Chapter 26

"I-I'm full." Evelyn lowered her head, her cheeks flushing pink. "You must be exhausted. Let's go home and rest."

Alexander Kensington's lips curved into a knowing smile. "I'll inform Harrison about your request. Don't worry." His reassurance eased the tension in Evelyn's shoulders.

It was comforting to have someone anticipate her needs before she even voiced them.

As they settled into the car, Alexander's fingers brushed against hers. "Are you leasing your current apartment?"

"Yes."

"Terminate the contract." His grip tightened around her hand. "Move in with me."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. She squeezed his fingers back, her gaze dropping to their intertwined hands.

Alexander didn't press her.

He simply waited, his thumb tracing slow circles over her knuckles.

She had known this moment would come—just not so soon.

But they were married now. They had shared a bed. It was only natural.

"Okay," she murmured.

"Good." His voice was warm. "We'll collect your things tonight."

True to his decisive nature, Alexander acted immediately.

The car soon pulled up outside Evelyn's modest apartment complex. She packed quickly—mostly clothes, a few keepsakes. The rest—bedding, kitchenware—she left behind.

She gathered her important documents into a folder, then called her landlord to terminate the lease.

Before leaving, she paused in the doorway, taking one last look.

This had been her sanctuary. Her independence.

She had once believed Dominic Reeves shared her dreams. That they were building something together.

But it had only ever been her dream.

Goodbye, old life.

Alexander raised an eyebrow when she returned with just one suitcase. "That's all?"

"Only what matters."

Thankfully, Dominic wasn't around. She wasn't in the mood for explanations. Not that he ever visited anymore.

The drive to Crestview Heights passed in comfortable silence. Alexander kept her hand in his, his thumb brushing absent patterns against her skin.

Crestview Heights—the most exclusive enclave in Veridian City. A gated community of sprawling estates, each meticulously designed by world-renowned architects.

Lush private gardens. Cutting-edge smart homes. A symbol of wealth and power.

That Alexander lived here was no surprise.

But Evelyn hadn't expected the mansion to feel so... empty.

No staff. Just the quiet hum of automated systems.

"You live here alone?" she asked, glancing around the grand foyer.

Alexander pressed a key into her palm. His smile was slow, deliberate.

"Not anymore."