Chapter 4 You're Pregnant

Evelyn's POV

We agreed to meet at a nice café. The moment I walked in, I saw William. He hadn't changed a bit since college. When he saw me, he broke into a grin, stood up, and waved. "Over here."

I felt like I'd come back to life.

I went over and sat across from William. The server set a steaming, sweet-smelling drink in front of me.

"Hot chocolate," William explained. "I remember you don't really like coffee."

I held the cup in both hands, feeling the warmth coming off it. My vision started to blur. Maybe it was the steam, maybe something else.

"Evelyn," William said with concern, "are you okay?"

I sniffled and made myself smile. "Yes. I just... haven't had hot chocolate in a while."

My job and my home life never left me enough time to just enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

William's brown eyes softened. He didn't press. Instead, he pulled out the tablet he'd brought and showed me a project: a luxury boutique hotel in neutral territory.

It had an eye-catching concept and a relaxing layout, with light and shadow as part of the décor. I loved it, and before I knew it, I was thinking out loud. "The space should mostly be warm white, light gray, and dark walnut, with less texture on the walls and floors. And these public areas, maybe a continuous colonnade could create a sense of order. And reflections, they could be key to making the building feel less heavy..."

I stopped mid-sentence and glanced up at William. He hadn't said a word the whole time.

"Sorry, I got carried away."

"Don't be." William shook his head and said wistfully, "It's just been a long time since I saw the girl who painted murals in the college hall. I thought she'd forgotten the way back."

He was right. I'd almost forgotten how to find my way back to myself.

I pressed my lips together and smiled. "But I haven't done any design work in a long time. William, are you really sure you want to hire me?"

"Of course. You're..."

"Evelyn."

Liam's cold voice cut William off. I looked over on reflex and saw Liam striding toward me. He didn't look happy, and he eyed William with hostility.

How had Liam even found me here? He should have been at the office with Lily right now.

"Alpha Liam?" William stood and offered his hand. "I'm William, William Parker, Evelyn's college classmate."

Liam always cared about appearances, but this time he ignored William's outstretched hand. He grabbed my wrist and stared at me with his blue eyes. "Outside."

His grip was too strong for me to pull free. Besides, this was a public place, and I didn't want to make a scene. All I could do was give William an apologetic look and follow Liam out of the café.

Anger simmered in Liam's voice. "William? What is he to you? Tell me the truth."

"A friend," I said shortly.

"You're lying." The suspicion in Liam's eyes felt like it could cut right through me. "Friends don't look at you like that."

I frowned. "Then what do you think he is? My lover? Don't assume the worst about everyone."

Liam paused, then tried another angle. "What were you two doing?"

"Talking about work."

"I don't remember L&L working with this friend of yours on anything."

"It's my own work," I said. "It has nothing to do with L&L. I already quit. If having Lily in your arms kept you from hearing me, I'll say it again. I quit."

Liam's voice went tight. "You're obligated to stay by my side. It's in our contract."

"But it doesn't take away my right to find a new job." I looked Liam in the eye, my voice turning firm. "If you want, I can recite every clause for you."

Liam didn't back down. "Not with him."

"Why not? Because you think he's into me?" I said it on purpose. "Are you jealous?"

Liam stiffened, then scoffed. "Was there booze in that drink of yours?"

"If that's not it, then there's no problem."

Liam probably hadn't expected me to stand my ground this time. He frowned and said irritably, "Do whatever you want, but don't forget your obligations. Evelyn, we signed a contract. You're still my mate in name."

I didn't want to answer him anymore. The contract, the contract... the word was like a shackle that had chained me in place for three whole years. I was sick of it.

William was still waiting for me in the café. When I told him I could sign the job contract right away, he laughed out loud and started going over the hours and salary with me.

It was evening by the time I finally got home. The light in the second-floor bedroom was on. Maybe Liam was already home.

I went upstairs, and when I saw who was in the bedroom, I froze.

It was Lily. She was lying on my bed, wearing my favorite ivory silk pajamas. When she saw me, she rolled onto her stomach and laughed coyly. "You've got good taste in bed. Well, in pajamas, anyway. These are so comfortable. Oh, you know, I just got back to the pack, and Liam was worried the place I was renting wasn't safe, so he insisted I stay here."

She watched me like she was waiting for a show, hoping to see anger or pain on my face. But I was about to disappoint her.

I turned and left to find Liam and ask him to set me up in a guest room.

"Are you going to find Liam?" Lily's voice rang out, light and cheerful. "Go ahead. He's in the study. You'll be so glad to see him."

She was up to no good. I was sure of it.

I went to the study. The door was ajar. Liam sat behind the desk, holding something.

He looked up and held up the document in his hand. My pregnancy report. His voice was ice-cold. "When were you planning to tell me?"