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The Nanny Who Stole the Billionaire Alpha's Heart - HOT
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The night I signed the divorce papers, I wandered the streets of New York alone.
00:04It was raining in Manhattan, cold wind cut between the skyscrapers, chilling me to the bone.
00:10My bank accounts had already been frozen, my apartment access had been revoked, and my phone balance showed less than
00:17$40 left.
00:18Dragging my suitcase behind me, I sat outside a 24-hour convenience store, mechanically scrolling through job listings on my
00:25phone.
00:25Almost every position required long-term work history or a permanent address.
00:30And at that moment, I had none of those things.
00:33Just when I was about to give up, a new listing suddenly appeared on the screen.
00:38Live-in nanny wanted.
00:40The words accommodation included immediately caught my attention.
00:44I never expected the family behind the listing to be the Blackwoods.
00:49At that moment, I stood outside a private estate on the north shore of Long Island,
00:53beside an elderly butler with an unreadable expression.
00:58Miss Carter, there's something I need to make clear before you enter this house.
01:03Mr. Blackwood is looking for a guardian for the young master, not a partner for himself.
01:08Several women misunderstood that distinction before you.
01:11I hope you won't.
01:12I lowered my head slightly and kept my eyes down.
01:15Honestly, this job sounded perfect to me.
01:18I had finalized my divorce that very morning.
01:20The thought of getting married again was the last thing on my mind.
01:23But as long as I had somewhere to stay, I wouldn't have to spend the night wandering the streets.
01:28To me, this opportunity felt like a lifeline.
01:31I nodded immediately.
01:32I understand.
01:33I won't have any inappropriate thoughts.
01:36The butler finally seemed somewhat satisfied and led me down a long hallway.
01:40The air carried a faint cedarwood scent,
01:42an oppressive aura unique to a powerful alpha's territory.
01:45Then we entered the dining room.
01:48At the far end of the enormous table sat a young father and son locked in a silent standoff.
01:54The tall man held a child's dinner plate in one hand, exhaustion faintly visible between his brows.
02:01Across from him, the little boy sat with his lips tightly pressed together, refusing to cooperate.
02:06The silence in the room was almost unsettling.
02:08After a long moment, the man finally let out a low sigh.
02:12It looked harder than negotiating a billion-dollar Wall Street merger.
02:16He pinched the bridge of his nose and spoke quietly.
02:19Noah, just one bite, okay?
02:22The boy turned his face away stubbornly.
02:24Sir, the new applicant has arrived.
02:27The man finally looked up.
02:29He wore simple black slacks and a white dress shirt,
02:32the top two buttons undone loosely,
02:35revealing the sharp line of his collarbone.
02:37His sleeves were rolled neatly to his forearms,
02:40exposing pale skin and lean muscle beneath.
02:43I recognized that face instantly.
02:45Alexander Blackwood.
02:47One of the most dangerous alphas in North America.
02:50His gray-blue eyes were cold as ice.
02:53One glance from him was enough to make people instinctively back away.
02:56And yet, for some reason, I wasn't afraid.
03:00His gaze swept lightly over me and paused for half a second.
03:04The restless alpha pheromones lingering in the room suddenly calmed.
03:08Something flickered in his eyes.
03:10Name?
03:11Evelyn Carter.
03:12I answered quietly.
03:13He gave an almost imperceptible nod before handing me the plate.
03:17You try.
03:19Then he leaned back in his chair, arms folded, silently watching me.
03:23This was probably my interview, and I needed this job desperately.
03:27At the very least, I didn't want to sleep in a subway station tonight.
03:31Holding the plate carefully, I forced a gentle smile and walked toward the little boy.
03:36Before I could get close, he suddenly doved beneath the table,
03:40leaving only a pair of dark, angry eyes staring at me.
03:42I don't want her!
03:44Tell her to leave!
03:45She's just like the others!
03:47So there had already been many future stepmothers before me.
03:50That only made me more determined to succeed.
03:53I glanced around the room and noticed superhero toys scattered everywhere.
03:57An idea immediately came to mind.
03:59I picked up an action figure and crouched beside the table with a smile.
04:02Relax.
04:03I'm not feeding you.
04:04I'm feeding Superman.
04:05I pretended to feed the toy seriously.
04:09Superheroes need to eat too.
04:11If they don't eat, how are they supposed to save New York?
04:14Oh?
04:14You want broccoli?
04:16Of course.
04:16Broccoli helps you grow strong enough to defeat bad guys.
04:20Under the table, the little boy was clearly wavering,
04:22but he still stubbornly refused to say anything.
04:24I deliberately continued ignoring him,
04:27until his nose turned red and he looked moments away from tears.
04:30Only then did I pretend to notice him.
04:33Oh?
04:33What's this?
04:34There's a little wolf cub hiding under here?
04:36Trying not to laugh, I raised the superhero toy.
04:40Superman, would you like to share your dinner with the little wolf cub?
04:43I lowered my voice dramatically.
04:45Of course.
04:46A wolf cub needs to eat properly if he wants to become the strongest alpha.
04:50That finally broke him.
04:52The little boy nodded aggressively.
04:53The moment I lifted the spoon, he took a huge bite.
04:56Then another.
04:57And another.
04:58After several mouthfuls, he suddenly glared at me indignantly.
05:02Why didn't you give me more broccoli?
05:05Are you scared I'll become stronger than Superman?
05:08I couldn't help laughing.
05:10But when I turned around, I met Alexander Blackwood's gaze.
05:14For the first time, the cold sharpness in his expression softened.
05:18Something unfamiliar flickered within those gray-blue eyes,
05:21as though he had finally recognized something he'd been searching for all along.
05:25That very evening, I moved into Blackwood Manor.
05:28The entire estate has three floors.
05:30Noah and I stayed on the second floor, and Alexander stayed on the third.
05:34Before going upstairs, the old butler, Harris, purposely stopped,
05:37his expression serious, and reminded me.
05:39Ms. Carter, there's something you have to remember.
05:43Absolutely never go up to the third floor without Mr. Blackwood's permission.
05:49I froze for a moment.
05:50Harris didn't change his expression as he continued.
05:53A lady once snuck into the master's room late at night,
05:56trying to become the lady of the Blackwood household.
06:00She almost got thrown out the window.
06:03Mr. Blackwood greatly dislikes it when others overstep their boundaries.
06:07I nodded immediately.
06:09I understand.
06:10To be honest, I don't have the headspace for that.
06:13At this point, I just want to hold on to this job.
06:16Not to mention, an alpha on Alexander Blackburn's level.
06:20He's just not someone I can afford to mess with.
06:23Noah is only five, but surprisingly independent.
06:26He sleeps on his own at night, which is a huge relief for me.
06:32The next afternoon, Alexander came home,
06:35and there I was, squatting in the front yard, feeding Noah.
06:38Actually, scratch that.
06:39Noah was on a leash, sitting side by side with the family's Alaskan Malibut on the lawn,
06:43having an eating contest.
06:45Big dog takes a bite.
06:46Noah takes a bite.
06:47It was surprisingly wholesome, and kind of fierce, too.
06:51Alexander had just stepped out of the car when he falls.
06:53He stared at the scene, and his face went dark in an instant.
06:58Evelyn, what do you take my son for?
07:03Ow!
07:04Dad, we're role-playing!
07:07Look!
07:08I ate more than a rocket today!
07:11Alexander's frown deepened, and he slowly turned to look at the butler beside him.
07:15Sir, although Miss Carter's method is a bit unconventional, the results are undeniable.
