Chapter 73

The moment Evelyn stepped through the door, she headed straight for the shower. An hour later, she emerged in her pajamas, finally satisfied with the delicate fragrance that clung to her skin—a perfect blend of her custom body wash and the essential oil she had crafted herself.

Alexander had already showered in the guest bathroom. When he saw her step out, he approached with a towel in hand. "You didn't dry your hair?" He frowned, noticing her damp strands. Despite the hairdryer sitting unused in the bathroom, Evelyn always preferred to let her hair air-dry.

"I hate the heat," she admitted, reaching for the towel. But Alexander moved it out of her grasp and instead draped it over her head. His hands settled on her shoulders, firm but gentle. "Sit."

"I—"

She didn’t get the chance to argue. With a resigned sigh, she obeyed, sinking onto the couch. Alexander pressed the towel against her hair, his fingers working carefully through the damp strands. This is… nice, Evelyn thought, hesitating before relaxing into his touch.

At first, she had been wary of his attentiveness, unused to someone treating her so tenderly. But now? She was learning to savor it. The way he dried her hair, methodical and soothing, made her eyelids grow heavy. She tilted her head back slightly, surrendering to the comfort of it.

Alexander noticed her quiet contentment and smiled. He adjusted his movements, slowing his strokes, ensuring every strand was gently patted dry. Sleeping with wet hair was a bad habit, but since she refused the hairdryer, this was the best he could do.

Just as she was drifting, she murmured, "It doesn’t smell anymore, right?"

"Yeah." He exhaled, amused. Of all the perfumers in the world, only Evelyn could accidentally make herself reek of experimental scents. She’s definitely one of a kind.

Unaware of his thoughts, she kept her eyes closed. "With my special blend, I can’t stink. It’s just… today’s mix was a little too concentrated, so—"

"Don’t go back tomorrow," he interrupted.

Her eyes flew open. "What?" She twisted to face him—too fast. "Ow!"

Alexander dropped the towel instantly, gripping her shoulders to steady her. "Careful. Why do you always move like that?"

"This is my job," she insisted, rubbing her neck. "I can’t just quit halfway. And I promised—"

"Promised what?" His gaze sharpened.

"That I’d have the results in one day."

"One day?" His brow arched. "For 48 different scents?"

She blinked. "Wait. How did you know it was 48?"

Instead of answering, he countered, "Who told you to analyze 48 sources of bad smells in one day?"

She hesitated. Then, sheepishly, "…Me."

His expression darkened. "You did?"