Chapter 60

Nathaniel gave Jonathan a casual nod. "When did you get back?"

Jonathan approached with an easy grin. "About a week ago. It was a rushed trip, so I didn’t have time to catch up with you, Dominic, and the others."

Nathaniel shrugged. "No problem. We can arrange something when you’re free."

Jonathan’s smile widened. "Funny enough, I actually saw you at Celestial Pursuit the other night. You looked busy, so I didn’t want to interrupt."

"Did you?" Nathaniel’s expression remained neutral, but a flicker of ice passed through his sharp gaze.

They had crossed paths from a distance that night—the same night Evelyn lost her bet in the Snow Room. Her 'punishment' had been to kiss a stranger, and the stranger she chose was Jonathan.

Jonathan chuckled. "Heard you just got married. Shame I missed the wedding."

Nathaniel’s lips curved slightly. "Don’t worry. Evelyn and I can host a private dinner just for you."

Jonathan blinked, caught off guard. "That’s... unexpected. I’ll look forward to it."

Before he could respond, Lucas burst into the lounge. "Sir, Miss Evelyn isn’t feeling well. Her nose started bleeding out of nowhere."

Nathaniel’s brow furrowed, and he strode out without another word. Jonathan followed.

The shared washbasin area between the restrooms was where they found Evelyn, bent over the sink, rinsing blood from her face. The porcelain was streaked with diluted red.

She stuffed tissue into her nostrils, then turned—only to find Nathaniel watching her with amused pity.

Her voice was weak. "I’m done. We can go now."

She tried to walk past him, but her steps were unsteady. Before she could take a third, Nathaniel scooped her into his arms.

Evelyn stiffened. "What are you doing?"

"Look at you," he said flatly. "We’re going to the hospital."

"No." She shook her head. "I’m fine."

His grip tightened. "Until our marriage ends, your health is my concern. I’m not planning to be a widower anytime soon."

Ah. Of course. She smirked despite her exhaustion. "Relax. I’ll outlive you."

Nathaniel huffed a laugh. "Then you’ll be the wealthy widow. How convenient."

Her grin turned wicked. "Exactly. All your money, none of the husband."

His expression darkened, but he couldn’t suppress a chuckle. "Maybe I should sleep with one eye open."

Evelyn rolled her eyes and turned her face away.

Fine. If he wants to carry me, let him.

The pain was unbearable—like walking on shards of glass with every step. Except the agony wasn’t in her feet.

It was her stomach.