07:21Before, no matter how we chased after him, the young master just wouldn't eat.
07:25But this afternoon, he's already finished two whole plates of pasta.
07:28He's even insisting that he have to beat Rocket.
07:32The man silently watched his son demolish broccoli, steak, and mashed potatoes,
07:37his expression growing more and more complicated.
07:40After a long moment, he finally let out a resigned sigh, as if accepting his fate.
07:45At the very least, Noah and Rocket should have separate dishes.
07:51Don't worry, sir.
07:53Rocket's a very clean dog.
07:54He hasn't so much as touched Noah's spoon.
07:57Alexander's temple pulped a little, like he was about to say something.
08:01But then he just squeezed his eyes shut, turned, and walked into the house.
08:06The sun was slowly setting.
08:08Noah held the leash, running across the lawn and how-ow like a wolf.
08:12Rocket was running wild with excitement, too.
08:14I was laughing so hard.
08:16Little did I know, behind the floor-to-ceiling window on the second store,
08:19Alexander stood there quietly, watching us.
08:22Miss Carter is practically magic.
08:24Before, the young master wouldn't eat, wouldn't talk, wouldn't even go outside.
08:29But she's only been here one day and everything has changed.
08:33Sir, I think this time, we've finally found the right person.
08:37By the time I brought Noah back inside,
08:39Alexander was already seated in the first floor living room.
08:42Long legs crossed, watching the business news.
08:44His aura was still so intense, you didn't dare look straight at him.
08:48I just took the leash off Noah when Alexander suddenly said,
08:50Evelyn, let's talk.
08:52Evelyn, let's talk.
08:55Okay, Mr. Blackwood.
08:56I gave Noah to the maid, then sat properly across from him on the sofa.
09:01Alexander looked up at me.
09:03You're great with kids.
09:04Have you done this before?
09:05I took care of my ex-hun's sister's kid for two years.
09:10At the time, Ryan's family thought I wasn't making enough, so they told me to quit.
09:15But once I did, they figured I was worthless, just staying home.
09:19So they went ahead and fired the babysitter and made me watch their children.
09:24Alexander listened in silence.
09:26His gray-blue eyes were deep, unreceivable.
09:28After a moment, he suddenly asked,
09:30According to your file, you just got divorced?
09:32Hmm.
09:33Reason?
09:34We're from different worlds.
09:35It was quiet for a moment.
09:37Alexander looked at me, his gaze heavier than usual.
09:41You should have already seen the job posting from yesterday.
09:43Noah's a special case.
09:44He has no sense of security.
09:46He doesn't want to go out, doesn't want to meet strangers,
09:48and he really resists going to school.
09:50And I don't have much time to spend with him.
09:52So,
09:54I need someone who can stay by his side long term.
09:58A real mother figure.
09:59If you're willing to stay, we'll sign a prenupual agreement.
10:03Assets will remain completely separate.
10:05You won't be taking on any risk.
10:07Families like theirs were all the same.
10:10Even though my first marriage had started because of love,
10:13the gap between our social status had been too large.
10:16Ryan's family still insisted on a prenupual agreement.
10:19So when we divorced, I walked away with almost nothing.
10:22And a family like the Black Hose,
10:24an old money dynasty at the very top of New York society,
10:27would naturally treat marriage even more cautiously.
10:29After hesitating for a moment, I finally spoke.
10:33Actually, I only need a place to stay.
10:35We don't necessarily have to legally marry.
10:37Alexander looked up at me.
10:39The marriage is for Noah.
10:41I need to give him a stable family structure.
10:43And marriage is the most effective legal protection.
10:46He sounded as though he were discussing a business contract.
10:49And somehow, that made me feel strangely reassured.
10:53Then we'll do it your way.
10:54After the marriage, I'll transfer $20,000 into your account every month for personal expenses.
10:59That part mattered to me more than anything.
11:01After all, I had already learned what happened when money was left entirely in someone else's hands.
11:06I hesitated before quietly asking,
11:09If we ever divorce in the future, will I be allowed to keep that money?
11:13Alexander looked mildly surprised by the question.
11:16He watched me silently for two seconds before answering,
11:19Of course.
11:20It already belongs to you.
11:21Only then did I finally relax.
11:24That's good.
11:25And for now, I have no intention of establishing a true mate relationship.
11:30You'll continue staying on the second floor.
11:32That's fine.
11:33I don't have that intention either.
11:34And just like that, three days after my divorce, I got married again.
11:39Just like my first marriage, there was no wedding.
11:41No vows.
11:42At dinner that night, Harris unusually instructed the kitchen to prepare several additional dishes.
11:47Then Alexander slid a black velvet box towards me.
11:50Inside was a diamond ring.
11:52A very large diamond ring.
11:54That's really not necessary.
11:55For Noah.
11:56I immediately understood.
11:58Children needed the illusion of a complete family.
12:00So in the end, I accepted it.
12:04That night, I had just finished showering and climbed into bed when my bedroom door slowly creaked open.
12:10Noah stood outside holding a little wolf plushie, looking unusually conflicted.
12:15What's wrong?
12:16The little boy lowered his head and awkwardly twisted the hem of his pajamas.
12:19Could you read me a bedtime story?
12:21I froze for a second.
12:23Noah pressed his lips together nervously.
12:25I can ask my dad to increase your rallery, but if you don't want to, you can say no.
12:31I lifted the blanket slightly and gestured toward him.
12:33Come here.
12:34The little boy's eyes lit up instantly.
12:37He immediately climbed into bed with his wolf plushie clutched tightly in his arms.
12:42That night, Noah fell asleep in my embrace while listening to the story.
12:47The next morning, Alexander was visibly surprised when he heard about it.
12:51That familiar faint approval appeared in his eyes again.
12:54Evelyn, thank you for your hard work.
12:56Starting next month, I'll have finance increase the amount transferred into your personal account.
13:00I stared at him in shock.
13:05After all, I had done far more in my previous marriage than I was doing now, yet when the
13:09divorce ended, I couldn't even afford a hotel room.
13:12During the day, I took care of Ryan's sister's child.
13:15At night, I cooked dinner for Ryan.
13:17And after midnight, I still had to clean the entire apartment.
13:20Even so, when the divorce happened, they still acted as though I had been the one benefiting
13:24from three luxurious years with the Sterling family.
13:27Thinking about it now felt almost absurd.
13:29Mr. Blackwood, you really don't have to do this.
13:32I genuinely like Noah.
13:33He's actually a very gentle child.
13:35It was only a bedtime story.
13:37Before finished speaking, a small, warm hand suddenly grabbed mine.
13:41Noah was holding onto my hand tightly.
13:43The little boy still had his usual serious expression, but his eyes were shining brightly.
13:47The women before you only cared about getting close to me.
13:50No one ever truly cared about Noah.
13:53So you deserve the money.
13:54I could no longer refuse.
13:56So I simply thanked him.
13:57From that moment on, Noah became completely attached to me.
14:02Alexander was constantly busy with work.
14:04So most days, the enormous estate only held the two of us.
14:08Until the day I needed to return to the hospital for another evaluation and refill my medication.
14:13Harris had warned me before.
14:14Noah couldn't go too far from the estate.
14:17Unfamiliar environments could easily trigger severe stress reactions.
14:21So I crouched down in front of him and patiently negotiated.
14:24I'll be back very soon.
14:26Can you wait for me at home?
14:28But Noah simply grabbed my hand tightly.
14:30He didn't say a word.
14:32He only looked at me quietly.
14:34Those beautiful eyes were filled with unease.
