What Are You Laughing At

Alexander's voice was low and smooth.

A faint crackle of static softened as it reached Evelyn's ear.

A strange warmth spread across her skin where the phone pressed against her cheek.

She instinctively lowered her voice. "It's nothing, really. I was just curious."

His tone shifted subtly.

A quiet amusement threaded through his words.

She could almost visualize the slight arch of his brow.

"Just curious? Are you certain you're only casually inquiring about my whereabouts?"

His voice was calm, rich, and effortlessly teasing.

It unraveled her composure.

The truth slipped out before she could stop it. "I just... didn't want you vanishing for days like last time. I wouldn't even know where to find you."

A low chuckle rumbled from the other end.

It was unhurried, deep, and tinged with a husky quality that left her momentarily breathless.

"What's so funny?" The question escaped her before she could reconsider.

Still amused, Alexander replied, "Evelyn, are you implying you can't stand being away from me? I had no idea I held such sway over you that my absence would cause concern."

His tone dipped into something almost intimate.

A teasing edge curled at the end of his words.

Or perhaps it was just her imagination running wild.

His playful remark sent a flush of heat to her face.

Why had she said that?

It wasn't like she meant anything profound by it.

Flustered, she pressed the cool back of her hand against her burning cheeks.

"That is not what I meant," she huffed, scrambling to defend herself.

Before she could continue, Alexander interrupted, his voice warm and steady. "Don't worry. For the next few days, I'll be at Serenity Oaks, waiting for you to return from work."

The unexpected promise caught her off guard.

A gentle pull tightened around her heart.

The fleeting emotion quickly gave way to pure, unrestrained joy.

A quiet warmth blossomed in her chest.

She couldn't suppress the happiness swelling inside her.

For the first time in years, someone had spoken those words to her.

So, she truly had a home now—a place where she was expected, where someone was waiting specifically for her.

"Alright. You said it yourself," she murmured, lightly biting her lip.

Alexander's voice held an easy, almost lazy charm. "I wouldn't fabricate something like that simply to tease you."

After the call ended, Evelyn sat motionless for a moment, clutching her phone.

The warmth of his words lingered, wrapping around her like a soft embrace.

If Alexander said he would be home waiting for her, then he would be.

Her thoughts drifted to him—he spent most of his time in the study, relying on his wheelchair for mobility.

By now, the image of the man she had glimpsed in the CEO's conference room had faded to the back of her mind.

It must have been a mistake.

Smiling, she slipped her phone into her bag.

She began considering what small gift she could get for Alexander after work.

Even though he had sounded relaxed during their call, she still wanted to bring him something—perhaps a token to brighten his mood after his irritation that morning.

Once work finished, she headed directly to a nearby shopping center.

She hadn't decided on a purchase yet and was browsing aimlessly when a cheerful voice called out.

"Ma'am, care to step inside? We just received a fresh shipment of new arrivals!"

"Sure," Evelyn said, moving toward the store entrance.

She didn't have anything specific in mind, so browsing couldn't hurt.