Before that night, she had always believed Alexander Sterling was gay. She thought she would never have to fulfill any so-called marital duties.
How wrong she had been. She had been far too naive.
Actually, on their wedding night, when she asked him to sign the postnuptial agreement, she should have understood what he meant. Alexander had physical needs. He couldn't just chat with her and be a husband in name only.
Last night, he had done everything to make her understand that. It was uncomfortable and embarrassing. But honestly, she didn't really mind him.
Deep down, she had already accepted the fact that Alexander was her husband.
She turned over. The other side of the bed was empty. Evelyn let out a sigh of relief.
She threw off the covers and got up. She went straight into the bathroom to wash up.
After she finished, she changed her clothes and walked out of the bedroom. She had no idea how to face Alexander. Then she heard his voice first.
"You're up."
Evelyn froze, as if shocked. She turned her head abruptly and looked into the living room.
Alexander was sitting on the sofa. His eyes were fixed on her.
Evelyn immediately looked away. Her face turned bright red.
"Morning," she mumbled, embarrassed.
"You were sleeping so soundly, I didn't wake you," Alexander said, standing up and walking over. "Lily kept the porridge warm. Have breakfast first."
"Okay," Evelyn replied, her head still down. She still didn't have the courage to look him in the eye.
Alexander stopped in front of her. He looked down and asked, "Are you still sore?"
He shouldn't have asked. She wanted to run away.
"I... I'll go eat now," Evelyn stammered, instinctively trying to escape. She turned toward the stairs.
Alexander laughed softly and pulled her into his arms. He held her close and whispered in her ear, "Silly girl. We're husband and wife now. This is the most normal thing between a husband and wife. Don't be embarrassed."
Evelyn wanted to say, Your skin is as thick as a city wall. Mine isn't! But she didn't have the courage to argue with him. She just nodded stiffly.
Even now, held in his arms, she could feel the heat radiating from his body. She could feel his heart pounding. She was even more embarrassed. She didn't know where to look.
Alexander loosened his grip and took her hand. He led her downstairs.
"Have you eaten yet?" Evelyn finally found the courage to ask, standing by the dining table.
"Yes. This is all for you. Take your time," Alexander replied. He let go of her hand and left the dining room.
Evelyn was alone. She finally relaxed a little. If Alexander had sat there watching her eat, she wouldn't have been able to swallow a single bite.
She ladled herself a bowl of porridge. She picked up her chopsticks and quietly ate her breakfast.
After going to the main house to greet Mrs. Sterling and Rose, Evelyn and Alexander returned to Sterling Manor.
The whole way, Evelyn walked with her head down. Alexander stopped. Evelyn didn't notice. She bumped right into his back.
She stepped back. Alexander turned around and reached for her.
"Sorry," she apologized.
"I wonder when you'll break that habit of walking with your head down," Alexander said, a little helplessly.
"If there's something delicious in front of me, I won't look down," Evelyn said with a smile.
The next second, she saw Alexander's expression and quickly added, "That is..."
"The weather isn't so great today," Alexander interrupted, clearly not letting her change the subject.
Evelyn pouted. She lowered her head and said nothing.
"Thinking about something delicious again?" Alexander took her hand and walked toward Sterling Manor.
"No. I just ate," Evelyn shook her head. She was just giving an example.
"Mom said you're too thin. You need to eat more."
"No, I'm not. I have meat on me," Evelyn countered instinctively.
"You do have meat," Alexander said, looking her up and down slowly.
Evelyn's face turned red. Her mind wandered to other places.
Alexander laughed.
"Stop making fun of me," Evelyn protested.
"I'm just telling the truth. Come on. What do you want to eat? We'll go back and tell Lily."
"No," Evelyn said.
"Or do you want to eat me?" Alexander was in a good mood, teasing her as they walked.
Evelyn froze for a second. Then she understood what he meant. Her face turned red all the way to her neck. "Pervert!" she muttered.
"Evelyn, is that your catchphrase?" Alexander looked down at her.
"What catchphrase?"
"'Pervert,'" Alexander said with a smile.
Evelyn was silent for a long time.
"Can you change it?" Alexander asked, discussing it with her.
"Change what?"
"Husband."
Evelyn's mind went blank.
After they returned to Sterling Manor, Evelyn curled up on the sofa reading. Alexander was looking over some documents. They didn't disturb each other. It was peaceful.
Alexander asked Lily to prepare some tea and fruit. Evelyn could eat and read at the same time.
The sky had been cloudy earlier. Now it started to rain.
Evelyn got up and walked to the window. She opened it. The sound of rain filled the room. It was soothing.
Raindrops fell on the lotus pond in front of them. They created ripples, like a string of musical notes.
"Alexander, do you see the lotus blooming?" Evelyn pointed out the window excitedly.
"Water lilies bloom in winter," Alexander put down his documents and walked over.
"Oh. I always thought they bloomed in summer," Evelyn said after a long pause. "They're beautiful."
Alexander wrapped his arms around Evelyn. She stiffened for a moment. But she didn't pull away. She let him hold her and continued to enjoy the view outside.
"See the red plum tree over there?"
"Yes," Evelyn nodded.
She thought of a poem. Plum blossoms in the corner, blooming alone in the cold. And now, there were water lilies.
"I planted it with Ethan."
"Really? It's not as old as you are," Evelyn blurted out.
"Younger than me. A few years younger than Ethan," Alexander laughed.
Evelyn felt embarrassed again.
When she first visited Sterling Manor, she had loved this window seat the most. Looking at the view now, she was sure of it.
"Alexander, I heard Sterling Manor was originally supposed to be built on the empty lot next to Rose Garden Villa. You insisted on building it here. Why?" Evelyn asked curiously.
She had always been curious about this. But back then, she wasn't close enough to Alexander to ask.
"Don't you think the view is better here?" Alexander replied with a smile.
"No. At Rose Garden Villa, you can open a window and enjoy the garden's beauty directly," Evelyn countered.
"Where do you like it?" Alexander turned his head and looked at her.
"No, I'm just curious. This place is great too. I love the view from this spot the most," Evelyn pointed to the window and smiled.
Alexander stared at her. He said nothing.
Once, a girl had stood in this very spot. She had told him she loved the view and the scenery from this position the most.