Chapter 391

The thought made Nathaniel's lips twitch with amusement as he studied Evelyn. Who would've guessed his usually composed wife could be so feisty? Just as the movie reached its most intense scene, Evelyn's phone buzzed loudly.

It was Caroline calling from the hospital.

Evelyn answered quickly while Nathaniel grabbed the remote to mute the film.

"Don't forget your prenatal appointment tomorrow," Caroline reminded. "I know how busy you've been, so I've been tracking your schedule."

"Got it, thanks."

"Bring Nathaniel if he's free. The Down syndrome screening might be uncomfortable."

"Will do."

Caroline advised fasting beforehand and packing snacks for afterward. Evelyn agreed and hung up.

She'd sat just far enough that Nathaniel couldn't hear the conversation.

When she set her phone down, he finally asked, "Everything alright?"

Evelyn hesitated. "Just routine stuff."

Nathaniel's piercing gaze locked onto her, but she met it steadily. Their silent standoff lasted several seconds before both looked away.

Though usually perceptive, Nathaniel couldn't tell if she was hiding something or if there truly was nothing to share. After the movie ended, Evelyn retreated to shower first.

By the time Nathaniel entered their bedroom, she was already in bed. They slept as usual, with him holding her close.

Morning came without incident, their bodies waking naturally. Evelyn rose first to shower, deliberately leaving her phone behind.

Nathaniel, not one to invade her privacy, called out but got no response. He reached for her phone just as another reminder notification lit up the screen.

His brow furrowed at the medical alert.

He answered the incoming call silently. "Are you on your way?" Caroline's voice came through. "Your appointment's in an hour. I've scheduled the Down syndrome screening first - it might be uncomfortable. Shouldn't Nathaniel come with you?"

"Is my wife having a prenatal exam today?" Nathaniel's deep voice startled Caroline into silence.

After a beat, she murmured confirmation.

Nathaniel set the phone down slowly, his expression unreadable. He remained seated on the bed, eyes glinting coldly until the bathroom door opened.

Evelyn froze under his icy stare. "What's wrong?" she asked after a tense moment.

"Where are you going?" His tone was dangerously calm.

Evelyn's sharp mind connected the dots instantly.

She chose honesty. "The hospital. For a prenatal checkup."

"Was that last night's call about this?" When she didn't deny it, Nathaniel's voice turned razor-sharp. "You're hiding medical appointments now? This child is mine too, Evelyn. Don't I have the right to know?"

"I wasn't hiding it," she countered. "I planned to tell you on the way."

Truthfully, she hadn't thought much of it. Between Nathaniel's packed schedule and the routine nature of the visit, handling it alone seemed logical.