Why Did You Kiss Me?

Julian Blackwood watched Evelyn get into the car with Alexander.

He felt a cold shock settle in his chest.

How could she choose a man in a wheelchair over him?

How could she throw away their five years together for a stranger?

The betrayal cut deeper the more he thought about it. His face darkened with a mixture of fury and pain.

He had taken her for granted. Now, he was losing her.

A sharp, unfamiliar fear gripped him. The fear of a future without Evelyn.

She was really leaving. Her choice was made.

He had never understood her value until this moment.

For five years, she had been there, always responsive, never demanding.

Now, she was smiling at another man.

Julian’s hands clenched into white-knuckled fists.

That Alexander Blackwood. He wouldn’t let a cripple take what was his.

He would get her back. He would find a way.

Inside the luxury sedan, Evelyn let out a slow breath.

She turned to Alexander with a grateful smile. "Thank you for coming so quickly. I didn't know what else to do."

He didn't answer.

She leaned closer, studying his profile. "Alexander? Is everything alright?"

He seemed lost in thought.

Her voice pulled him back. His brow was furrowed, his usual composure replaced by a troubled intensity.

He turned his head, his gaze sharp and direct. His voice was soft but deliberate. "Evelyn. Why did you kiss me?"

A flush crept up her neck. She looked away, flustered. "Julian... he wouldn't accept that we're married. I needed to convince him. It was the first thing I thought of."

She glanced back, her expression apologetic. "Please don't be upset. It won't happen again."

She fell silent, worried she had overstepped.

She had acted on impulse, without his consent.

If he valued his personal space, he would be angry.

She was grateful for his help. She didn't want to ruin the fragile understanding growing between them.

Alexander observed her calmly. "Why would I be upset? You are my wife. Your actions were perfectly logical. There is nothing to apologize for."

His words were reasonable, yet they surprised her. She stared at him, unsure how to respond.

They were married, yes. But they were still practically strangers.

Was he truly that accepting? Could he really be so comfortable with such intimacy from someone he barely knew?

Evelyn wasn't entirely opposed to the idea. Alexander was handsome, dignified, and she knew he had no prior romantic experience.

A small, secret part of her felt she had taken advantage of him.

She would never admit that aloud.

Noticing her silence, Alexander spoke again, his tone even. "You said you wanted to prove our marriage is real. A kiss on the cheek, however, may not be sufficient evidence for a man like your ex."

Evelyn looked at him, intrigued. "What would be sufficient? If he bothers me again, will you... continue the performance?"

Before she could say more, Alexander moved.

He closed the distance between them in the spacious back seat. His presence was suddenly overwhelming, filling the space and rooting her to the spot.