Chapter 16

Evelyn knew Nathan adored her. But she also knew her feelings didn't match the intensity of his.

That's why he'd orchestrated this elaborate proposal. The moment he decided to pop the question at noon, he'd summoned his entire family - grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. Over a dozen relatives now filled the Kensington home.

When Evelyn followed Olivia upstairs, she froze the instant the door swung open.

Olivia mirrored her shock, gaping at the crowd like they were apparitions.

"You're finally here!" Nathan's paternal aunt spotted Evelyn first. Recognizing the girl from photos, she clutched her mother's arm excitedly. "That's Nathan's girlfriend, Evelyn Sinclair! Standing right there! Oh, what a vision. Come see, Mother!"

Evelyn stood speechless.

"Come inside." Nathan's tender voice broke through as he gently pulled her forward.

Forcing a polite smile, Evelyn greeted each relative. Nathan's grandmother refused to release her hand, patting it affectionately with every word.

An uneasy premonition settled in Evelyn's stomach.

Her eyes found Nathan smoking on the balcony, hands shoved in pockets. The tension in his shoulders betrayed his inner turmoil.

Dinner surpassed even New Year's feasts.

"This is incredible," Olivia whispered between bites.

Nathan's grandparents and parents occupied the head table with the couple. Others filled surrounding tables with light chatter throughout the meal.

As Evelyn set down her fork, Nathan locked eyes with her. "Come with me."

They retreated to his childhood bedroom.

"What's wrong?" Evelyn's voice carried the gentle warmth of mid-morning sunlight.

Nathan's gaze burned with determination and tenderness. Taking her hand, his voice trembled slightly. "I owe you an apology for this morning."

"It's forgotten," she assured him.

"Thank you for understanding my fears." He pulled her close, whispering against her hair, "You can't imagine how terrified I am of losing you."

Evelyn stayed silent.

"I've loved you since you first stepped into our home," he confessed. "A high school freshman - I felt criminal for those feelings. I tried dating others, but only found irritation. Then I realized - I just had to wait for you to grow up."

His arms tightened. "When you confessed your past...it shattered me."

Evelyn stiffened. So it did bother him.

"Not because you were 'tainted,'" he rushed to clarify. "Because I failed you. I should've been there from the start. Should've protected you."

His voice broke. "No man will ever love you longer or more fiercely than I do."

Evelyn's heart melted.

This was the unconditional love she'd prayed for. That powerful man from her past had wanted her to move on too. She remembered his butler's words: "I hope you live well."

She'd wondered then - could someone like her ever deserve happiness?

But happiness didn't require wealth or status. Just someone who cherished her. Someone like Nathan.

Pulling back, she met his gaze. "Stop doubting yourself. You make me feel guilty. I'm not remarkable enough to attract attention."

Nathan remembered the imported flowers.

"Even if someone noticed me," Evelyn vowed, "I'd never reciprocate."

Reassured, Nathan led her back to the living room. When she moved toward the sofa, he held her firmly in the center.

Confused, Evelyn looked up just as he produced a velvet ring box before their assembled family.

Olivia gasped. "He's proposing!"

Nathan dropped to one knee. "Marry me, Evelyn Sinclair. Become part of my family. Be my beloved wife."

Evelyn stood stunned. Marriage had always felt distant.

"Say yes, dear!" Nathan's mother urged.

Olivia nudged her.

She'd known this was inevitable since agreeing to date Nathan.

...

By 9 PM, Evelyn finally escaped the family's enthusiasm. Nathan drove her home.

"I'll walk from here," she said upon arrival. She needed solitude after the emotional whirlwind.

"Sleep well." Nathan respected her space.

Watching his Audi disappear, Evelyn turned toward her building. The well-lit path held scattered evening walkers.

As she fumbled for her keys, a child's voice called: "Lady!"

She turned toward the shadows behind a streetlamp.

Two figures stood solemnly - one tall, one small.

Dominic Blackwood's chiseled features hid in darkness, his stormy gaze promising tempers barely leashed.

Beside him, Alexander bit his lip, all arrogance from their hotel encounter gone.

Evelyn's breath caught. "Why...are you here?"