Axel’s phone buzzed inside the pocket.
Evelyn paused briefly, her fingers stilling as she considered the device. She had never been one to check Axel’s phone, as trust between them had always been built on something stronger than suspicion.
Still, the persistent vibration compelled her to retrieve it.
She slid the phone out.
The screen illuminated.
’Dylan...’
Evelyn smiled faintly, surprised but not alarmed. Without hesitation, she placed the phone gently on the bedside table and let the call go unanswered.
Yet something caught her attention.
As she moved to hang the coat, her fingers brushed against something inside the pocket.
It’s a paper.
A small, slightly crumpled piece of paper. Something rarely found in Axel’s coat pocket.
Her brows furrowed with mild curiosity as she pulled it out. The paper appeared worn and unremarkable, resembling an ordinary receipt or parking ticket.
However, the moment her eyes scanned its surface, her breath subtly faltered.
Neat handwriting. A name.
"Harper." She read the name, her eyes fixed on the phone number below it.
Evelyn stared at the paper, her thoughts instantly spinning into restless motion. Questions rose uninvited, colliding with the calm certainty she usually carried.
’Who is this woman?’
’Why is this in Axel’s pocket?’
’Is she a business partner?’
’No. No... that does not make sense.’
She shook her head slightly, trying to dismiss those thoughts. However, she failed. Those thoughts started to fill her mind once again.
’If that woman were related to business, she would have given him a business card.’
’So, why handwritten?’
’Why hidden?’
’Why—’
Her fingers tightened slightly around the fragile paper.
Slowly, her gaze lifted.
Toward the bathroom door.
The sound of running water continued, indifferent to the storm now brewing inside her mind.
Evelyn remained standing in place, uncertainty creeping quietly into her chest. It was not anger, nor jealousy, but a strange mixture of confusion and unease that refused to settle.
Moments later, the bathroom door opened.
Axel stepped out in his casual home clothes, his movements slowing when his gaze landed on her.
He stared at her for a few more seconds as he sensed the shift in the room’s atmosphere.
"That expression worries me," he said cautiously as he approached her.
Evelyn did not respond immediately. Instead, she raised the piece of paper.
Axel’s eyes slightly narrowed. Confusion flickered across his features.
"...Care to explain?" she asked softly. "I found it in your coat pocket."
"A piece of paper? Why’s there a paper there?" Axel said casually, leaning in for a closer look. But when he saw the name, he exhaled slowly, already expecting some trouble ahead.
"That’s why I asked. Did someone give you their cell phone number instead of a business card?" Evelyn continued, trying to keep her composure, but inside, a rare warmth suddenly settled in her heart.
"Her name is Harper Cooper," he replied.
Evelyn’s heart tightened slightly, though her voice remained calm. "And?"
"She approached me today."
Evelyn’s brows drew together. "Approached you?"
Axel nodded. "And claimed something completely absurd."
Evelyn crossed her arms, waiting.
Axel hesitated briefly before continuing.
"She said she has a son with me."
For a moment, Evelyn simply stared at him.
Then—
"Alright, let’s sit down," he said softly, his voice warm with affection. "I worry my pretty wife might get tired of standing for so long."
Evelyn stifled a smile at his shameless honey-trap words, though she did not resist. She allowed him to lead her, settling gracefully on the edge of the bed.
Axel immediately sat beside her, his shoulder brushing lightly against hers.
For a moment, silence lingered between them.
Axel glanced sideways. She is still calm. Still composed. Still terrifyingly unreadable.
Carefully, he spoke.
"What do you want to do with that phone number?" he asked, his tone deceptively casual. "You can tell me, so I know what to do next."
Evelyn slowly turned her head toward him.
Her eyes narrowed.
Not angrily.
But thoughtfully.
She studied his face with unnerving focus, as if attempting to peel away layers of carefully constructed composure. Unfortunately for her, Axel Knight’s expression had long mastered the art of deception.
Which only made things worse.
"So," Evelyn began slowly, her voice smooth yet dangerously curious, "are you worried I will call and interrogate her?"
Axel reacted instantly.
He shook his head quickly, almost a little too much.
"No."
The response came so fast that even he seemed startled by it.
Evelyn blinked. "...That was a very aggressive ’no.’"
Axel cleared his throat, attempting to recover what little dignity remained.
"I told you," he said smoothly, leaning back slightly, "I don’t care if you call and interrogate her because I don’t know her."
Evelyn’s brow arched.
Axel continued, his confidence rebuilding with dangerous momentum.
"But," he added with a faint smirk, "I do know that this woman must be one of my many secret admirers."

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