"Go ahead," Alexander murmured, his fingers gently squeezing Evelyn's in a silent offer of support.

Evelyn gave a tight nod, clutching the pregnancy test stick as she walked toward the bathroom.

Alexander's gaze followed her, his worry evident. Sebastian, sensing the tension, tried to sound reassuring. "Look, we won't know anything until she takes the test. Just try to relax."

But Alexander couldn't look away. He drew a slow breath, his voice low. "I'm only concerned about Evelyn's well-being."

The seconds ticked by. One minute. Then two.

The waiting became unbearable. Alexander wheeled himself to the bathroom door and knocked softly, his brow deeply furrowed.

Why was it taking so long? Had something happened?

His anxiety was a tangible force. Sebastian released a helpless sigh.

Worry had completely overtaken Alexander's usual composure.

Just as Alexander's patience reached its limit, the door opened, almost immediately after his knock.

"What's the result?" Alexander asked, his voice laced with concern.

Evelyn's expression was strained as she held up the test for him to see.

The look on her face made his chest constrict. "Alexander, I'm not pregnant."

Hearing the words, his eyes finally focused on the single line displayed on the test. Negative.

A complex mix of emotions played across Evelyn's features, difficult to decipher.

When she first thought she might be pregnant, a fragile hope had flickered within her.

But it was all a false alarm.

Benjamin's calm voice cut through the heavy silence. "If it's not pregnancy, then it's likely just a minor stomach issue."

Evelyn nodded, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "My sleep has been poor, and dinner was rather rich. That's probably what caused the nausea."

Samuel quickly interjected. "I'll have the kitchen prepare something plainer for you immediately."

He silently chastised himself for mentioning the possibility of pregnancy earlier. If he had kept his thoughts to himself, this entire emotional rollercoaster could have been avoided.

He had raised both Evelyn's and Alexander's hopes, only for them to come crashing down.

Benjamin, seemingly unaffected by the couple's turmoil, handed Evelyn some medication for her stomach. Then, quietly gathering his medical bag, he took his leave.

Later that evening, after eating a light meal and taking the medicine Benjamin had provided, Evelyn went to her room to wash up and rest.

As she settled into bed, Alexander carefully tucked the blankets around her.

Looking up at him, Evelyn whispered softly, "Alexander, I'm so sorry."

His brow furrowed. "What are you apologizing for?"

Evelyn buried her face deeper into the blanket, her voice muffled. "For not being pregnant. Are you disappointed? You seemed like you truly wanted a child."

A faint glimmer of amusement lit Alexander's eyes. He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek, his tone warm. "You've misunderstood. I don't particularly like children."

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Or are you just saying that to comfort me?"

Seeing her disbelief, Alexander let out a soft sigh and explained patiently, "I don't like children, generally. But I wouldn't mind having one with you. The idea of a child who resembles you... makes the prospect significantly less unappealing."

He paused, his expression turning serious. "But pregnancy is difficult. I understand it involves significant discomfort for most of those nine months. I don't want you to endure that. Honestly, I don't view this as bad news. If anything, I feel somewhat relieved."

Evelyn studied his face. Seeing the sincere honesty in his eyes, she finally understood.

If that was his genuine feeling, then that was all that mattered to her.

Alexander watched the gentle calm return to Evelyn's expression, and something in his own chest eased. A small smile touched his lips as he asked, "What about you? Is having a child something you want?"