smile, though it never reached her eyes. "Perfectly fine, Mr. Sterling. Thank you for asking."

"Evelyn, I was out of my mind with worry."

Her response came like ice water. "Why are you still here?"

"I needed to see you with my own eyes. To know you were really okay."

Her nod was perfunctory. "Well, now you've seen me. You can go."

"Nathan!" His hand shot out to stop her.

The raw emotion in his voice would have melted her heart months ago. "When I heard about your condition, I realized something. I've never cared about anyone the way I care about you. You've become... essential to me."

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Are you hearing yourself, Mr. Sterling? Where was this devotion when I nearly died in that plane crash?"

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "That was the loneliest moment of my life. And you? Let me guess - holding Isabella's hand during her prenatal appointment?"

She'd witnessed that particular betrayal with her own eyes.

"No, Evelyn, you've got it all wrong-" Nathan's explanation died on his lips when he saw her expression.

"Mr. Sterling, what part of 'it's over' don't you understand? There's nothing left between us. Accept it and move on!"

"Evelyn, please-"

She shook her head sharply, cutting off whatever plea he'd been about to make.

"Fate brought us together, and fate tore us apart. Let's not speak of the past again."

Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away, her posture rigid. She didn't look back, not even when she felt the weight of his gaze burning into her retreating form.

For the first time in his privileged life, Nathan Sterling tasted the bitter dregs of defeat.

What could he possibly do to win her back?

Outside the hospital doors, Evelyn found Harrison and Julian waiting beneath the afternoon sun.