Chapter 63

Evangeline was left fuming, punching the pillow in frustration. "Great timing, as always. It's like fate loves to throw us together at the worst times."

The next morning, Evangeline was up with the dawn, helping Alice whip up a pumpkin pie for Trey. He was not feeling great, but he managed to eat quite a bit, cheered by Evangeline's kindness, and seemed a little brighter for it.

Afterward, Evangeline wheeled him out for a stroll in the garden.

The last whispers of winter had finally retreated, and the morning sun wrapped the world in a cozy warmth. Tulips danced in the garden's gentle breeze, their colors a vivid tapestry. Evangeline and Trey were lost in easy conversation, their laughter mingling with the cheerful chatter of their video with Trey. It was one of those perfect, tranquil moments.

However, tranquility shattered as they rounded the garden's rocky outcrop. There, a few faces soured Evangeline's mood in an instant.

Walter and Julia sat in the gazebo, deep in discussion.