Evelyn had made a decision.

If the news was good, if she was truly pregnant, she would share the joy with Alexander the moment he returned.

If not, she would bear the disappointment alone.

She couldn't bear to see Alexander's hope turn to pain again.

On the other end of the phone, Alexander felt a familiar warmth spread through him at the sound of Evelyn's voice. "I'll try to wrap things up quickly," he promised, his voice rough with emotion.

He hated not giving her a firm return date, but a critical meeting with a renowned jewelry designer was scheduled. The urge to cancel everything and fly back to her was powerful. He'd only been gone a day, yet the ache of missing her was profound.

Before Evelyn, Alexander had never understood this kind of longing. Now, every moment felt more vivid, a happiness he clung to fiercely.

"Okay, I'll be waiting," Evelyn replied softly.

Saturday morning arrived. Evelyn woke early. She deliberately skipped breakfast. She needed an empty stomach for the test at the hospital.

The procedure was quick. Soon, she found herself sitting on a cold plastic chair in the hallway, waiting for the results.

To distract herself, she checked her phone. A message from Charlotte flashed on the screen. "Hey you! What are you up to?"

"Just at the hospital for a check-up," Evelyn typed back.

Charlotte's response was immediate. "The hospital? Are you sick?" Evelyn hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen. Should she tell Charlotte?

With the results so close, she decided to wait. "Just a routine thing. Nothing to worry about. How are you?" she deflected.

Evelyn expertly guided the conversation away from herself. As expected, Charlotte eagerly launched into an update about her own life.

Then, her name was called. It was time to see the gynecologist.

Her heart hammered against her ribs. Her breath felt shallow.

She took a deep, steadying breath. Then she stood and walked into the doctor's office.

10:49

She reminded herself to stay calm, no matter the outcome.

Excessive stress wasn't good for conception.

Clutching the test results, she entered.

"Please, have a seat," the doctor said kindly, offering a comforting smile.

The doctor reviewed the report silently. She then looked up at Evelyn. "You're married, correct? Is there a reason your husband isn't with you today?"

"He's traveling for business," Evelyn explained. "He doesn't even know I'm here."

The doctor's expression shifted as she turned a page. It grew serious. "This..."

A cold dread gripped Evelyn's heart. "What is it, Doctor? Is something wrong?"

Her mind raced. Were the dizziness and nausea signs of an illness? Something serious? Panic began to cloud her thoughts.

Seeing her distress, the doctor quickly held up a hand. "No, no, it's not what you think."

A wide smile broke across the doctor's face. "Congratulations, you're pregnant."

Evelyn froze. She couldn't process the words. "Could you... could you repeat that, Doctor?"