Chapter 23
Emma remembered Lucas’s sister well. She’d given up her hard–earned medical position to become an army doctor, even willing to cut ties with family. Emma had always admired her courage, making the news of her death especially painful.
“She joined the military medical corps because her husband was a soldier. Eva is their child. Shortly after
his death, Eva was entrusted to me.”
Finally understanding the truth, Emma felt the weight of this story. She glanced at Eva, who lay quietly beside Evelyn in the hospital room.
“Evelyn’s been a wonderful mother to Eva,” Lucas smiled. “Don’t feel sad for her. She has a great mom now, and soon she’ll have me as her dad. Though she’s probably too used to calling me uncle.”
Emma felt awkward. As Lucas’s family, she hadn’t only failed to notice his relationship with Evelyn but had tried to help his rival win her back. Embarrassed, she shook her head.
“Cousin, I should tell you,” Emma hesitated. “You know Mr. Hernandez still…”
“Loves Evelyn?”
“Yes.”
Having witnessed those five years firsthand, Lucas had seen countless instances of Issac’s cruelty and coldness toward Evelyn. He couldn’t understand how Issac now claimed to love her.
“He’s a bastard,” Lucas said flatly. “Emma, you’re not working for him, are you?”
“Well…” Emma hesitated before continuing, “But Mr. Hernandez has a long scar on his arm.”
This was news to Lucas. He raised an eyebrow, gesturing for Emma to continue.
“I don’t mean anything by it,” Emma had glimpsed it accidentally while cleaning his office – Issac had removed his watch, revealing the secret. “Maybe he’s truly sorry for what he did.”
“If apologies were enough, we wouldn’t need police.”
Lucas summed up their five years in that single sentence.
On discharge day, the city skies had finally cleared. Evelyn had recovered well. Lucas helped Eva into the
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Chapter 23
car before turning back for Evelyn.
“I’m fine,” Evelyn laughed. “Am I made of glass?”
Lucas lifted her anyway, making Eva beam with delight. “Is Mommy a little kid too? Uncle’s so strong, carrying both Eva and Mommy!”
“That’s right,” Lucas grinned, fastening Evelyn’s seatbelt and patting Eva’s cheek. “Remember to compliment me like this from now on. No more calling me childish.”
Eva stuck out her tongue at him.
Everything looked beautiful in the sunlight. Evelyn’s eyes curved in a smile as she looked past Eva’s fluffy head through the window, noticing a figure standing straight at the hospital entrance.
She froze.
The car was about to start, but she tapped Lucas’s shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”
Lucas had noticed Issac earlier but chose to ignore him. He hadn’t expected Evelyn to spot him. Dejectedly turning off the engine, he watched Evelyn smile and brush her lips against his cheek. “I’ll be quick. Stay
with Eva.”
“Uncle, your face is so red!” Eva squealed.
Amid Eva’s dramatic exclamation, Evelyn left the car. She’d been capable of walking on her own for a while, though Lucas constantly worried.
“Issac,” the breeze lifted her loose hair. Evelyn looked healthier now, her cheeks fuller, showing glimpses of her former innocent self. “What happened to your leg?”
Issac stood stunned, not expecting her to approach. He turned his head awkwardly, looking at the ground, yet unable to keep his eyes from her.
“You’re leaving?” he asked instead, his voice hoarse. “When?”
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