[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-293":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},293,79,"Chapter 79: The Night on the Hardwood","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline Montgomery tried on a few gowns, but her enthusiasm quickly waned. Bored and restless, she slumped into the sofa.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m so tired!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"If you're tired, rest for a bit. You’re carrying a baby, after all.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, why don't you try them on for me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi Crawford recoiled, waving her hands frantically. \"Are you crazy? These are wedding gowns!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s just for the photo shoot, not my actual wedding dress. What’s the harm?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"This...\" Remi hesitated, glancing at Eileen, the stylist.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Miss Crawford, your figure is quite similar to the lady’s. If she doesn’t mind, it wouldn't be an issue for you to model them for her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi had a naturally innocent look, her large, clear eyes making her seem like a fawn lost in a forest. She didn't carry the weighted anticipation of a bride-to-be; instead, she looked like a wide-eyed princess playing dress-up. The visual contrast between her and Evangeline’s soft, domestic elegance was striking.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s eyes lit up with genuine admiration. \"Remi, you look exactly like a runaway princess.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi swished the hem of the skirt, admiring her reflection in the full-length mirror. \"It’s so beautiful. It almost makes me want to get married.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, haven’t you and Dr. Spencer talked about that?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi’s expression faltered. \"He’s hinted at it, both subtly and directly. But I feel a bit of resistance. Something just feels... missing.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s okay. Just let things happen naturally,\" Evangeline said, offering her a comforting smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After nearly two hours of fittings, they settled on three wedding gowns and two evening dresses, all of them grand and sophisticated. Eileen and her team packed up the remaining inventory and departed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline tugged at Remi’s sleeve. \"Sleep over at my place tonight.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No way! Just kidding around earlier nearly cost me my life. Your husband’s face looked like a frozen mountain peak earlier. If I actually slept over, he’d probably have me assassinated by morning!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Haha... Remi, you’re being dramatic.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’ll come by early tomorrow to watch the shoot, okay?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing that Remi was adamant, Evangeline pouted. \"Fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, sweet Evangeline, your expression makes me want to—\" Before Remi could finish, she looked toward the door, shivering with a sudden frown. \"I think I’ve developed a phobia of that man!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Haha...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't laugh!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline rubbed Remi’s face in amusement. \"Stop being so grumpy.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine, fine!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi scampered away, though as she passed the living room, she couldn't resist shooting a sharp glare at the man lounging on the sofa. Marcellus Alexander watched her retreating figure and chuckled. \"Heh, she really is a perfect match for Damian.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Dr. Spencer might have to wait a while for her. She doesn't seem to have any plans for marriage.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sincerity can move even the hardest stone.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus pulled Evangeline into his arms, his large hand gently stroking her stomach. \"Forget about them. Maybe you should focus on your own husband.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline met his scorching gaze, her nerves tightening. \"Marcellus! Stay calm!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I know, but... it’s unbearable.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He nuzzled into the crook of her neck, looking every bit like a spoiled puppy. Evangeline’s heart softened, but she stood her ground.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"How about you sleep in the guest room?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, are you kicking me out?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No, that’s not it. I just mean you need some time to cool off.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Do I have to live like a monk just because you’re pregnant?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Unable to bear his pitiful expression, Evangeline turned her face away. \"I can’t help you there.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus tilted her chin up, his eyes burning with desire. \"Evangeline, you have plenty of ways to help.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Enough. It’s the middle of the day, you shameless man!\" She swatted his hand away and fled the room.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus watched her go, a tragic, frustrated expression plastered on his face—he was the embodiment of a man who was most definitely not getting any.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">That night, he failed to charm his way into the master bedroom. In a fit of pique, he grabbed a blanket and laid down on the hardwood floor right in front of the bedroom door.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The next morning, when Helen Meyer came to wake them, she found her young master sprawled pathetically on the floor.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Master? Why are you sleeping out here?