14:38The young master is afraid you'll leave.
14:40He's afraid you'll disappear like all the others.
14:43Something in my chest softened instantly.
14:46I'm not leaving.
14:47I'm only going to see the doctor.
14:49I'll come back soon and stay with you.
14:52Before I could even finish speaking,
14:54Noah had already climbed into the back seat of the car.
14:57Young master, are you going to the hospital too?
14:59Noah silently nodded.
15:00Harris's eyes instantly turned red,
15:02as though he had just witnessed a miracle.
15:05God bless the Blackwood family.
15:07The doctor said my depression had stabilized significantly over the past few weeks.
15:13Honestly, the cedarwood scent that lingered throughout the Blackwood estate
15:16really did make me feel calmer.
15:19Before I left, she adjusted my prescriptions again.
15:22After we walked out of the consultation room,
15:24Noah stayed unusually quiet beside me.
15:27Evelyn, are you sick?
15:30The little boy was clearly worried.
15:32Yeah, I got sick because I didn't take care of myself properly.
15:35So Noah has to eat well from now on, okay?
15:37Noah immediately looked alarmed.
15:40Does it hurt?
15:42Before I could answer,
15:43Noah had already started digging through his pockets.
15:46A few seconds later,
15:48he carefully placed a slightly melted chocolate bar into my palm.
15:52If it hurts, you should eat something sweet.
15:55Dad says sweets help people feel better.
15:58I stared at the chocolate in my hand,
16:01and suddenly, tears slipped down my face without warning.
16:05During those three years with the Sterling family,
16:07every time I cried, they called me too sensitive and too emotional.
16:11You're exhausting, Evelyn.
16:13And yet now,
16:14this little wolf cub, who clearly lacked security himself,
16:18was willing to give me his favorite chocolate.
16:20I pulled Noah tightly into my arms.
16:23The little boy obediently curled up against me
16:26and even awkwardly patted my back the way adults comfort children.
16:29Evelyn,
16:30I will sure to eat properly from now on dawn.
16:33When I grow up,
16:34I'll protect you.
16:35I burst out laughing through my tears and rubbed his soft hair.
16:40Then you'd better grow up quickly.
16:42By the time Noah and I walked out of the hospital,
16:45a black Benti was already waiting outside.
16:48Alexander was leaning against the car,
16:50his tall figure cold and elegant enough
16:52to look like he belonged on a magazine cover.
16:54I walked over while holding Noah's hand.
16:57Mr. Blackwild,
16:58what are you doing here?
16:59Alexander immediately lowered his gaze to check Noah's condition.
17:02After confirming the boy hadn't suffered any stress reaction,
17:05he visibly relaxed.
17:07Harris told me Noah left the estate with you.
17:09I was worried.
17:10Noah rested against Alexander's shoulder,
17:11but still held tightly onto my hand.
17:13Dad,
17:14as long as Evelyn is here,
17:16you don't need to worry.
17:17Alexander paused slightly.
17:19Then he slowly looked up at me.
17:21I know.
17:22That night,
17:22Alexander offered to increase my allowance again.
17:25I nearly panicked,
17:26trying to refuse.
17:27Then is there anything you need?
17:29I hesitated for a long time before quietly saying,
17:32could you maybe help me find a cheap used car?
17:35It would make going out much easier.
17:37You can use any car in the garage.
17:38No.
17:39The cars in your garage are way too expensive.
17:41I'd be terrified to drive them.
17:43Every vehicle owned by the Blackwoods cost a ridiculous amount.
17:46I honestly suspected I couldn't even afford the insurance on them.
17:51Alexander stayed silent for two seconds.
17:52The next morning,
17:54a used SUV was parked beside the Blackwoods' luxury cars.
17:58At the same time,
17:59Alexander also arranged for a psychiatrist
18:01who was supposedly nearly impossible to book in New York.
18:05Her conclusions were almost identical to the hospital's.
18:08Mrs. Blackwood needs a stable emotional environment most right now.
18:11She needs support from family.
18:15I understand.
18:17The next day,
18:18I drove that used SUV and took Noah out.
18:21Because of his severe anxiety,
18:23even minor external simulation used to trigger emotional meltdowns,
18:26so he rarely ever left the estate.
18:29Now,
18:29I wanted to slowly help him reconnect with the outside world.
18:32We went to the amusement park first,
18:34then stopped by Trader Joe's to buy groceries.
18:36By the time we finished shopping,
18:39my hands were full of bags.
18:41Noah followed behind me,
18:42carrying a single grocery bag with a tiny frown on his face.
18:45Evelyn!
18:46This is heavy!
18:48But my hands are full too.
18:49Can you help me a little longer?
18:51Noah puffed out a small breath
18:52and adjusted the bag in his arms.
18:54Fine!
18:55I'll help you this one time.
18:56Next time,
18:57don't buy so many things.
18:59I secretly smiled to myself.
19:02Evelyn?
19:03But just as we stepped into the underground parking garage,
19:05a familiar voice suddenly called out behind me.
19:08A voice belonged to the ex-husband I hadn't seen in a very long time.
19:13That was Ryan Sterling,
19:15my ex-husband.
19:17He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit,
19:19every strand of hair styled flawlessly into the image of a wealthy Manhattan executive.
19:25Even after more than a month apart,
19:27hearing his voice still made something ache faintly in my chest.
19:30We met in college.
19:31Back then,
19:32Ryan had loved me so fiercely,
19:34it almost felt unreal.
19:36At our wedding,
19:37he promised he would spend of his life protecting me.
19:39I had grown up feeling invisible in my own family,
19:42so I clung desperately to that promise.
19:45But everything changed after he officially took over Sterling Medtech.
19:49I couldn't become the polished society wife his family wanted.
19:52So gradually,
19:53everything about me became unacceptable.
19:56He asked me to quit my job.
19:57I babysat his sister's son,
20:00hosted family gatherings,
20:01and endured endless criticism from his relatives.
20:03And I tolerated all of it.
20:06Because we had married for love.
20:08Then one night,
20:09I found him kissing another woman inside a private members-only club in Manhattan.
20:13Something inside me shattered completely.
20:16I begged him to promise me it would never happen again.
20:19But the Sterling family acted as though I was the unreasonable one.
20:23His mother said,
20:25What successful man doesn't fool around a little?
20:27Ryan even told me I had become too emotional because he had spoiled me too much.
20:32Meanwhile,
20:33my depression became worse and worse.
20:35My doctor warned me that I couldn't continue living under that kind of stress.
20:39So in complete desperation,
20:40I filed for divorce.
20:42According to the prenup,
20:43I would leave the marriage with absolutely nothing.
20:46And I signed without hesitation.
20:48Four years together.
20:49Three years of marriage.
20:51That was how it ended.
20:52A flicker of contempt crossed his face.
20:55Evelyn,
20:56a Columbia graduate working as a nanny?
20:58Seriously?
20:59That's none of your business.
21:00Evelyn, you still don't get it.
21:01The moment you married into the Sterling family,
21:03you represented our name.
21:04Ryan, we're divorced.
21:06I don't belong to you or your family anymore.
21:09Divorced or not,
21:09you're still my ex-wife.
21:12People are always going to connect you to me.
21:14His gaze swept over Noah,
21:16then shifted toward the used SUV behind me.
21:18The contempt on his face only deepened.
21:21You're embarrassing yourself.
21:22I didn't want to hear another word from him.
21:24More importantly,
21:25I didn't want Noah hearing any of this.
21:27So I grabbed Noah's hand and turned toward the car.
21:30But Ryan suddenly caught my wrist.
