Let Me Help You With That

Alexander watched the gentle warmth in Evelyn's smile, and something unfamiliar stirred deep within him.

A flicker of anxiety, strange and unwelcome, pricked at his consciousness.

He was a man unmoved by the world, indifferent to its chaos and its charms.

His life had always been a placid lake, its surface undisturbed for as long as he could remember.

But Evelyn was different. She was a sudden, brilliant ray of light piercing the monochrome stillness of his world.

"Of course," he replied, his voice softer than its usual icy tone. He consciously stilled the strange flutter in his chest as he spoke.

Evelyn's smile deepened. She handed him the necklace box with graceful ease before turning and lowering herself to kneel before him. Since she entered, he had been looking up at her from his wheelchair.

Now, they were at eye level. He could see the delicate whorl of hair at the crown of her head. Her glossy hair cascaded in a smooth waterfall down her back.

His breath hitched silently. His gaze traced the line of her spine, visible through the veil of her hair, before he forced himself to place the box on the desk with a quiet, precise sound.

The soft click made Evelyn's eyelashes flutter almost imperceptibly, a silent acknowledgment of the tension humming between them.

Then, the dazzling gemstone necklace was before her.

The radiant jewel rested elegantly against her collarbone. It sparkled, capturing the light in its depths.

Alexander's large, capable hands cradled the ends of the necklace. His movements were sure as he fastened the clasp behind her neck.

Even through the barrier of her hair, Evelyn felt the comforting warmth of his palms against her skin.

As the clasp clicked shut, the weight of the necklace settled around her neck. It felt like a gentle caress.

Instinctively, she tilted her head forward slightly. A faint itch tickled her skin—was it the new jewelry, or his overwhelming proximity?

With the necklace secured, Evelyn assumed it was over and began to rise.

But before she could move, she felt a gentle, deliberate touch gathering her hair.

Alexander leaned closer. His cool, commanding presence enveloped her, an unspoken promise of protection.

Her heart skipped a beat. It wasn't until he carefully lifted her hair from under the necklace and draped it over her shoulders that she was jolted back to reality. Flustered, she quickly reached up to adjust her hair, her movements betraying her confusion.

"Thank you," she murmured, her breath catching as she tried to stand.

In that moment, her legs failed her. They had gone numb from kneeling. She wobbled precariously, on the verge of falling.

His reflexes were lightning fast. His arms shot out, catching her just in time. He pulled her securely into the safety of his embrace.

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she found herself pressed against him. Her knee bumped awkwardly against the wheelchair. Thankfully, Alexander's chair was specially designed, its seat well-cushioned. Otherwise, the impact would have surely bruised her.

That minor concern vanished instantly. Her entire focus was consumed by the man holding her.

Up close, she could see a subtle blush staining the skin behind Alexander's ears. It was a stark contrast to his usual composure. His hold on her was firm yet protective, surprisingly gentle in its strength.

She was trapped in his gaze, clear and penetrating. A wave of warmth rushed over her. Despite the turmoil she sensed within him, his exterior remained calm.

His own heartbeat thundered in his ears, loud enough to drown out all thought.

With effort, he tore his gaze from hers. It drifted downward to the necklace now lying against the swell of her breasts.

It adorned her perfectly, as if it had been crafted for her alone.

The necklace, opulent and meant for grand occasions, seemed to find its true purpose against Evelyn's simple attire.

It complemented her radiant face and the unguarded purity in her eyes. It enhanced her natural beauty in a way that felt fated.

Indeed, no one else could embody the spirit of that necklace quite like Evelyn.