Axel’s expression shifted back into something more serious.
He shook his head slowly.
"Not yet." His tone was calm, but thoughtful. "But after talking to you about it..." His eyes narrowed slightly. "I have a few clues."
Evelyn’s brows furrowed.
He continued, "But it’s not enough to conclude. I will need to investigate further."
Her expression stiffened faintly as she realized... Years had passed. Evidence faded. Memories blurred.
And yet Axel spoke with that familiar certainty, like a guy who’s pretty sure he’ll get what he wants eventually.
Still, uncertainty crept into her gaze. She still feels worried; Axel won’t be able to reveal the truth.
Axel noticed immediately. "Please smile for me, huh?"
He leaned closer, his forehead gently touching hers. The gesture was enough to warm her.
"I feel weak when you give me that expression, Eve," he murmured.
Evelyn’s breath stilled.
"I’m afraid you no longer love me."
Her heart tightened.
"I’m afraid you’re disappointed in me."
Her fingers curled.
"I’m afraid—"
He never finished. Because Evelyn’s lips sealed his.
The kiss this time was deeper, more urgent, burning with fierce intensity. There was nothing hesitant about it. Nothing uncertain. It was passion. Reassurance.
A declaration spoken through heat and closeness.
When she finally pulled away, Evelyn was breathless, chest rising and falling rapidly.
But her smile was looking warm, radiant, and unmistakably certain. "I trust you," she said firmly.
The words landed with quiet power. Axel’s gaze softened. "Thank you, my wife—"
Something inside Evelyn loosened. The knot that had quietly lingered in her chest slowly dissipated as she saw the confidence in his eyes. This sincerity didn’t need exaggeration.
She smiled faintly before speaking again, her tone calm, steady, yet carrying unmistakable weight. "But, Axel... how will you handle that woman?"
Axel’s jaw flexed almost imperceptibly. "You don’t have to worry about her. She won’t cause me any trouble."
"Well, for me, I won’t worry... as long as that woman doesn’t do anything to you," she replied evenly, "such as pretending to be a victim or attempting to ruin your reputation..."
Evelyn’s gaze sharpened as she continued, "I will ignore her." A flash of anger ignited in her eyes. Sharp. Fierce. Unapologetic.
It surprised Axel slightly. But delighted him far more.
"What do you want to do if she does that?" he asked playfully, amusement dancing beneath his curiosity.
Evelyn’s chin lifted. Her voice was calm. Deadly calm. "Of course," she said smoothly, "I will teach her a lesson about not messing with me..." Her gaze hardened. "With my husband."
Axel’s lips curved slowly. Satisfied and proud.
There was something undeniably thrilling about seeing Evelyn like this. She appears neither fragile nor uncertain, but fiercely protective, radiating quiet strength beneath her elegance.
His wife was no delicate ornament. She was fire wrapped in silk.
"Thank you, my pretty wife..." Axel pulled her into his arms, holding her firmly, securely.
His voice dropped into a warm whisper against her ear. "I feel like I’m the luckiest man on earth now."
Evelyn’s breath softened.
"Having such a beautiful, fierce, and understanding wife like you..." His arms tightened slightly. "Evelyn Knight."
Evelyn pushed him away slightly, just enough to face him properly again.
The warmth from their earlier moment faded, replaced by the calm seriousness Axel knew very well.
"Stop using your flowery lines," she said firmly, though her tone was not harsh. "You need to handle this matter quickly before that woman finds another way to tarnish your reputation."

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