Chapter 40 No Point Forcing It

Compared to their heated arguments, Evelyn's calm expression in the moment left Hugo more unsettled than ever. He felt extremely uneasy, as if she were slipping out of his grasp. He instinctively grabbed her hand. His gaze was unusually frantic, as if she might vanish before him at any moment. His grip hurt her, and she tried to wriggle free, saying helplessly, "That's enough talking. We still have to go over Grandma's birthday plans with her tomorrow. We should get some sleep." Hearing that, Hugo grew stern and called out earnestly, "Evelyn!" Evelyn lifted her gaze. "Yes?" Seeing her unperturbed expression, Hugo felt a tightness in his chest—so tight that he could barely breathe. He tugged hard at the collar of his pajamas several times. When Hugo didn't respond, Evelyn's gaze grew puzzled. "Are you…" Before she could ask if he was unwell, he seized her hands and pinned her to the couch. He used so much force that the veins in his neck started to bulge. Evelyn winced in pa