Unmasking the Heiress (Evangeline and Walte)
Bitten Once Shy Forever 167

Chapter 167

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Pulling her thin jacket tighter around her, Evangeline shivered and made her way step by step into the hospital. She convinced herself she was not there out of worry for Walter. She was just repaying a debt of gratitude, and that was that.

The hospital's night ward was silent. Evangeline tiptoed, but still managed to wake, David, the ever-vigilant night watch. She put a finger to her lips, and he nodded, slipping quietly out of the room. "Madam, why haven't you gone home?" he asked, but then he noticed the redness in her eyes and fell silent.

"How's Walter? Is it bad?" she could not help but ask the question that had been burning inside her. She had seen Walter up and about, but without the doctor's word, she could not shake her worry. "The doctor says it's just a superficial cut, nothing serious. He'll be out of here by tomorrow."

"Oh, that's a relief," Evangeline sighed, feeling the weight lift off her chest. "I'm going to see him."

Her voice was unwavering, brooking no argument.

David lingered outside, while Evangeline tiptoed to Walter's bedside and eased herself onto the chair.

Walter's breaths were steady, his lashes still, not even a hint of pretend slumber. Evangeline could tell that he was really out cold.

It was kind of ridiculous. They had shared a bed countless times, yet she never really studied Walter's sleeping face.

He was ruggedly handsome, with chiseled features and a strong nose, but now his lips were pale and flaky with illness.

The usual fire in him was gone as he lay asleep, replaced by the innocence of a child, his face softened into a peacefulness that was almost tender,

If only he could stay this sweet forever.

The thought jolted her. What was she thinking, wishing him ill just to keep him gentle?

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Chapter 167

No, she just wished his softer side would stick around...

Then, like a lightning strike, the memory of Walter taking a knife for her flashed in her mind.

She could still see the blade sinking into his belly.

Could she dare to look at the scar?

This was the first time Walter had ever done anything for her. She wanted to memorize that scar, to remember that he had suffered for her sake.

That way, when they split, she could shed her jealousy and let him chase his own slice of happiness.

With that in mind, Evangeline's hand shook as she reached for Walter's blanket. However, before she could pull it back, her hand was caught in an icy, firm grip. "Evangeline, I thought you left. Why are you still hanging around?" Walter was lying in the hospital bed, his eyes piercing, his expression icy to the core. Getting caught in the middle of the act was the worst feeling.

Moreover, Walter's grip on her wrist was so tight that Evangeline could not wiggle free no matter how hard she tried.

She fought the awkwardness creeping up on her and forced a breezy tone, "Look, you saved my life. The least I could do is swing by to say thanks."

"Really? Since when are you the type to mind your manners, Evangeline?"

He knew he was her savior, so why had Evangeline not hopped into the ambulance with him? Why had she not escorted him to the operating room and waited for him to emerge?