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus didn't seem the least bit embarrassed. He merely flipped over. \"My wife wouldn't let me back into the room.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Cough... oh, my. Master, get up, the floor is so hard.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hard? Is it harder than my wife’s heart?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen stood frozen, stunned that such words could come out of her master’s mouth.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline, still groggy, heard the man’s melodramatic complaining through the door. She opened it to investigate. \"Marcellus, you slept here all night?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Since my wife wouldn't let me in, I had no choice but to sleep on the floor.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline cast an embarrassed look at Helen, who was struggling to suppress a laugh. \"Get up, don't make a scene. You’re making Helen laugh at you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She reached out to pull him up, and he allowed himself to be hauled to his feet without resistance.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"So, wife... can I go in and change?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ugh, stop talking like that! You’re giving me goosebumps.\" Evangeline, her toes curling in embarrassment, quickly dragged him inside.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen chuckled as she picked up the blanket. \"Never seen the master act like such a child.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Inside, Evangeline stood with her hands on her hips, fuming. \"What was that?!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m just listening to my wife.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Looking into his innocent eyes, Evangeline knew he was acting, but she couldn't bring herself to be angry. She carefully checked his back, relieved to find him warm.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't do stupid things like that again. Do you think I’d feel sorry for you? I wouldn't care at all!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline is always saying one thing while meaning another.\" Marcellus smiled, pulling her into an embrace and kissing the top of her head.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They lingered for a while before Evangeline pushed him away. \"Let’s go down. We can't delay the shoot.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Alright. Let’s eat first.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The makeup team was already waiting in the studio. Evangeline blinked, staring at the small army of people. \"Does it really take this many people to do my makeup?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"My dear, to ensure you receive the most efficient, high-quality service, these are the smartest and most professional assistants I could find.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Right. Let’s begin.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Under the weight of so many gazes, Evangeline sat self-consciously at the vanity. The makeup artist’s work was professional, and as Evangeline caught a glimpse in the mirror, she couldn't help but gasp.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You aren't putting on makeup; you're doing special effects!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You’re too kind, Madam. Your skin and features are flawless; I’m just enhancing them for the camera.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Let me see how my little beauty is turning out!\" Remi pushed through the crowd and peered over Evangeline’s shoulder. \"Wow! What a stunning vision.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Stop teasing me!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, look at that shy, angry little expression. It’s enough to drive anyone crazy.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Outside, Marcellus glared at the smiling Damian. \"Keep your woman in check. Tell her to stop drooling over my wife!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian shoved his hands into his pockets, leaning against the wall with a smug, wild grin. \"Is your confidence really that low? You're getting insecure over a little banter between two girls?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You don't have to worry about Miss Crawford, do you?\" Marcellus asked, his tone dripping with ambiguous intent.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian’s smile vanished instantly. \"Marcellus, shut the hell up, or I’ll knock you out!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Heh...\" Marcellus ignored his temper and walked away, leaving behind a trail of suggestive laughter.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian was rattled. His words echoed in his head, fueling his worst suspicions.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">During the shoot, Remi watched Evangeline with starry eyes. Damian, watching this, felt his blood pressure rise. Driven by a frantic need for reassurance, he grabbed Remi and pulled her away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hey! What are you doing? I’m still watching!\" Remi followed him, stumbling as he marched away without a second glance. \"Damian, I can't keep up!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian finally slowed down and let go of her hand, his shoulders drooping with loneliness. Remi noticed the shift in his mood and stood in front of him. \"What’s wrong with you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, who do you like more? Me or Miss Montgomery?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The question was so sudden and absurd that Remi was baffled. But seeing his serious, wounded expression, she suddenly realized what was happening.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Did that dog Marcellus say something to you again?!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, answer me, please.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He was desperate for a solid answer. Remi didn't bother beating around the bush. She cupped his face and pressed her lips to his. It was a gentle, feather-light touch, but it left Damian trembling. He closed his eyes, fighting the urge to deepen the kiss, just letting himself soak in her affection.