Chapter 342

Evelyn hesitated.

She didn't want to upset Dominic by mentioning her encounter with Genevieve, but keeping it secret felt wrong.

Her current happiness was hard-won. The fear of losing it gnawed at her.

Compared to the other women vying for Dominic's attention, she felt painfully ordinary.

They came from powerful families with influence and prestige.

"Dominic," she whispered against his ear, her breath warm but tinged with melancholy. "I'll become a world-class designer. Then I'll deserve to stand beside you. The gossip won't matter then."

His steps never faltered as he carried her through the snow.

"I believe in you," he said, his voice steady. "Greatness takes time. My Evelyn will reach heights even I can't imagine."

His words settled deep in her heart, a promise she'd cherish forever.

Snowflakes danced around them like tiny spirits.

Plum blossoms defied the cold, their vibrant petals a stark contrast to the white landscape.

"Mrs. Prescott came to see me earlier."

Evelyn's white coat blended with the snow. "She told me to leave you. Said we're mismatched...that her daughter is better suited for you."

She'd decided honesty was best. Secrets had no place between them.

Dominic's smile vanished. His expression turned icy. "She said that to you?"

His tone was colder than the winter wind.

Evelyn, still on his back, missed his darkening gaze. "She said our families would never approve. Even my rivals' parents are confronting me now..."

Her light laugh couldn't mask the ache in her chest.

Dominic turned his head. His dark eyes burned with determination.

"Let me handle this."

Her cold fingers brushed through his hair. "Ignore them. Business and politics never mix well."

He adjusted his grip on her. "You're my priority. I'll protect you."

Tears pricked her eyes. "Dominic..."

"Yes, darling?"

"Dominic..."

"Always here."

She called his name repeatedly, each reply dissolving her fears.

She warmed his reddened ears with her hands. "Put me down. You must be exhausted."

Looking back, she saw only one set of footprints—deeper than usual from carrying her weight.

Those marks reminded her of their journey. No clear beginning or end, but every step together visible.

She believed their love could transform even the bleakest landscape.

At her insistence, Dominic set her down beneath a blooming plum tree.

Snow dusted their shoulders as petals rained around them.

He was breathtakingly handsome; she, ethereally beautiful.

Dominic studied Evelyn—silent yet radiant as moonlight on snow. He'd defy the world for her.

From his coat, he produced an exquisite jade pendant shaped like a petal, its edges softened with age.

He pressed it into her palm.

Her eyes widened at the priceless heirloom.

Before she could protest, his hand closed over hers.

"This was my grandmother's," he said. "She told me to give it to the woman I truly love."

He spoke of his grandmother for the first time—a kind soul trapped in a miserable marriage.

Evelyn listened as he recounted the woman who'd shown him rare childhood warmth before illness took her.

Her heart ached for the boy he'd been.

She embraced him. "You have me and our children now. Only happiness ahead."

His arms tightened around her.

With Evelyn and their family, he needed nothing more.