21:32Evelyn,
21:33things haven't been going very well for you lately, have they?
21:35His gaze slowly traveled over me.
21:37Do you miss being Mrs. Sterling yet?
21:40Admit you were wrong?
21:41Maybe then I'll consider getting back together with you.
21:44The women outside never meant anything to me.
21:46As far as I'm concerned,
21:47you're still the only woman I've ever considered as my wife.
21:50Fix that attitude of yours.
21:52Apologize to my family,
21:53and then I...
21:54I yanked my wrist out of his grip.
21:56Keep that precious position for yourself.
21:58I don't want it, Mr. Sterling.
22:00On the drive back,
22:01my phone suddenly started ringing.
22:03The caller ID made my chest tighten.
22:05It was Connor,
22:07Ryan's nephew,
22:08the little boy I had taken care of for almost two years.
22:11I had blocked every member of the Sterling family after the divorce.
22:14Everyone except him.
22:15I kept telling myself that children weren't responsible
22:18for the cruelty of the adults around them.
22:21After two years together,
22:22I truly believed Connor and I had shared something real.
22:25I answered the call anyway.
22:27Hi, Connor.
22:28Evelyn!
22:29My mom wants to talk to you!
22:31His tone was hostile and impatient.
22:33Every bit of warmth inside me disappeared instantly.
22:36A second later,
22:37Ryan's sister grabbed the phone.
22:38Her voice was sharp with disgust.
22:41Evelyn,
22:41I heard you're working as a nanny now?
22:43Seriously?
22:44Do you have any self-respect at all?
22:46Honestly, Evelyn,
22:47I shouldn't be surprised.
22:48You've always been this pathetic.
22:50I hung up immediately and blocked the number.
22:53Then I slowly pulled the SUV over
22:54to the side of the road.
22:56Finally,
22:56I completely broke down.
22:58I harried my face against the steering wheel
23:00and cried uncontrollably.
23:02I didn't know how long I stayed like that.
23:04Evelyn!
23:05Here!
23:06I froze.
23:07I had completely forgotten
23:08Noah was still sitting behind me.
23:10The little boy was holding out
23:11a wrinkled tissue with both hands,
23:13staring at me with wide, worried eyes.
23:16Wipe your face!
23:17I'm sorry.
23:18Did I scare you?
23:19Harris had warned me many times
23:21that Noah was extremely sensitive to stress.
23:23I was terrified
23:24I might have frightened him.
23:25Evelyn on,
23:26I'm not scared.
23:27If you want to cry,
23:29you can cry.
23:30I'll wait for you.
23:31Thank you, my little hero.
23:33I'm okay now.
23:34Let's go home.
23:35That night,
23:36I felt completely drained
23:38and went upstairs early.
23:40Evelyn, may I come in?
23:41I had just finished showering
23:43and my hair was still damp.
23:45I quickly tightened the belt of my robe
23:47before answering.
23:48Come in.
23:49Alexander stepped inside
23:51wearing light gray loungewear.
23:53His dark hair fell loosely
23:55across his forehead,
23:56softening the sharpness
23:57of his usual appearance.
23:59He sat down in the chair
24:01beside my bed.
24:02His gaze briefly landed
24:03on my damp hair
24:04before he awkwardly looked away
24:06and glanced around the room instead.
24:09Why don't you wear the clothes
24:10in the dressing room?
24:12They're too expensive.
24:14I'm not used to wearing
24:15things like that.
24:16My marriage to the Sterlings
24:17had taught me
24:18one painful lesson.
24:20Never force yourself
24:21into a world
24:22that was never meant for you.
24:24Because eventually,
24:25that world would throw you out
24:26and make sure you felt humiliated
24:28on the way down.
24:29Legally,
24:30Alexander and I were married.
24:32But in reality,
24:33I still saw myself
24:34as Noah's live-in guardian.
24:36What kind of Nancy
24:37walked around
24:38wearing couture dresses
24:39and limited edition jewelry?
24:42Alexander frowned slightly,
24:43genuine confusion
24:44crossing his face.
24:46You don't like the styles?
24:48If you want,
24:49I can have a private designer
24:50come to the estate
24:51and customize new ones for you.
24:52I immediately waved my hands.
24:55No, thank you,
24:56Mr. Blackwood.
24:57I stay home
24:57taking care of Noah
24:58most of the time.
24:59I don't really have anywhere
25:00to wear clothes like that.
25:02Alexander fell silent
25:03for a few seconds.
25:05I heard you ran
25:06into your ex-husband today.
25:07His last name is Sterling?
25:09Sterling Medtech?
25:10My heartbeat immediately slipped.
25:12Noah must have told him.
25:15Yes,
25:16but that's all in the past now.
25:18Alexander noticed immediately
25:20that I didn't want to discuss
25:21the Sterling family any further,
25:23so he gently changed
25:24the subject instead.
25:25Evelyn,
25:26since you came here,
25:27Noah has been much happier.
25:30His tone was sincere.
25:31Those gray-blue eyes
25:32stayed fixed on me
25:33with unsettling intensity.
25:35I looked away first.
25:37You pay me.
25:38This is my job.
25:39Alexander stayed quiet
25:40for another moment
25:41before speaking again.
25:43Evelyn,
25:44you can ask me for anything.
25:46There's a good chance
25:47I can give it to you.
25:48Mr. Blackwood,
25:49I don't need anything.
25:50His fingers tightened
25:51slightly against the armrest
25:52before he finally nodded once.
25:54Then he quietly stood up
25:55and left the room.
25:56Lately,
25:57Alexander had been coming home
25:58much earlier than usual.
26:01Almost every evening,
26:02he would have dinner
26:03with Noah and me.
26:04Sometimes after dinner,
26:05he even stayed
26:05to play board games
26:06or build Lego sets
26:07with us in the family room.
26:09Honestly,
26:10for an alpha
26:10as wealthy and powerful
26:11as Alexander Blackwood,
26:13it felt strangely domestic.
26:15At one point,
26:16I even started wondering
26:17if Blackwood Group
26:18was secretly going bankruptcy.
26:19Not because I cared
26:20about his fortune.
26:21I was just afraid
26:22of losing my monthly paycheck.
26:24I finally asked one evening,
26:26Mr. Blackwood,
26:27why have you been coming home
26:28so early lately?
26:29If you're busy,
26:30you really don't need
26:31to rush back every night.
26:32Noah already has me
26:33taking care of him.
26:34Alexander casually picked up
26:35a red Lego Brit
26:36from the carpet.
26:37The doctor said,
26:38you need family.
26:39You need stability.
26:41Right now,
26:41Noah and I are your family.
26:42So this is our responsibility.
26:44Family?
26:45I thought silently.
26:47We barely qualified
26:48as a family at all.
26:49Honestly,
26:50having Noah around
26:51was already enough for me.
26:53The doctor said,
26:54most of my recovery
26:55is probably because of him.
26:57Alexander looked up at me.
26:59For a brief moment,
27:00a faint trace of disappointment
27:02flickered through
27:03those gray-blue eyes.
27:04But before I could think
27:05too much about it,
27:06I stood up
27:07and took Noah's hand.
27:09Come on,
27:10let's go read upstairs.
27:11Your dad still has work to do.
27:13Noah let me pull him up
27:15from the carpet,
27:16but he kept glancing back
27:17at Alexander every few steps.
27:19And for one brief second,
27:21I could have sworn
27:21I saw disappointment
27:22in that tiny little face.
27:24Like he was silently thinking,
27:26Dad,
27:26you are hopeless.
