Chapter 200: Celebration and Sex
Evelyn never imagined she would spend her thirtieth birthday in D.C. This wasn't the date recorded at the orphanage, but the actual birth date her mother, Madeline, had written in the diary.
Ryan’s penthouse apartment had been transformed into a purple garden. When Evelyn pushed the door open, the lush, crisp scent of flowers hit her. Thousands of irises covered the foyer, the living room, and every corner of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Under the candlelight, it looked like a quiet, undulating purple sea.
Evelyn stood at the door, her handbag slipping to the floor.
"Surprise!"
Elias, dressed in a tiny white suit like a little gentleman, jumped out from behind the flowers. He carried a large gift box, stumbling toward her. "Happy birthday, Mommy! Daddy Ryan and I spent all day on this!"
Evelyn knelt to catch him, her eyes misting over. Ryan walked down the spiral staircase. He had ditched his dark suit for a soft charcoal cashmere sweater, sleeves rolled up, a glass of red wine in his hand.
"Open it," Ryan said, his eyes full of warmth.
With trembling hands, Evelyn untied the ribbon. Inside wasn't jewelry or a designer bag. It was a professional, custom-made set of fashion design tools—from gold-plated shears to a set of French draping pins and a sterling silver thimble engraved with her initials.
It was the set she had stared at in shop windows during college but could never afford because she was saving every penny for Damian’s startup.
Ryan reached out, his thumb brushing away a tear. "From now on, no one will ever stop you from picking up your shears."
Evelyn finally broke down, her tears splashing onto the cold metal tools. Ryan set his wine down and hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her head. "This is just the beginning, Evelyn. I will give you back every one of those eight years you lost, day by day."
Dinner was intimate and slow. No family schemes, no tabloid rumors. Elias ate cake until his face was smeared with frosting, talking about the crafts he made at school. Ryan listened patiently, constantly putting food on Evelyn’s plate, his gaze fixed on her like she was a miracle.
At nine o'clock, Elias finally gave in to sleep. Ryan tucked him in, leaving a dim light on, before leading Evelyn back to the living room. Outside, the lights of D.C. sparkled, and the Potomac River looked like a black silk ribbon reflecting the city.
Ryan didn't lead her to the sofa. He took her to the center of the sea of irises. He stopped and, to her shock, slowly sank to one knee. Evelyn covered her mouth, her heart pounding against her ribs.
Ryan pulled a black velvet box from his pocket. Inside wasn't a gaudy diamond, but a uniquely designed platinum band. The center stone was a rare violet-blue tanzanite, surrounded by small white diamonds in the shape of an iris.
"Evelyn, I know what you’re afraid of." Ryan looked up at her, his deep eyes searching her soul. "You’ve been hurt. You were betrayed by the person you trusted most. You think marriage is a cage."
"But I’m not Damian. I don't need you to sacrifice for me. I don't need you to be a trophy wife for the Lawrence family." He took her cold left hand. "I love your talent. I love your strength. I want to spend the rest of my life proving that my love isn't just a chemical whim. It’s destiny."
His voice was low and husky. "Marry me, Evelyn. Let me be your spear and your shield. Let me be your last resort in this terrible world."
Evelyn looked at the man before her. He had seen her at her worst and her strongest, and he had never wavered. "Yes," she sobbed. "I will."
A flash of pure joy erupted in Ryan’s eyes. He slid the ring onto her finger, stood up, and kissed her. This kiss wasn't restrained; it was thick with possession and long-suppressed desire.
The moonlight was cool, the candlelight flickering. Ryan swept her up in his arms and carried her to the master bedroom. The door shut, locking out the world.
He laid her on the soft bed and followed her down. His fingers tangled in her hair as he rained hot kisses on her brow, her nose, and her lips. Soon, his hands moved to her chest, kneading her soft curves. She let out a soft whimper as he gently teased her.
His knee slid between her legs. He slowly pulled away her silk underwear, pressing his hard length against her. He moved against her, parting her, and she let out a cat-like moan as she felt the heat between them.
"Evelyn..." he breathed her name.
He teased the opening of her core, feeling her warmth. It had been so long, and her body felt tight and welcoming. Ryan was incredibly hard. He teased her, his movements frantic yet controlled.
Evelyn felt his muscles tensing and his heart racing. She was no longer just a passive participant; she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
As he finally pushed inside, she gasped. She felt full, stretched, and completely hers. The friction was electric. Ryan groaned, the sensation of her wrapping around him almost too much to bear.
"Oh..."
Her soft cries sent a shiver down his spine, making him swell even more inside her.
"Ryan, take me... make me yours..."
He captured her tongue in a deep kiss, his movements becoming faster and more powerful. He drove into her again and again, the friction creating a slick, heated rhythm.
"You're so big... Ryan... oh god..."
He drove deeper, hitting the very center of her being. His low, sexy groans mingled with her cries. Every inch of her felt alive, pulsing with the rhythm of his body.
Evelyn’s core spasmed. Her toes curled, and her fingers dug into the muscles of his shoulders. As he reached his peak, he filled her, their bodies merging in a final, explosive release.
"Evelyn, I love you so much."
"I love you too."