Chapter 14

Nightfall crept in quietly, and the city lights began to glow.

Evelyn sat in her family's car, her heart a mix of excitement and a touch of nervousness.

Meanwhile, in the CEO's office of the Gray Corporation, Alexander signed off the final document and snapped the folder shut with practiced ease. He checked his watch—there were still ninety minutes to go before his dinner with Evelyn.

He calmly gave a few instructions to Samuel about the follow-up work, then walked to the lounge to change into the suit he had prepared earlier.

...

The private room at the top floor of the "Valentine" restaurant featured a full glass wall. The shimmering city lights outside didn't overwhelm; instead, they cast a gentle glow into the room. The air carried just the right mix of candle fragrance and mouth-watering aromas.

Evelyn arrived a bit earlier than Alexander. She sat gracefully, the white fishtail hem of her dress wrapping around her slender calves. The soft gleam of the sapphire necklace at her neck complimented her light makeup, which made her look both sweet and alluring.

When Alexander stepped into the room, this was the scene that greeted him. His eyes paused on her for a few seconds, an unmistakable spark of surprise flashing across his face.

"Have you been waiting long?" he asked as he sat across from her, his usual tone softer than usual.

"Not really. I just got here too," Evelyn replied as she picked up the menu naturally. "Lex, I'm starving. Can we order? I heard their foie gras and truffle soup are amazing..."

She spoke, and Alexander paused just briefly, then his eyes softened noticeably.

He took the menu and effortlessly ordered several of the restaurant's signature dishes, including a few tailored to Evelyn's tastes—clearly something he already remembered.

While waiting for the food to arrive, Evelyn rested her chin in her hands, her big, clear eyes blinking with curiosity and a hint of playful dissatisfaction.

She looked at him, "Lex, is this considered a real date?"

Alexander's hand, which was holding his glass, hesitated slightly.

"Of course it is," he said with a helpless little smile.

"But... why does it still feel so formal?" she mumbled while drawing random circles on the table with her finger. "Aren't dates supposed to feel warmer, more... you know... close?"

He stayed quiet for a second, and a blush tinted his ears. When he looked up, he met her eyes a bit awkwardly but seriously, "Eve, I've never been on this kind of date with anyone else before. I honestly don't know how it's supposed to go. If I mess up, just tell me. I'll learn."

Something softened inside Evelyn. Whatever complaint she had instantly vanished.

Without a word, she reached across the table and gently placed her hand over his. Alexander flinched slightly but made no move to pull away as she held on tighter.

"Don't pull away," she said with a playful blink. "Honestly, I don't really know what being a couple is supposed to be like either. But like this—just us, eating, talking, being real with each other—it feels pretty wonderful."

She lightly traced her fingertip over the back of his hand.

The touch hit Alexander like a ripple, a soft tingle spreading from where her fingers brushed.

After a moment, he turned his hand over and held hers, firm but gentle, giving a short but clear nod. "Yeah," he said, "sounds good."

...

The food hit the spot for Evelyn.

Even more so with Alexander's attention to detail throughout the evening.

They finished almost at the same time, both setting down their cutlery in sync.

The restaurant manager showed up just at the right time and let them know there was a small dance party downstairs, and the band had already started playing.

Evelyn's eyes lit up instantly, and she turned to Alexander with anticipation.

"Alex, wanna go dance with me?"

"Of course, Evelyn." He smiled softly and offered her his hand like a true gentleman.

With the manager leading the way, the two made their way to the dance floor.

The lighting was warm and elegant, casting a gentle glow over the space. The soothing waltz music floated through the air.

Evelyn rested one hand on his shoulder, the other held by his as they started moving in sync.

Alex's steps were confident and precise, just like the way he usually carried himself.

At first, they kept a polite bit of space between them.

But as the music went on, Evelyn slowly relaxed, unconsciously moving a little closer to him.

Feeling the shift, Alex's arm gently tightened around her, securing her closer to his chest.

It only took a small tilt of his head to catch the soft scent from her hair.

He closed his eyes for a beat, brushing aside the rising heat in his chest.

Focus, Alex. Right now, it's all about dancing with Evelyn.

They said nothing else, just let the music guide their steps.

Their gazes would meet now and then, a single look lingering far longer than it should.

All the background noise seemed to fade away—they could only hear each other breathing.

When the song finally ended, Alex took a steady breath, trying to pull his mind back.

He held Evelyn close for a moment before letting go. "That's it."

"It's over already?" Her cheeks were flushed with excitement.

He gave a small nod.

She looked a bit let down but was clearly a little winded too.

Around them, the crowd was thinning out. Evelyn reached for his hand, fingers lacing through his.

"Alex, can you take me home?"

He looked down slightly, brought her hand to his lips, and placed a soft kiss on it.

Evelyn's cheeks turned even redder, but she didn't pull away.

He let out a low chuckle. "That's my pleasure, sweetheart."

She gave a triumphant little smirk.

...

The soft hum of jazz filled the car.

Evelyn was leaning back against the seat, starting to feel the weariness settle in.

Her head turned slightly as she looked out the window, the passing night lights reflected in her eyes. A faint smile stayed on her lips.

Alex drove smoothly, barely a jolt the whole way.

He parked a short distance in front of the Mitchells' villa.

"We're here," he said, his voice low.

Evelyn turned her gaze to him.

His profile was sharp and handsome, the dim light outlining every edge.

Maybe it was how perfect the night had been, or maybe something else, but a rush of courage welled up in her.

Her eyes fluttered, landing nowhere and everywhere at once.

Then, all of a sudden, she unbuckled her seatbelt—but didn't leave. Instead, she leaned in.

Before Alex had time to react, she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

It was feather-light, warm, and over before he could even process what happened.

He froze, grip on the steering wheel tightening as his mind went momentarily blank.

He turned quickly to look at her, eyes wide with surprise.

And Evelyn... looked just as stunned. Her face turned beet red in a second.

Only then did it hit her what she'd just done.

"Goodnight! Drive safe!" she blurted, clumsily opening the car door and practically scrambling out.

She didn't look back once, running all the way to the front door.

Her figure disappeared into the darkness.

Alex stayed frozen, still half turned as he stared out the window.

His heart thudded wildly in his chest—it was all he could hear.

He lifted a hand, fingertips grazing the spot where she kissed him.

His whole chest felt like it was about to cave in from the storm inside.

He closed his eyes, breathing in deep again and again, trying to calm the fire.

...but he couldn't.

He wanted her—all of her.