Chapter 163

"Who's there?" Evelyn's pulse spiked as she jolted from her daydream. Heat flooded her cheeks at being caught mid-fantasy.

She swung the bathroom door open to find Dominic waiting outside.

Evelyn stepped back hastily. "I'll let you use it first."

Dominic strode past her without meeting her eyes. "Steam my dress shirt and pick out trousers. Thanks." His deep voice carried an unfamiliar politeness.

"Got it." She nodded, shutting the door behind him. His sudden courtesy felt unnatural.

The crisp white shirt hung in the living room. Evelyn located the steamer, studied its functions, and began pressing the fabric with practiced ease.

Next came selecting trousers from his walk-in closet - a space larger than her entire apartment. Rows upon rows of perfectly pressed slacks lined the custom shelving.

She chose light gray ones to complement the white shirt. Dominic had that runway model physique - broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, legs that made even basic trousers look designer.

The twins still slept soundly.

By the time Dominic emerged from his shower, Evelyn had breakfast prepped. "Food's ready," she announced awkwardly. The domestic phrase felt foreign when directed at him.

Dominic scooped up Isabella, his expression unreadable. "Start without me. Need to fasten my belt."

"Ask Mommy to do it..." Isabella's whisper cut through the quiet apartment.

Alexander piped up, "Teacher said mommies help daddies with ties and belts!" He scampered to the closet, returning with a leather belt thrust toward Evelyn.

Her fingers burned where they touched the supple leather. Under the twins' expectant gazes, she approached Dominic, keeping her eyes lowered like a dutiful wife.

She threaded the belt through each loop with trembling hands, hyperaware of his proximity.

"Problem?" Dominic's low voice rumbled above her. She could feel his gaze tracing the flush creeping up her neck.

Being this close to him while the children watched sent unfamiliar heat pooling in her stomach. The domestic charade was becoming dangerously real.