Chapter 499

After saying farewell to Serena, Evelyn headed to the renowned patisserie in Veridian City to purchase a box of buttery shortbread and two steaming cups of coffee. She carefully poured the coffee into insulated flasks to preserve their warmth until she reached home.

Dominic sat with one leg crossed over the other, engrossed in a book. His fingers deftly turned the pages while his other hand cradled an empty porcelain cup. The soft glow of the lamp highlighted the sharp angles of his face, where a few rebellious strands of hair framed his rimless glasses, lending him an air of refined intellect.

Though Dominic didn’t suffer from severe myopia, his slight astigmatism made reading without glasses a strain. It was a rare sight—him wearing them—and every time Evelyn caught a glimpse, her pulse quickened as if she were falling for him all over again.

The moment he heard the door, his gaze lifted, meeting hers. The warmth in his amber eyes melted the chill she’d carried in from outside. Her breath hitched.

This man is dangerous.

"You're back," he murmured, removing his glasses. The sharpness returned to his gaze, stripping away the scholarly softness. Evelyn quickly averted her eyes, slipping into her house slippers before approaching him. She plucked the empty cup from his hand. "You could’ve refilled this yourself, you know. Do I have to remind you to take care of yourself?"

She unscrewed the flask and pressed the fragrant coffee into his palm. "Here. I remembered your favorite blend."

A slow smirk curved his lips as he set aside his documents. He lifted the flask to his nose, inhaling the rich aroma before taking a sip. "How did you know I’d like this?"

"Please," she scoffed, though her cheeks burned. "I’m your wife. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?"

Over time, she’d learned his preferences—the way he liked his coffee strong but not bitter, the way he always reached for shortbread when working late. She’d been so focused on proving herself, on bridging the gap between them, that she’d forgotten to simply love him.

"Oh?" His arm snaked around her waist, pulling her into his lap with effortless grace. Not a single drop of coffee spilled.

"Exactly!" She squirmed, pressing her palms against his chest. "I’m freezing, and you’re like a furnace. You’ll catch a cold."

The winter air had seeped into her bones, but Dominic radiated warmth like a living hearth. His embrace chased away the lingering chill, his body heat seeping into hers.

"Perfect," he murmured, tightening his hold. "Now we balance each other out."

Evelyn exhaled, relaxing into him. "I ran into Serena today. She asked me to create a signature perfume for her."

Dominic nodded, his fingers tracing idle circles on her back. "That’s excellent. Just don’t overwork yourself."

"I told her I couldn’t start right away. If she really wants it, she’ll have to wait." She hesitated. "I never expected someone like her to commission me. I always thought custom fragrances were for industry legends."

His chuckle rumbled against her. "She asked you because you’re talented. Don’t sell yourself short."

Evelyn laughed. "It’s because we’re friends, and she’s being kind! Talent needs proof."

With a playful shove, she stood and retrieved the shortbread from its paper bag. "I got these for you. Since you somehow forgot to eat."

His eyes gleamed as he accepted the offering. "Remind me again why I married you?"

She smirked. "Because no one else puts up with you."

Dominic’s grin was slow, predatory. "Wrong. It’s because no one else gets me like you do."