27:28Alexander suddenly
27:29called out behind me,
27:30Evelyn.
27:31What's wrong?
27:32Evelyn, wait.
27:34To my surprise,
27:35the tips of his ears
27:36looked slightly red.
27:38He cleared his throat
27:39quietly before speaking.
27:41I have a charity gala
27:42tomorrow night.
27:43I need a partner.
27:45Would you go with me?
27:46I blinked.
27:47Me?
27:49Yes.
27:50There's not enough time
27:51to arrange someone else now.
27:52I'll compensate you
27:53for your time.
27:54I nearly laughed.
27:56Alexander Blackwood,
27:57one of the most influential
27:58alpha in New York,
27:59couldn't find a date
28:00for a charity gala?
28:01There was absolutely
28:02no way I believed that.
28:03Still,
28:04money was money,
28:05and I certainly wasn't
28:06stupid enough
28:06to refuse easy income.
28:08I can go,
28:09but I don't really understand
28:11upper-class etiquette.
28:12For the first time
28:13that evening,
28:14Alexander's tensed expression
28:15visibly relaxed.
28:16You only need to stay
28:17beside me.
28:18Nothing else matters.
28:19The next afternoon,
28:20an entire styling team
28:22arrived at the estate.
28:23One for the gown,
28:25one for makeup,
28:26one for hair.
28:27They spent nearly an hour
28:29quietly discussing colors,
28:31jewelry,
28:31and styling details around me
28:33like I was preparing
28:33for the Met Gala.
28:34The entire thing
28:35made me deeply nervous.
28:37That evening,
28:38Alexander came home early
28:39to pick me up.
28:40The moment he saw me,
28:42his expression visibly frozen.
28:46For the first time
28:48since I met him,
28:49genuine amazement
28:50flashed openly
28:51across his face.
28:52Dad,
28:53look how pretty Evelyn is!
28:56Call her Miss Carter.
28:57Noah immediately huffed
28:59and turned his face away
29:00in protest.
29:01I laughed softly
29:02and reached down
29:02to fix his messy hair.
29:04It's okay.
29:04I like it when he calls me Evelyn.
29:06It makes me feel younger.
29:07Tonight was the charity gala.
29:10Nearly every major figure
29:11in New York's business world
29:13was there.
29:14The moment Alexander
29:15entered the ballroom,
29:16people immediately gathered
29:17around him.
29:18And somehow,
29:19every conversation
29:20ventrually circled back to me.
29:22Mr. Blackwood,
29:23who is this lovely lady?
29:24I instantly panicked
29:26that I might put him
29:27in an awkward position,
29:28so I hurried to explain.
29:29I'm a friend of Mr. Blackwood.
29:31But Alexander answered calmly
29:33before I could say anything else.
29:35My wife,
29:36Evelyn Carter.
29:37You look stunning in that dress.
29:39You two look incredible together.
29:41A wave of surprised compliments
29:43immediately followed.
29:44My face burned red
29:45almost instantly.
29:47Alexander lightly squeezed my hand
29:48before leaning closer.
29:50His warm breath
29:50brushed against my ear.
29:51Evelyn,
29:53is being my wife
29:54really that embarrassing?
29:55Can't you even say it out loud?
29:56The faint scent of whiskey
29:57lingered on him,
29:58warm and dangerously close.
30:00No,
30:00I just didn't want to embarrass you.
30:02Something darkened slightly
30:03in Alexander's glaze.
30:05Only weak Alpha
30:06feel ashamed of their partners.
30:07The way he looked at me
30:08felt almost like silent fire.
30:11I couldn't handle it anymore.
30:13The cedarwood scent
30:14surrounding Alexander
30:15made me dizzy.
30:17I'm going to get a drink.
30:19I blurted out before escaping.
30:22What I didn't expect
30:23was to run into Ryan stealing.
30:26Evelyn?
30:27And he was alone.
30:28Wasn't Alexander
30:29the one who said guests
30:30were supposed to bring
30:31a partner to this gala?
30:32The second Ryan saw me,
30:33his eyes widened in shock.
30:35He immediately walked towards me.
30:36Evelyn?
30:37Is that really you?
30:38I almost didn't recognize you.
30:40His gaze slowly swept over me.
30:42You look...
30:44beautiful.
30:45I've never seen you
30:46like this before.
30:47I instinctively stepped backward,
30:49widening the distance between us.
30:50Evelyn,
30:51what my sister said
30:52on the phone wasn't my idea.
30:53I only agreed to the divorce
30:55because I wanted to teach you a lesson.
30:56I never actually wanted you to leave.
30:58His tone softened.
31:00Just apologize to my family
31:01and I'll bring you home.
31:03Sterling Medtech
31:04has been going through
31:04a difficult period lately.
31:06Don't make things harder
31:06for me right now, okay?
31:08Then he reached for my hand,
31:10pretending to look gentle and sincere.
31:11But I knew this routine too well.
31:14Cruelty first,
31:15affection second.
31:16That was how Ryan controlled people.
31:19Except I wasn't that girl anymore.
31:21Ryan,
31:21we're divorced.
31:22I'm never going back.
31:24Even if I ended up homeless,
31:25I still wouldn't return
31:26to the Sterling family.
31:27Ryan let out a cold laugh.
31:30You're still just as stubborn.
31:31When you finally understand your place,
31:34you'll come begging me
31:35to take you back.
31:36Right then,
31:36a familiar alpha presence
31:38suddenly approached.
31:39Ryan's entire expression
31:40immediately changed.
31:41His posture straightened
31:42almost instantly.
31:44Evelyn,
31:44we'll talk later.
31:45I have something important to handle.
31:46Then he hurried towards Alexander,
31:48slightly bowing his head
31:49as he handed over a business card.
31:51Mr. Blackwood,
31:52I'm Ryan Sterling
31:53from Sterling Medtech.
31:54Regarding the contract
31:55your company terminated,
31:56I was hoping we might have
31:57another opportunity
31:58to work together.
31:59If we made a mistake somewhere,
32:01please tell us.
32:02We'll fix it immediately.
32:03Ryan smiled politely,
32:04almost desperately.
32:06Alexander finally looked at him.
32:08Then,
32:08to Ryan's confusion,
32:09his gaze slowly shifted
32:11toward me instead.
32:12Evelyn,
32:13what do you think?
32:14Should I give him another chance?
32:15Ryan froze,
32:16his face filled with confusion.
32:18What?
32:19Evelyn?
32:20What does she have to do with this?
32:22Mr. Blackwood,
32:23she's my ex-wife.
32:24I honestly have no idea
32:25how she even got into
32:26an event like this.
32:27She's probably just trying
32:28to convince me
32:29to take her back.
32:30Alexander didn't even look at him.
32:32His eyes remained fixed on me.
32:34Evelyn,
32:35you decide.
32:36Ryan stared at us
32:37in disbelief.
32:38Mr. Sterling just told me
32:39not to interfere
32:40with his important business matters,
32:41so I won't interfere.
32:43Ryan's face
32:44immediately darkened.
32:45This is business.
32:46You don't get a say in it.
32:47Typical low-class behavior.
32:49No manners.
32:50No class.
32:51I frowned slightly,
32:52but before I could speak,
32:54the overwhelming pressure
32:55of Alexander's top
32:56alpha pheromones
32:57instantly filled
32:58the entire space,
32:59causing Ryan,
33:00an alpha whose rank
33:02was far below his,
33:03to panic
33:03and instinctively
33:04take a step backward.
