Chapter 91: You Are Right and Wrong
Evelyn knew there was no escape.
If she dodged Stella’s question one more time, her sister would hound her until the end of time.
"Fine. Stella, hurry up, clean the dishes, and I’ll answer anything you want."
"Really?" Stella’s eyes sparkled like she’d just been handed her limited edition branded bag.
"Yes, really." Evelyn sighed, already regretting her promise.
In an instant, Stella transformed into a dishwashing machine. Plates clattered, water splashed, and she practically sprinted between the sink and the table.
"Well," Evelyn added, "I’ll come with you to your apartment and chat there. Only if you finish everything here."
"Deal!" Stella shouted, ignoring her completely as she started to fill the dishwasher.
Evelyn stifled a laugh. Manipulating her sister was almost too easy.
"But I need to talk to Axel first. Are you okay finishing up alone?"
"No problem, sis! Go, go, don’t make my brother-in-law wait."
Stella giggled, looking like she might faint from the sheer joy of addressing Axel, brother-in-law. She still couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that her sister had married Axel Knight.
Evelyn shook her head, suppressing a laugh as she observed Stella.
Then she slipped out of the kitchen. Her steps were steady as she headed toward Oliver’s room.
She slowly pushed the door open.
The warm glow of the bedside lamp washed over the room, and her heart softened instantly at the sight before her.
Axel sat on the bed, his back against the headboard, a book resting easily in his large hand. Oliver was snuggled beside him, tiny fingers clutching Axel’s sleeve.
Jealousy pricked her chest. Was she seriously jealous of her three-year-old son? Yes. Yes, she was.
She wanted that spot, curled against Axel’s side. But the ridiculous thought disappeared when Axel’s eyes lifted from the book and landed squarely on her.
Her heart is pounding.
"Are you done?" He asked.
Oliver’s sleepy eyes cracked open the moment he heard Axel’s voice. He perked up and saw her.
"Mommy... come, come. You haven’t given me a goodnight hug yet." Her adorable hoarse voice echoes.
Evelyn’s heart melted. She hurried forward, already leaning down to hug him, when her son suddenly remembered his secret mission as Cupid-in-training.
"Daddy, come. Let’s have a group hug," Oliver chirped, tugging at Axel’s sleeve.
Oh no. Oh no, no, no. Evelyn froze as Axel shifted, one strong arm sliding easily around her waist while the other steadied Oliver between them. His breath brushed her neck, warm, and her entire brain became sluggish.
She didn’t move. She didn’t speak. She just sat there, while her heart hammered so loudly.
Oliver, completely oblivious, looked up at her with shining eyes. "Goodnight, Mommy." Then he leaned in and planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek.
Her chest squeezed, and she kissed him back. "Goodnight, sweetheart. Sleep well. Mommy needs to take your aunt to her apartment downstairs." She added the last part for Axel’s benefit, hoping he caught it.
"Don’t take too long," Axel’s low voice murmured near her ear.
Every hair on her body stood on end. Why did his voice have to sound like that? Smooth, commanding, and far too close for her sanity.
"Why?" she asked weakly, not daring to look at him.
She knew if she turned her head even slightly, her lips might brush his. And if that happened... well, goodbye, self-control.
"We need to talk about some important things."
Oh, fantastic. There was nothing better than words whispered threateningly while his hands were still wrapped possessively around her waist.
She wriggled gently, as if silently asking him to let go. He did, though not before letting his fingers graze her side, and she nearly jumped.
Evelyn turned to glance at him, a frown forming as if to say, "Important things? Like what?"
But of course, Axel gave no hint. Just that unreadable expression, calm as ever.
She cleared her throat and stood quickly. "I will come back before you know it."
Her smile was too bright, too quick, but Oliver didn’t notice. He was already half-asleep, clutching his blanket. Axel, however, saw everything. He always did.
Evelyn slipped out before she embarrassed herself further. Her pulse was still racing as she closed the door behind her. She leaned against it, pressing a hand to her chest.
When she finally turned, Stella was right there, staring. And of course, her little sister never misses a thing.
"Oh my god, you’re blushing," Stella whispered dramatically, pointing at her face amusingly.
Evelyn glared. "No, I’m not."
"Yes, you are. Your cheeks are red. Please don’t deny it. Wait... are you blushing because of my brother-in-law?"
Evelyn ignores her. She heads toward the door, "Stella, walk."
"But—"
"Walk!"
Stella pouted but obediently followed as Evelyn marched to the elevator.
When they reached the fourth floor and entered Stella’s temporary apartment, Evelyn collapsed onto the sofa, her body still buzzing from Axel’s touch.
And Stella plopped down beside her, eyes sparkling like she was about to explode.
Evelyn held up a hand. "Don’t start."
"I didn’t say anything."
"You’re thinking it so loudly I can hear it in my mind."
Stella grinned.
Evelyn sighed, leaning back against the cushions. She closed her eyes, while her mind replayed Axel’s gaze, his hand on her waist, his voice in her ear.
Shook her head slightly, trying to push Axel from her mind.
"Alright, hurry up and ask the questions you want, Stella. I don’t have much time to stay here, or he might come to pick me up."
Stella immediately straightened her spine, turning fully to face Evelyn, her eyes wide with urgency.
"Sis, so the rumor out there that Axel Knight has a lover in Willowcrest... is you?"
Evelyn couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking her head. "You’re right and wrong."
Stella blinked, confused. "Uh, what do you mean?"
"I’m not his lover," Evelyn said calmly, her lips forming a small, teasing smile. "I’m his wife. Legally, his wife."
Stella giggling, "Ah. You’re right. You know what, sis? For the past four years, I’ve never stopped wondering who that man was. And not once did I imagine it could be Axel Knight."
Evelyn opened her eyes fully and met her sister’s gaze, which was now a mix of amazed and stunned disbelief.
"Now, you understand why I couldn’t reveal his name, right?"