Chapter 34
When the car pulled up in front of the apartment building, Evelyn's mind was still spinning over the checkup issue.
She had to figure something out.
In the elevator, she snuck a glance at Matthew. He was looking at his phone, profile expressionless.
Evelyn took a deep breath. "Matthew."
"About the checkup..." Her voice softened, taking on a slightly coaxing tone. "Can we skip it?"
Matthew raised an eyebrow, looking at her.
"The physical I had in S City was really comprehensive," Evelyn said earnestly.
"That was only two weeks ago. There's no point doing another one so soon."
"Plus... full body scans involve radiation. Doing it twice in a short period isn't good for you."
Matthew looked at her.
Ever since their fight, she rarely said this much to him. Her tone was soft, even a bit... wheedling?
"Let me hold off for a bit?" Seeing no reaction, Evelyn added, "I'm just really wiped out lately."
The elevator doors opened. Matthew stepped out.
Evelyn followed behind him, anxiety churning inside.
Once they were through the door, he looked at her troubled expression and nodded with a smile.
"Fine. Whatever you want."
Evelyn froze. He agreed that easily?
"If you don't want to go, don't go," Matthew added. "But if I find out you're hiding any health issues from me—"
He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.
The tension inside Evelyn finally eased.
"I won't," she said quickly, even managing a placating smile.
Matthew glanced at her and said nothing more.
---
When Evelyn came out of the shower, she saw Matthew sitting on the edge of the bed holding a hairdryer.
"Come here."
Evelyn froze. "What for?"
"Dry your hair." His tone was casual, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Evelyn stood rooted to the spot, eyes wide.
Matthew was going to blow-dry her hair? Was she dreaming?
Seeing her hesitate, Matthew frowned. "Hurry up. You'll get a headache tomorrow if you sleep with it wet."
Evelyn walked over in a daze and sat on the edge of the bed.
The hairdryer hummed to life.
Warm air brushed over her head. His fingers ran through her hair, movements a bit clumsy but gentle.
Evelyn sat rigidly, not daring to move.
In the mirror, she could see him with his head lowered, expression focused, even carrying a hint of indulgence.
Her heart was beating a little fast.
After a while, her hair was dry. Matthew turned off the dryer and set it aside.
Evelyn was about to stand when he suddenly leaned in.
"What are you—" Before she could finish, his mouth was on hers.
He kissed her urgently, like he'd been holding back for a long time. His lips pressed down with burning heat.
After a deep kiss, they were both breathing hard.
She saw something dark and intense in his eyes.
"Can I?" he asked, voice hoarse.
Evelyn's ears felt hot.
She'd just refused the checkup. If she refused this too, it might seem like she was being difficult.
So she nodded lightly.
A glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Matthew's eyes, and his kiss came down again.
This time hotter, deeper.
His hand slid down from her waist, his calloused palm against her skin, moving lower.
Evelyn was guided backward by him, falling onto the bed.
Something occurred to Evelyn, and she narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Matthew..." she called softly.
He lowered his head, kissing along her neck. "Mm?"
"Be gentle... I'm scared it'll hurt..."
He paused. The pause was brief, but Evelyn felt it—he was restraining himself.
"Okay," he said, voice dropping even lower.
When she frowned, he stopped. When her breathing eased, he continued.
The night was deep outside.
Evelyn was worn out completely, melting into sleep.
Matthew lay beside her, turning to look at her.
She was asleep, breathing evenly, lashes casting faint shadows beneath her eyes.
Her brow was slightly furrowed, like maybe she was having a dream.
He reached out and gently smoothed that little crease.
Earlier when she'd asked him to be gentle, he'd held back the whole time. When she told him to stop, he stopped. When she wanted it slow, he went slow.
All that restraint left him pretty miserable.
Truth was, he wasn't satisfied... not even close.
But seeing how exhausted she looked, barely able to keep her eyes open, he didn't say anything.
He stared at her sleeping face for a long time.
In the past, who would've dared ask him to hold back?
When had he ever accommodated anyone like this?
But now, she said be gentle, and he went gentle. She said no, and he stopped.
She fell asleep, and he just watched, without a trace of irritation.
Matthew suddenly felt like a stranger to himself.
But he lowered his head and placed a kiss on her temple.
Fine. Stranger it is.
He pulled her closer into his arms, chin resting on top of her head, and closed his eyes.
That part of him was still tense, uncomfortable.
But he didn't move.
The person in his arms breathed evenly, sleeping peacefully.
He held her like that all night.
---
The next morning, Evelyn was woken by kisses.
She groggily opened her eyes to a face way too close.
Before she was fully awake, his mouth was on hers again.
By the time she realized what was happening, she was already pinned beneath him.
"Matthew..." She turned her head to catch her breath. "First thing in the morning, don't..."
He lowered his head to keep kissing her, hands wandering.
Just as Evelyn was about to refuse, the phone on the nightstand suddenly rang.
Matthew glanced at the caller ID, brow furrowing.
He didn't want to answer.
But the phone kept ringing until even Evelyn couldn't help pushing him.
"Just answer it," she said.
Matthew grabbed the phone with a scowl. "Mom."
Whatever was said on the other end made his frown deepen.
"Got it. I'll come over now."
He hung up and looked down at Evelyn.
Evelyn was wrapped in the blanket, only her eyes showing. "Your mom?"
"Yeah." Matthew's expression was dark. "Something's come up at home. Gotta go back."
He leaned down and kissed her temple. "You're off the hook this time."
Evelyn lowered her eyes, not daring to meet his gaze.
Matthew got up and headed to the bathroom. Soon the sound of running water filled the air.
Evelyn lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to suppress a smile.
That phone call came at the perfect time! The look on his face was priceless.
---
After Matthew left, Evelyn stayed in bed a while longer before finally dragging herself up.
After washing up, her phone rang.
"Babe~" Monica's voice came through, "You free today? Let's grab food!"
"I haven't seen you in forever, I miss you!"
Evelyn smiled. "I'm free. Where?"
"I'll send you the address. Lunch today, don't bail on me!"
Monica paused, then lowered her voice mysteriously. "Plus I have a surprise for you."
"What surprise?"
"You'll see when you get here~" Monica hung up.
Evelyn looked at her phone, corners of her mouth lifting.
That girl was always so extra.
From college till now, they'd been loud and chaotic together all these years.
Evelyn was reserved and didn't talk much, while Monica seemed wild but was actually pretty timid. Made sense though—friendships that lasted this long were usually between opposites.
---
At noon, Evelyn found the address—a party venue.
Cool setup. First floor was a restaurant, second floor had KTV rooms and a game lounge.
Monica was already in a booth and practically launched herself at Evelyn the moment she saw her.
"Babe!"
Evelyn caught her in a hug, laughing as she patted her back.
"Okay, okay, let go."
Monica released her and looked her up and down, frown forming.
"You lost weight again." Her tone was certain. "Is Matthew working you to death or something?"