33:05The fact that Evelyn
33:06doesn't wish to comment
33:07probably means
33:08she simply isn't interested
33:09in Sterling Medtech.
33:11His voice was
33:12terrifyingly calm.
33:14So unfortunately,
33:15Mr. Sterling,
33:17there's nothing
33:17I can do for you.
33:19Then Alexander
33:19calmly wrapped an arm
33:21over my shoulders
33:21and guided me away.
33:23Ryan stood frozen
33:25in place,
33:26completely stunned.
33:27A nearby businessman
33:28finally patted him
33:29sympathetically
33:30on the shoulder.
33:30You seriously offended
33:32Mrs. Blackwood?
33:33Then you're finished.
33:34That's the only woman
33:35Mr. Blackwood
33:36has ever publicly
33:36brought to an event.
33:38Wife?
33:39Impossible.
33:39She's just a nanny.
33:41The man looked at him
33:42for two long seconds
33:43before sighing again.
33:45Well,
33:46you can't save someone
33:47determined to ruin himself.
33:48At the charity gala,
33:50Alexander raised
33:51$100 million
33:51for public welfare
33:53in my name.
33:54After the event ended,
33:55the guests all crowded
33:57around me,
33:58eager to curry favor.
33:59Mrs. Blackwood,
34:00we would be
34:00absolutely honored
34:02if you could join
34:02our tea party next week.
34:03Mrs. Blackwood,
34:04my husband is bidding
34:05on a project
34:05with Blackwood Group.
34:06Could you possibly
34:07put in a good word
34:08for us with Mr. Blackwood?
34:10I'm not used to
34:11getting this kind
34:12of attention.
34:13To keep Alexander
34:14from feeling awkward,
34:16I drank more than usual.
34:17I was unused
34:18to such a detention.
34:19Afraid of embarrassing
34:20Alexander,
34:21I drank more than I should.
34:23Alexander stepped in
34:23to save me.
34:25Sorry.
34:25My wife doesn't drink well.
34:27I'll take her place.
34:28By the end,
34:29both of us were half drunk
34:30and climbed into
34:31the stretched Lincoln.
34:32I glanced out the window
34:33by chance
34:34and met Ryan Sterling's
34:35mocking gaze.
34:36His lips curled in contempt,
34:38as if I were
34:39nothing but a joke.
34:40I rolled the window up
34:42and said sincerely
34:43to Alexander,
34:44thank you for standing up
34:45for me tonight,
34:46especially against Ryan.
34:47Alexander's voice was low
34:49and slightly slurtered
34:50from the wine.
34:51Evelyn, we're married.
34:52You don't have to thank me.
34:54We're only married in public.
34:56You didn't have to help.
34:57Alexander slowly lifted his hand,
34:58his long, elegant fingers
35:00tilted my chin up,
35:01his touch gentle.
35:03Evelyn,
35:04what if I don't want us
35:05to be only for show?
35:07His desire plain in his gaze.
35:09They said drunk words were true.
35:11It was no lie.
35:15I turned my face away,
35:17avoiding his touch.
35:18Mr. Blackhild,
35:19you're drunk.
35:20Alexander froze.
35:21He curled his fingers
35:22into a loose fist
35:23and sat back.
35:24He pinched the bridge
35:25of his Ned.
35:26I'm sorry.
35:27I did drink too much.
35:28After that,
35:28the car fell completely silent.
35:30An awkward,
35:31tingling warmth
35:32hung in the air.
35:33I sat stiff as a statue,
35:35too nervous to move.
35:36Thankfully,
35:37Noah was waiting
35:38for me at home.
35:41As soon as I stepped
35:42out of the car,
35:43he came running
35:44with his picture book.
35:45I quickly took his hand
35:47and escaped upstairs
35:48to the second floor.
35:50That night,
35:51after I put Noah to sleep,
35:52I opened my phone
35:53and looked at job listings.
35:56Ryan had been right
35:57about one thing.
35:58I had a good degree.
35:59I belonged in the working world,
36:01not just as a live-in guardian.
36:03My last marriage
36:04had taught me a hard truth.
36:06A woman needed
36:06her own career.
36:07Otherwise,
36:08when a man no longer wanted her,
36:09she was cast aside
36:10with nothing.
36:11I would never let
36:11that humiliation happen again.
36:13Right now,
36:13Noah needed me
36:14so I could stay.
36:15But what if he outgrew me?
36:16My physical and mental health
36:17still wasn't ready
36:18for full-time work.
36:19But researching jobs now
36:20could only keep me
36:21from being helpless later.
36:22But researching jobs now
36:24could only keep me
36:24from being helpless later.
36:26Just as I was scrolling,
36:27Alexander sent a message.
36:29I froze.
36:30Sure I'd read it wrong.
36:31That was always the maid's work.
36:33Besides,
36:34Alexander had explicitly warned me
36:35never to go up
36:36to the third floor.
36:37But I didn't argue.
36:38I went downstairs
36:39and made a cup of coffee.
36:41Standing at the foot
36:42of the third floor stairs,
36:43I hesitated.
36:44Is this some kind of test?
36:45If I go up,
36:46will he fire me?
36:47Is he upset
36:48because I turned him down
36:49in the car?
36:49After struggling,
36:50I still couldn't bring myself
36:51to step onto the stairs.
36:53I called Alexander.
36:56Mr. Blackwood,
36:57I have your coffee.
36:58Do you come down to get it?
36:59Bring it up, please.
37:02I secretly turned
37:04on the call recording.
37:05If he caused trouble later,
37:06I'd have proof.
37:07I was too clever.
37:09I hung up
37:10and knocked
37:10on his bedroom door.
37:12Come in.
37:13I had no choice
37:14but to push the door open.
37:15My eyes immediately
37:16met Alexander's.
37:17He had just showered
37:18wearing only a black bathrobe,
37:19the belt tied loosely
37:20around his narrow wake
37:21spance of his firm chest
37:23was exposed.
37:23Crystal droplets
37:24dripped from his hair,
37:25sliping down his perfect jawline
37:27over his chest muscles
37:28and disappearing
37:29into the robe.
37:30It was a stunning,
37:31almost indecent sight.
37:32I quickly lowered my head,
37:33too flustered
37:34to look again.
37:35Alexander took the coffee.
37:37His fingertips brushed mine.
37:38I tensed
37:39and stepped back
37:40in a panic.
37:40Are you that afraid
37:41of me, Evelyn?
37:42Do I look like
37:43a monster to you?
37:44My face burned red.
37:46I turned to flee at once.
37:47Evelyn.
37:51You can enter my room
37:52anytime you want.
37:53The words came out of nowhere.
37:55I didn't stop.
37:57I hurried downstairs.
37:59The next morning,
38:00I woke up dizzy
38:01with a sore throat.
38:02I must have caught a cold
38:04from drinking too much
38:05and sleeping badly.
38:06I was surprised
38:07to find Alexander downstairs
38:08when I went down.
38:10He was sitting comfortably
38:11on the sofa,
38:12reading a financial newspaper.
38:14Most strikingly,
38:15the man who always wore
38:16tailored three-piece suits,
38:18was now dressed
38:18in a black old neck sweater
38:19and frameless glasses.
38:20It accentuated
38:22his perfect figure
38:23and sharp,
38:24smooth jawline.
38:25He looked dangerously attractive,
38:27like a peacock
38:28showing off his plumage.
38:29Good morning.
38:32I tried to greet him,
38:34but broke into a cough.
38:36Alexander put the paper down.
38:38You have a cold.
38:40Just a little.
