[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-304":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},304,90,"Chapter 90: The Girl in the Mirror","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Because the birth had been anything but natural, the doctors insisted on a seven-day observation period at the hospital.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">For the past few days, Marcellus had been hovering over the mother and child, his exhaustion evident. Yet, as he handled every diaper change and feeding personally, a profound, protective fatherly love had begun to take root in him. When Damian dropped by for a visit, he found Marcellus standing by the sun-drenched window, cradling the baby with surprisingly practiced hands.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The sight was so domestic it stopped Damian in his tracks. He couldn’t help but chuckle. \"Marcellus, you’re practically radiating 'maternal glow' right now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You’re the one who's maternal,\" Marcellus shot back without looking away from the infant. His eyes were glued to her tiny face, his voice softening to a murmur. \"Our little girl is just perfect.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, spare me. Are you bragging?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus arched a brow, looking smug. \"Isn't it worth bragging about? Have you ever heard a fetal heartbeat? Felt those tiny kicks? Seen a baby this beautiful?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine, fine. I surrender,\" Damian sighed, turning his gaze toward Evangeline. \"Evangeline, has he been like this all week?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Not at all,\" she replied with a dry smile. \"The first two days, he was absolutely terrified to even touch her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus immediately protested, \"That’s a lie! Don't you dare slander me in front of her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline let out a soft laugh. It was strange how love could bloom in the most mundane acts of service; even between a father and his newborn, the transformation was inevitable.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Damian,\" Marcellus said, his tone shifting sharply, \"why are you still calling her 'Ms. Montgomery'? Show some respect and call her 'Sister-in-law'.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, look at you, changing the subject,\" Damian retorted.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Can't I?\" Marcellus challenged. \"Now, back to the point—why exactly were you claiming I was 'repulsed' by the baby? Give me a rational explanation.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus simply ignored him, bowing his head to play with the baby’s tiny hand.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Coward,\" Damian muttered.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A soft knock interrupted them. A bodyguard stood at the door. \"Ma'am, there is a young lady here claiming to be a secretary from Summit Corp. She’s asking to see you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Summit Corp?\" Evangeline glanced at Marcellus.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Nolan's company,\" Marcellus noted.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Let her in.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The moment the girl stepped into the room, Evangeline felt like she was looking into a mirror.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What the hell?\" Damian whispered, glancing between the two. \"Evangeline, is this some long-lost sister you forgot to mention?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The young woman looked timidly at the men in the room, her eyes flickering with nervousness. \"I’m sorry to bother you, Ms. Montgomery. Could I... could I speak with you alone?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What do you want?\" Marcellus growled, his voice dropping an octave.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The girl flinched, shrinking away from his icy glare. Evangeline offered her a reassuring nod. \"It’s fine. Why don't you and Damian step out for a moment?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus gave the newcomer a final, warning look before heading for the door.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What's on your mind?\" Evangeline asked once they were alone.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The girl nervously twisted the hem of her cardigan, her voice barely a whisper. \"Ms. Montgomery, my name is Raven Hudson. I don’t have a specific agenda... I just wanted to see you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Looking at the features that bore a sixty-percent resemblance to her own, Evangeline caught on quickly. \"You’re in love with Nolan, aren't you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Caught off guard, the girl’s face flushed a deep, embarrassed crimson. \"I... yes, I am.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"So, why come to me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Raven went silent for a long moment, then took a shaky breath. \"When we first met, he stared at me like I was a ghost. I thought he was interested in me, but later he became cold and distant. I just thought he was shy. It wasn't until a week ago that I realized I was just a stand-in for his first love. I just... I wanted to see who I was being compared to.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She looked so vulnerable and utterly devoid of malice that Evangeline’s defenses crumbled. She reached out, gently lifting the girl’s chin. \"If you love him, you have to make him see *you*—not some shadow of someone else. That’s the only way to earn real love. Do you understand?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Raven looked down, disappointed. \"But the only reason he ever looked at me twice was because I looked like you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline smiled faintly. \"So what if we look alike? Everyone is unique. If Nolan is using you as a substitute, don't lower yourself to being a cheap imitation.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The girl looked at Evangeline with wide, adoring eyes. \"Ms. Montgomery, you’re so incredible!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline blinked. She hadn't expected to gain a fan today. The atmosphere turned awkward, and she sheepishly scratched her head. \"Uh—glad you appreciate it, but let’s keep it professional, alright?