It didn’t matter anymore.
She understood now. All these years, the absurdity of her marriage–so much of it could be traced back to Poppy-
Even if things hadn’t come to a head today, it was only a matter of time before they did.
Ponny Soren’s only worried about you, that’s all, someone teased.
“You should’ve heard his voice when he called me just now–he was practically shaking, asked me to book every test we had. I thought something terrible had happened!” The young doctor in the crisp white coat grinned as he spoke.
That was Liam Leigh, Soren’s childhood friend, and a constant witness to the tangled history between Soren and Poppy.
Poppy’s cheeks flushed. She tilted her head back to look at the man holding her so tightly, so anxiously.
How could any woman not fall for that face? Handsome and chiseled, broad–shouldered, every inch of him radiating a quiet strength. Even through the thin fabric of his shirt, she could feel his warmth. Just being in his arms, she felt safe–like even if the world came crashing down, he’d somehow hold it up for her.
“Well, after a car accident, it’s better to be thorough,” Soren said quietly.
Liam shot him a knowing look. “You’re only this careful because it’s Poppy. I don’t see you this anxious about anyone else.”
He was right, and they all knew it. Soren had only married Evangeline because his family forced his hand.
When Liam mentioned “anyone else,” he meant Evangeline, of course.
Over the years, Evangeline had always come to the hospital alone. Sometimes, Liam would mention seeing her to Soren, but Soren never reacted–never asked, never cared.
Liam had already heard about what happened earlier: Evangeline barely escaping death, losing her pregnancy.
In theory, as both Soren’s friend and Evangeline’s attending physician, Liam should have checked on her, or at least stopped by her room. But he hadn’t so much as glanced her way.
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Why bother? In his eyes, Evangeline had brought this all on herself.
Her marriage to Soren had never been simple. Liam had even tested the waters with Soren when news of the pregnancy broke; Soren hadn’t known a thing.
Anyone with half a brain could see what Evangeline was doing–trying to trap Soren with a baby.
But her scheming had come to nothing.
Losing the baby was just fate, Liam thought. Nothing to pity.
“I’ll get you a private room, Poppy–just to be safe. You should stay a couple more days for observation,” Liam said, snapping back to the present and flashing them. both a reassuring smile.
Poppy nodded. “Thank you, Liam.”
He puffed out his chest, playing it up. “No need to thank me. Your problems are Soren’s problems, and anything Soren cares about, I’ll look after too.”
Poppy couldn’t help but smile, clearly pleased by the attention. Her gaze drifted unconsciously to the doorway.
Standing there, Evangeline met Poppy’s eyes for just a moment.
Before Evangeline could process it, Poppy looked away, turning to Soren with a gentle smile. “Soren, I remember Evangeline called you earlier–she sounded pretty desperate. Maybe you should call her back, just to check in?”
At the mention of Evangeline’s name, Soren’s brow drew tight.
Before he could say a word, Liam jumped in, barely looking up from his clipboard. “Ignore her. Evangeline’s always bothering Soren–calls him nonstop. He’s sick of
it.”
“Poppy, you just need Soren here with you. Focus on getting better.” “Sooner or later, Evangeline will have to make room for you anyway.” Poppy gave Liam a playful glare. “Liam, don’t say things like that.”
He raised his hands in defense. “I’m just saying what Soren’s thinking.”
Soren didn’t deny it. He just frowned deeper, saying nothing.
Evangeline stood in the silence that followed, the chill in the air unmistakable. She managed a bitter little smile.
21:02
It’s all right, she thought. That day would come soon enough.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