38:41He walked over in a few stides
38:43and placed his hand
38:44naturally on my forehead.
38:46He walked over in a few stides
38:47and placed his hand
38:48naturally on my forehead.
38:51I tensed all over.
38:52It's not serious.
38:53I'll just eat some medicine.
38:55Sit and rest.
38:56I'll get it for you.
38:58He gently guided me
38:59to the sofa,
39:00then walked toward the kitchen
39:02on long legs.
39:03He stood tall,
39:04pouring water quietly,
39:06the picture of a perfect,
39:07devoted partner.
39:08I couldn't help wondering
39:09what Noah's mother
39:10had been like
39:11to deserve such a remarkable man.
39:13Drinking the medicine,
39:14I didn't want to disturb his work,
39:16so I whacked my room.
39:18I slept for a while,
39:20then woke up groggy
39:21to an unknown call.
39:24I answered,
39:25Evelyn, it's me.
39:27Brian's voice came through.
39:28I was about to hang up
39:29when he rushed to say,
39:31Don't hang up.
39:32I'm right outside Blackwood Manor.
39:34Come out now,
39:35unless you want this
39:36to reach Alexander.
39:39I truly didn't want
39:40this mess posed to him.
39:41I didn't want my humiliating past
39:43laid bare for anyone to see.
39:45As soon as I stepped out,
39:47Ryan rushed up to me.
39:48Evelyn,
39:49are you done making a scene?
39:50A former sterling wife
39:52working as a nerdy?
39:53You're embarrassing me.
39:54Ryan,
39:54I'm not making a scene.
39:56Stop pretending.
39:57You went to that gala
39:58all dressed up
39:58just to make me regret it,
40:00didn't you?
40:00Fine.
40:01I do regret it a little.
40:02I'm giving you a chance.
40:04Admit you were wrong,
40:05apologize to my mother and sister,
40:07and I'll take you back.
40:07You won't have to grovel
40:09as a nanny anymore.
40:10Ryan,
40:10I did nothing wrong.
40:11What am I supposed to admit?
40:12You still can't see your mistake?
40:15You haven't suffered enough?
40:16I was about to reply
40:17when a small,
40:18round figure
40:18charged at Ryan.
40:19It was Noah,
40:20just back from outside.
40:21He threw himself
40:22into Ryan's legs,
40:23eyes blazing with anger.
40:24My mom is never wrong.
40:26My mom is always right.
40:28With that,
40:28he clung obediently
40:29to my thigh
40:30and pressed close to me.
40:31Ryan and I both froze.
40:32This little wolf cub
40:34just called me mom.
40:35When he thought
40:35I was being hurt,
40:36his first instinct
40:37was to rush out
40:37and protect me,
40:38to stand up for me.
40:39My heart softened completely.
40:40I pulled him tightly
40:41into my arms.
40:42Ryan stumbled back in shock,
40:44then snapped out of me.
40:56Kid,
40:57will you be my mom?
40:59I'll listen to you
41:00from now on,
41:01I promise.
41:02I nodded,
41:03tears stinging my eyes.
41:05Noah,
41:06I already am your mom.
41:08Noah's lip trembled
41:10and he hugged me
41:11even tighter.
41:12Oh,
41:12I see.
41:13Evelyn,
41:14you're brainwashing him
41:14to call you mom,
41:15aren't you?
41:16Trying to climb up
41:16using a kid?
41:17Let me tell you,
41:18Alexander Blackwood
41:19is known as a cold,
41:20ruthless alpha.
41:21If he finds out
41:21you're manipulating him,
41:22he'll destroy you.
41:23Before I could reply,
41:24a warm hand
41:25settled gently on my waist.
41:26Alexander had stepped outside,
41:28drawn by the noise.
41:30He pulled me firmly
41:31against his side,
41:32sheltering both Noah
41:33and me in his embrace.
41:34Mr. Sterling,
41:35the last time you insulted
41:36my mate,
41:37I cut all ties
41:38with Sterling Medtech.
41:39I planned to explain
41:40to other hospitals
41:41that this was
41:42a personal matter
41:43so our conflict
41:43wouldn't affect
41:44your other partnerships.
41:45But you've come here today
41:46to upset my wife.
41:48I no longer see
41:49any reason
41:50to be merciful.
41:52Mr. Blackwood,
41:53what do you mean?
41:55Wife?
41:55Who is your wife?
41:57Ryan went completely still.
41:58His smirk vanished
41:59in an instant.
42:00Alexander took to strand
42:01of wind-touseled hair
42:03behind my ear,
42:04his gaze never leaving Ryan's.
42:08Can't you tell?
42:09Or do you only believe
42:10what you want to believe?
42:14Evelyn is my wife
42:16and she is the mother
42:17of my child.
42:18Ryan swayed,
42:19nearly collapsing.
42:20Alexander turned to Harris.
42:23Show him out.
42:24If anyone bothers
42:25my wife again,
42:26call the police immediately.
42:28With that,
42:29he took Noah
42:29from my arms,
42:30kept one arm
42:31wrapped securely
42:32around me
42:33and led us back inside.
42:35Once we were inside,
42:36I quickly pulled away
42:37from Alexander's embrace,
42:39feeling flustered.
42:40I took no one's hand
42:41and led him back
42:41to my bedroom.
42:43Noah,
42:44where were you all day?
42:45I didn't see you at all.
42:47Ugh,
42:48don't even ask.
42:49Dad sent me
42:50to kindergarten.
42:51Really?
42:52Why suddenly kindergarten?
42:54Dad said he didn't want you
42:56to get too tired.
42:57He said he needed
42:59time alone with you.
43:00Why do we need
43:01time alone together?
43:04Dad said he has
43:05to build a bond with you
43:07so you won't leave us.
43:10Just as Noah finished,
43:12Alexander appeared
43:13in the doorway.
43:13Noah,
43:14go downstairs for dinner.
43:16Don't disturb Mom.
43:17hearing the word
43:19Mom again
43:19made my face
43:20burn with embarrassment.
43:22Noah kissed my forehead.
43:24Mom,
43:25I'm going to eat.
43:26I'll come back later.
43:29After Noah left,
43:31Alexander stepped
43:32into my room.
43:33Are you feeling better?
43:35He asked gently.
43:37His wide shoulders
43:38and narrow waist
43:39created an imposing,
43:41attractive silhouette.
43:43I quickly looked away.
43:44Thank you for standing up
43:46for me,
43:46Mr. Blackwell,
43:47but please don't let me
43:48affect your business decisions.
43:50It's not worth it.
43:51Why is it not worth it?
43:53I...
43:53I'm not worth this much.
43:56Evelyn,
43:57I told you,
43:57we are married.
43:59Protecting my mate
43:59is my duty.
44:01But...
44:01Don't say for show again.
44:03I want us to be real.
44:05I want you to be my true mate.
44:07I was stunned
44:08by his directness.
44:09My face turned bright red.
44:12I'll give you time
44:13to adjust.
44:14But right now,
44:16I'd like to claim
44:17my rights as your husband.
44:18Before I could react,
44:20he leaned in.
44:21His warm,
44:22long fingers
44:23gently brushed my cheek.
44:25He kissed over.
44:26I held my breath,
44:28my heart pounding.
44:34Evelyn,
44:34we have all the time.
44:35We don't have to rush.
44:38He tucked the blanket
44:39gently around me,
44:41then quietly left the room.
44:43The next day,
44:45Noah was sent
44:46to kindergarten again,
44:47still unwilling.
44:48My cold was almost
44:50completely gone.
44:52Alexander was dressed
44:53in needy,
44:53casual clothes.