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi pulled back slowly, her gaze lingering until her tongue caught a salty taste. Looking into his eyes, she saw they were red-rimmed and brimming with vulnerability.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She hurriedly wiped his tears. \"Why are you crying? Was I not clear enough?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian’s chin trembled as he struggled to speak. \"I’m scared.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't be. I love you. Stop overthinking it.\" Remi pulled him into her arms, stroking his hair while internally cursing the man who had planted these seeds of doubt.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian clung to her, a triumphant glint in his eyes. \"Remi, let’s go back.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I can't. I promised Evangeline I’d stay with her today.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The mood curdled, but Damian eventually relented and stayed. To soothe him, Remi avoided staring at Evangeline, choosing instead to stay close to Damian, giving him her full attention. Damian’s gaze kept drifting back to the set, filled with envy and longing. Remi wasn't stupid; she saw it clearly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Damian, you really want to get married?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Her voice was stern, making it impossible to tell if she was annoyed or sincere. Damian hesitated. \"I’m not in a rush. I’ll get married whenever you’re ready.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The submissiveness in his voice made Remi’s heart ache. In a relationship with such a power imbalance, it was heartbreaking to see someone so high and mighty lower himself into the dirt just for a sliver of love.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She realized then that she didn't want him to be this small, this cautious. She beamed at him, a silent vow forming in her mind. Damian, seeing the smile, interpreted it as her being pleased with his answer. He bowed his head, masking his loneliness with a bitter smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back on set, the shoot continued. The afternoon light caught the happy couple, bathing them in a golden glow. Their chemistry was effortless.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Every frame is a masterpiece! Absolutely stunning!\" the photographer cheered.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">During a break, the photographer checked his equipment. Evangeline nestled into Marcellus’s arms, their eyes locking as they shared a small, secret smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus gazed at her with infinite tenderness, his hand gently tracing her face. \"Are you tired?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"A little, but I’m so happy.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m happy, too.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The photographer snapped the shutter, capturing the moment.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">By the end of the day, Evangeline was too tired to even blink. Remi took over the makeup removal from the professionals, gently wiping the products off her friend’s skin. As the staff cleared out and the Elysian Estate returned to silence, Evangeline let out a relaxed breath.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, you’re so gentle~\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi shot a defiant look at Marcellus, who was scowling from across the room, a triumphant smile on her lips. Marcellus’s teeth ground together; he signaled a warning to Damian.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Heh, Miss Montgomery, open your eyes and look at what a jealous miser your husband is!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">At that, Marcellus instantly wiped the intensity from his face, returning to his usual nonchalant demeanor.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What’s wrong?\" Evangeline asked, her eyes heavy with sleep.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"He—\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Eastside!\" Marcellus interrupted, cutting Damian’s complaint short.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh... nothing. I was just saying how handsome your Marcellus looks today!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Why are you both acting so weird?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You’ve had a long day. Get some rest. Remi and I are heading out.\" Damian grabbed Remi and fled before Evangeline could say another word.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline looked back and forth between them. \"Do you two have secrets?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"He bought a piece of land from me. Said he wanted to build a home for Miss Crawford.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wow! That’s so romantic of Dr. Spencer! Wait—no. I was asking what he was going to say that you cut off? Don't try to change the subject.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus’s eyes darted around, his mind racing for an excuse. He had never faltered under pressure in the boardroom, but now, a flush crept up his neck.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The sight was so rare that Evangeline leaned in, eyes bright with curiosity. \"Come on, what guilty conscience are you hiding?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"...I told him to watch out for Miss Crawford’s preferences.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline paused, then burst into laughter, collapsing onto the sofa. \"Marcellus, you’re going to be the death of me! The way girls interact is just different from boys. You don't have to understand it, but don't misinterpret it!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I don't care, I still don't like it!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing he was immovable, Evangeline gave up. She patted his shoulder, giggled, and headed upstairs.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You’ll just have to get used to it.\"\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272914368]