Chapter 12

Evelyn stood in the doorway of her new room, still processing everything, when Lucien spoke. “We have a problem,” he said calmly. He waved his phone's screen in her face.

There was a tabloid photo from the day she had moved into the mansion. It showed her stepping out of the car with her bags.

The headlines read "Is the Sterling—Thorne marriage just for show“ and another that said "Is the Sterling—Thorne Union Already Crumbling?”

Lucien looked calm on the surface, but she could tell he was annoyed. The way his jaw ticked in a way she had only just noticed.

"There's an upcoming charity gala tonight." He closed his phone, sliding it into his pocket.

"Okay?" Her brows furrowed in confusion. They had only been talking about tabloids a few moments ago.

"We need to kill the rumors before it starts to spread. Get ready." his tone held no place for argument.

Evelyn nodded slowly, feeling the weight of it all. The day passed in a busy haze. Evelyn felt overwhelmed by the sudden attention. Her phone kept lighting up with notifications and calls. Even some reporters tried to reach the mansion line.

Mr. Alden helped keep things steady and coordinated with stylists who brought over several dresses for the gala. She tried them on one by one in her room, standing in front of the tall mirror while he waited politely outside to give feedback.

One dress in deep blue caught her eye, flowing nicely when she moved. “What do you think of this one?” she asked, stepping out to show him.

Alden smiled "Very befitting for Mrs Thorne." Evelyn nodded her head, turning to face the mirror as she smoothened her hand over the fabric.

A knock came at the door. Lucien entered, his eyes running through her appearance. Evelyn gulped at the intensity of his gaze.

“That one works well,” he muttered, even though his voice stayed even. “Keep your answers short and simple. Smile but don’t share too many details.” He continued and Evelyn nodded along.

He didn’t stay long after that, just nodded and left the room. Evelyn noticed he seemed protective in a practical way, not romantic. Like he was managing details rather than getting close. Still, it was something different from his usual distance.

The night of the gala arrived quickly. They left the mansion together in a sleek black maybach. Evelyn’s heart raced as they pulled up to the venue, her palms sweaty. She had never been one to step out in places where there was attention on her. Cameras flashed brightly the moment they stepped out.

Lucien placed his hand on her lower back, guiding her through the crowd for the photos. The touch created a moment of forced closeness that sent a small spark through her.

She felt the tension of pretending while remembering their private rules about space and respect. And even worse was the tension of a night that only she seemed to remember. It was strange being so close in front of everyone when things were careful at home.

Inside the gala, the lights were bright, and the room was full of well-dressed people. They mingled with business associates who made subtle comments about the “happy couple.”

An older woman smiled warmly at them and said, “You two look wonderful together tonight. Marriage clearly agrees with you.”

Evelyn smiled back "Thank you ma'am". Lucien stayed close by her side, his hand brushing hers once or twice when cameras were near. A man who knew exactly what the tabs wanted.

Then a man approached them, dressed in a sharp suit, a fake-friendly smile plastered over his face.

“Good to see you both out in public,” he said. “Heard there might be trouble after that quick move into the mansion. Sterling Group’s financial whispers aren’t helping the story, are they?”

Evelyn frowned.

Lucien stayed composed, but his jaw tightened just a bit.

Evelyn's voice cut through their silent stare down contest.

“We’re doing fine,” she said, her voice holding no hint of the anger she felt. “Our marriage is our own business, and we’re focused on building it together.”

The man raised his eyebrows, as Lucien pulled her closer against himself. It was a small moment, but it felt important.

They found a quiet moment on the balcony away from the crowd. The night air felt cooler out there, and the city lights spread out below them.

Evelyn looked at Lucien, “Do the rumors ever get to you?”

He ignored her, staring out at the breathtaking view before them. Faraway, the lights appeared radiant.

"I didn't mean to......."

"I've always lived under pressure. It's hard not to when you grow up as a Thorne. Always expecting perfection and watching every step."

That was the first time he had mentioned his family to her and Evelyn felt the need to say something. She opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, but the words refused to come out.

The ride home after the gala was mostly silent, both of them lost in their thoughts. Evelyn looked over at him slightly. "Is he thinking about that night?"

She snapped herself out of it.

Back at the mansion, she couldn’t sleep at all. She wandered the quiet halls in her nightclothes, the big house feeling even larger in the dark.

That’s when she heard faint piano music coming from the direction of the off-limits wing. The notes were soft and a little sad, drifting through the darkness. She stopped to listen for a while but didn’t go closer to investigate. The sound stuck with her, though. She shuddered involuntarily as she headed back to her room.

She laid still on the bed, the entire event of the day replaying her head as tiredness seeped into her bones.

The piano music from the locked wing played in her thoughts as she lay there, caressing her softly as her eye lids grew heavy.

Her mind wandered over to Lucien again. "Are you ovulating Evie?" she murmured in her sleep.

Their closeness at the event, even though an act had left an impression on her.

"Maybe we could make this work, Somehow." she thought to herself.

Lucien’s actions at the gala showed he was there with her, at least for now. The tabloids would keep talking, but they had faced the night together and in her mind, she thought that should count for something.