Chapter 455

Dominic's intense gaze made Evelyn self-conscious. "What?" She touched her cheek playfully. "Do I have something on my face?"

His dark eyes softened with affection. "Nothing but perfection. You outshine any flower."

A blush crept up Evelyn's neck.

He chuckled and brushed his lips against hers in a fleeting kiss.

Evelyn's eyes darted around the crowded patisserie, noticing several families with children. The heat in her cheeks intensified. "Not here," she whispered.

Dominic gave her nose an affectionate pinch - his signature gesture. "Let's go home," he said, steering her toward the exit.

The city lights painted the night in vibrant hues as they drove toward Blackwood Manor. Tonight was the fifteenth - family dinner night. Dominic planned to announce their wedding date.

Evelyn remained oblivious, her stomach knotting as they approached the imposing estate. She always dreaded these gatherings, though Reginald had grown warmer toward her lately. Beatrice and Margaret still treated her with icy disdain, but Evelyn had learned to tune them out.

She focused on feeding Alexander and Isabella, her movements precise and gentle.

Reginald observed her discreetly, satisfaction growing. 'Excellent. Evelyn possesses both grace and kindness. Though her lineage isn't distinguished, her character and beauty more than compensate. She'll make a fine Blackwood bride.'

Midway through dinner, Dominic set down his silverware with deliberate calm. After wiping his hands, he made his declaration: "Evelyn and I will marry on May first."

The twins squealed with delight while the other adults froze.

Reginald studied his grandson before rumbling, "I won't interfere. So long as you're certain."

Beatrice dropped her fork with a clatter. "Absolutely not!" She turned her venomous glare on Evelyn. "Dating is one thing, but marriage? Never!"

She'd tolerated this arrangement only because of the pregnancy. Once the baby arrived, she'd planned to discard Evelyn and secure a proper society match for Dominic.

Margaret's lips curled as she eyed Evelyn's stomach, barely concealing her schadenfreude.

Julian raised his glass. "Congratulations, brother. I'd be honored to stand as your best man."

Beatrice shot him a murderous look he cheerfully ignored.

"Dominic," Beatrice pleaded, "May is too soon! Your wedding must be flawless - our reputation depends on it. Wait until after the birth at least."

Dominic took Evelyn's hand, his voice steel wrapped in velvet: "This isn't a request. Our wedding is May first, with or without your blessing. You're welcome to attend - or not. I'll be announcing it publicly either way."

The dining room fell silent under the weight of his declaration.

Alexander and Isabella beamed at their father with newfound awe.

Reginald exhaled heavily. Unlike his weak-willed father, Dominic had always been decisive. There would be no changing his mind.

As Reginald began discussing wedding details with Dominic and Julian, Beatrice stormed upstairs, too furious to even look at Evelyn.

"Evelyn," Reginald asked, "when might your grandfather and aunt be available? We should arrange a formal dinner to deliver the invitations..."

Evelyn sat stunned, barely registering the question. This couldn't be real. After all the obstacles, was marriage actually happening?

Dominic squeezed her hand, jolting her back to reality. "Hmm? Sorry, Grandfather?"

Reginald, too pleased by the upcoming nuptials to notice her distraction, repeated: "Choose a date this month for our families to dine together. Then we'll deliver the invitations for your May first wedding. When are your grandfather and aunt free?"