Chapter 52

Evelyn nodded slowly, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. "You're Ethan's uncle, the head of the Whitmore family. Claire told me everything."

Her voice was steady, but her pulse betrayed her.

"Ethan practically trembles in your presence."

She exhaled sharply, meeting Alexander's gaze. "And yet, you married me. How will it feel sitting across from him at family dinners without it being unbearably awkward?"

The question had haunted her all day.

If this went wrong, Alexander could become the subject of ridicule—something a man of his standing didn’t need.

Yes, one could argue it was a favor, but debts could be repaid in countless ways.

When Alexander remained silent, Evelyn tilted her head. "So? Help me understand."

Instead of answering, Alexander leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. The dim light caught the sharp angles of his face, making him look even more formidable.

"Mrs. Whitmore," he said, his voice low and deliberate, "since you know I'm Ethan's uncle, you must realize what marrying me means."

A pause. Then, the faintest curve of his lips.

"You'll never have to lower your head in the Hart family again. No more whispers. No more judgment."

His words settled between them, heavy with promise.

Evelyn's breath hitched.

For the first time in years, she allowed herself to imagine it—walking into a room without fear, without shame.

Because she would be untouchable.

And all it had cost her was her name.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Cresthaven as Alexander Whitmore leaned closer, his voice dripping with amusement.

"From this moment forward, whenever Ethan Caldwell sees you, he'll have to address you as 'Aunt Evelyn.'" His lips curved into a smirk. "You'll stroll through Cresthaven like you own it—because with me by your side, you practically do."

His fingers brushed against hers, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.

"So, after everything I've just said, Evelyn… do you finally understand what I'm getting at?" His gaze darkened, intense and unreadable.

"You should be thinking about how to hold onto me for dear life."

A slow, dangerous smile played on his lips.

"While I still remember that you saved me, you'd better figure out how to make me yours completely."

Evelyn Carter blinked, her mind racing.

Why does Alexander sound exactly like Claire?

Earlier that day, after leaving the hospital, Claire Dawson had been relentless, whispering in her ear like a determined matchmaker.

"You have to find a way to make Alexander fall for you," she had insisted, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "That’s the only way you’ll secure your place as Mrs. Whitmore and take control of your own future."

Evelyn had nearly laughed out loud.

Make Alexander Whitmore fall for me? Seriously? We barely know each other!

But Claire had been adamant, dragging her into an upscale boutique and shoving two sets of scandalously expensive lingerie into her hands.

"If words fail, just seduce him," Claire had said with a wink. "Men are simple creatures—trust me, it works."

Evelyn's cheeks burned at the memory.

Now, standing so close to Alexander, she could feel the weight of his expectations—and the ridiculousness of Claire’s plan.

Yet, as his fingers lingered against hers, she couldn’t help but wonder…

What if it actually could work?

The more he can't live without you, the stronger your position becomes.

"And remember, you two are legally married! Abstaining? That's just ridiculous!"

"Look at Alexander—that face, that body. You'd be gaining everything by being with him!"

Evelyn had been completely stunned, clutching the scandalous lingerie Claire had picked out for her as she made her way home.

Now, hearing Alexander's words, an odd sense of familiarity washed over her.

She thought, But Claire was speaking as a friend. What about Alexander?

Evelyn found herself studying him, taking in the way he sprawled across the couch with effortless grace.

His tailored white shirt clung to his frame, the top buttons undone just enough to reveal a tempting glimpse of his collarbone.

Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she quickly looked away.

From the corner of her eye, she caught him adjusting his wristwatch—a simple motion, yet it carried an air of refined confidence.

Evelyn instinctively shut her eyes for a heartbeat, her pulse quickening.

Alexander noticed her distracted state and flicked her forehead lightly with his finger. "What's running through that brilliant mind of yours?"

"Nothing…" Evelyn nibbled her lower lip, fingers absently brushing the spot he'd touched.

"We'll arrange a proper introduction to my family at Whitmore Manor."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "Whitmore Manor?"

That meant confronting Ethan Caldwell directly—as Alexander's wife.

Alexander gave a slow nod, his expression unreadable. "Our marriage may be private, but there's no reason to hide it from my family. Don’t you want to see Ethan’s face when he realizes you’re mine?"

"But I was the one who chased after him before. Won’t this be… uncomfortable for you?"

Alexander tilted his chin up, a smirk playing at his lips. "Why would it be? You did nothing wrong."

His voice dropped, firm and warm. "You’re stunning, intelligent, and more than enough. Hold your head high."

The unexpected praise sent warmth flooding through Evelyn’s chest.

She had always believed her history with Ethan Caldwell meant something profound. But to Alexander Whitmore, it was merely a passing footnote—something utterly insignificant.

A strange wave of tranquility washed over Evelyn Carter as she finally grasped how truly remarkable Alexander was.

Her thoughts raced. As a husband, he's emotionally grounded, radiating that irresistible aura of a seasoned man. His status gives me stability, making him appear flawless. It's almost surreal.

Yet the weight of reality pressed down on her. If I return home with him, everything will become impossibly tangled.

The realization left her breathless.