44:55He invited me
44:55to go to the movies
44:56with him.
44:57After what happened
44:59last night,
44:59I'd thought it over.
45:00We were all
45:01already married.
45:02If we could really
45:03build something real,
45:05it wouldn't be
45:05so bad.
45:09I changed into a dress
45:10and got into his car.
45:15Alexander chose
45:16a romance film.
45:17The storyline
45:18was pretty intense,
45:19and the whole theater
45:20was just full of
45:21kissing sounds.
45:22Alexander moved closer,
45:24his intense eyes
45:25staring into mine.
45:26Evelyn.
45:26Alexander turned
45:27slightly toward me,
45:28leaning in.
45:29His deep-set eyes
45:30glowed with a faint
45:30lupin sheen
45:31in the dim light,
45:32carrying both
45:32an undeniable dominance
45:33and a gentle tenderness.
45:34His fingertips
45:35brushed lightly
45:36across my cheek.
45:37His kiss was cool
45:38with the freshness
45:39of mint
45:39as it softly
45:40landed on my lips.
45:41At first,
45:42it was gentle
45:43and slow.
45:43Then it deepened,
45:44growing more intense,
45:46carrying that unique
45:47alpha control
45:47that left me
45:48completely breathless.
45:49I tapped his chest
45:50in mock anger.
45:51Alexander,
45:52I can't believe
45:53you're this naughty.
45:54He caught my hand.
45:55I'm not inexperienced.
45:57I just don't want
45:58to scare you.
45:59If you have no experience,
46:01did Noah just
46:01jump out of a rock?
46:04He kissed me again.
46:06That night,
46:07I had just put Noah
46:08to bed when Alexander
46:09called and asked me
46:10to bring him
46:11a cup of coffee.
46:12I had just knocked
46:13on his bedroom door
46:14when a large hand
46:15grabbed me
46:16and pulled me inside.
46:17I was immediately
46:19surrounded by kisses.
46:20Alexander gave off
46:22an intoxicating Fira.
46:23Fresh, warm,
46:25and completely irresistible.
46:26He gently pressed me
46:28against the edge
46:28of the bed,
46:29his rough breaths
46:30reaching my ears.
46:40Alexander's fingertip
46:41gently touched
46:42the back of my neck,
46:43the spot where an alpha
46:44werewolf marks
46:45his chosen Luna,
46:46a faint glow
46:47flickered and faded.
46:48There was no visible wound,
46:50but an invisible bond
46:51languid.
46:52Evelyn,
46:52from this moment on
46:53you're my Luna.
46:54Mine alone.
46:55No one can ever
46:56replace you.
46:57Evelyn,
46:58pick out a wedding planner.
46:59I want to give you
47:00the grand wedding
47:01you deserve.
47:02I don't need that.
47:04I want everyone
47:05to know you're my wife,
47:06my one and only Luna.
47:08I only regret
47:09not giving you
47:10everything the very,
47:11very first time
47:11I saw you.
47:12I chuckled softly.
47:15We barely even
47:16knew each other
47:16back then.
47:17How could you
47:18have known?
47:21Evelyn,
47:21from the moment
47:22I first saw you,
47:23I knew you were
47:24meant to be my Luna.
47:26Our wedding was
47:27grand and luxurious.
47:29Many celebrities
47:30and elites
47:31were invited
47:32and it dominated
47:33the front page
47:33of the local news
47:34for three straight days.
47:36I complained
47:37to Alexander
47:38that he was being
47:39too high profile.
47:40Blackwood has always
47:41kept a low profile.
47:42This is his first time
47:43being so espertaceous.
47:45Please,
47:45just indulge him,
47:46madam.
47:47On the night
47:48after the wedding,
47:49I received a call
47:50from Ryan.
47:51I frowned
47:52unconsciously.
47:54Alexander reached
47:55over and hung up
47:56the phone,
47:56tightening his arm
47:57around my waist.
47:59Mrs. Blackwood,
48:01focus on me.
48:02Afterward,
48:03Alexander twirled
48:04my hair between
48:04his fingers
48:05and spoke a little
48:06awkwardly.
48:07Evelyn,
48:08I want to tell
48:09you a secret.
48:10I hummed softly
48:11in response.
48:14Noah is not
48:15my biological son.
48:17He is my sister's orphan.
48:19From Alexander's account,
48:20I gradually pieced
48:22together Noah's
48:23life story.
48:24When Alexander
48:25was in junior high,
48:27his parents died
48:28in an accident.
48:29He was raised
48:31by his older sister.
48:33Later,
48:33his sister married
48:35and had Noah,
48:36but a car accident
48:37took both his sister
48:38and her husband.
48:39Alexander then adopted
48:41Noah as his own.
48:43I originally planned
48:44to spend the rest
48:44of my life
48:45with Noah alone,
48:46but then you appeared.
48:48My life
48:49became different.
48:51On that day,
48:52we walked out
48:53of the hospital.
48:55Mom,
48:56Dad said you're better.
48:58Why are we still
48:59at the hospital?
49:03Because there's
49:03a little baby
49:04growing in Mommy's tummy.
49:05Yay!
49:07I'm finally
49:08getting a sister!
49:09Noah jumped up
49:10with joy.
49:11What if it's
49:11a little brother?
49:12Noah thought
49:13very jumpelay,
49:14very seriously.
49:16If it's a brother,
49:17I'd fight with him.
49:18If it's a sister,
49:20she can play with me.
49:21His innocent words
49:22were silly,
49:22but they filled
49:23my heart with warmth.
49:25Just as I was about
49:26to head to the parking lot,
49:27a ragged man
49:28stepped in front of me.
49:29I reached into my purse,
49:31ready to give him
49:32some change,
49:33but he suddenly
49:33called my name.
49:35Evelyn?
49:36I froze.
49:37The man with messy,
49:39un-camped hair,
49:40tired eyes,
49:41and hunched shoulders
49:42was Ryan Sterling.
49:44Noah immediately
49:44stepped in front of me,
49:46blocking me protectively.
49:48I gently pat his shoulder
49:49and pulled him close.
49:51Ryan?
49:52What happened to you?
49:55Ryan?
49:57What happened to you?
50:01Evelyn,
50:02please help me.
50:03You're the only one
50:04who can help me.
50:06Everyone knows
50:07Alexander loves you.
50:08He listens to you.
50:09Please beg him for me.
50:11Then I remembered
50:12what Alexander
50:13had told me.
50:14It started when
50:15Alexander cut off
50:16all business
50:17with Sterling MedTech.
50:18Many other hospitals
50:19followed,
50:20wanting to stay
50:21on Alexander's good side.
50:23Still,
50:23some small clinics
50:24kept using
50:25Ryan's products.
50:26Then someone died.
50:28Their medical equipment
50:29was unsafe.
50:30Soon after,
50:31tax fraud was exposed.
50:32The sister Ryan
50:33had always obeyed
50:34had been stealing
50:35from the company
50:36for years.
50:37When everything fell apart,
50:38she fled the country
50:39with her family,
50:40leaving Ryan
50:41with the mess.
50:43Sterling MedTech
50:44went bankrupt.
50:45All his assets
50:46were seized.
50:47I recalled Alexander
50:48saying softly that night,
50:50Evelyn,
50:50you accidentally saved me
50:52from a disaster.
50:53Ryan,
50:53all lives are equal.
50:55You made mistakes
50:56that hurt people.
50:57You have to take
50:58responsibility.
50:59No one can save you.
51:04Evelyn,
51:05let's go home.
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