My Husband Is An Average Man

The car drove off into the distance.

Evelyn stepped out from behind the corner.

Her face showed a deepening confusion.

This was strange.

Why was Alexander's car leaving from Beatrice Sterling's house?

Evelyn frowned. She was certain she hadn't mistaken the vehicle. It was definitely Alexander's car.

But before she could think more about it, she noticed a woman standing at the entrance to Serenity Oaks.

Recognizing her from photographs as Beatrice Sterling, Evelyn didn't hesitate.

She quickly walked forward just as the estate gates were beginning to close.

"Mrs. Sterling!" she called out softly.

Beatrice turned at the sound.

Her gaze fell upon Evelyn's bright, earnest eyes.

It had been a long time since Beatrice had encountered such open sincerity.

A slight smile touched Beatrice's lips. "Who might you be? I don't believe we've met. How do you know my name?"

Facing her directly, Evelyn felt the calm, composed aura Beatrice projected.

Surely, a person with such a demeanor wouldn't unnecessarily complicate matters for designers.

Feeling even more convinced there was some misunderstanding, Evelyn straightened her posture.

"Hello, Mrs. Sterling. We haven't met, but I'm a new designer at Aethelgard Industries. I wanted to speak with you personally about something."

At these words, Beatrice's faint smile vanished. Her expression cooled instantly.

She turned away. "There's nothing to discuss. Please leave."

She gestured to the butler. "And ensure we cancel all design orders with Aethelgard Industries. I'm tired of their designers."

"Understood, Mrs. Sterling," the butler replied.

Evelyn stood rooted to the spot, stunned by the sudden dismissal. She started to speak, but the butler interrupted.

"Please, you must leave now. Mrs. Sterling has no wish to see you."

Watching Beatrice walk away, Evelyn called out, her voice filled with genuine concern. "Mrs. Sterling, perhaps there's a misunderstanding? It seems you're reluctant to work with designers from Aethelgard Industries. But I assure you, my intentions are completely sincere. I hope you might reconsider and give me a chance to create a design that meets your expectations."

She paused, then added, "My name is Evelyn, by the way. Evelyn Blackwood. If you change your mind, you can find me at Aethelgard Industries."

At that, Beatrice stopped walking.

She turned back, her eyebrows lifting slightly. "What did you say your name was?"

Caught slightly off guard, Evelyn repeated, "Evelyn. My name is Evelyn Blackwood."

Beatrice turned completely around, her interest clearly piqued. A glint of amusement shone in her eyes.

"You seem like a fine young woman. Are you seeing anyone? Or are you married?"

Evelyn was startled by the sudden personal question. But she answered truthfully. "Yes, I'm married."

"Your husband must be someone notable in the city, right? Someone prominent? What's his name? Perhaps I know of him," Beatrice said, her tone light and teasing.

Evelyn blinked, thrown by the question. "My husband is... an average man. His last name is Blackwood. His first name, well..."

"What, are you hesitant to share your husband's name? Do you think he's an embarrassment?" Beatrice inquired.

Marrying A Secret Billionaire: Happily Ever After