CHAPTER 85: THE EMERGENCY

"That is true," Alexander nodded in agreement. "I should try to focus on one thing at a time."

Gregory grunted in agreement and then resumed drinking his soup.

The atmosphere loosened a little.

Melissa served the next course and conversation warmed naturally to little stories about Evelyn’s childhood, funny incidents from school and then Gregory bragging about Evelyn’s academic achievements while pretending not to brag.

Even Alexander laughed when Melissa recounted a story about Evelyn trying to dye her hair blue at fourteen.

Evelyn threw her hands up. "Oh my god, Mom, why would you—"

Alexander whispered, "Blue would suit you."

Evelyn kicked his foot lightly under the table.

Gregory accidentally smiled at the exchange then quickly wiped it off.

Toward the end of dinner, Gregory cleared his throat.

"Alexander."

The room quieted.

Alexander straightened slightly. "Yes, sir?"

Gregory hesitated which was not common for him. Then he said, "I still think the wedding should be respectable. But—" He exhaled. "I won’t interfere with your choices as long as Evelyn is happy."

Evelyn nearly dropped her fork.

Alexander’s expression softened with something warm, deep, grateful and steady.

"Thank you, Mr. Carter," he said sincerely. "She will always be my priority."

Gregory gave the smallest nod.

Melissa reached under the table and squeezed her husband’s hand, whispering, "Good."

Evelyn felt her eyes sting a little while Alexander brushed his fingers against hers under the table.

Dinner slowly transitioned into coffee and then dessert.

Gregory even asked Alexander about work; he actually asked, not interrogated.

When Melissa watched the two men talk, a relieved smile returned to her face. She looked at Evelyn who was already smiling.

By the time Alexander left, it was already late.

"Mrs. Carter, thank you for the lovely dinner," Alexander smiled. "I am definitely coming back for the rib-eye recipe."

"Of course," Melissa chimed in. "You are always welcome here."

He then greeted Gregory before leaving.

....

"I pick you up at six tomorrow?" Alexander asked, taking Evelyn’s hand.

"Sure," she nodded.

He then gave her a small hug before leaving.

And Evelyn, she stood by the door, watching him leave with a bright smile on her face.

.....

[Alexander’s Rooftop]

The night breeze on Alexander’s rooftop was warm and gentle.

Evelyn sat cross-legged on the blanket, sharing a packet of fries and laughing as Alexander tried to steal hers when she wasn’t looking.

They had been spending every evening like this. It was quiet, sweet and close. It also felt easy and safer than anything either of them had felt in weeks.

"Stop stealing," Evelyn swatted his hand.

"I didn’t steal," Alexander said, completely unconvincing. "You looked away. That makes it a legal opportunity."

"You are impossible," she muttered but she was smiling.

Alexander watched that smile with something soft in his eyes.

Just as she reached for another fry, his phone rang.

He glanced at it and frowned.

"Who is it?" Evelyn asked.

"It’s mother," he said.

As soon as he picked up the call, Pauline’s trembling voice came through. "Alexander, it’s your grandmother, she collapsed."

Evelyn froze.

Alexander shot to his feet. "What? Where are you?"

"At the hospital. I—I am alone. They took her inside. They are running tests. Just come, please—"

"I am coming," Alexander said, already grabbing his jacket.

Evelyn stood too. "I am coming with you."

He didn’t even argue, he just took her hand and led her to the elevator.

....

[Hospital]

Pauline was sitting alone outside the emergency ward with her arms wrapped around herself. She was looking smaller than Evelyn had ever seen her.

As soon as she saw Alexander, she stood abruptly.

"Alexander—"

He reached her in seconds and she hugged him tightly. It wasn’t dramatic but desperate in a way Pauline almost never showed.

"She was fine," Pauline whispered shakily. "We had lunch, she was joking with the maid and then she just—her face went pale and she clutched her chest. I didn’t know what to do."

Evelyn gently placed a hand on Pauline’s back. "She is strong, she will be okay."

Pauline gave her a weak, grateful smile before pulling back to steady herself.

"Where is the doctor?" Alexander asked.

"They are running tests. They said it looks like a heart attack but they are confirming."

Alexander exhaled sharply and rubbed his face. Just then, Evelyn squeezed his arm lightly, grounding him.

He looked at her and sighed but before he could say something, the elevator chimed.

Benjamin and Olivia stepped out.

Benjamin walked fast with his expression tense but unreadable and Olivia looked like she had practiced her "concerned" expression in the car.

When Benjamin reached Pauline, his expression softened. But he refrained from touching her.

"How is she?" he asked.

Pauline straightened, wiping her eyes. She didn’t look at him for more than half a second.

"They are still checking. That’s all we know."

Benjamin nodded once with his jaw clenched.

Olivia stepped forward immediately, her lips trembling with exaggerated concern.

"Oh Pauline, you must be so scared. I came as soon as I heard," she faked a sigh. "I couldn’t bear the thought of Mother being unwell."

Pauline did not respond, not a word. She simply looked past Olivia as if she weren’t there at all.

Olivia’s smile twitched.

Evelyn watched silently. She didn’t say anything but she felt the same cold dismissal toward Olivia deep in her chest.

Benjamin’s gaze shifted,landing on Evelyn but he didn’t speak to her.

Alexander moved slightly, placing himself between them without even realizing it.

The hallway fell into a quiet and suffocating tension.

"Were you there when this happened?" Benjamin asked Alexander.

"No," Alexander answered. "Mom called me."

Benjamin sighed in response as he took the nearest seat. He didn’t say anything but his anxiousness was visible.

Minutes dragged and then finally, the doctor emerged.

Everyone stood.

"Mr. Reid?" he addressed Benjamin.

Benjamin stepped forward with Alexander beside him.

"She is stable," the doctor said. "It was a minor heart attack but we were able to intervene on time. She will need rest and monitoring but she is out of danger."

.....