The marriage ceremony had concluded with a quiet solemnity, leaving Evelyn feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty. She stood beside Alex, her newly-wedded husband, acutely aware of his commanding presence and the weight of their sudden union. The sight of her older brother, William, approaching broke her reverie. Despite being twenty-five, William's intellectual dyslexia often made him seem much younger, a fact that Evelyn both cherished and protected.
"So, are we leaving?" William asked eagerly, his words tumbling out in a rush of excitement. Evelyn smiled warmly at him, grateful for his innocent enthusiasm in contrast to the tension that lingered between her and Alex.
"Yes, Will. Go and bring your luggage," Evelyn replied gently, exchanging a glance with Alex, who watched her brother with a measured gaze.
William nodded eagerly and scurried off to gather his things, leaving Evelyn and Alex alone in the quiet aftermath of the ceremony. Alex's gaze softened as he turned to her, his voice carrying a trace of amusement.
"What are those fiery eyes, Mrs. Bennett?" Alex inquired, closing the distance between them with purposeful steps.
Evelyn met his gaze squarely, a mixture of defiance and curiosity in her own eyes. "Why did you glare at him?" she countered, unable to resist challenging him even in this private moment.
"I was merely assessing my new brother-in-law. He'll be living with us, won't he?" Alex asked casually, reaching out to take Evelyn's hand in his. His touch sent a shiver down her spine, a sensation she struggled to ignore.
"Yes, he will," Evelyn confirmed softly, feeling a flutter in her chest at the way Alex held her hand with confident reassurance.
Alex leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek as he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. Evelyn's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected intimacy, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and something she couldn't quite define.
"Mr. Alexander! Mind yourself!" Evelyn exclaimed, pulling her hand back gently, feeling suddenly flustered by the proximity of her new husband.
"It's Alex," he corrected her with a playful smirk, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Call me Alex, my wife."
Evelyn felt a rush of conflicting emotions at his words, her mind reeling with the implications of their newfound intimacy. She watched as Alex turned away gracefully, his confident stride carrying him towards where their cars were parked.
"I'll go and prepare my car. Don't be late, my wife," Alex called over his shoulder, leaving Evelyn standing there, stunned by the turn of events.
Alone now, Evelyn sank to her knees, her legs suddenly devoid of strength. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards Alex, despite everything. His charisma, his confidence—it was both unsettling and strangely captivating.
What was he doing to her?
Evelyn couldn't shake the image of Alex's lips against her forehead, the warmth of his touch lingering like an imprint on her skin. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady her racing heart.
As she gathered herself, Evelyn realized she needed a moment alone to process everything that had transpired. Her marriage to Alex was not just a formality—it was a commitment, a merging of lives that she hadn't fully comprehended until now.
Slowly, Evelyn walked towards the parking area, her arms occupied with holding up the voluminous layers of her wedding dress. The fabric flowed elegantly around her, but its weight made each step a challenge. Meanwhile, William diligently moved his luggage towards the car, Alex by his side, assisting him in placing the bags securely.
As Alex finished arranging the luggage, he glanced back towards Evelyn. He noticed her slow progress and the visible struggle with her gown. Without a moment's hesitation, Alex jogged over to her, his concern evident in his quickened pace.
"Want my help?" Alex offered, extending his hand towards Evelyn, silently suggesting she let him assist her.
"What are you trying to do?" Evelyn asked, momentarily confused by his gesture, her cheeks flushing as she felt a mix of embarrassment and something she couldn't quite define.
Alex wasted no time in scooping Evelyn up into his arms, surprising her with the suddenness of his action. She gasped softly, instinctively wrapping her arms around his shoulders for stability.
"Don't move if you don't want me to put you down," Alex teased gently, his voice low as he began to carry her towards where William was waiting with the car.
Evelyn's ears burned with warmth, her heart beating faster at the unexpected closeness. She stole a glance at Alex, unsure whether to protest or surrender to the sensation of being effortlessly held in his arms.
Just as they approached the car, William stepped forward, his expression a mix of confusion and protective concern. "What are you doing? Why are you carrying my sister?" he asked, his voice edged with an underlying protectiveness.
Alex hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by William's abrupt question. Before he could respond, Evelyn spoke up, her voice calm yet firm. "Didn't I just get married? This is my husband, and he can carry me like this. It's okay, brother," she explained, patting William's head gently as Alex set her down.
William pondered her words for a moment, processing the new dynamic. "Then can I do that when I get married too?" he asked innocently, his eyes wide with curiosity.
Evelyn chuckled warmly, her earlier tension easing at her brother's innocence. "Yes, Will, you can," she assured him, sharing a knowing smile with Alex.
Alex grinned back, feeling a surge of affection for both Evelyn and her brother. He was beginning to see glimpses of the family they could become—a unit bound not just by marriage but by genuine care and understanding.
With everything settled, Alex helped William finish loading the luggage into the car. As they drove away from the ceremony, Evelyn couldn't shake the lingering warmth from Alex's touch or the sense of anticipation for the life ahead of them. Despite the uncertainties, she felt a growing sense of reassurance in Alex's presence—a feeling that perhaps, together, they could navigate whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they drove towards their new beginning, Evelyn glanced at Alex, her heart swelling with a newfound hope and excitement for the future they would build together.
TO BE CONTINUED...