Chapter 615
No.1
Her puffed cheeks amused him despite himself. She retaliated by clinging like an octopus.
"Does Julian spoil you like this?" The bitter question escaped him.
Evelyn shook her head frantically, eyes wide.
As he released her, sharp pain lanced his neck—
"Ah!"
Alexander jolted awake to find the blankets ripped away.
"Rise and shine!" Evelyn chirped, standing triumphantly bedside.
No.2
He yanked the covers back. "Out!"
Her smile faltered. "Aunt Eleanor said—"
"Now!"
Only when the door clicked shut did he dare emerge.
Morning light revealed his disheveled state.
That ridiculous dream had left him...
......
No.3
The turning lock shattered his memories.
Alexander entered the apartment, scanning the empty bedroom.
"Still not back?"
He pivoted toward the study—and froze.
Evelyn curled on the sofa, an open book across her lap.
"I'll sleep here." She gestured to the folded bedding.
His pupils contracted.
No.4
Alexander hauled her upright. "This is my territory."
"Thought you might tamper with it." The instant the words left his mouth, he caught her flinch.
"Should I go next door then?" Her voice was featherlight.
"Master bedroom. Now." His order was glacial.
In the bathroom, Evelyn frowned at the sheer silk nightgown.
This revealing thing...
Sinking into the plush bedding, she inhaled sunshine-scented linens that transported her to that distant night.
No.5
A nightmare had driven her to his door all those years ago...
The room remained exactly as she remembered.
Evelyn's fingertips traced the nightstand, finding the same shallow scratch still there.
Alexander had preserved this place untouched for years.
She lay back on the bed, gazing at the intricate ceiling patterns.
Memories flooded in.
That winter, she'd curled up in these sheets permeated with his scent—so warm and comforting.
No.6
But the next morning, her cheerful attempt to wake him earned only an icy glare.
From that moment, she'd learned to tread carefully.
Afraid any word or gesture might annoy him.
Evelyn closed her eyes.
It's over.
Both sweet and bitter recollections dissolved into these three words.
Sleep began claiming her.
No.7
Knock knock knock—
The urgent rapping jolted her awake.
"Who?" Alexander's voice came from the study.
"Me." Eleanor's gentle tones floated through the door. "Bringing something for Evelyn."
Evelyn bolted upright.
She dashed barefoot to the study, colliding with Alexander as he moved to answer.
"Go back!" She shoved him inside, whispering fiercely. "You can't greet her like this!"