I Think I Sprained My Ankle
Alexander froze for a second.
Then he swiftly turned his wheelchair.
He was determined to go after Evelyn.
But Cassandra stepped directly into his path.
"Alexander..." she called out softly.
His face darkened instantly.
"Move," he commanded, his voice icy.
Cassandra's eyes widened in shock.
Fresh tears welled up and streamed down her cheeks.
Her expression twisted with confusion and pain.
"Alexander, what's wrong with you?" she asked, her voice trembling.
She sniffled, sounding fragile and small.
This was the first time he had ever been angry with her.
They had known each other since they were children.
And it was all because of Evelyn.
Swallowing her reluctance, Cassandra bit her lip.
She quickly arranged her features into a mask of pitiful distress.
"Alexander, I can't stand properly," she whimpered.
"I think I sprained my ankle. It hurts terribly."
Hearing her voice, Alexander paused.
A flicker of realization crossed his eyes.
In his rush, he had pushed her down.
He took a deep breath to steady himself.
He turned to the man standing nearby.
"Help Miss Sterling up," he instructed calmly but firmly.
"Take her to the hospital immediately."
"Ensure discretion. I don't want any media attention."
"Yes, Mr. Blackwood," the subordinate replied promptly.
He moved to assist Cassandra.
Helplessly, Cassandra watched as Alexander wheeled himself away.
He was leaving her behind.
She seethed inwardly.
That wretched Evelyn!
How dare she play the victim in front of Alexander?
What a shameless, calculating woman!
"Miss Sterling, are you alright?" the subordinate asked, noticing her dark expression.
Cassandra glanced at him briefly.
She quickly replaced her irritation with a polite smile.
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you," she said sweetly.
He was Alexander's employee, after all.
She had to maintain her image.
The last thing she needed was for his staff to speak poorly of her.
That would ruin all her plans.
Evelyn hadn't gone far.
She just needed to put enough distance between herself and that painful scene.
The image of Alexander holding Cassandra was seared into her mind.
She found a secluded corner in the sprawling gardens of Serenity Oaks.
Crouching behind a large hydrangea bush, she finally let the tears fall.
After the betrayal by Julian and Isabella, she had built walls around her heart.
She had sworn off love and trust, especially in men.
Then Alexander had entered her life.
He offered warmth, kindness, and genuine care.
Slowly, cautiously, she had begun to trust again.
She had started to let her guard down.
But she never imagined she would see him holding Cassandra.
He held her so intimately, right there in the open.
What had happened between them when she wasn't around?
Alexander and Cassandra shared a long history.
They were bound by childhood memories and family ties.
She, Evelyn, had only known Alexander for a few months.
How could she possibly compete with that?
How could she ever claim a real place in his heart?
A crushing wave of dejection washed over her.
Her newfound confidence shattered into pieces.
Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through her thoughts.
"Evelyn? Are you out here?"
Her body went rigid at the sound.
Without thinking, she jumped to her feet.
She had to get away.
She couldn't face him. Not now.
Seeing her about to flee, Alexander instinctively moved to follow.
But he stopped abruptly.
His eyes dropped to the wheelchair.
A heavy sigh escaped him. Helplessness engulfed him.
If only he didn't have to maintain this charade.
If only he could just stand up and run after her.
But to keep her safe, this deception was necessary.
The fear of losing her was paralyzing.
As Evelyn turned to leave, he noticed a single step ahead.
Acting on impulse, he pushed himself forward.
He let himself tumble from the wheelchair onto the soft grass.
The thud was deliberate, but it sounded convincingly painful.
The noise made Evelyn spin around.
Her eyes widened in horror.
"Alexander!" she cried out, her own anguish forgotten.