Chapter 24
The silence stretched so long that I wondered if Julian had muted the call.
Just as I was about to hang up, his voice returned. “Evelyn, ‘s a misunderstanding. Today was Chloe’s birthday. I only had dinner with her to celebrate and gave her a gift I promised her a long time ago. I really…!
1 smiled faintly.
I was sure my voice carried a light, almost casual tone who I replied, “Mr. Moore, thank you for making it abundantly clear that in this marriage, I’ve been nothing more than a complete fool. That excuse of yours sounds like you’ve perfected it by now, haven’t you?
“It’s all a misunderstanding. It’s nothing. You’re overthinking. Don’t make a scene. Don’t act crazy. Ha… ha….”
My voice dropped to a softer, colder tone. “Mr. Moore, I sincerely wish you and Miss Clarke a wonderful dinner tonight. And I hope you’ll be there to celebrate her birthday every year from now on.”
I ended the call and promptly blocked his number, feeling the peace settle over me once more.
Picking up the glass of water by my bedside, I took a long sip.
Exhaustion swept over me. If Julian weren’t in my life, I might not feel this worn down.
A soft knock came at the door, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Come in,” I called.
The door opened, revealing Miles, just back from work. He stood there in a perfectly tailored suit, exuding an effortless sophistication.
Today, he had changed into a black silk suit that accentuated his tall, lean frame. A pair of gold–rimmed glasses rested on his high nose bridge, and his tie–deep blue with subtle stripes–added a touch of understated elegance to his already regal demeanor.
hair was slicked back, revealing a smooth, high forehead, which emphasized his impeccable bone structure and straight nose. The glasses gave him a scholarly air that softened the sharpness of his features.
At that moment, the man before me looked like a figure carved by the gods themselves.
I stood there, utterly stunned.
I take back what I said before. When Miles was at his most dazzling, Julian didn’t even come close.
What I had mistaken for humility and down–to–earth charm was simply him holding back his brilliance.
Now, with his full presence on display, Miles‘ commanding aura was utterly captivating, leaving me breathless.
Catching my stare, he smiled faintly and offered an explanation. “Sorry, I was entertaining some international clients today. That’s why I got back so late.”
I quickly averted my gaze, feeling awkward, and muttered, Miles, don’t you need to attend the business dinner?”
He sat casually on the sofa near my bed, shaking his head. “No need. I’m not much of a drinker, so I left it to the public relations team to handle the socializing.”
Fidgeting with my phone, I felt a little guilty. “I… Oh, right. I’m fine now. The doctor said I can rest at home.”
Miles studied my face with a faint smile and nodded. “I know. Joseph called me at four–thirty to update me.”
© +25 BONUS
He scrolled through his phone, seemingly reviewing something
“Joseph said the swelling in your brain has improved, but you’ll still need IV drips for the next two days. Your arm’s been treated, and the Injury to your lower back is just a soft tissue bruise.
“Your other scrapes have also been cleaned and redressed. That’s about it nothing major.”
Curious, I leaned closer and saw that Joseph had sent him try medical report along with the MRI scans.
I was moved. “Miles, even while hosting Important clients, you still took time to check on my health.”
He adjusted his glasses with a soft smile. “Of course, I wanted to take you for the tests myself, but something urgent came up, and I couldn’t get away.”
Under the intensity of his deep gaze, I grew flustered and turned my head.
“Miles, you don’t have to worry about me so much. I’m fine, really.”
Without warning, Miles leaned in closer.
Startled, I instinctively leaned back, only to realize he was merely standing up to check my IV.
A wave of embarrassment washed over me. My overreaction was clearly unwarranted. My brain really must be malfunctioning–he hadn’t done anything remotely inappropriate.
In his usual calm tone, he said, “Don’t say that again. It’s my responsibility to look after you.”
Seeing my puzzled expression, he added with a faint smile, “You’re Nicholas‘ sister. If I don’t take good care of you, he’ll hold it against me.”
So that was it–he was doing all this for my
brother.
