LOGINEvelyn's POVWhen his voice reached my ears, my fingers instinctively clenched around the bathrobe's belt, the fabric bunching and wrinkling under my grip.My throat tightened, and my voice felt muffled as if cotton had been stuffed in my mouth. I managed to squeeze out a barely audible "yes" before hastily dropping my gaze, staring fixedly at my toes. I didn't even dare listen to the wind outside the window.The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken possibilities. I could hear him moving behind me, the soft rustle of his shirt, the quiet exhale that suggested he was considering his next words carefully.My fingers fumbled clumsily through the robe's sleeves, hastily tying the belt. Each movement felt magnified, hyperaware of his presence watching my every gesture. My steps felt weightless, like walking on cotton, as I made my way to the bedroom and sat sideways on the edge of the bed, my back rigid as a board.The mattress dipped slightly under my weight, and I found myse
Evelyn's POVA sharp jolt ran through my entire body at his words.Although getting pregnant was exactly what I'd been planning, having him voice it so directly left me feeling completely exposed, as if my most guarded secret had been laid bare for all to see.Watching the deepening flush spread across my cheeks, Sebastian's voice softened, taking on an almost coaxing quality that made my knees weak."Wasn't it you who asked for a real marriage?" His voice dropped to that dangerously low register that never failed to make my pulse stutter. "And married life includes... that, doesn't it? So tell me—do you want it, or not?"His words seemed to roll over me like velvet, each syllable caressing every sensitive nerve ending in my body. The air between us grew thick and charged, as if the very atmosphere was holding its breath.In that suffocating silence, I dug my fingernails deep into my palms, the sharp pain my only anchor to reality as my heart hammered against my ribs.After what felt l
Evelyn's POVMy heart raced with sudden anxiety. If what this man was saying was true, if Sebastian's broken family situation became public knowledge here, it could destroy whatever business opportunities he was pursuing with the Ambassador's office.The political and social implications of a messy divorce scandal could have far-reaching consequences for Hawthorne Industries. I couldn't let that happen."Who are you?" Sebastian's voice cut through the tension with sharp authority. He stepped forward slightly, positioning himself between me and the stranger. "Are you a competing bidder for the same contracts?"With just two carefully chosen questions, Sebastian had managed to reframe the entire situation. Instead of defending against personal attacks, he'd redirected the conversation to paint this man as a business rival with ulterior motives.I felt a surge of admiration for his quick thinking and strategic mind. Even under pressure, he could identify the most effective way to neutr
Evelyn's POVThe ballroom was a symphony of crystal chandeliers and flowing silk, filled with the city's most influential figures. My midnight blue dress pooled at my feet, the long hem turning each step on the marble floor into a careful negotiation.Camera flashes erupted from every direction, capturing the evening's attendees in bright, stark bursts of light. Each flash made my body tense involuntarily, memories I'd tried to bury clawing their way to the surface.Six years ago. Another reception, another dress, another night when camera flashes had captured something I'd never wanted the world to see.The memory made my breathing shallow, my hands trembling slightly as I tried to maintain my composure."Are you afraid?" Sebastian's voice came from beside me, low and observant. When I looked up, his gray eyes were studying my face with that penetrating intensity that never failed to unnerve me.In his perfectly tailored tuxedo, he looked every inch the sophisticated heir - untoucha
Evelyn's POVI turned at the sound of Sebastian's voice, my heart still racing from the unexpected interruption. His eyes held a gentle warmth as he looked at me, a softness I hadn't seen directed toward me in years."What are you busy with?" he asked, his tone casual but attentive.But before I could answer, my attention was drawn to the small figure beside him, and my breath caught in surprise.Sophie stood there in the most beautiful pink tulle dress I'd ever seen, the fabric shimmering with tiny sequins that caught the evening light. Her dark hair was styled in elegant curls, held back by an intricate headband adorned with pearls and crystals. Even from a distance, I could see the subtle touch of makeup on her young face - a hint of lip gloss, a dusting of shimmer on her cheeks.She looked like a little princess ready for a royal ball."You're going to—" I started to ask, confusion evident in my voice.But Sophie interrupted me, practically bouncing with excitement as she rushed
Evelyn's POVI stood frozen beside the restaurant table, staring at Sebastian in complete shock.Wait for me tonight.What did he mean by that? Was he actually suggesting what I thought he was suggesting? Could he really be planning to... to actually follow through on my request for a real marriage?"I..." I started to speak, then stopped, completely at a loss for words.Sebastian's expression remained unreadable, giving me no clues about his intentions. He simply waited, watching my flustered reaction with that calm patience that made him so formidable in business negotiations.I heard myself agree with a numb nod. Then I grabbed my purse and practically fled to the restroom, desperate for a moment alone to collect myself.The bathroom mirror reflected back a face I barely recognized - flushed cheeks, bright eyes wide with confusion and something that might have been hope. I studied my reflection with sudden, intense scrutiny. For the first time in my adult life, I found myself tru







