Evelyn didn't speak a word as Alexander guided her into the penthouse.
The coat he had draped over her shoulders felt like a shield. It was like a small comfort against the ache still burning in her chest. She hugged it closer to allow the warmth which brought her comfort to sink in.
The city lights spilled across the ceiling . The penthouse was quiet and private and it felt like a bubble where no one could touch her.
Alexander's gaze lingered on her. He tried his best to look calm but he was burning inside with anger. The urge to destroy the person who did this to her was getting stronger with every second and it didn't matter if it was his own brother.
"Sit," he said, pointing to the plush sofa. His voice was calm and controlled irrespective of the storm inside him.
Evelyn sat on the edge, wrapping the coat tighter around herself.
Alexander moved silently across the room towards the mini-bar. He poured two glasses of warm tea.
Without a word, he handed one to her.
When their fingers brushed for a moment, she felt a jolt. It was brief and fleeting but undeniable. The touch lingered in her mind far longer than it should and her heart betrayed her. A weird sensation enveloped her. She didn't know what it was but she was sure it wasn't something she should be feeling.
She quickly lowered her gaze. This was dangerous. He was Jack's brother, the last person she should be leaning on tonight but she couldn't bring herself to push him away.
Alexander sat down across from her. He didn't say anything but his eyes remained on her.
He wanted to reach out, he wanted to tell her she wasn't alone and wipe away the pain he saw on her face.
But he stayed still and restrained himself because he knew if he made a move now, he might not be able to stop.
"You don't have to pretend to be strong here," he said at last. His voice was low and rougher than he intended.
Evelyn's throat tightened. She wanted to argue, she wanted to tell him she was fine but the truth trembled on her lips. She wasn't fine and the fact that he saw through her so easily only made her feel more vulnerable.
When she did not say anything, Alexander leaned forward slightly. "Stay tonight and get some rest," he said. It didn't sound like a command but as a quiet plea. "You don't have to face this alone."
Her breath hitched and her heart rammed against her chest at the sincerity in his tone.
Evelyn took a sip of the steaming tea to calm herself down. "I shouldn't be here," she whispered, almost to herself
Alexander's jaw clenched. "You should," he countered firmly. "Tonight, you are not going back to an empty apartment. You will stay here or I'll drop you to your parents place."
Her head snapped up as she widened her eyes in shock. "I can't. The last thing I need is to confront my parents." If she arrived at her parents house so late in the state she was currently in, they wouldn't stop questioning her.
Evelyn did not have the energy to deal with that right now. All she wanted to do was rest and forget everything that had happened tonight.
"Okay then it's settled, you are staying here tonight," he stated, leaving no room for discussion.
His certainty made her swallow the words she wanted to say. She wanted to protest and tell him she was fine but she was also exhausted.
She looked at him and sighed, "Fine, l will take the guest room."
Alexander gave a short nod before resuming sipping his tea.
He let her finish the tea and then silently fetched a blanket. When he draped it around her shoulders, Evelyn froze.
"Rest here until I arrange the guest room for you." he said quietly before walking away.
As she watched him leave, Evelyn slumped on the sofa and closed her eyes.
When Alexander came back, she was already fast asleep. He sat beside her, contemplating whether to wake her up or not.
He lingered for a moment, watching her slow and steady breathing.
The chaos of the night had faded but the quiet pull he felt toward her lingered. He hated the situation—his brother, the pain that brought her here but another part of him burned with desire and protectiveness and a need he couldn't ignore.
He ran a hand over his face, forcing himself to stay calm. He couldn't lose control now, especially not when she was so close yet so unaware of how much she meant to him.
His chest tightened at the thought of her pain and for a moment, he wanted to tell her everything he had kept hidden for so many years but the words wouldn't come.
Resisting the urge he felt within him, he sighed and got up before leaving the hall. He didn't have the heart to wake her up so he decided to do it later.
…..
Hours later, the penthouse was silent.
Alexander sat at his desk, staring out at the city lights. He hadn't slept.
When his phone buzzed, the sharp sound broke the stillness.
Carl's name flashed on the screen.
Alexander answered. "What is it?"
"Sir—" Carl's tone was uneasy. "The media—someone leaked photos of you and Evelyn at the hotel. They are everywhere—social media, gossip sites and even the morning papers."
…..