Chapter 212

Mr. Blackwood!

When Nathan Blackwood opened his eyes, the sterile white ceiling of the hospital room greeted him.

The sharp scent of antiseptic filled his nostrils.

His first conscious thought was of her.

"Evelyn," he rasped, his throat dry.

"You have a contusion in your right wrist and a mild concussion," the doctor informed him. "Some minor blood clots, but nothing life-threatening."

Evelyn stood by the window, her silhouette framed by the harsh morning light. The way the sunlight caught her profile made her look both ethereal and untouchable.

While Nathan had been unconscious, Oliver had filled Evelyn in on the accident details.

According to Oliver, Nathan hadn't slept at all the previous night. When Oliver entered the study that morning, the room had been so thick with cigarette smoke it made his eyes water.

"Mr. Blackwood likely suffered from exhaustion," Oliver explained. "Combined with his chronic migraines, it's no wonder he lost control of the vehicle."

Evelyn knew all too well how debilitating Nathan's migraines could be. They were the reason he rarely drove himself anywhere.

Her lips curled in derision. Who are you performing for? Smoking yourself sick, losing sleep, refusing medical attention? Victoria might fall for your theatrics, but I see right through you.

"Get well soon," she said coldly, turning toward the door. "I'm leaving."

"Evelyn! Wait!"

Panic flashed across Nathan's face as he threw off the hospital blanket. Ignoring the IV in his arm, he lunged after her.

Just as her fingers touched the doorknob, Nathan's body pressed against hers, caging her between his arms and the door.

"Have you lost your mind?" Evelyn hissed, struggling against his hold.

"Answer my question and I'll let you go."

Nathan's voice was rough with exhaustion. His piercing gaze locked onto hers. "Why did you marry me?"

"You're insufferable!"

Evelyn tried to knee him, but Nathan anticipated the move, pinning her leg with his own. She bit her lip in frustration.

Though trained in self-defense, she was no match for Nathan's military academy-honed reflexes.

"Evelyn," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "I just want the truth. Is that so difficult?"

"I was young and stupid, alright? Now get off me before I scream for security!"

Nathan didn't budge. His expression darkened at her flippant response.

Then the door swung open abruptly.

The sudden movement sent Evelyn crashing into Nathan's chest. Instinctively, his arms wrapped around her waist, his palms flattening against the soft curve of her abdomen.

She was softer than he remembered.

A rush of heat flooded his veins.

Evelyn's breath hitched.

"Mr. Blackwood! Mrs. Blackwood!"

Oliver stood frozen in the doorway, his eyes wide. The scene before him defied comprehension.

Seizing the opportunity, Evelyn twisted free. She aimed her stiletto at Nathan's foot, but he dodged with infuriating ease.

Though her attack failed, she managed to slip past Oliver and flee down the corridor.

"Sir... should I go after her?" Oliver asked hesitantly.

Nathan's expression was thunderous. Oliver wondered if he'd just signed his own death warrant by interrupting.

"Go after her?" Nathan's voice dripped with venom. He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. "No. Go to HR instead. Tell them to deduct your entire annual bonus."