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Raven lowered her head, looking bashful. \"Ms. Montgomery, can I ask one last thing? How long has he been in love with you? I need to know if I should prepare for a long battle.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline considered this. \"I don't think he’s in love with me, honestly. It’s just old childhood sentiment.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wait, you knew each other as kids? Then I’m definitely—\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hey, I thought you were preparing for a 'long battle,'\" Evangeline interrupted with a grin. \"Don't back down before you've even started.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Raven’s face brightened, and she made a fist in determination. \"You’re right. I can win him over with my sincerity!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*She’s a real firecracker,* Evangeline thought, watching her leave. *Maybe she really is the one to warm up Nolan's heart.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As Raven exited the room, she found herself face-to-face with the two men in the hallway. Marcellus stared her down, his expression murderous.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Stop right there,\" he commanded.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mr. Alexander, is there a problem?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That’s exactly what I should be asking you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">If looks could kill, Raven would have been gutted on the spot. She stepped back, trembling. \"I was just visiting Ms. Montgomery. That’s none of your business.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian smirked at Marcellus. \"So, your brother is playing the 'substitute lover' game?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The remark only made Marcellus’s face darken further. \"A counterfeit will always be a counterfeit.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Raven stiffened, her voice rising in defiance. \"Ms. Montgomery said that everyone is unique! I am not a counterfeit!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oho! A little spitfire,\" Damian laughed. \"Marcellus, she looks timid, but she’s got some nerve!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus?\" Evangeline called out from the room, cutting the tension.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus strode toward the room, brushing past Raven with a lethal glare. As she walked away, Raven pressed a hand to her pounding heart. *Mr. Alexander is so refined, so why is his older brother such a living demon? It’s a tragedy that someone as wonderful as Ms. Montgomery has to put up with him.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Inside, Evangeline gestured for him to come closer. \"Marcellus, are you angry?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Nolan actually dared to harbor feelings for you and then brought in a cheap knock-off to annoy me!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It was the girl who sought out Nolan,\" Evangeline said, resting her head on his shoulder and gently massaging his palm.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you defending him?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Do you remember how old I was when I stopped visiting your family?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Seven.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Exactly. Seven. We haven't seen each other in all these years. By the time we met again, I was already his sister-in-law. You can't possibly think he’s obsessed with a child he barely knew, right?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Why not?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline stared at him in disbelief. \"So, wait... were you—?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus pinched her cheek, giving it a playful shake. \"Hardly. I’m not a deviant.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you sure?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The question hung in the air. Marcellus turned his face away, looking uncomfortable. Just as the silence grew thick, a sharp cry pierced the room.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Waaaah! Waaaah!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus scrambled to pick up the baby, rocking her gently. \"Our little girl is awake. Daddy's here. Don't cry, Daddy's got you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*They say pregnancy makes you stupid, but my brain feels just fine,* Evangeline thought with a sigh of relief. *She cried at the perfect time.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She didn't press the issue. She had no desire to be dragged into a never-ending cycle of interrogation. \"Has Damian left?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yeah. Said he was going to pick up Remi.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She held out her arms. \"Give her to me. It's time for her feeding.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She waited, arms outstretched, but Marcellus didn't move. She frowned. \"Hurry up, Marcellus, she’s hungry.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus moved with agonizing slowness. \"Darling... can we just skip the breastfeeding? Let's use formula.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What? No. I want to do this myself.\" Evangeline glared at him and took the child into her arms.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sssss,\" she hissed as a sharp pain flared.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus panicked. \"It hurts, doesn't it? Let's just stop!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I'm fine. It's just like this at first. It’ll go numb in a minute.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Darling!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline reached out and squeezed his hand. \"Marcellus, this is a mother’s job. It doesn’t hurt forever. A few more days and I’ll be fine, I promise.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He couldn't understand the physical sensation of nursing, but he could respect her stubbornness. As long as it was the best for their baby, he would do whatever he could to support her. He sighed in resignation, using his palm to support her waist and give her some leverage.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The rhythmic gulping of the baby sounded like music to their ears. Marcellus watched the intimate scene with soft eyes, though his gaze began to drift, lingering on the soft curves of her skin.