Chapter 104

A loose curl clung to Evelyn's damp forehead, brushing against her parted lips in a way that made her look deliciously undone.

Her fever-bright eyes held a childlike vulnerability that contrasted sharply with the memory now burning through Alexander's mind.

His gaze involuntarily dropped to where her skirt had ridden up, revealing milky thighs that had once locked around his hips with desperate urgency.

He swallowed hard, forcing his attention to the sterile infirmary walls.

"That public declaration of yours," he said, voice rougher than intended. "Claiming love at first sight. Yet you look like I've brought you bad news instead of flowers."

Evelyn's lips curved, though the smile didn't reach her eyes. "I'm thrilled, really. Just... surprised you came."

After days of radio silence, his sudden appearance felt like stumbling upon an oasis after crossing a desert. Had her relentless pursuit finally cracked that marble exterior?

Alexander studied her for three heartbeats—long enough to notice how her pulse fluttered at her throat—before turning toward the window. The afternoon light gilded his profile as he spoke to the glass rather than to her.

"You should know something about me, Evelyn." A muscle jumped in his jaw. "When I give my word, I keep it. Even when it's inconvenient."

The unspoken especially when it's inconvenient hung between them like a challenge.

Outside, a gust of wind sent crimson maple leaves swirling past the window—a fleeting storm of color against the crisp blue sky. Inside, the heart monitor beeped an erratic counterpoint to the sudden tension thickening the air.

Evelyn's fingers twisted in the starched hospital sheets. "Is that what this is? A matter of honor?"

Instead of answering, Alexander reached into his jacket pocket. The rustle of paper sounded unnaturally loud as he placed a folded document beside her untouched water glass.

"Read it when you're discharged," he said, already moving toward the door. "We'll discuss terms tomorrow."

The door clicked shut with finality, leaving Evelyn alone with the envelope and a hundred unanswered questions. The crisp white paper felt heavier than it should have when she finally worked up the courage to lift it.

Her name stared back at her in bold black ink, followed by two words that made her breath catch:

Marriage Contract.

The air between them grew heavy with unspoken words.

"You made quite the spectacle today," Alexander murmured, his piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn. "Were you planning to shoulder all the gossip alone?"

Evelyn's breath hitched. She hadn't anticipated him seeing through her so effortlessly.

Since he had already unraveled her intentions, she saw no point in denial.

"I did it so that when we go public, no one would hold my past with Ethan against you."

Her voice was steady, though her fingers curled slightly at her sides.

"Let them say I pursued you. Let them whisper that you had no choice but to accept me. That way, the blame falls on me—not you."

She met his eyes, unwavering.

"Your reputation stays untarnished."

Evelyn believed Alexander was a good man.

She refused to let him be dragged down because of her.

What did it matter if people called her desperate? If they labeled her shameless?

But Alexander was different.

He was the CEO of Titan Capital Group, a man constantly under the scrutiny of powerful circles.

His name carried weight. His image mattered.

Alexander studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

Then, quietly, he said, "You don't have to do this."

His voice was firm.

"No one would dare question me. Not even—"

The words hung between them, heavy with unspoken promise.

Evelyn's pulse quickened.

She had expected gratitude.

Not this quiet, fierce defiance.

Not this refusal to let her bear the burden alone.

The realization sent warmth flooding through her chest.

Perhaps she had underestimated him.

Perhaps he was far more than just a good man.

The golden afternoon light filtered through the curtains as Evelyn Carter stood before Alexander Whitmore, her fingers twisting nervously in the fabric of her dress.

"You don't have to do this," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "If we marry, I won't let you shoulder this burden alone just to protect my reputation."

Alexander's jaw tightened, his dark eyes burning with quiet intensity. "If I can't even stand by the woman I love without needing her to shield me, what kind of man does that make me?"

Evelyn shook her head, a soft, sad smile touching her lips. "This is the easiest path for you. Please... just trust me on this."

For a long moment, Alexander said nothing. Then, with a slow exhale, he gave a single nod.

Relief flooded through Evelyn, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

But then Alexander's voice dropped, rougher now, laced with something unreadable. "So everything today—the way you looked at me, the things you said—it was all an act. You were just pretending to want me."

Evelyn froze.

The way his gaze bore into her, sharp and knowing, told her he already had his answer. A quiet sigh escaped him, edged with something dangerously close to hurt. "I thought so."

Love at first sight? Fell for me?

The irony of it twisted in his chest. She had played the role so perfectly—her laughter, her lingering touches, the way her eyes had softened when she looked at him—that for one fleeting, foolish moment, he had believed her.

He had let himself believe she truly cared.

Now, all that remained was the bitter taste of reality.

And the quiet ache of a heart that had dared to hope.

A bitter smile twisted Alexander's lips as his dark eyes turned glacial. The warmth that had been there moments ago vanished completely.

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Had she said something wrong again?

Her mind raced, replaying their conversation frantically.

"Wait!"

She lurched forward instinctively, only for the IV line to pull taut, the tube flushing crimson. Wincing, she collapsed back onto the hospital bed.

But it was too late.

Alexander was already striding out of the infusion room, his broad shoulders rigid with tension.

Evelyn's chest tightened as she watched him leave. Her desperate shout had startled the dozing nurse awake.

Blinking sleepily, the nurse took in the scene—Evelyn's longing gaze fixed on the retreating figure, the way her fingers clutched at the sheets as if physically restraining herself from running after him.

The nurse sighed inwardly.

Another failed confession, huh?

The door clicked shut behind Alexander without so much as a backward glance.