Evelyn shuddered slightly.

An undeniable irritation colored her voice as she elbowed Alexander. "Alright, let me go. I absolutely must leave now."

She paused for a moment, then decided to add a serious threat. "If you don't stop right now, I will seriously consider moving to the guest room."

This man was becoming more and more inseparable.

Just as expected, the moment she finished speaking, Alexander froze completely.

Even without looking at his face, Evelyn could vividly sense the wave of grievance emanating from him.

"Honey, that's too cruel. We've only been married a few months, and you're already talking about separate rooms? That's really harsh."

Evelyn couldn't suppress the smile that broke on her lips.

She turned around and gently cupped Alexander's face in her hands.

Seeing his utterly pitiful expression, she chuckled softly.

She leaned down and placed a soft, brief kiss on his lips.

"Enough of that. Alexander, you've truly mastered the art of playing the victim. I honestly don't know where you learned it."

Alexander watched her rosy lips, his thoughts drifting. "Nonsense. I'm being completely genuine. There's no performance here."

It finally clicked for Alexander that Evelyn truly had to go.

He knew how dedicated she was to her work. He would never obstruct her career.

"I'll drive you," Alexander offered immediately.

Evelyn shook her head quickly. "No, your injury isn't completely healed. You need to stay home and rest properly." Alexander pressed his lips together, acquiescing. "Fine. Then I'll at least walk you to the door."

A radiant smile instantly lit up Evelyn's face. "Deal."

Alexander dressed swiftly.

With a thoughtful demeanor, he escorted Evelyn to the entrance of Serenity Oaks.

He lingered just long enough to watch her get into the car.

Just as he turned to go back inside, a loud, familiar voice called out from behind him. "Alexander! Hey, Alexander!"

Hearing that boisterous, unmistakable voice, Alexander didn't need to turn to know it was Sebastian.

Among all his friends, Sebastian was the only one incapable of staying quiet for more than five minutes.

Alexander continued walking inside, his tone calm as he responded, "What brings you here so early in the morning?"

Sebastian caught up to him, a wide grin on his face. "I heard Eleanor is back! I figured I'd come by early to see her!"

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so concerned about my grandmother? She's my family, not yours."

A flicker of surprise crossed Sebastian's face before he shrugged, his tone turning playful. "You're in a feisty mood today, huh? Teasing me like this."

He walked further into the house as he spoke. "I heard Eleanor returned last night. I didn't want to disturb you guys so late, so I thought I'd wait until this morning to visit."

Sebastian nudged Alexander, his excitement palpable. "Come on, let's go see her. I've been dying to. It's been years! She was always so good to me. I miss her terribly!"

Alexander could see Sebastian's genuine affection for Eleanor. Before she left for overseas treatment, Sebastian visited often, and they had formed a close bond.

"She had dinner with us last night and then left," Alexander explained. "She said she preferred to stay at Crestwood Manor. We didn't stop her."