A Long-Awaited Meeting

"Yes, Mrs. Blackwood," the servant replied, promptly removing the lavish breakfast tray from the room.

Evelyn retreated quietly into her bedroom.

She needed a moment alone to process everything.

The memory of that deep, tender kiss flooded back, heating her cheeks.

Her heart hammered violently against her chest once more.

She felt utterly confused about her current relationship with Alexander.

They were legally married, yet they were practically strangers.

Had she been too impulsive, kissing him like that?

Would he perceive her as being too forward?

A knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.

They were husband and wife.

Holding hands or sharing a kiss shouldn't be this complicated.

It was a normal part of marriage... wasn't it?

Her mind drifted back to their wedding night.

She had helped him with his shirt buttons.

She hadn't bathed him, but she had seen his well-defined, muscular torso.

That image suddenly flashed in her mind with startling clarity.

His broad shoulders and the sharp taper of his waist.

Maintaining such a physique must require immense dedication for someone who couldn't walk.

Her face burned even hotter.

She bit her lip, screaming internally.

Overwhelmed, she pulled the blanket over her head, burying her face.

She lay there for a long time, waiting for her pulse to steady.

Finally, her breathing returned to normal.

Suddenly, her phone rang, shattering the silence.

Startled, she grabbed it and looked at the screen.

It was a call from Charlotte Sinclair, her best friend.

Charlotte had been her closest confidante since their days at the orphanage.

Their personalities were vastly different; Charlotte was fiercely independent and a natural leader.

Despite this, their bond was unbreakable.

As a child, Evelyn was often bullied by the older kids.

That stopped the day Charlotte took her under her wing.

Nobody dared to touch her after that.

As adults, they chose different paths.

Charlotte built a successful company from nothing.

Her schedule was perpetually packed.

They rarely had time to meet, but their friendship never dimmed.

Seeing Charlotte's name on her phone sent a thrill of excitement through Evelyn.

She answered immediately. "Charlotte!"

There was a distinct hum of background noise on the other end.

It sounded like an airport.

"Evelyn, are you free? My flight just landed. Let's meet," Charlotte said.

"Absolutely!" Evelyn responded without a second's hesitation.

This was a rare opportunity.

She wouldn't miss it for anything.

It had been far too long since they last saw each other.

They quickly agreed on a café and set a meeting time for thirty minutes later.

Evelyn got ready swiftly and arrived at the café ahead of time.

She ordered their usual coffees and settled in to wait.

"Evelyn!"

Hearing her name, she looked up.

Charlotte was walking towards her, confidence radiating with every step in her sleek high heels.

She wore a stylish, minimalist trench coat.

Her makeup was flawless, and her hair fell in perfect, voluminous waves that matched her bold personality.

Evelyn smiled and gestured to the seat opposite her. "Charlotte, over here! I got your usual – black, no milk, right?"

Charlotte chuckled, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "I knew you'd remember. You're always so thoughtful."

She took a slow sip of her coffee.

Then her expression shifted instantly.

Her eyes locked onto Evelyn with sharp intensity. "I heard you got married. What's going on?"

Evelyn froze, completely caught off guard. "How did you find out?"

So much had happened recently.

With Charlotte constantly traveling, Evelyn hadn't found the right time to tell her.

She hadn't wanted to bother her with it.