The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover (Evelyn) novel Chapter 61

<

61 The Outside World Was Not So Kind

61 The Outside World Was Not So Kind

“A ring…” Evelyn whispered, her voice barely audible. 1

Axel’s expression remained calm, but there was a softness in his eyes, something warm and unguarded, as he sank back into his seat

across from her.

Her lips trembled before she found the courage to ask, “Axel, why are you giving me this ring?”

Her voice came out smaller than intended, the question almost childish. Still, she needed to hear the answer, needed to know what this

meant.

“That is your wedding and engagement ring,” he explained, his tone quiet but steady. “They’re designed to be worn together, but you can

wear both or just one, however you like. Whatever feels right for you.”

Her chest tightened. He wasn’t just handing her jewelry. He was giving her a wedding ring and an engagement ring!

Why? She recalled Axel saying such things weren’t important. But in truth, he didn’t just give her a beautiful wedding dress; he also gave

her a ring.

As Evelyn was drawn in her mind, Axel studied her face carefully, almost nervously, though he’d never admit it.

Relief flickered in his eyes when he caught the way her eyes sparkled as she stared at the diamond.

“Do you like it?” He calmly asked.

She looked up to meet his gaze, blinking fast. “Y–Yes. This is… It’s beautiful.”

His jaw tightened, a hint of irritation seeping into his voice, though it wasn’t directed at her.

“I should have given it to you on our wedding day. But they were too slow in delivering it, so I flew there to get it myself.” He exhaled sharply, as if still angry at the jewelers for daring to make him wait. Then his tone softened. “I’m glad you like it.” 1

His words stunned her.

Evelyn had always told herself this marriage was nothing more than a duty, an arrangement for Oliver’s sake. She had repeated it so

often that it had become a shield, keeping her heart safe.

But here was Axel, handing her something she had secretly dreamed of but never expected to even hold in her hand.

Her hands trembled as she brushed her fingers over the cool pink diamond, The metal was smooth, the weight real. A shiver raced up

her spine.

She wanted to laugh, to cry, to shake him, to ask if this meant more than duty. Was this a gift of love… or just another gesture of

responsibility, like the house, like the way he shielded her from the world without question?

For once in her life, Evelyn Walters, who always had a sharp comeback, who never failed to lace her words with wit or sarcasm, was

speechless. Now, she is utterly speechless. 1

Before she could untangle the mess in her chest, Axel spoke again, his voice sounded gentle.

15:11

1/4

* The Outside World Was Not So Kind

“I apologize for only giving it now. And I hope it fits your finger. If it doesn’t, I’ll have them fix it.”

Almost on instinct, she slid the ring onto her finger. Her breath feels halted when it slides perfectly into place. How did he know?

“Axel, no need. It fits perfectly. She stared at her hand, her heartbeat so loud.

Perfect! And it looks pretty” His tone was casual, but the brief flash of a smile tugged at his lips. If she hadn’t been so absorbed in staring

at the ring, she might have caught it.

Evelyn sat frozen, her thoughts whirling as she tried to make sense of it all. But then his voice broke through again, and this time, the

words nearly sent her coughing.

“About our sleeping arrangements,” Axel said, his gaze locked on her.

Her cheeks went up in flames instantly. She blinked rapidly, praying she had misheard. But the way his lips curved ever so slightly told

her she hadn’t.

“As I promised,” he continued, “I’ll respect your opinion.”

She swallowed hard. “Thank you,” she managed, though her face was heating faster than she could hide.

“But…”

Her heart sank. “There’s a but? What but?”

“I can’t wait too long for you to love me. And besides…” His lips tilted into something dangerously close to a smile. “You need to teach me

how to love you.”

Heaven above. How was she supposed to respond to that? Her brain scrambled for words, anything; sarcasm, a joke, even a scream,

nothing came. Her lips parted, but no sound escaped.

And then, mercifully, her instincts kicked in.

“Axel, I need to go to the fourth floor…” she blurted out, abruptly standing up from the sofa.

His brows furrowed.

“Why?”

To pack my clothes. And Oliver’s,” she said quickly, refusing to meet his eyes.

“No need. I’ll have someone do it for you.”

Her head turned to see him. “Please, no!”

“Why not?” His brows rose, curious.

Her cheeks flamed so hot she thought she might blush now. “How could someone else touch my… underwear?”

Silence. Thick and heavy.

but

Then she caught the look in his eyes, the slow, meaningful smile spreading across his face. A smile that made her knees weak and her

15:71

244

61 The Outside World Was Not So Kind

blood rush

Oh no….

Before he could say a single word, before he could tease her, or worse, agree to help, Evelyn grabbed the doorknob, yanked it open, and

darted out, her face as red as Oliver’s toy firetruck.

She didn’t slow down, didn’t dare look back, for fear he was following her.

While the sweetness between Axel and Evelyn blossomed within the walls of their apartment, the outside world was not so kind.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify