Chapter 419

Evelyn Roland had intended to tease him, but when she caught the fleeting hurt in his eyes, it felt like a needle pricking her heart.

An unexpected ache welled up inside her.

Her fingers tightened around the bedsheet instinctively.

"I agree."

"Hmm?"

"Never mind."

Evelyn arched a brow, deliberately drawing out her words. "What a shame."

"You just said yes!"

Sebastian Valdemar's eyes lit up instantly, his entire being melting into tenderness.

"Say it again, Evelyn."

His voice was so soft it could drip honey, as if coaxing his most precious treasure.

"I said, yes."

When she turned her head, she met his intense gaze.

His deep pupils reflected her current state with perfect clarity—dark hair splayed across white pillows, lips slightly swollen, bare shoulders glowing like pearls in the morning light.

Sebastian's Adam's apple bobbed.

He suddenly leaned down, pressing a trail of featherlight kisses along her swan-like neck.

"Time to get up?"

"Mhm."

As she sat up, the sheets slipped away, and Evelyn gasped at the sudden chill, scrambling back under the covers.

She wasn't usually prudish, but after last night's relentless vigor, she had to consider the state of her waist.

A low chuckle brushed her ear.

"Mr. Valdemar, don't make me take it back."

Her attempt at sternness was utterly endearing. Sebastian knew it was an act, yet his chest still tightened.

His smile vanished instantly.

"I'll have clothes sent over."

He grabbed his discarded shirt from the floor and disappeared into the bathroom.

Through the frosted glass, Evelyn glimpsed his blurred silhouette before checking her phone—nearly noon.

Her gaze fell on the shredded fabric littering the floor, and she sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead.

That had been her favorite dress.

Premium silk, reduced to rags by his bare hands.

After fresh clothes arrived, they freshened up quickly.

"I'll take you home."

The moment they stepped out of the suite, Sebastian seized her hand.

When their fingers intertwined, he leaned down, his warm breath tickling her ear.

"No need."

Evelyn clung to her last shred of rationality, stopping in the parking lot.

"Let's keep this between us for now."

"A secret relationship?" Sebastian arched a brow.