Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Evelyn looked at Gwendolyn's fake weak appearance and couldn't help wanting to laugh, but still played along: "Gwendolyn, you really are exhausted. You just recovered recently; you can't overwork yourself. You need to rest well."

William was still worried and insisted on calling a doctor. Gwendolyn quickly grabbed his hand: "No need. I'm really fine, I just want to rest for a bit. Oh, Evelyn, I already called your dad and told him you're staying at my place tonight. I told him not to worry and that I'll take good care of you."

Evelyn was stunned. She didn't expect Gwendolyn to actually tell Xavier. She felt a bit helpless and wanted to refuse, but seeing the hopeful look in Gwendolyn's eyes, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"That's not really appropriate. I have to go to work tomorrow, and staying here isn't very convenient." Evelyn still tried to refuse. After all, this was the Brown Mansion, and she and William were only pretending to be engaged. Living together would inevitably be awkward.

"What's not convenient?" Gwendolyn grabbed her hand, her tone urgent. "The house has plenty of rooms and lots of servants. You don't need to worry about anything, just stay here comfortably. Besides, with you staying here, I can relax and have someone to talk to. Your dad already agreed, so don't refuse, okay? What if I feel unwell later? I'm afraid even the doctor won't make it in time."

Evelyn knew this was Gwendolyn's lie, but still couldn't bring herself to refuse. After hesitating for a moment, she could only agree. It was just one night anyway, nothing should happen.

Gwendolyn immediately smiled, her complexion instantly improved, showing no sign of weakness. Her eyes were full of triumphant laughter. "William, quick, take Evelyn to the guest room to rest. Make sure you take good care of her. Don't let her feel wronged. If Evelyn is unhappy about anything, you'll be responsible."

William didn't expect Evelyn to agree either. His gaze darkened: "I know."

He turned to look at Evelyn, his tone gentle: "Evelyn, let me take you to the guest room. It's on the second floor, nice environment, very quiet. You won't be disturbed at night, and the lighting is good too. You can get some sun tomorrow morning."

"Okay." Evelyn nodded and followed William upstairs.

She felt a bit suspicious. Gwendolyn had so many servants; why did she specifically need William to take her to the guest room?

The second-floor hallway was very quiet, covered with thick carpet. Walking on it made no sound at all; even breathing could be heard clearly.

Soon, they reached a guest room door. William pushed it open and stepped aside to let Evelyn in: "Go in and take a look. If you're not satisfied, I'll get you another room. There are several more guest rooms on the second floor; you can pick whichever you like."

Evelyn walked into the room and looked around. The room was large, with simple and elegant decor. There was a big double bed, a vanity table next to it, and a small balcony. Sunlight streamed through the window, lighting up the whole room and making it feel warm.

The room was spotlessly clean, without a speck of dust, and had a faint fresh scent. The sheets and covers must have just been changed.

"Very nice, I'm satisfied, thank you." Evelyn turned to William.

William saw her satisfied expression and nodded: "Good that you're satisfied. Rest well. If you need anything, just call me or ask the servants. Whatever it is, as long as you ask, I can help you solve it."

As he spoke, he was about to turn and leave, but just then, the lights in the room suddenly went out. The entire room was instantly plunged into darkness, so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of your face.

"What's going on?" Evelyn instinctively frowned and reached out, trying to find the switch.

She wasn't particularly afraid of the dark since childhood, but being suddenly plunged into darkness was still a bit uncomfortable.

William was also stunned for a moment. After recovering, he immediately walked to Evelyn's side and gently took her hand: "Don't be afraid, it must be a power outage. I'll go check."

His palm was warm and strong. Being held by him, the unease in Evelyn's heart instantly dissipated quite a bit.

William pulled Evelyn along, slowly walking to the door, trying to open it. But no matter how he turned the doorknob, the door wouldn't open, as if it were locked. "Strange, why won't it open?"

He frowned and turned it forcefully a few more times, but still no response. His tone carried more confusion: "It was fine just now, how come it won't open as soon as the power went out?"

Evelyn also tried turning the doorknob. It really wouldn't open. She felt a bit puzzled. Was this really an accident?

Just then, the butler's voice came from outside the door, with some apology: "Mr. Brown, Ms. Taylor, I'm terribly sorry. There was a sudden power outage just now, which caused a malfunction in the electronic door locks on the second floor. They can't be opened temporarily. The repair technician is already on his way, but since it's already late, the repair might take some time. You'll have to make do and rest in the room for now. I'm really sorry for the trouble."

William and Evelyn looked at each other, both seeing shock in the other's eyes. How could it be such a coincidence? The power just went out, the door lock broke, and they had to spend the night together.

The room fell silent again, with only the sound of their breathing.

Being held by William, Evelyn could clearly feel the warmth of his palm and his heartbeat. Her cheeks felt slightly hot, and she instinctively wanted to pull her hand back, but William was holding it tightly. After pulling a few times, she couldn't get it back.

She felt a bit uncomfortable. After all, they had a fake engagement. Such close contact would inevitably be awkward.

"You can let go of my hand now." Evelyn's voice was a bit hoarse, with some unnaturalness in her tone.

Only then did William react. He quickly let go of her hand, his tone somewhat awkward: "Sorry, I didn't mean to. I was too anxious just now."

Evelyn shook her head: "It's okay."

She felt her way to the bed and sat down, feeling a bit helpless. If the power didn't come back on, she would probably have to share a room with William tonight.

Time passed, who knows how long, and the power still hadn't come back. William called the butler to inquire, only to learn that the electrician still hadn't arrived.

With no other choice, he fumbled in the dark to get a set of bedding and sheets from the closet and laid them on the floor.

"Since the power's not back, let's just rest. You sleep on the bed, I'll sleep on the floor."