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline felt his burning stare and looked at him. \"Marcellus! You pervert!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"My apologies. I shouldn't be drooling over the baby's dinner.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline was so stunned by his shamelessness that she couldn't even form a retort. She covered herself with a hand, shooting him a wary look.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus chuckled at her reaction. \"Don't worry, I won't steal from her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Save me,* Evangeline thought. *What is wrong with this man?*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing her face flush a deep red, Marcellus decided to quit while he was ahead. He reached out to ruffle her hair. \"Alright, alright. No more jokes. I’ll pack our things, and we’ll go home soon.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She couldn't wait to leave. Every time the doctors came for rounds—pressing on her stomach, checking stitches, lecturing her on lactation—she felt like nothing more than a brood sow, robbed of all dignity. She wanted to escape and never step foot in a maternity ward again.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The baby fell asleep after eating. Evangeline bundled herself up, sitting on the bed with a look of pure anticipation.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Darling, you look so well-behaved like that.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Just hurry up and finish packing. I can't spend another minute in this place.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus scooped her up in his arms, the nanny carried the baby basket, and they left the hospital under the protection of his guards.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back at Elysian Estate, Helen Meyer and the rest of the staff were waiting at the gate, tossing petals as the car pulled in.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Welcome home, Little Miss,\" the staff cheered.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Everyone was beaming with joy, and even Evangeline felt her spirits lift. The nursery, prepared months in advance, was finally welcoming its little master. Although it was just one tiny person, the room felt overflowing with warmth.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen Meyer stared at the baby’s face, tears welling up in her eyes until she was sobbing. \"Young Mistress, when I heard you’d had an emergency delivery... I was terrified.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline patted her back. \"I'm back, aren't I? It's all over now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen couldn't stop the tears. \"I was just so scared. I was afraid history would repeat itself.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline frowned. \"History? What history, Helen?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">For years, this had been a forbidden topic, locked away in the estate’s history. But the recent events had clearly reopened old wounds.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The Mistress... she died from a premature birth caused by an accident, so I... I was just so afraid...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen's voice was a jagged whisper. Evangeline had to strain to hear her. She knew Marcellus’s mother had died when he was an infant—Grandpa had told her as much—but Helen had been weeping over this for weeks. Curiosity finally won out.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Helen, can you tell me what happened to his mother?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen’s sobbing eased, her gaze drifting into the distance as she retreated into the past. After a long pause, she finally spoke.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Greta Palmer. A month before the Mistress was due, that woman came here with some disgusting, fabricated photos. During the argument, she shoved the Mistress... it caused a premature rupture of the membranes. By the time she reached the hospital... the baby was delivered by C-section, but she... she didn't make it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen clutched her chest, her body shaking with grief. \"She was such a kind woman... that damn woman, she actually managed to marry into the family after that. Poor Young Master, he suffered so much under her thumb growing up...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline was already weeping, overwhelmed by a heart-wrenching, suffocating sense of helplessness. \"After she did something like that, why on earth would they let her marry in?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen looked furious. \"She had photos, videos, and she was pregnant. To save the family's reputation, the Old Master forced the Mister to marry her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Forced?\" Evangeline was bewildered. \"If he didn't want to, how did she get pregnant?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen shook her head blankly. \"We only know she used some dirty tricks. The details... they never came out.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">One evil act had destroyed so many lives. It had shattered a happy home, left an infant motherless, and condemned the man's own child to a lifetime of scorn. No amount of retribution could ever fix the damage done.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline looked at her sleeping baby, her heart heavy. \"Marcellus... from now on, I will love you for both of us.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The whispered vow drifted to the man standing just outside the door. Marcellus’s fists clenched, his eyes bloodshot. He took a deep breath, composed his face, and walked into the room with a mask of calm.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Helen, bringing a new life home is a joyful occasion. Why are you crying?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen jumped, quickly wiping her eyes. \"Oh—yes, you're right. I’ll go stew some soup to help the Young Mistress recover.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When Helen left, the room fell silent. Evangeline saw the faint redness around Marcellus’s eyes. Since he was too stubborn to speak of his pain, she wouldn't prod the wound. They simply stood there, leaning into each other, sharing a quiet, unspoken understanding.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272914766]