Chapter 21

Alexander's voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "I've handled all the discharge paperwork." His tone carried the warmth of dawn's first light, effortlessly dissolving the lingering fog of uncertainty.

He hesitated, then met Evelyn's gaze. "So…" His fingers brushed against the edge of the hospital bed. "Have you decided?"

He meant the proposal.

Evelyn's eyes flickered to his shirt—the same one he'd worn last time. The third button, the one she'd torn off in frustration, had been carefully reattached.

Her fingers curled into her palm, then relaxed. The tension in her shoulders was unmistakable.

"I'll marry you," she said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. She reached for her phone. "But I drafted something last night. A prenuptial agreement." She hesitated. "Do you want to read it?"

Alexander went still.

Evelyn watched him closely, searching for any flicker of reaction. His brows drew together, and she frowned. "Did I… say something wrong?"

She hadn't slept. The hours had slipped away as she weighed every possibility, every consequence. She had nothing to offer—nothing but herself.

And yet, here he was, waiting.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words.

Then, finally, Alexander exhaled.

"Show me," he said.

Evelyn unlocked her phone, her pulse quickening.

This was it. No turning back.

Alexander was handsome and successful, running his own company. For Evelyn, marrying him seemed like the perfect arrangement.

She considered it carefully before drafting a prenuptial agreement. It wasn’t overly complicated—just a basic outline of their financial arrangements.

The agreement stated they would share living expenses equally after marriage. If they ever divorced, Evelyn would walk away with nothing.

After all, she had nothing to her name right now. She was relying on Alexander to provide her with stability.

“I’ll send you the draft first,” Evelyn said, unlocking her phone.

Just then, Alexander suddenly leaned in, catching her off guard. His fingers wrapped around her wrist. “We don’t need a prenup.”

His scent was crisp—a mix of mint and aftershave, clean and masculine.

The unexpected touch sent a jolt through her. Her gaze dropped to his hand, still holding her wrist, and warmth crept up her cheeks.

“You’ll get half of everything I own,” he murmured, watching as the blush spread to the tips of her ears.

For a moment, he wondered if the sunlight was making her skin flush.

The sunlight streamed through the window, casting golden streaks across the room. Alexander shifted slightly, positioning himself to shield Evelyn from the glare.

"I'll cover all our living expenses," he said, his voice steady.

Evelyn blinked, her lashes fluttering in surprise. "But... what if we divorce? Wouldn't that be unfair to you?"

Alexander's brow arched. "Divorce?"

She inhaled deeply, then nodded.

Her fingers slipped free from his grasp, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have a record. Your family might disapprove. And if things don’t work out between us, or if—"

A shadow flickered across his face, his expression darkening for the briefest moment before clearing.

When Evelyn glanced up, she found him smiling again, the warmth in his eyes undeniable.

"We won’t divorce," he said firmly. "As long as you want this, it’s forever."

Evelyn had never been this close to Alexander before.

A soft breeze drifted in, carrying the scent of blooming flowers. The sunlight played across his features, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw.

His gaze never wavered from hers, intense and unwavering, filled with a quiet certainty that made her breath catch.

Evelyn froze, her breath catching as she found herself utterly mesmerized by Alexander’s piercing gaze.

The intensity of his eyes held her captive, and when she realized she had been staring for far too long, she quickly looked away, heat rising to her cheeks.

Her pulse raced as she struggled to steady herself. "But I was engaged before," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I—"

"Didn’t you say the engagement was broken?" Alexander interrupted smoothly.

She nodded. "It was. But Ethan is powerful. I’m afraid he might—"

"Don’t worry about him," Alexander said, his tone firm and unshaken.

Evelyn’s lips parted in surprise. But he’s Ethan Caldwell, the heir to Cresthaven’s most influential family!

She hesitated before pressing, "What if he tries to hurt you?"

A low chuckle escaped him. "He won’t."

The certainty in his voice made her pause. She searched his expression and found only unwavering confidence.

Alexander’s presence was commanding, his assurance absolute.

Taking a slow breath, Evelyn realized—this was exactly the kind of man she needed by her side.

The crisp morning light streamed through the curtains as Evelyn Carter sat at the edge of her bed, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup.

She had made up her mind.

No more hesitation. No more looking back.

If she wanted a fresh start, she would take it—on her own terms.

Alexander Whitmore had been patient, giving her space, never pushing. But she knew what she wanted now.

Her heart pounded as she lifted her phone, her thumb hovering over his contact.

Then, with a deep breath, she pressed call.

The line connected almost instantly, as if he’d been waiting.

"Evelyn?" His voice was warm, steady.

She didn’t waste time.

"Okay," she said, her voice firm, resolute. "Let’s get married."

Silence stretched for a heartbeat.

Then, she heard the smile in his voice.

"I’ll be there in ten minutes."

The call ended, and Evelyn exhaled, a weight lifting from her shoulders.

She wasn’t running away.

She was choosing.

And she would never regret it.

B

The doorbell rang exactly nine minutes later.

Evelyn opened it to find Alexander standing there, his dark eyes burning with quiet intensity.

No words were needed.

He stepped forward, cupped her face, and kissed her—deep, possessive, sealing the promise between them.

When he pulled back, his thumb brushed her lower lip.

"Pack a bag," he murmured. "We’re eloping."

Evelyn laughed, breathless.

"Right now?"

His grin was sharp, daring.

"Unless you’ve changed your mind?"

She grabbed his collar and kissed him again.

"Not a chance."

The private jet was waiting.

As the engines roared to life, Evelyn stared out the window, her hand entwined with Alexander’s.

No grand ceremony. No family drama.

Just them.

And a future she couldn’t wait to begin.