"All my effort to help you walk again seems utterly wasted now," Evelyn stated, her voice flat.

Alexander felt a sudden warmth in his chest, remembering everything she had done for him.

"It wasn't wasted," he countered, trying to sound playful. "You can still give me a massage."

Evelyn's expression turned stormy. "In your dreams!"

She was no longer that naive girl.

With his legs fully recovered, a massage would serve a very different purpose.

This shameless man. He said it deliberately.

Memories flooded back. Alexander's deception. Pretending to be paralyzed. Making her take the lead every time.

Heat flushed her cheeks. Irritation boiled inside her.

She refused to stay another minute. She snatched her hand back, threw the blanket off, and swung her legs out of bed.

"Where are you going?" Alexander asked, his eyes following her.

"Home. Obviously," she snapped.

"You're still recovering. Let me carry you," he offered, concern in his voice.

Evelyn let out a derisive laugh. "I'm injured, not an invalid. I can walk perfectly well."

Without another word, she marched out of the hospital room.

Alexander sighed, watching her retreating back, every step radiating defiance.

She was still furious.

He ran a hand through his hair. Winning her back would be a long battle.

Back at Serenity Oaks, Evelyn entered the bedroom, her face an unreadable mask. She ignored Alexander completely.

He didn't leave her side. "Darling, are you busy?" His voice was soft, coaxing.

Her eyes remained fixed on her tablet. "It's none of your concern."

She wasn't really working. Just occupying herself. She'd had enough rest in the hospital.

Alexander wasn't deterred by her coldness.

After a moment, he fetched a drink. "Here, have some water," he said, placing the glass beside her.

Evelyn barely glanced at him. "I'm not thirsty."

He left the glass within easy reach.

"You must be hungry," he tried again. "You were out for hours. You need to eat. What would you like?"

Evelyn eyed him skeptically. "Are you going to cook?"

He hesitated, then nodded. "Just name it. I'll learn. I promise it will be good."

She looked at his serious face, then smirked and turned away. "Don't bother. You'll just create a mess. The staff has enough to clean up without your help."

Alexander was momentarily speechless, recalling his last kitchen disaster. The microwave incident was still vivid.

"Fine. I'll have the kitchen prepare something," he conceded.

"I'm not hungry," she replied tonelessly.

Though disappointed, he pressed on. "Is the room temperature comfortable? I can adjust it."

Evelyn exhaled slowly, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

She could feel him hovering, even without looking.