Chapter 106

Some dishes were placed too far away, escaping Evelyn's notice at first.

Then Nathaniel's utensils appeared before her. He scooped portions onto her plate, his movements precise.

Pausing, he said calmly, "Thank you, darling. But don’t forget to eat as well."

A mischievous glint in her eye, Evelyn deliberately served him a dish she knew he disliked.

Nathaniel glanced at his plate, then set his fork down without a word.

Victoria, observing their exchange, nodded approvingly, already planning her report to Eleanor later.

After finishing her meal, Evelyn rubbed her stomach with a sigh. "I might have overdone it."

"Mr. Whitmore," Victoria suggested, "perhaps you could accompany Mrs. Whitmore on a walk? It’s good for expectant mothers."

Evelyn hesitated. "I think I’ll pass."

Solitude sounded far more appealing than Nathaniel’s company.

Beside her, his voice remained steady. "Very well."

Forcing a smile, Evelyn added, "I can manage alone."

Nathaniel’s arm slid around her shoulders, his tone persuasive. "Walking is beneficial. Shall we?"

Reluctantly, she followed him outside. The summer evening was cool, the sky scattered with stars, casting a serene glow over their path.

Their shadows stretched and merged as they walked.

Guilt prickled at Evelyn. She had pulled Nathaniel away from his work, wasting his precious time.

To break the silence, she remarked, "You don’t have to force yourself to accompany me. It feels insincere."

Nathaniel countered, "Grandmother specifically instructed Victoria to oversee things. Whether genuine or not, we must keep up appearances."

How had Evelyn forgotten his talent for acting?

Suddenly, a large dog burst from the bushes, startling her.

Instinctively, Nathaniel pulled her close, shielding her in his arms.

Clutching his shirt, Evelyn gasped, "Oh god, a dog!"

A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he noted her unease.

Peering cautiously over his shoulder, she whispered, "Has it left?"

Nathaniel glanced back. "Not yet."

The dog wagged its tail enthusiastically, clearly fond of Evelyn.

Still pressed against him, she muttered, "What do we do now?"

Locking eyes with the dog, Nathaniel commanded, "Sit."

Immediately, it obeyed, displaying perfect discipline.

Evelyn stared in surprise. "It listened to you."

With a playful grin, he teased, "So, dogs frighten you?"

"Yes," she admitted. "At the orphanage, the director’s dog bit me once. After that, it chased me whenever it could."

"I was always on edge but never spoke up."

Sensing the conversation growing too personal, Evelyn quickly changed the subject.

Given Nathaniel’s privileged upbringing, she doubted he could truly understand her past struggles.

"Have you ever been vaccinated?" he asked suddenly.

Shaking her head, she replied, "Survival was the priority back then. Vaccines were a luxury. Thankfully, I’ve been fine without them."

After a pause, Nathaniel said, "If there haven’t been complications, you should be alright."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "I didn’t expect such reassurance from you."

He turned, his gaze intense. "Then, what kind of man do you see me as?"