"What did you just call me?"

Looking into his hungry, expectant eyes, Evangeline didn't hesitate. "Hubby～"

Marcellus pulled her into a crushing embrace, his eyes burning with a possessiveness so intense it felt as if he wanted to swallow her whole.

"I thought… you didn't want to claim me."

His voice was fragile and broken, like an abandoned puppy.

Evangeline finally understood the source of his moodiness. She smoothed her palm over his back. "Marcellus, telling our families will take time. If we spring it on them out of the blue, we’ll only scare them."

"Fine."

Evangeline pulled back, cupping his face between her hands, her expression firm and sincere. "We are married, Marcellus. That isn't going to change for as long as we both shall live!"

"I know!"

Marcellus felt the weight of her conviction; he believed every word she said.

"And stop stewing in silence. I can be a little slow when it comes to these things. If you’re unhappy, just tell me. I don't want to waste a single second of our time playing games."

"Okay."

As Marcellus pulled her into another embrace, a wave of sweetness washed over him. Suddenly, his phone buzzed, shattering the intimate atmosphere. Marcellus snatched the device, his irritation clear as he answered.

"Hello? Grandfather."

"Marcellus, did you send the invitations to the Montgomery estate yet?"

"I did."

"Is little Evangeline coming?"

Marcellus glanced at the woman in his arms. Evangeline gave a small nod, confirming she would attend.

Marcellus replied, "She’s coming. But… not as my girlfriend."

"What? Does the Montgomery family refuse to let you two be together?"

"No. They just don’t know yet."

"Marcellus, you really are hopeless! Bring some gifts and go pay them a visit! If they don't say yes, keep pestering them until they do. Don't worry about saving face. Wait—don't tell me the girl is only with you because you forced her, and she’s too afraid to tell her family?"

Marcellus listened to the rambling on the other end, his head throbbing. "Grandfather! Just stay out of it, would you?"

"You need to step it up, grandson!"

Evangeline, hearing the humorous and vibrant voice of the elder through the speaker, covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.

"I know, Grandfather. Just don’t say anything off-script when we get there. Don’t ruin our timing!"

"Fine, fine, fine."

After hanging up, Evangeline finally let out a laugh. "Haha… your grandfather is so adorable! How did such a charming, humorous man end up raising someone as cold and ruthless as you?"

Marcellus feigned anger. "Does Evangeline prefer witty men?"

"No! I like you! I love your gentleness, your favoritism, your possessiveness, your brows, your build—I love every single bit of you!"

With that, she planted a quick peck on his lips, dropping the teasing act to add in a serious tone, "As long as it's you, I love it all."

Marcellus felt an incomparable sense of bliss. He hoisted the woman up and headed toward the executive lounge.

Evangeline hooked her arms around his neck, one eyebrow arched. "Marcellus, not today."

He froze, looking at her with confusion.

"Aunt Flo is visiting."

Evangeline pressed her lips together, her signature dimples deepening as she looked at him with a mischievous, intoxicating glint.

Marcellus felt his throat tighten. He leaned into her ear, whispering, "Then we’ll settle for some appetizers."

He tumbled onto the bed with her, their breaths mingling in a tangle of limbs. The kisses were deep and lingering, filled with a frantic attachment. Marcellus, driven to the edge, felt his teeth graze her collarbone in a light, teasing nip.

A sharp, electric jolt of sensation forced a soft moan from Evangeline. Marcellus felt like his brain had just ignited a firework; unable to hold back, he scrambled toward the bathroom to cool off.

Evangeline propped herself up on her elbow, watching the bathroom door. "Heh, what a dork."

By the time Marcellus emerged, Evangeline had already tidied herself up and was sitting on the office sofa, sketching on a notepad.

Hearing his footsteps, she looked up, beaming. "Marcellus, back to work! Preston has been pacing around out there like a man possessed."

"Right."

Marcellus obediently sat back at his desk, transforming into a cold, efficient working machine.

At noon, when Preston Wright entered to drop off some files, he caught Evangeline’s eye and gave her a subtle thumbs-up. He genuinely admired her—her ability to "tame the beast" was truly top-tier.

The interaction didn’t escape Marcellus’s notice. Another wave of jealousy hit him, but he couldn't afford to be petty now. He shot Preston a scathing glare before walking over to sit beside Evangeline. He reached out to pick up the sketches on the table.

"This wedding dress…?" Marcellus asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"It’s for the upcoming competition."

"Oh."

Evangeline caught the dip in his tone and gave him a strange look. His face was etched with a clear sense of abandonment and loss. She realized what he was thinking in an instant.

"Marcellus, do you want to see me in it? As your bride?"

Evangeline’s eyes crinkled with laughter. She leaned in, her pretty face hovering just two inches from his.

Marcellus, caught in the act, shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting away. He cleared his throat. "I was just asking…"

"What do you want for lunch?" he quickly changed the subject.

"Let’s go for some Korean BBQ!"

"Alright, let's go." Marcellus reached out to ruffle her hair with a doting smile.

They arrived at a bustling BBQ joint downtown. It lacked the elegant, sterile silence of a business restaurant, replaced by a lively, smoky atmosphere filled with the scent of charred meat.

Fearful that Marcellus might be uncomfortable in such a casual setting, Evangeline apologized, "It's a bit crowded here. Does it bother you?"

Marcellus shook his head. "It's nice. Look, everyone else is here for a date."

Evangeline scanned the room. He was right! Mostly young couples, whispering, laughing, and feeding each other.

The atmosphere, saturated with happiness, was infectious.

They found a quiet corner table, and Marcellus naturally took the tongs to grill the meat. The beef sizzled on the charcoal plate, curling and browning until the aroma filled the air.

Evangeline picked up a glistening slice of pork belly, dipped it in the spice rub, wrapped it in a lettuce leaf, and held it to his lips.

Marcellus took a bite, chewing slowly, savoring the flavor under her expectant gaze.

"Well? How is it?"

He rarely ate this way, usually deeming it greasy and unhealthy, but today, it tasted extraordinary.

"Yeah, it’s good."

Seeing his satisfaction, Evangeline smiled contentedly.

They ate in a rhythmic dance of him grilling and her eating, until Evangeline clutched her stomach, declaring she couldn't take another bite.

Once they were back in the car, Evangeline wrinkled her nose, sniffing at her clothes. "It's such a strong smell."

"It's fine. We’ll go to the lounge, you can shower and take a nap."

"No, I want to go home. My stomach hurts." She pouted, looking a bit down.

"…Was the meat undercooked?"

"No!" Evangeline looked at him, giving him a look that clearly communicated *you know what this is*.

Seeing her pale complexion, Marcellus finally clicked. "Right. Then go home and get some rest."

"Mm."

The two parted ways in the underground garage of the Alexander Corp building.