Chapter 53: Chapter 53

When morning came, Merri’s smile was brighter than the sun. They made love all night, and that alone was proof of how much Evan wanted her.

“Did you hear the news?” one of the staff snapped as Merri passed by.

“What news?” her companion asked.

“I heard the chairman will appoint Ms. Elaine to be the new face of our brand, together with our boss, Evan,” the woman replied, making Merri stop in her tracks.

“And guess what? Our boss accepted it, and they’ll be doing the shoot in Paris,” she added.

Evan agreed… without even consulting her?

“Look who’s pulling a long face. I’m sure she’s starting to get anxious. Who wouldn’t be threatened by Ms. Elaine’s beauty?” the gossiper added, and her companions burst into laughter.

“You’re right. Even a love potion wouldn’t stand a chance,” the friend replied, and they walked toward their table, leaving Merri speechless.

Evan had told her earlier that he needed to meet the board alone, so she let him. She thought it was about something important. She didn’t expect them to push Evan and Elaine together.

She took a deep breath and continued walking toward her office, and Evan’s. When she pushed the door open, she saw Evan standing by the window, talking to someone on the phone. The moment he heard her footsteps, he ended the call and immediately walked toward her.

“Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you,” Evan said as he stopped in front of her.

She avoided his eyes. She wanted to confront him about what she’d learned, but she didn’t have the courage yet. So she looked away and headed to her desk.

“Hey, what’s wrong? Why are you avoiding me?” Evan asked, following close behind.

Just as she was about to sit, Evan pulled her toward him, making her glare at him.

“I’m talking to you, Merri. What’s going on? Why are you acting like this?” he pressed.

She took a deep breath and lifted her gaze to meet his.

“Why don’t you ask yourself, Evan? What did you do that made me act this way?”

Evan’s brows narrowed. “What do you mean? I don’t understand. We were fine this morning, weren’t we? Why are you suddenly acting like this?”

“It’s because you make decisions without telling me. You and Elaine will be doing a photoshoot in Paris, won’t you?” she said, closing her eyes tightly for a moment before opening them again.

She saw his expression shift immediately.

“That’s all?” Evan asked, disbelief washing over his face.

She blinked, stunned. “That’s all? Evan, they’re trying to push you to get back with your ex, and you can say ‘that’s all’? Is this a joke to you?”

Oh God, it seemed she couldn’t suppress her emotions this time. She saw Evan blink, as if he didn’t expect her to react this way.

“It’s not like that. Besides, I was about to tell you,” Evan said calmly. “Whatever I had with Elaine ended the day she chose to run away with another man. You’re my wife now, Merri. Don’t forget that.” He reached for her hands.

“Besides, the shoot is nothing, okay? I’ll take you with me when we leave for Paris, so you don’t need to stress yourself. You can trust me, Merri.” Evan added, lifting her hand to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss on it.

She swallowed hard and glared at him, but then her eyes filled with tears. She didn’t even know whether she was crying out of guilt for accusing him, or because of all the mixed emotions crashing over her.

“Aw, please don’t cry,” Evan said in a panic, pulling her into his arms and caressing her back to comfort her.

“I’m sorry… I let my emotions take over and accused you. I’m just afraid I’ll lose you to her,” she whispered between tears.

“I know. Don’t apologize. It’s my fault for not considering your feelings, and for making decisions without thinking about how they’d affect you,” Evan whispered back, pressing soft kisses to her head.

She closed her eyes. They stayed in that position until she finally calmed down.

Then suddenly, someone barged into Evan’s office.

“Evan, ohh, sorry to interrupt your romance, but the board members are still waiting for you. They want to hear your answer regarding the party we’ll be holding before you fly to Paris,” said Evan’s Executive Assistant.

Yes, Evan had one. But he didn’t usually show up unless Evan needed him, just like today. Since they didn’t allow her to attend the meeting, Evan’s EA handled everything she was supposed to do.

“Tell them to do whatever they want,” Evan replied, his hand still wrapped around her waist.

“Alright, copy, sir,” the Executive Assistant said before walking out and closing the door behind him.

Once they were alone again, Evan leaned closer. “Why don’t we go out early today? Have dinner at a restaurant. What do you think?”

She tilted her head up to look at him, he was much taller, and she had to lift her face just to meet his eyes.

“Are you doing this to make up for earlier?” she teased, smiling softly.

Evan chuckled. “Why? You don’t like it? I made you tired last night, so let me give you a gift today. Consider it my apology for everything that happened.”

She reached up and touched his face. “That would be great. Thank you.”

“Sure. Anything for my wife,” Evan murmured before lowering his head to capture her lips. She closed her eyes, letting herself savor the moment.

When they reached the lobby, someone suddenly called Evan’s name. They both stopped and turned around. She saw Elaine running toward them.

She looked perfectly fine, normal even. So her mother’s report yesterday was just a trap to lure Evan into visiting Elaine? What a cunning mother.

“C-Can we talk, please?” Elaine asked, completely ignoring her presence, her eyes locked only on Evan.

“About what?” Evan replied, his tone sharp and serious.

Elaine flicked a glance at her, as if silently telling her to step away and give them privacy.

But Evan tightened his hold on her hand. “Merri is my wife. It’s natural for her to stay. Don’t bother sending her away. Just say what you want to say.”

Elaine inhaled deeply. “Can I invite you to dinner? Together with my family and your parents—”

“Sorry, but I have a dinner date with my wife today, so I can’t come,” Evan cut in instantly, no hesitation at all.

“But, Evan—”

“He already said no. Why can’t you accept it?” she blurted out before she could stop herself.

Elaine whipped her head toward her, her brows shooting up as she stared at her face.

“I’m not talking to you, so you better shut your mouth—”

“Elaine,” Evan snapped, “don’t disrespect my wife like that. If there’s nothing else, we’re going.”

He pulled her toward the door. Behind them, she heard Elaine scream in frustration.

She couldn’t help the small, satisfied smile curling on her lips.

“Serve you right…” she whispered, holding onto Evan’s arm tightly.