Chapter 467

"Just some routine things," Evelyn murmured as she arranged the dinner plates with practiced ease. "Let's eat—I'm absolutely famished!"

Her appetite had doubled lately, a natural consequence of her condition. Alexander watched with quiet satisfaction as she savored each bite.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Evelyn added between mouthfuls, "I still need to finalize my transition at Titan Capital Group."

Though she owned the company, protocol demanded she properly delegate her responsibilities before stepping away.

Alexander gave an understanding nod. "Handle it at your own pace."

After the meal, he excused himself for a shower, pausing to brush his lips against her temple. "Don't keep me waiting too long."

The casual remark triggered Ethan Caldwell's earlier warning in her mind: "You're carrying his child, Evelyn. Shouldn't he be more concerned about your rest than his own desires? Does he really prioritize your wellbeing?"

Her fingers hesitated mid-air as she applied her nightly skincare, the serum cool against her distracted touch. Alexander, toweling his hair, didn't notice her momentary stillness.

The vibration of his phone shattered the quiet.

The phone call could confirm her doubts.

Evelyn's hands shook as she reached for the device, but the ringing ceased before she could answer.

At that moment, Alexander stepped out of the shower, a towel slung low around his hips. Water droplets glistened on his sculpted torso, impossible to ignore.

He caught her staring and smirked.

"Like what you see?"

Before she could respond, he took her hand and pressed it against his damp skin. His lips found hers in a searing kiss, fingers tangling in her hair to hold her close.

Evelyn melted into him, breath hitching as his mouth moved with possessive hunger.

"Relax, sweetheart," he murmured against her lips. "Just once tonight."

She nodded, dizzy from his touch. His hands cradled her face, teeth grazing her bottom lip in that way that always unraveled her. Her arms wound around his neck of their own accord.

"Not tonight," she whispered between kisses.

Alexander didn't stop. His breath warmed her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. The kiss deepened, his grip tightening as if he couldn't bear to let go.

When she finally turned her head to gasp for air, her plea came out breathless. "I'm pregnant. We shouldn't..."

His palm slid to her stomach. "Are you feeling unwell?" The question was casual, but his darkened gaze told another story.

Alexander smirked, his fingers tracing idle patterns on the bedsheet. "So, what exactly are you implying? That I'm not gentle enough?" His voice was low, teasing, but there was an edge to it—a challenge.

Evelyn didn’t respond.

She lay still, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, her fingers curled loosely at her sides. The silence stretched between them, thick and uncomfortable.

Alexander’s playful mood evaporated.

He studied her face—the way her lips pressed together, the tension in her jaw. She wasn’t just distracted. She was closed off.

"Evelyn," he said, his voice losing its earlier lightness. "Look at me."

She didn’t.

His hand stilled. "You don’t want to tonight."

It wasn’t a question.

The air between them grew heavier, charged with something unspoken.

Evelyn exhaled slowly, finally turning her head to meet his gaze. Her eyes were guarded, distant.

Alexander’s expression darkened.

He pushed himself up, sitting at the edge of the bed, his back to her. The sheets rustled as he moved, the sound sharp in the quiet room.

Evelyn watched him, her chest tight.

She should say something.

But the words wouldn’t come.

Alexander stood abruptly, grabbing his shirt from the chair. He didn’t look back as he pulled it on, his movements stiff.

The door clicked shut behind him.

Evelyn closed her eyes.

Alone again.

Just like always.

Alexander's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Then what's troubling you, darling? Do I need to be more tender?" His lips brushed against Evelyn's forehead in a featherlight kiss.

The air between them crackled with Alexander's unmistakable desire, while Evelyn's mind wandered elsewhere. When her lack of response became apparent, his brow furrowed.

"Are you absolutely certain about refusing me tonight?" His voice dropped to that dangerous velvet tone that usually made her melt.