Chapter 64

No woman alive could resist such a heartfelt confession.

From the very start of any relationship, what women truly crave is genuine care and unwavering security.

Evelyn understood perfectly that Dominic was born into privilege. The woman he'd eventually marry must come from an equally prestigious family.

Sadly, she lacked such distinguished lineage.

Their love had been doomed from the beginning.

Had this confession come years earlier, it would have only led to heartbreak. Back then, he'd been bound by familial obligations, lacking independence. Too many variables stood between them.

Such circumstances would have only deepened their pain.

Perhaps they could have carried on in secret.

But clandestine love exhausts the soul. No matter how passionate the beginning, reality would have eroded their bond until nothing remained but surrender and separation.

Leaving two shattered hearts with no solace, no amount of tears ever enough to heal the wounds.

But the Dominic Blackwood of today was different.

Vibrant. Seasoned. Unshakable. He now held T Corporation firmly in his grasp - wielding absolute power while his family depended on him.

The choice of life partner was entirely his to make.

"Thank you..."

The words slipped from her lips before she realized.

Evelyn returned his kiss with awkward, unpracticed movements.

Tears began flowing unbidden.

Dominic tasted the salt on her lips. His smoldering gaze locked onto her as he broke the kiss.

She still couldn't meet his eyes.

With gentle pressure beneath her chin, he compelled her to face the intensity of his stare.

Her pulse raced. As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she saw the raw possessiveness in his expression. His commanding presence and masculine aura were intoxicating.

"Why the tears?" His voice was velvet as he brushed his lips against her damp cheek.

Evelyn's lashes fluttered. "I just... can't believe someone like you would want someone like me."

Happiness had come too suddenly. It felt surreal, like a dream she never wanted to end. Even knowing it was real, part of her feared waking up.

She'd gladly die in such a dream.

Dominic's next kiss was fiercer - demanding, possessive. He needed her to feel his reality, to know his soul burned for her still.

The fire between them hadn't dimmed.

His ardor remained undiminished.

The kiss lasted until she whimpered, until she trembled against him.

Evelyn was powerless against his passion.

Mindful of overwhelming her, Dominic gentled the kiss, soothing her swollen lips with tender caresses.

When they descended later, he waited before following.

At her request, he gave her ten minutes' head start. She feared gossip if they left together.

Though Dominic cared nothing for rumors, he acquiesced. For now, he'd respect her need for discretion.

Evelyn bid farewell first to Mrs. Blake and Cassandra, then to several classmates before finally exiting the mansion.

"Sure you don't want company? Little rabbit shouldn't wander alone with wolves about," Cassandra teased at the doorway.

Evelyn flushed.

"Ah, I see..." Cassandra's knowing smirk deepened Evelyn's blush.

From the second floor, Dominic watched Evelyn depart, his gaze tracking the slow march of time on his watch.

Precisely ten minutes later, he descended.

After arranging transportation for Mrs. Blake, he headed to his car.

Several hopeful women lingered, eager for even a moment of his attention - a handshake, an introduction, perhaps his number.

But his icy demeanor deterred all approaches.

The Range Rover pulled away.

Evelyn had barely walked fifty meters when headlights approached.

The car stopped. A tall figure emerged.

"I could've managed," she murmured, still unaccustomed to his attentiveness.

Dominic opened her door, hands hovering protectively at her waist as if she might break.

Once seated, she looked up at him.

He stood framed in the doorway, all lean muscle and perfect angles. Leaning in, he captured her lips once more.

'So this is how it's done...'

Evelyn surrendered to the kiss.

When it ended, Dominic circled to the driver's seat. Buckling her in, he grasped her hand while steering effortlessly with the other.

Silence filled the car.

Evelyn focused on the heat of his palm, her heartbeat erratic.

At a red light, she stared fixedly ahead.

'What is this feeling?'

Relief came when they finally reached her neighborhood.

Parking at her building, Dominic made no move to leave. Every second apart already felt like torture.

"I should go. Drive safely." Her voice was barely audible.

"Not yet."

His grip tightened. The car's dim interior hid her blush.

Her pulse raced.

'What now?'

She had no experience with such moments.

Nathan had never made her feel this way.

Her phone chose that moment to ring.

"I... I should get this."

She pulled away, cheeks burning.

Olivia's voice came through: "Evie, there's a car parked below. I saw movement inside - was that you? Is your date keeping you there? Should I come down?"

"No! I'm coming up now!" Ending the call, Evelyn gave Dominic a flustered nod before practically fleeing the vehicle.

Blackwood Manor.

Alexander and Isabella exchanged glances as their father returned unusually early - and in unusually high spirits.

"Sleeping?" Dominic texted from the sofa.

"Daddy, what are you doing?" Isabella eyed his uncharacteristically soft expression.

'Has hell frozen over?'

Ignoring his daughter, Dominic read Evelyn's reply: "Still awake. You?"

"Me too." His response was immediate.

Then silence.

No further messages came.

Evelyn grew shy, uncertain what to say next.

Dominic needed clarity. His fingers moved decisively: 'From this moment forward, one nod from you and I'll become your husband.'

He sent the message, heart pounding.