Alexander lowered his hand, his face a mask of calm. His voice was even. "I didn't see you downstairs. I thought perhaps you'd left, so I came to investigate."

Evelyn let out a soft laugh, the tension in her chest loosening its grip. "Left? Why would I leave? I've only just woken up."

She paused, a shadow of worry flickering in her eyes as she studied him. "Speaking of which, when did you arrive? Did you... hear anything just now?"

Her teeth pressed lightly into her lower lip. The memory of her heated exchange with Julian was still vivid.

She desperately hoped Alexander hadn't witnessed that part of her.

Alexander remained composed, his gaze steady. "Hear what?"

A glimmer of relief crossed Evelyn's features, and she quickly forced a light laugh. "Oh, it's nothing. Just my phone alarm. It's been malfunctioning today—didn't ring when it should have."

As if on command, her phone alarm blared loudly.

Flustered, she scrambled to silence it. "See? There it goes. Strange, isn't it? It's late today for some reason."

Alexander watched her, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips, but he said nothing.

His silent observation made her squirm internally. She bit her lip again, her mind racing for a distraction.

After a moment of quiet, Alexander spoke gently. "You should go get ready first. Breakfast will be waiting when you come down."

Evelyn nodded eagerly, grateful for the shift. "Alright."

After freshening up, Evelyn descended to the dining room and took the seat beside Alexander.

Breakfast was steak.

She offered him a quick smile before picking up her cutlery, meticulously slicing the steak into small portions.

She wasn't particularly hungry—being jolted awake by Julian's call had already ruined her appetite.

Ugh, Julian. She sincerely hoped she was done with him for good.

Alexander glanced up, noticing how Evelyn seemed lost in thought, still cutting the same piece of meat.

His eyes shifted. "Is it not to your taste?"

"Huh?" Evelyn snapped back to the present, responding hastily. "No, it's fine."

Alexander's gaze dropped to her plate—the steak remained untouched. "You haven't eaten any yet."

Evelyn, caught, hurriedly began cutting again. "No, no, I was just—"

In her haste, her hand slipped, and the knife screeched against the plate.

Startled, she muttered an apology. "Sorry."

Before she could react further, Alexander reached over and took the plate from her. "Allow me."

Evelyn froze, her eyes wide as Alexander calmly and precisely cut the steak into perfect, bite-sized pieces.

His movements were unhurried, each slice deliberate and controlled.

His long, elegant fingers handled the knife and fork with an innate grace, the motion fluid and practiced.

There was something mesmerizing about it—how even the simplest action seemed to radiate charm when he performed it.

Soon, Alexander slid the neatly arranged plate back in front of her.

"Thank you," Evelyn murmured, her cheeks warming as she looked at the perfectly cut meat. She took a bite, trying to sound nonchalant. "You know, I'm perfectly capable of cutting my own food..."

Just as Evelyn was wrestling with her embarrassment, Alexander spoke again, his tone casual yet laden with meaning.

"That's quite alright. As your husband, it's my privilege. After all, since our marriage, I've endeavored to be nothing but kind, considerate, and entirely... obedient."

Evelyn choked, a deep blush flooding her cheeks.

Her eyes flew to Alexander's face, catching the unmistakable, mischievous smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He had heard everything. He'd heard it all.