Chapter 10

Alexander felt a crack forming in the wall he'd built around his heart.

But the second he heard Lillian had been using Evelyn to get close to him, his anger reignited.

"She really dared to pull this?" His voice went cold, eyes narrowing as he gripped Evelyn's hand. "Evelyn, there's no one else for me. Never was, never will be. Lillian? She’s not even fit to shine your shoes."

Tears spilled down Evelyn's cheeks.

The way he said it—so sure, so firm—left her no room for doubt.

"Alexander..."

Seeing her cry, Alexander instantly panicked. The fire in his eyes melted into warmth.

"Hey, don't cry." He quickly pulled a tissue and gently wiped her tears away.

His fingers were warm, filled with tenderness.

Under his careful comfort, Evelyn's emotions slowly cooled.

"Alexander," she said softly, "the car crash... it wasn't some accident. Lillian rigged the car."

His whole demeanor instantly darkened.

Without realizing it, he squeezed her hand tighter.

He was barely holding back his rage, grinding the name out through clenched teeth: "Lillian..."

"And Nathaniel," Evelyn added. "He never really cared about me. All he wanted was my family's status.

"He's the illegitimate son of the Cooper family. He wants to use me to fight for their inheritance.

"I think... he helped set up that crash too."

Alexander's face turned stone-cold as the fury surged in his chest.

He had suspected something was off about those two, but he never imagined they'd go this far.

They tried to kill her.

Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. "Evelyn, you don't have to be scared. As long as I'm here, they won't touch a hair on you.

"If they think they can mess with you and walk away, they seriously miscalculated.

"I'll make sure they regret ever getting involved... some things are worse than death."

This wasn't the careful, lovesick man Evelyn remembered.

This was the ruthless head of the Gray family—sharp, powerful, terrifying.

Anyone daring to hurt Evelyn would pay, dearly.

Evelyn's heart twisted with mixed emotions.

He only ever treated her well, but she'd been the one to push him away.

Without thinking, she moved her fingers under his, then flipped her hand and held his.

Her fingers were soft, a little cold at the tips.

Alexander froze, instinctively trying to pull away.

In the past, Evelyn wouldn't let him get anywhere near her. Any slight brush and she'd flinch like she'd been burned.

But now? This gentle touch—he'd missed it more than anything. One second, and he was addicted.

Evelyn noticed how he hesitated.

Was it her past rejection that made even holding hands feel forbidden now?

Pain filled her chest.

She didn't let go. Instead, she tightened her grip.

"Alex..."

She used to always call him by full name, maybe "Alexander" at best.

She'd never said it like that—soft, close, like she meant it.

Alexander's breath hitched.

She saw the flicker in his eyes and pushed a little further. "I'll... try to fall for you, okay?"

She thought it would make him happy.

But Alexander suddenly yanked his hand back. He stood up, turning his back to her.

"Evelyn... Don't promise something you're not sure you can keep."

With that, he practically fled to the kitchen without another word.

Didn't even glance back.

Evelyn sat silent, staring at his back. Her feelings were all over the place, but she didn't give up.

A little lost in the moment, sure. But she quickly found her resolve again.

A faint smile appeared on her face.

His reaction told her everything—he cared, deeply.

And she wasn't planning to run anymore.

A few minutes later, Alexander came back holding a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup.

Evelyn quietly took it and drank it down, feeling her head clear with every sip.

"Evelyn, I've got something for you."

Alexander suddenly remembered, turned around, and pulled a small box from the cabinet nearby.

He walked back and opened it in front of her.

Inside was a finely crafted necklace.

A teardrop-shaped blue diamond sparkled at the center, surrounded by tiny, delicate diamonds that shimmered under the light. It looked classy but not dull at all.

"This one," Alexander's tone was a bit stiff, "I had it ready for a while... just never got the chance to give it to you."

He'd planned it for a long time, originally meant to be her birthday gift.

But that day, he'd only received news she might get engaged to Nathaniel.

Evelyn looked at the necklace, and her eyes instantly welled up.

She took the box carefully. "It's really beautiful... thank you."

Alexander let out a quiet breath of relief.

"It's getting late. Let me drive you home," he said as he lowered his gaze. "The alcohol should've worn off now."

"I'm not going back." Evelyn pouted, "I already told my brother, I'm staying over tonight."

Alexander frowned a little. "Evelyn, you're still recovering, and you've been drinking. You really need proper rest."

"I can rest here too!" Evelyn tugged gently on his sleeve, her voice soft and a little pitiful. "Come on, Alex, just let me stay, please? I promise not to bother you—I'll be really quiet..."

She looked up at him, her face full of innocent hope, like a kitten afraid of being left out.

Alexander: "..."

His self-discipline was seriously taking a hit.

He tried reasoning, "You know... just the two of us here. Aren't you the least bit worried I might do something?"

"I don't care!" Evelyn blurted out, "You literally just said I'm the only one you care about.

"I like you too. Even if something really did happen... it wouldn't matter to me."

Alexander was completely thrown off by how bold and straightforward she was.

He sighed, rubbed the space between his brows, finally gave in.

"...Alright."

A bright smile lit up her whole face—it was dazzling.

And Alexander had to admit, part of him was secretly thrilled she was staying.

He led her upstairs and brought her into the master bedroom.

"You'll sleep here."

"What about you?" Evelyn asked, almost instinctively.

"I'll take the guest room." With that, Alexander turned and walked out.

Like staying would get him into trouble.

Evelyn puffed her cheeks a little, not too happy about his decision.

But he didn't give her a chance to talk him out of it.

The master bedroom was spacious, decorated in a cool-toned, minimal style.

Evelyn lay down on the big, soft bed and slowly relaxed, wrapped in the lingering scent that belonged to him. It felt incredibly safe.

The leftover alcohol made her a bit drowsy, and for the first time since she came back to life, she drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep.

The next morning, she woke up bathed in warm sunlight.

The dull headache from the hangover was gone.

Evelyn blinked awake, sat up, and for a second was confused by the unfamiliar room—then yesterday's memories came rushing back.

She got up and stepped into the bathroom, only to find a full set of luxury skincare products lined up perfectly on the counter.

Even the towel and robe were soft, feminine pieces in her exact size.

Clearly not a last-minute setup—he'd probably been waiting for her to stay here all along.

Her ears turned a little pink.

After washing up, she changed into the new dress Alexander had prepared for her and headed downstairs.

Just as she reached the staircase, the smell of food hit her nose—it was warm and inviting.

She followed it to the kitchen and blinked in surprise.

There was Alexander—the big boss of the Gray family—actually wearing a dark apron and flipping eggs like he did this every day.

He expertly plated golden-brown toast and turned to pour a glass of milk.

The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a soft halo over his tall figure.