Chapter 438

From the very start, Evelyn had always intended to secure a powerful ally. But now, she was certain—she had fallen hopelessly in love with Alexander.

His mature charm was intoxicating. She adored the way he held her, the warmth of his embrace, the passion they shared.

He was everything she had ever dreamed of in a husband.

"Don’t you have work today?" she asked, tracing idle patterns on his chest.

"I’m staying with you," Alexander murmured, his hand drifting to rest on her slightly rounded stomach. "You’re showing more each day. How do you even focus at the office?"

The pressure at Titan Capital Group was relentless. As the president’s executive assistant, Evelyn juggled endless tasks—exhausting even without the added strain of pregnancy.

Alexander refused to let her push herself too hard.

She understood his concern but bit her lip. "It’s still early. Won’t I just be bored at home?"

His lips curved. "Do whatever makes you happy. Take up a hobby. Travel. I’ll make sure you have everything you need."

His words wrapped around her like a promise.

And for the first time, Evelyn let herself believe in it completely.

The revelation of her pregnancy would undoubtedly make them even more protective of her.

Perhaps it was best she avoided work for now.

"Are you hungry? I'll prepare something for you." Alexander's mood was buoyant, his energy undiminished despite their earlier exertion.

He slipped into his pajamas and propped himself up against the headboard.

"I've heard pregnant women often experience morning sickness. Are there any foods you can't stomach? I'll make sure to steer clear of them."

Evelyn shook her head. "I don't have morning sickness anymore."

Alexander froze.

That meant her morning sickness had already passed.

Which meant it had happened during the time Ethan had imprisoned her.

Guilt twisted in his chest. He knelt before Evelyn, taking her hands in his.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you."

The thought of her enduring that alone—without him—gnawed at him.

She gave a small, reassuring shake of her head. "Alexander, none of it was your fault."

The golden afternoon light spilled through the windows as Alexander studied Evelyn’s face.

His voice was soft but insistent. "Tell me what you want to eat. I’ll make it for you now." His fingers brushed against hers. "You must have suffered so much."

Evelyn shook her head, not wanting him to drown in regret. "It wasn’t that bad," she admitted. "Ethan actually cooked for me."

Alexander’s expression darkened instantly.

"Ethan cooked for you?"

As Ethan’s uncle, Alexander knew better than anyone—Ethan had never lifted a finger in the kitchen. He barely even stepped inside one. Yet, he had cooked for Evelyn.

The possessive glint in Alexander’s eyes didn’t escape her. She cupped his face gently. "I only ate what he made because I had to. Nothing more."

His jaw tightened. "I was too lenient with him. He had no right to be so... attentive to you."

A beat of silence passed before he spoke again, his voice low. "Besides cooking... did he ever..."

He trailed off, unwilling to voice the question. He trusted Evelyn. He didn’t want to push her into reliving painful memories.

But the truth remained—she and Ethan had lived alone together for weeks.

Evelyn leaned in, pressing her forehead against his. "Don’t think about it. There’s nothing to dwell on."

Alexander exhaled sharply, pulling her closer.

He wouldn’t let his imagination run wild.

But forgiveness?

That would take time.

Alexander's irritation simmered beneath the surface.

Some thoughts were too dangerous to entertain.

The truth was, his patience had limits he hadn't acknowledged before.

Vanessa's latest provocation had struck a nerve.

He clenched his fists, then forced himself to relax.

Memories of Evelyn's smile flashed through his mind—warm, genuine, untouched by the pettiness surrounding them.

A bitter laugh escaped him.

How had he ever believed himself above jealousy?

The scent of roasted herbs lingered in the penthouse kitchen.

His stomach twisted.

Had Nathan prepared that meal for her?

The question haunted him more than he cared to admit.