Chapter 406

The crisp morning air embraced Evelyn as they stepped out of Hawthorne Estate, washing away the lingering tension in her shoulders.

She reached for the car window, rolling it down without hesitation. The refreshing breeze caressed her face, and Alexander didn't object.

His gaze lingered on her profile, an unconscious smile playing at the corners of his lips.

It had been ages since he'd seen her so at ease, even if her contentment wasn't directed at him.

The wind toyed with Evelyn's chestnut locks, sending them swirling around her delicate features like autumn leaves.

Alexander's pulse quickened at the sight.

Memories flooded back—their early days when she'd first stolen his breath away without even trying.

She'd been his first true infatuation. Before Evelyn, no one had ever made his heart race with just a glance.

The realization struck him as odd. Ever since that day in the restroom when he'd come to her aid, he'd found himself scanning crowded corridors for her familiar silhouette, drawn to her like a magnet amidst a sea of strangers.

Though his family owned multiple luxury vehicles, he'd often choose to walk behind her after school, ensuring she reached home safely under the guise of coincidence.

Throughout his formative years, her image would invade his thoughts at the most unexpected moments—during board meetings, while studying abroad, even in the middle of important business negotiations.

The scent of her vanilla shampoo still haunted him, though he'd never admit it.

Evelyn turned slightly, catching his stare. For a fleeting second, their eyes locked, and Alexander swore he saw a flicker of something—recognition? Longing?—before she quickly looked away.

The car accelerated, carrying them toward an uncertain future, but in this suspended moment between past and present, Alexander allowed himself this small indulgence—to remember what it felt like to love her without complications.

Ethan couldn't resist.

He leaned in, closing the distance between them until the warmth of Evelyn's presence enveloped him. The faint scent of her shampoo—something floral and delicate—teased his senses.

Just as he was about to brush against her, she turned abruptly.

Their foreheads collided.

The softness of her skin grazed his lips, sending an unexpected jolt through him.

Evelyn blinked, startled, then pressed a hand to her forehead. "Ethan!"

Her voice was sharp, edged with irritation as she shoved against his chest, putting space between them.

He hadn’t planned this.

Yet the ghost of that accidental kiss lingered, and he absently touched his own lips, still warm from the brief contact.

This close, he could see the faint flush on her cheeks, the way her lashes cast delicate shadows under her eyes.

His pulse thrummed.

She was mesmerizing. Even when her gaze burned with defiance, all he wanted was to pull her back in.

It struck him then—when you were drawn to someone, your body betrayed you. Every instinct demanded closeness.

With Evelyn, the pull was undeniable. A hunger he’d never felt with Vanessa.

Not like this.

With Vanessa, she was always the one initiating contact.

Ethan squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to suppress the storm of emotions raging inside him.

But the moment darkness claimed his vision, Evelyn’s face materialized—her lips, her scent, the way her breath hitched when he was near.

The ache for her was visceral, a relentless hunger that refused to be ignored.

Just as the tension in the car became unbearable, the vehicle glided to a perfect stop outside the concert hall.

Evelyn practically flung the door open, fleeing as if Ethan were a predator hot on her heels.

He followed at a measured pace, his tailored suit immaculate, his expression schooled into perfect indifference—as if the charged moment between them had never happened.

Evelyn noticed immediately that they weren’t using the main entrance. No security checks, no crowds—just discreetly stationed bodyguards every few steps.

Ethan had planned this meticulously.

Escape was impossible.

"This is the private entrance," Ethan murmured, his voice smooth. "I reserved the entire hall. No distractions. Just you, me… and the music."

Evelyn’s breath caught.

So this was why he had insisted on bringing her here.

Ethan noticed the subtle shift in her expression immediately. His hand reached out instinctively, fingers brushing against hers.

"Walk with me," he murmured, his voice low and inviting.

The evening air carried the faint scent of blooming roses from the nearby gardens. The golden hues of sunset painted the sky, casting long shadows across the path.

Evelyn hesitated for only a second before slipping her hand into his. The warmth of his touch sent a quiet thrill through her.

They moved in comfortable silence, their steps perfectly in sync. The distant laughter of other couples strolling through the park only emphasized the intimacy between them.

Ethan glanced down at her, his gaze lingering on the way the fading light caught in her hair.

She felt his eyes on her and looked up, meeting his intense stare.

For a heartbeat, neither of them spoke.

Then, without warning, he stopped walking.

Evelyn turned to face him fully, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Ethan cupped her cheek gently, his thumb tracing the curve of her jaw.

Her breath hitched.

Slowly, he leaned in, closing the distance between them.

The world around them seemed to fade away as their lips met—soft, tentative, then deepening with unspoken emotion.

When they finally pulled apart, Evelyn's cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly parted.

Ethan smiled, a rare, tender expression that made her heart stutter.

"Come on," he said softly, intertwining their fingers again. "Let's keep walking."

And just like that, the moment passed—but the memory of it lingered, sweet and electric, between them.