Chapter 286

Adrian Valentine staggered into the room first, collapsing weakly onto the hospital bed.

Evelyn Roland pushed the door open and saw beads of sweat glistening on his forehead.

The man turned his face away sharply, avoiding her gaze.

She walked slowly to the bedside and sat down, watching him with calm eyes.

This was the first time she'd seen Adrian so disheveled.

In her memories, he was always poised and elegant—even when delivering their divorce papers with that cruel smile.

A faint floral scent drifted into Adrian's senses, making his pulse quicken. He'd underestimated how much she still affected him.

"Mr. Valentine, your engagement party is in two days." Evelyn's lips curled coldly. "Congratulations on finally getting what you wanted."

The words "girlfriend" stabbed at Adrian's heart.

"Your congratulations make me sick," he sneered.

Instantly, he regretted it.

Evelyn felt as if a needle had pierced her chest. So in his eyes, she'd always been worthless.

She remembered that night when he'd asked hesitantly, "Evelyn, will you marry me?"

No romantic proposal—just a blunt request.

How foolish her past self had been to feel touched by that.

She rose gracefully, meeting his furious gaze before turning away without a word.

Adrian shut his eyes in agony.

"Evelyn!"

Sebastian Orlando burst in, his eyes frantically searching for her.

"Why didn't you tell me you were hurt?" His voice was thick with worry. "You never listen. Now you've learned your lesson?"

He began inspecting her injuries with trembling hands.

Evelyn stared at him dazedly. "Alex..."

Sebastian froze, pain flashing across his face. "Silly girl, Alex has been gone for six years."

Tears slid silently down her cheeks.

He pulled her into his arms, gently stroking her hair. "Don't cry. Alex would want you to be happy."

"Evelyn Roland!" Adrian's sharp voice cut through the room. "Couldn't wait to throw yourself at him?"

Sebastian shot him a icy glare. "I'm holding my girlfriend. That's none of your concern, Mr. Valentine."

"Girlfriend?" Adrian scoffed.

Sebastian tightened his arm around Evelyn. "Let's go."

"Okay."

A sudden emptiness gripped Adrian's chest.

Just as Evelyn reached for her bag, the door slammed open violently.