Chapter 481

Evelyn's phone clattered to the floor with a sharp crack.

In the group chat, Olivia kept bombarding Evelyn with messages. [Eve? What's wrong? Are you fighting with Dominic again?]

The constant pinging annoyed Dominic. He reached down and powered off Evelyn's phone.

"Let me go." Evelyn found herself pinned against the wall by Dominic. She struggled carefully, mindful of the baby growing inside her.

Dominic felt a mix of frustration and amusement watching her squirm like a restless kitten in his arms.

He pressed his palms against her shoulders and tilted her chin up. "Throwing another tantrum, little wildcat?"

Evelyn kicked his shin and glared. "You liar. How was your romantic dinner with Lillian?"

Dominic nearly choked at her accusation. Without warning, he scooped her up and marched toward their bedroom.

His arms cradled not just his wife, but their unborn child as well.

With a teasing smirk, he said, "If dating other women was so enjoyable, would I be rushing home to you? Stop pouting or else..."

The bedroom door swung open as Dominic kicked it. He sat on the bed with Evelyn securely in his lap.

Seeing her still sulking, he chuckled. "Still upset? You look just like Isabella when we deny her sweets. I never realized our daughter inherited that pout from you. I wonder if this little one will too."

Evelyn's anger wavered, a reluctant laugh escaping her lips.

Then she caught the unfamiliar floral scent clinging to his clothes. Her nose wrinkled. "Smooth talker. You had dinner with Lillian but come home reeking of perfume. What really happened?"

Pregnancy hormones made Evelyn paranoid. Dominic might be honorable, but Lillian was cunning...

Reasoning with a pregnant woman proved challenging.

Lillian had drenched herself in that overpowering perfume at dinner. Dominic had endured the cloying scent all evening - absolute torture! How could Evelyn understand?

With a sigh, he wrapped his arms around her, gazing at her troubled expression. "Don't overthink this, Eve. You're tormenting us both."

Evelyn suddenly bit his forearm. "This is your punishment."

Dominic knew she needed to vent. He offered his arm willingly, knowing she'd regret it later.

The first bites were fierce, but soon Evelyn couldn't bear to hurt him further.

Dominic pulled her closer. "Silly girl, I'd never betray you. You're my soul. Don't accuse me of things I haven't done. It's my fault - I'll never dine with another woman again. No more letting other women's perfume cling to me. No business drinks without you. My phone stays on 24/7 for you. No more making you feel insecure... Darling, please don't be angry?"

Evelyn studied him. "You're dangerously charming - in business and with women."

Her words ignited something in Dominic. With her soft body in his lap, her breath warm against his skin, desire surged through him.

They hadn't been intimate since her pregnancy began.

Suppressing his urges, he patted her back. "I've never lied to you, and I never will. Don't push me away, love. We've fought too hard for this happiness."

Evelyn melted against his strong shoulders, soothed by his tenderness.

She realized how unreasonable she'd become. Once so rational and composed, now she threw jealous tantrums like a lovesick girl.

She adored when Dominic calmed her with his velvet voice, when he looked at her with that indulgent gaze...

Love had changed her.

Falling in love really did make fools of women.

Was she turning into one of those clingy wives?

Lost in thought, Evelyn suddenly felt weightless as Dominic lifted her.

She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. "It's bedtime. What are you doing?"

Dominic nuzzled her forehead. "We're taking a shower together."

He couldn't stand Lillian's cloying perfume on his skin. Though he'd avoided physical contact, the scent clung stubbornly. He needed to wash every trace of that woman away.

Dominic pressed the pearl button on the wall, activating the bath's automated system. By the time they reached the bathroom, steaming water would await them.

Evelyn gave a soft hum.

Though staff could assist, Evelyn preferred privacy. She'd never adjusted to aristocratic luxuries.

But Dominic was different - he was hers.

Soon, the oversized tub filled with warm water.

Dominic carefully removed Evelyn's pajamas and lowered her into the bath.

Then he undressed and joined her.

Evelyn sat in one corner, her slight baby bump barely visible beneath the water.

The water nearly covered her entirely. Her pale skin glowed pink beneath the surface. Droplets clung to her long lashes as she gazed at him with clear eyes - the sight made his blood run hot.

Dominic's throat tightened. His brows furrowed, lips pressing into a thin line. His hungry expression clearly said one thing: I want you.