For two days straight, the Montgomery house had been swarming with relatives and hangers-on. It was a holiday tradition, one they were accustomed to, but word had leaked that Marcellus Alexander was also in attendance, drawing in a fresh flock of social vultures looking to climb the ladder.

Marilyn rubbed her temples, a dull throb pulsing behind her eyes as the crowd showed no signs of thinning.

"Edward, the front door is practically coming off its hinges," she sighed.

Edward, too, was reaching his limit. "These old vultures. Flattery and shallow opportunism—it’s pathetic."

In the living room, Marcellus sat with his legs crossed, perfectly composed. His expression was cool and unbothered. He possessed a rare, thin slice of patience today, offering these sycophants just enough engagement to keep them at arm's length.

"Look at that boy, acting like he owns the place," Marilyn whispered, nudging her husband. "You’re just biased against your own son-in-law. He’s the only reason you’re not still stuck talking to those bores."

"I don’t need his help!"

"Fine, fine. Just stop glaring with those bull-eyes. Oh look, here comes Mr. Sun."

"Ha-ha! Edward, you lucky bastard! Your daughter is truly something else."

Edward let out a cold, sharp huff. "I don’t take that as a compliment."

Mr. Sun blinked, his smile faltering for only a split second before snapping back into place. "Come now, don't be like that. I’m just saying, your daughter has made quite the name for herself in the business world so quickly. Sharp, courageous—she’s got the spirit of a warrior."

Edward knew exactly what that meant. No matter how flowery their words, the rot underneath was clear. They all assumed Evangeline had only achieved her success by riding the coattails of the man beside her. The performative hypocrisy of it all was enough to make him lose his appetite.

Though his skin crawled with irritation, he kept his mask of polite hospitality firmly in place. Finally, as the sky deepened into a bruised purple, the Montgomery estate fell silent.

Marilyn massaged her cheeks, trying to work out the stiffness. "My face feels like it’s set in plaster. A full day of smiling is more exhausting than a week in the office."

"Spending the holidays playing host is harder than the actual job," Evangeline muttered, collapsing into Marcellus’s arms, her limbs heavy with exhaustion.

"You two!" Edward announced, draping an arm around his wife’s shoulders. "Tomorrow, you’re clearing out. Go stay at the Alexander estate. Your mother and I are flying out for a quick vacation."

Evangeline blinked, startled. "Dad? You’re skipping town just to avoid the guests? Isn't that a bit extreme?"

"Wherever your mother and I are, that’s where the holiday is. I’m not wasting my peace and quiet dealing with these people!"

Evangeline leaned toward Marcellus and whispered, "I think we’ve officially become the third wheels."

Marcellus chuckled, his fingers idly brushing over her knuckles. "We’re heading back tonight. Sorry for the trouble these past two days, Edward."

Edward waved him off. "Go on, get out of here."

On the drive back to the Elysian Estate, Evangeline drifted against Marcellus’s shoulder.

"You usually hate social functions," she murmured. "You must be exhausted."

"I don't like the narrative they're spinning," he said, his voice dropping an octave.

"Hmm?" She tilted her head, looking at him with wide, sleepy eyes.

"They keep calling us a 'business merger.' Implying our affection is purely for show."

"So, you were just putting on a show to protect me and my family?"

"No," Marcellus replied, his eyes flashing with a sharp, dangerous clarity. "Your father doesn't need my protection. I just happen to loathe the rumor. Everything else is irrelevant, but not that."

Evangeline settled back against him, her fingers playing with his large, steady hand. "Why bother with what they think? That’s not like you."

"Everything else is noise," he countered. "Not this."

The next day, they finally found the stillness they had been craving. It was New Year's Eve, and the Elysian Estate was buzzing with festive energy—garlands hung, and warm, golden light spilled from every window.

Helen and Oliver moved through the halls with the rest of the staff, finishing the last of the decorations. The two old servants exchanged a teary-eyed smile.

"Ever since the young mistress arrived, the estate actually feels like a home," Helen whispered.

"Indeed. And the young master’s temperament has been rock-solid these past six months."

"A good wife brings a peaceful life. If the mistress were watching from above, she’d finally be at rest."

Marcellus was currently sequestered in the home theater with Evangeline. The room was dark, save for the rhythmic flicker of the screen. Evangeline was curled up in his arms, her eyes glued to the movie.

Marcellus, however, wasn't watching the film. His eyes were tracing the sharp silhouette of her profile. When the actors on screen began to kiss, the soft light caught the flush rising in Evangeline’s cheeks. She glanced at him, caught him staring, and nearly choked on her own breath.

Marcellus smirked, his thumb tracing the line of her spine. "Thirsty, are we?"

Evangeline’s face turned scarlet, and she clenched her fists. *This is the single most mortifying moment of my life.*

"You don't have to watch them," he murmured, leaning in until he was a mere two inches from her lips. "I’ll give you a kiss."

The air between them grew heavy, tangled with their warm breath. Her heart hammered against her ribs—this man knew exactly how to dismantle her composure with a single look. Unable to withstand the electric tension, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

Whatever was playing on the screen became white noise. The only sounds in the room were the soft, wet sound of their lips and the thrumming of her own racing heart.

Hours later, Marcellus lay on the sofa, looking deeply satisfied. "Evangeline, I want to be with you every second of every day."

Evangeline, drifting between sleep and consciousness against his chest, murmured, "We’ve got a whole lifetime for that."

"A lifetime. Promise?"

He pulled a thin cashmere throw over them and pulled her tight. She slept for an hour before the cramped sofa forced her awake. She looked up, mesmerized by the rhythmic pulse of his throat, her fingers brushing against his skin.

*God, he’s magnetic.*

She tried to slip away quietly, but a heavy arm clamped around her waist, pinning her in place.

"Waking up and already trying to tease me? Do you want another round?"

Evangeline grabbed the blanket, shielding her chest. "Don't you dare!"

Marcellus let out a low, vibrant laugh that rumbled through his chest. His usually sharp, guarded features were softened, his eyes bright with a warmth that felt like a secret meant only for her. Evangeline stared for a moment, caught off guard by his radiance, before shaking her head to clear the haze.

*Stop falling for it, you idiot! Run while you still can!*

Seeing the flicker of panic in her eyes, he stopped the teasing. "Alright, enough. We’re expected at the family manor for dinner tonight. Go get dressed."

Evangeline didn't wait for a second invitation. She clutched the blanket around her and practically scrambled out of the home theater.